Page 67 of Violet

“April, what’s going on? Do you know the attackers?”

“Nah, I just enjoy gossip. Did you hear that Riley at Yes Now Bob likes cactus tacos?”

“That’s... not much of a rumor.”

“Does the magical section of the library downstairs have anything about a Scourge Stone? I may need to destroy something.”

“Huh?” I frown at her, trying to figure out if she’s kidding.

“You know, blow something up like fireworks or the ends of dildos so they come like real dudes.”

“I don’t think that’s how men come.”

“Sure it is. They explode jizz everywhere. Boom, boom, blam.”

I blink at her, wondering if this is an appropriate conversation to be having at my workplace. Technically, I haven’t signed my contract yet—but I probably shouldn’t be talking about things that might get me fired... again.

“Kablooie,” April June adds.

“How about I help you find something to read?” I suggest. One, it’s way more library-appropriate. And two, April June kind of sounds like she’s losing it.

“Do you have any books on the Scourge Stone?” April June asks.

“Never heard of it. I can look it up, if you like.”

“It wouldn’t be in the computer,” the dildo witch says. Yup, she’s definitely losing it.

“How about a romance novel instead?” If she likes dildos, she’s bound to like something steamy.

I glance at the return cart and spot a familiar pink paperback, the one my sister donated. Love Blooms. Violet must have brought it back!

I consider saving it for myself, but I don’t need to read some book to get to know my sister. I can just go and talk to her. So I pick it up the paperback and hand it to April June.

She frowns at the cover with its half-naked men and flowers. “Yeah...sure...I’ll definitely read that.” Her tone is dry and she tucks the book into her bag.

“You need to sign that out, you know.”

The dildo witch mumbles something I can’t hear. Her fingers move through a quick pattern with purple-black light dancing along her fingertips.

I blink and glance around. “What am I doing out here?”

“I don’t know,” April says. “Your party is in the program room. Let’s go inside and smash cupcakes in our faces!”

I follow her inside, and we head toward the snack table. April grabs an empty plate, and I’m about to do the same, when my guys join me.

“I saved you a slice of pizza,” Cash says, holding up a plate.

“There’s pizza?” My eyes grow wide. I should probably be over my pizza obsession by now, but I’m really not.

“There was.” Liam nods, holding another plate, loaded with chocolate. “There are also cupcakes.”

“And Mood Tea,” Nole adds, picking up a cup, which instantly turns red. “How long before it’s polite for us to sneak away? I can’t wait to get you alone.”