Violet Betrays [Completed]

Chapter 4

I wake up with a fog trapping my memory. I can't escape it as I swing my legs off of my bed.

The feeling of his lips on mine will be burned into my skin for the rest of my life. I want to relive the memory over and over again.

The only thing that keeps me from fantasizing about IJ for the rest of the morning is the sound of my father calling for me. What could that man possibly need from me? Are you kidding?

I stumble down the stairs (my stupid, bum legs), and greet my father at the bottom. He smiles at me and points at my disheveled hair. "I see someone slept well."

I smile right back with the graciousness of a queen. I am not at liberty to share what exactly may or may not have happened last night. "Yes. Very well. What is it that you need from me, father?"

"I am aware of your recent presence on my job sight. I think that it went very well, Violet. And I'm proud of you."

I bow my head. "Thank you."

My father is trying to read my expression. He will not break through my wall. "I think that you will be able to level up to working in my office with me, due to the success of your trip on Tuesday. Since you won't be in the house as often, I've hired someone."

"You've hired someone!?" The shock in my voice is enough to make the woman come out of hiding. She's black, but a little lighter than IJ. Her eyes are blue; an uncommon occurrence for people of color. Her hair is brown and it's wrapped in a piece of white cloth. She's wearing a dress that resembles a potato bag, but I'm not here to judge. She grins at me. Her smile lights the universe, just as IJ's had last night. "Oh."

I don't want to seem disappointed, because that means less work for me. She might even know IJ. I really, really don't want him around here anymore. It could be dangerous for him... Maybe she'd be willing to help me.

The woman bows her head to me. "Hello, Miss Jackson. I'm Beatrice Vincent. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I step off of the stairs and take one of her hands in mine. I kiss her knuckle. "The pleasure's all mine."

What the hell was that? It's plastered all over my father's face, and that is all I can feel. I snap myself out of the weird trance I'm in and apologize.

Beatrice laughs. "My family and I, we kiss people on the cheeks as a greeting. I'm no stranger to physical affection. Thank you, Miss Jackson."

My father, in all of his redheaded roundness, begins to laugh. But the laugh is so constrained and hard that everyone can tell it's fake. I cringe, and I can even see half of one on Beatrice's face.

Beatrice ruffles a piece of my hair and reminisces on something that used to be hers. I can see the look in her eyes. I know it, because my father has done it with pictures of my mother. He explained the feeling of love, and how it affected him every day.

Now that I have it, I completely understand. That's why I don't immediately swat Beatrice's hand away.

Beatrice turns to my father and mutters something in his ear. He gives her permission to do something, and she leaves the room. I take a deep breath of relief, and my father sighs.

"Violet, why don't we make this an 'us' day. We haven't really talked in a while." My father presses a hand to my shoulder. I don't think he quite understands that I don't want to talk, that I want to go back into my room and relive the images of last night.

I don't say no, though.

I'm back upstairs, grabbing my favorite dress. It's black and has a full skirt. It's meant for special occasions, but I think my father will make an exception this time. I have to call Beatrice in to help with my corset, and it's our first intimate moment. She's giggling as she watches me huff and puff in breath with each stitch.