Not wanting to mess it up, I reached for my phone and opened YouTube. A quick search brought up several tutorials. I clicked on one, watching carefully as the woman in the video demonstrated how to properly apply a bonnet on curly hair.
I followed along step by step, gently gathering the curls and pulling the bonnet over them exactly the way the tutorial showed.
After a few minutes of careful adjustments, I finally managed to secure it.
I leaned back slightly, studying the result.
It looked right.
At least, I hoped it did.
Satisfied, I stood up and quietly left the bedroom so I wouldn’t disturb her. Once I was in the hallway, I pulled out my phone and dialed Daniel.
He answered quickly. “Sir.”
“I need you to extend an invitation to Christina to the ball.”
I woke the moment Vani’s breathing changed.
It was subtle, the kind of shift most people would sleep through. One moment, Vani’s breaths were slow and deep, her body relaxed against mine beneath the blankets. Next, they shortened slightly, her chest rising just a little faster.
“Good morning,” I murmured.
The silk bonnet sat securely over her hair, and the long sleep dress she wore covered her from shoulders to ankles. Her face was completely bare, and the morning light filtering through the curtains made her look softer somehow.
She smiled faintly. “Morning.”
The guilt I’d gone to sleep with rushed back immediately. I pushed myself up onto one elbow, facing her fully. “Before you say anything else, I need to apologize.”
Her brows pulled together in confusion. “For what?”
“For Christina,” I said instantly. “For the way she spoke to you. For not shutting it down faster.”
Vani blinked at me.
“Callahan, it’s fine,” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “Really.”
“No,” I said firmly. "It's not fine."
She paused.
“I don’t want you thinking for even a second that what she said reflects how I see you,” I added.
Confusion flickered across her face.
“I’m attracted to you, Vani,” I said plainly.
Her lips parted slightly.
“Even now,” I said, “when you’re barefaced, your hair’s in a bonnet, and you’re wearing a sleep dress, I still find you attractive. It's actually concerning how much I desire you.”
“Oh,” she said slowly.
I tilted my head slightly. “Oh?”
Her eyes narrowed just a little. “You spoke with Maria.”
I didn’t answer. That was answer enough. She groaned softly, dragging a hand over her face.
