***Author's Note - I kinda liked Violet, especially in the later books and I LOVE Maxwell and since they are the same universe, I say, why not? Hopefully I kept them both in character. I also used all the default names for the MC in both TRR and RoE. Sorry in advance for the lame lemon. I can't bring myself to write super graphic sex scenes so I pulled a PB and kinda soften it up while hopefully still keeping it hot enough. Enjoy! I own nothing!

"What a shithole." Violet entered her room and dropped her suitcase on the floor with disgust, slightly horrified with her new living arrangements. "Even the cabins on the ship were roomier than this."

Riley shrugged. "This is New York, honey. Housing, if you can find it, is expensive and tiny." She sighed. "Look, I can't afford this place by myself. This is the 'master bedroom,' take it or leave it. If you won't, someone else will."

Violet narrowed her eyes before glancing at the room opposite to hers, confirming that she did indeed have the larger bedroom. Flopping on the bed, she stared up at the ceiling. "This is the best I've seen yet. Fine, I'll take it."

Riley broke out into a grin. "Awesome, great! When do you plan on moving in? It's available immediately."

Sitting up, Violet gestured to her one suitcase. "Already moved in."

"Oh!" Riley was polite enough to try to hide her confusion. "A light packer."

Violet gave her a tight smile. "I'm kinda tired now, so do you mind?" She raised her eyebrow and looked pointedly at the door.

"Of course, I'll let you get settled." She looked a little uncomfortable with how forward Violet had been, but honored the request and closed the door behind her.

Collapsing back down on the bed, Violet tried to talk herself out of the terror she felt inside. "It's ok. You can do this. Sure, you lost out on 100 million because your mother is a greedy bitch, which in turn, made her disown you. And sure, your other family members won't even acknowledge you because, admittedly, you were trying to con them out of their own inheritance. But your whole life you always had to look out for yourself because no one else did it in good consciousness, this is just another chapter. Chapter One, in fact." She felt the tears slip out behind her closed eyes and mashed her fists into her eyes. "Stop crying, Violet! It doesn't get you anywhere. Stop being a little bitch and get your shit together."

Taking a few deep breaths, she cleared her mind and let sleep take over.

Violet was disheartened. After six months in Big Apple, the only work she was able to find was working at Bunnies, which she only got because of a good recommendation from Riley. Admittedly, Riley was mostly motivated to get her roommate a job so that she could pay her half of the rent, and not because of her faith in Violet's skills, but Violet took what she could get. Violet despised her job. Not because the chain was bad (she had grown attached to the wings), but because of the grimy customers and her creepy boss which were only egged on by the skimpy uniform. Plus it was fairly obvious that she did not have the personality for customer service.

Riley tried to give her tips on how to come across more warmly. "Try smiling more...ok, not like that, that looks like a grimace. Maybe less teeth, and don't open your eyes that wide." Ever the positive thinker, Riley thought of other suggestions, also equally as unsuccessful. "I know! How about cracking more jokes? You have the sarcasm down pat, now why don't we just make that a little less mean and hostile and more funny and endearing?"

Nothing worked, and Violet knew that she was close to getting fired, which didn't help her mood when she came in for her shifts. Changing into her uniform in the back room, she looked up to find Riley there too. Furrowing her brow, she asked, "Did you pick up this shift?"

Riley beamed at her. "Sure did, there's a game on tonight, should make for good tips for the late dinner rush. Besides, this is your first closing shift. Figured you'd appreciate the back up."

Surprisingly, Violet did appreciate having a friendly face there. She knew that she didn't really have the fun and spunky personality that the other girls had and the few attempts at conversations with them proved to be pretty fruitless. Riley at least seemed to take her abrasiveness in stride and Violet tried to tone down her constant hostility around her as a peace offering. Giving her a small smile, she agreed, "At least we can walk home together then. After we change, of course, because there's no way in hell I'd walk the streets in this." Holding up her uniform against her body, it was obvious how little it covered. "I get that this is a school girl uniform, but did anyone tell them we are actual grown women? I'm wearing a children's top."

"But they make the girls look good, right?" Riley gave Violet's breasts a playful grab. "Besides, if you tie the knot a bit lower, your boobs pop out slightly less. Makes this outfit almost day time passable. Minus the fact we only have half a skirt."

That earned Riley a laugh from Violet which quickly died down once their boss, Chuck, entered the room. "Ladies -"

Violet crossed her arms, covering up her chest in an attempt at modesty. "This is ladies changing room. You can't just walk back here. We could've been changing still."

Chuck smiled at her, greasily. "I know, it's a shame I wasn't a couple minutes earlier." Violet shuddered. "I just wanted to let you all know that we will have a few bachelor parties here tonight and you know how those guys get once they get closer to tying the knot." He winked at Riley who frowned at him in return. "So make sure you show them a good time. I'm sure they'd reward you generously."

"This is a restaurant and bar, you know Chuck, not a strip club," stated Violet coldly.

Chuck's eyes narrowed. "You know Violet, Riley didn't tell me what a smart mouth you had on you. Too bad it isn't a strip club, I'm sure they'd appreciate it more there."

Rage boiled within Violet, but Riley's hand on her arm stopped her. "He isn't worth it, Vee."

"She's right, I'm not!" said Chuck gleefully. "I just love how your temper matches your hair. Red hot!" He clapped his hands together. "Alright ladies, let's go make some money!"

"How is it only ten o'clock right now?" Whined Violet as she took a breather next to Riley by the cash register.

"Think of the money though! I'm already at almost $200, and we are not even half way through our shift yet."

"It's hard to think of the money when I'm already $20 in the hole. I had a table stiff me on a tip and the another one came up short on their bill and bailed before I could catch up to them."

Riley gave her a small smile. "You'll get there. And afterwards, we can go home and have a glass of wine to celebrate making it through this."

"How about a whole bottle?" joked Violet.

"Works for me! I have one table that's pretty tame," she pointed to a table of three attractive guys, all dressed smartly, "...and then I have those guys." Just across from them, there was a table of eight rowdy guys, ordering rounds of shots and cat calling the waitresses.

"My side is pretty slow. I think Chuck isn't sitting them in my section because he's afraid I'll scare them off. Need help?"

"Gladly! Thanks Vee, you are a good friend. I'm glad you moved in with me." Squeezing her hand, Riley went off to help the party of three.

Sighing deeply, Violet took a breath before plastering a fake smile onto her face. "One whiskey, one old fashioned..." As she placed the last drink down, one of the guys knocked his pint glass over the table and onto the floor, shattering at Violet's feet.

"Whatcha do that for, lady?!" growled the guy in response. "That was a full beer too! I better not have to pay for it."

Violet felt a smart retort building in the back of her throat, when Riley swooped in. "Sorry about that sir, here's another, on the house." She smiled at him, earning a smile in return. Whispering under her breath, she said, "I saw what happened, not your fault. Let's clean this up and shake it off, ok?"

Nodding, Violet got the broom and cleaned up the mess, dumping the shards into the overflowing trash. "What are you doing? You are going to rip the trash bag!" scolded Chuck. "And it's already full!" Pointing to Violet and Riley, he ordered. "Go, empty and take out all the trash bags and make sure the glass doesn't tear a hole in this one."

Obediently, they hauled the trash to the dumpster out back. "Just another glamorous New York Saturday night of hauling trash into the dumpster," smiled Riley, giggling a little. "I guess it could be worse. There could be..."

"RATS!" exclaimed Violet, stomping violently on the ground. "Get the eff away you filthy shits!"

Riley's eyes widened. "Get them away! Violet help!"

Chuck's head popped out back. "Hey! Riley, Violet! Quit slacking off over there!"

Violet snapped back, hands on her hips. "Well YOU told us to take out the garbage."

His voice lowered as he said his next sentence slowly. "And now I'm telling you to wait on your tables. Chop chop!" He smirked as the girls walked back into the restaurant. "Better watch your attitude Violet, I hear that a patron complained that you split his beer. I hope you know that that wasn't free, I'll be taking it out of your wages."

Riley cleared her throat. "Actually Chuck, I'll be paying for that one, Violet is just helping me with my table."

"Oh? Does that mean that you have more than you can handle Riley? Should I start assigning tables to the other waitresses?"

"No sir, I'm fine sir."

He smiled narrowly. "Perfect. Now get back in there!"

Taking a pause as if she was going to say something, Riley turned and walked over to her section, pulling Violet with her. "Let's try to get through the rest of tonight without anymore issues, ok?" She gave her a small smile before being flagged down by the party of three.

"Waitress, there you are!" exclaimed one of the four, an exotic accent covering his words.

"Just bring us whiskey, and lots of it!" cried the American looking one, who also had a slight accent.

Chuck came over to Violet, who was watching Riley from afar. "What are you doing standing around? Go service these tables before I dock your pay!"

"Well since I have no one in my section really, I'm just trying to gain some tips from Riley on how to better service the customers."

Chuck rolled his eyes. "What a load of crap."

As Riley came back to the bar, Violet had the whiskey ready for her. "Oh perfect! Thank you. Would you mind running it over to them? I really have to use the restroom." She made a grimace and did a little dance.

"Sure, hopefully I don't mess this up." Violet squared up her shoulders and worked on having a natural smile by the time she made it to the table. "Hello gentlemen. I'll be helping Riley take care of you this evening. Here's the whiskey." Plopping them on the table, she made to head back to the kitchen to hide, but was called back.

"Waitress, steaks for the table," ordered the tall and lanky one of the group. Violet glared at him, causing him to clear his throat. "Um, please?"

The darker man jumped in. "How about some filet mignon, medium rare and prepared with a bearnaise sauce?"

"How about 'no?'" replied Violet, turning to leave before she was stopped by the returning Riley.

"What she means is, the closest thing we have to filet mignon is the deluxe burger," offered Riley, smiling brightly at the group in hopes it made up for Violet's tone.

"Dare I ask for your wine list?" asked the same guy, meekly.

Violet shook her head behind Riley. Riley noticed and frowned at her. "We've got an excellent vintage house red..."

"...House red?!"

"It also comes in white," announced Violet, a little smugly. Though she got where this guy was coming from, she couldn't help but be snarky with the day she was having.

"We'll be fine with a bottle of whiskey...and four deluxe burgers." The American looking one handed over his credit card. Glancing at the name, Violet registered it to his face. Drake.

"Four?" asked Riley, noticing that there were only three guys. Drake nodded behind her, causing her to turn around and startle.

An attractive man with dark hair approached the group. "Sorry I'm late. Thank you for your patience, Miss...?"

Riley stuttered a bit, causing Violet to jump in. "Riley, she's Riley. And I'm Violet." She nudged Riley who shook his outstretched hand, blushing deeply. Violet smiled to herself, knowing that she was going to tease Riley about this for a while.

"Charmed to make your acquaintance, ladies," he smiled at them, though Violet knew that he only had eyes for Riley.

"Trust me, the pleasure is all mine. It's nice to meet you," replied Riley, recovering smoothly. "Now let us go put in your order. Be right back!" Dragging Violet to the kitchen, Riley squealed. "Holy crap, he is hot!"

Violet nodded. "Sure, he's attractive, but his one friend is more my type. Which is good cause he is super into you too."

Riley's eyes widened. "You think?"

Sighing, Violet nodded. "Totally into you. Look, I'll take your other tables, go on and focus on his."

Pulling her in to a tight hug, Riley gushed. "You are the best, the greatest, everything good in this world -"

Shrugging her off, Violet pushed her away. "Alright, alright, I get it. Now excuse me, I have tables to go and try to get their orders right."

Later that evening, Violet was still having a horrible night. One patron deliberately "spilled" his drink onto Violet's white shirt, and attempted to dry it off with some napkins. "Dude, just stop, you are just trying to cop a feel!" shouted Violet as she slapped his hand away. Noticing Chuck's frown from across the bar, she forced herself to smile at the customer and in a fake voice offered, "But thank you so much for trying to help."

She turned to walk away from the table when her sixth sense kicked in and she turned just in time to grab the hand of a guy who was trying to grab her butt. Twisting it behind his back, she growled at him, "Who the fuck do you think you are? Don't fucking touch me you sack of shit."

Releasing him, she heard her name being called angrily. "VIOLET!"

Walking to the back room to get her stuff, she shouted in return, "Fuck you, I'm quitting." Changing at lightning speed back into her clothes, she left the locker room just as Riley was coming in. "Sorry Riles, I'll see you at home."

Making sure to flick off Chuck on the way out, she left Bunnies, knowing she would never return.

The horror of what she did hit her as soon as the fall air did. "FUCK!" she cried out, kicking the side of the building a few times. "I didn't even get my tips."

"Don't worry, I got what I could once I saw what was happening."

Violet spin around. "Riley, what are you doing out here?"

She shrugged. "Well...I sort of got fired too." Violet's face dropped and Riley cut her off from saying anything. "It's fine, Vee. That place was the worst. Chuck is a creep and we can do waitressing somewhere else, it's fine."

"But...but why were you fired? You are one of the best on staff!"

"By association, I guess. Since we live together and I kinda of got you the job..." Riley hugged Violet. "Don't worry about it."

Hugging Riley back, Violet couldn't help but let a few tears fall. "God. I'm the worst, I never even thought that I reflected you. I'm sorry. Let's burn the place down." Noticing Riley stiffen, she clarified, "I'm kinda of joking, also kinda serious."

Riley shook her head and pulled away, responding to the tap on her shoulder. "Oh, hi..." Riley tried to compose herself.

The handsome stranger smiled sheepishly at her. "Hey. So, I just wanted to apologize. I know we kept you late and my friends can be ...demanding."

"Oh no! You guys were my best table all night, please don't worry about it."

He shook his head. "Well it looks like you guys had a rough go of it, and I wanted to make sure the right people got my tip for the night. I closed out as soon as I saw what was going on, I'm sorry you had to go through all that." He handed each of them a $100 bill.

"Holy shit!" exclaimed Violet. "This is the most I've made in tips yet!"

"This...this is too much!" replied Riley. "You really don't have to worry about it, we'll be ok."

"Keep it. Please, we are visiting and just wanted to have a good time in America. We have money to blow. "He grinned at her. "If you don't have any other plans tonight, maybe I can make it up to you by buying you a drink. We are about to go to a club."

"Oh? Which one?" asked Violet.

"Does it matter?!" whispered Riley to her. "He wants to spend more time with us!"

"Uh, HE has a name. And it's Liam." Riley turned red, obviously hoping he hadn't heard her. "We were actually hoping you might have some advice about that, since we're not from around here."

"I recommend going to the hottest club in town, Kismet," offered Riley, regaining her composure.

"That sounds perfect. I know the guys want to get crazy tonight. Lead the way!"

Violet and Riley exchanged a look and shrugged. "Well we were supposed to have wine night tonight?"

"White or red?" teased the taller of the group. Violet couldn't help but smile.

"Oh, I'm so rude, where are my manners? This is Drake -" The American looking guy nodded at them." Tariq -" the darker skinned one smiled at the pair "and lastly, Maxwell." The tall guy waved.

"Great! Now that we are all best friends, let's drink!" offered Violet dryly.

"Actually," interjected Riley, "We live super close. Can we change super fast and meet you guys back here in 20? Not sure we'd get into the club in yoga pants."

After racing home to change, the girls met back up with the guys.

"Wow," offered Maxwell.

"Wow?" Violet raised an eye brow at him.

"I...almost didn't recognize you," he admitted sheepishly. Looking between her and Riley, she decided to take the compliment. Riley had changed into some skinny jeans, a loose blouse and a leather jacket while Violet went the route of a lace long sleeved crop top and a leather skirt. Admittedly, they did look pretty good.

"That uniform did not do you ladies justice," stated Tariq.

"Tell that to our old boss," frowned Violet. "Gotta leave something to the imagination, right?" She winked at Maxwell, playfully.

"Yeah, you guys are hot," chimed in Maxwell.

Violet nodded slowly. "Smooth?"

Clearing his throat, Liam stated. "Ahem, their names are Riley and Violet, and I doubt they appreciate you talking about them like that."

"Um, right. Sorry Violet and Riley. I meant to say, 'you both look lovely.' Now let's get this party going!" Maxwell pumped his fist into the air.

"Happily, let's go get some shots!" Violet linked her arm in Maxwell's, much to his surprise, but he managed to take it in stride. "This way!"

"So they are our tour guides now?" asked Drake, a little bit snarkily for Violet's liking.

"They were kind enough to agree to show us around. She's doing us a favor, so play nice," answered Liam. He extended his arm to Riley. "M'lady..."

She gave him a teasing smile before stooping into a curtsey and taking his arm. "M'lord."

Maxwell gave a snort of laughter before Liam shot him a look. "So, uh, we were walking somewhere?"

Riley led the group towards Kismet, while Violet and Maxwell took up the rear. Violet noticed she was falling into a comfortable. leisurely pace with Maxwell which was creating distance from the group. Trying to fill the silence, she asked, "Are you liking America?"

Maxwell nodded, "Yeah, it's so much more different over here. Everything is so exciting and people are so casual."

Violet frowned at him. "Where are you from? I get that there's a bit of the culture shock, but you make it seem like you guys are from a sheltered place in isolation."

He shrugged. "You aren't too far off. We're from Cordonia."

Violet startled and turned towards Maxwell. "Where?"

"Cordonia. It's a small country you've never heard of-"

"Oh, I have actually heard of it, small world."

"You have?"

"Uh, yeah," Violet was starting to feel uncomfortable with the route the conversation was taking. "My cousin actually married the prince."

"WHAT?!" Maxwell stopped in his tracks, pulling Violet back with him.

"Well, not the real prince, but kind of. I guess he gave up the thrown and now his brother is the one dealing with it."

"You are related to Katie?"

"Do you know her...?" Violet instantly regretted saying something.

"I know of her. Ha, Liam is going to get a kick of out this. Hey Liam!" cried out Maxwell, moving to run up to the rest of the group.

Violet tugged him back. "Wait, why would Liam care?"

It was Maxwell's turn to frown at her. "Because Liam is Leo's brother? You know, the one that has to now deal with Leo giving up the throne."

"Holy shit."

"I know, small world."

"Riley is going to be so nervous knowing she's talking to a prince!"

"No no no. You can't tell her that."

"Why not?" Violet put her hands on her hips. "I'm surprised he is keeping it a secret. Do you know how much action he'd get if he just told people he was the prince?"

Maxwell shook his head. "Liam's not like that. Not all guys are just out to get some." He rubbed the back of his head, sheepishly. "Some guys are looking for more than that."

Violet looked at him skeptically. "Sureee. Not any guys I've met. Ok, how about this. You don't talk to Liam about how my cousin is married to his brother and I won't tell Riley about how he's a Prince."

Grinning, Maxwell offered his arm to her. "You have a deal, m'lady."

As the group entered Kismet, Tariq and Drake headed to the bar, while Maxwell and Liam took the girls to a table. "You there! Bartender! Who do we talk to for bottle service?" Tariq asked while Drake tried to flag someone down for drinks.

"Time to party!" shouted Maxwell, as he stood up to head to the dance floor. "Who wants to dance?" When no one moved, he offered, "Please?"

"No one wants to see your running man, Maxwell!" shouted Drake from the bar, still struggling to get drinks.

Riley gave Violet a push out of the booth. "Maxwell, Violet loves the running man."

Violet shot her a glare, which was met with Riley's pleading eyes. Standing, she shrugged. "I guess I do." She took Maxwell's offered hand. "Let's boogie."

As Maxwell led her to the dance floor, Violet glanced at Tariq and Drake, who were busy taking shots at the bar. Looking back Riley and Liam, she could tell that they were having a real connection. Focusing on Maxwell, she couldn't help but giggle. "You have the whitest moves in this club. I cannot believe you are doing these moves in public."

"What? You mean you don't like this move? It's called 'Approaching the Dance Floor.'" Maxwell stomped to the right while raising the roof for two beats, then stomped to the left and repeated the same hand motions. "I got this move from this DVD called, 'Hip Hop Abs.'"

"Oh Lord, well I hope you got the abs because you definitely got scammed on the moves," laughed Violet, surprised that she was having a good time.

A shots girl walked by and stopped in front of Maxwell. "Want one cutie?" She smiled seductively at him.

Violet frowned at her, frustrated that yet again, someone else was getting what she wanted. She noticed Maxwell lean in towards the girl and she was about to turn to leave the dance floor, when Maxwell took her hand and pulled her into a spin that landed her in his arms. Whispering by her ear, he asked, "Sorry, it's a little hard to hear in here. Did you want a shot?"

She grinned at him, happy at the change of fate. "I will if you will."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "A challenge? I like it! Dos shot-os please!"

"Why the Spanish?" asked Violet.

Maxwell deflated a bit. "It sounded cooler in my head."

Taking her two shots, Violet clinked one against Maxwell's. "Cheers! Bottom's up!"

Downing the first, and then the second, she pulled Maxwell into a searing kiss before releasing him and letting out a freeing yell. "WOOO! I needed this."

Maxwell flushed. "Happy to be of service."

Tariq and Drake made their way over to them. "Are Liam and Riley still talking?" asked Tariq.

"I don't know how they are, you can't hear anything in this place!" replied Drake, attempting to scream over the crowd.

"Who cares! C'mon Drake, show off those moves!" cried out Maxwell. "Let him have a good time with a girl he likes."

Drake shook his head at him. "You know I don't dance!"

"You don't even need to dance, Drake. You're a dude! Just stand there and let some girl grind on you." Violet demonstrated with Maxwell, pulling his arms around her to rest on her hips and grinding against his body.

"Let's order another bottle of champagne! Who knew we'd find a decent vintage here?" suggested Tariq, as he and Drake headed back to the bar.

Watching them walk away, Violet stated, "Looks like we're alone."

"I dunno, this club seems pretty crowded to me. There's not a lot of room here.." Violet turned to face Maxwell and captured his lips in a kiss. "Oh!"

Closing his eyes, he responded to the kiss, deepening it and letting his hands roam lower on Violet's waist. The masses of the club pushed them closer together, constricting their movements. Violet pulled away from Maxwell, causing him to whimper. "Wait, I want to keep kissing!"

Violet smiled coyly at him. "Well we could either take this back to my place, or if you can't wait, we can take this to the bathroom."

Maxwell nuzzled her neck before nibbling her ear lobe. "You mean we can't do both?"

"You are trying to have one hell of a story for when you go back to Cordonia, aren't you?"

"Yes please!" he replied, grinning back at her.

Leading him to the mens room, she opened the door and pulled him into a stall. "The mens room?" he questioned.

"Did you not see how long the woman's bathroom line is? Plus it would be rude to take up a stall in there. Here, no complaints. Now shut up and kiss me."

Eager to please, Maxwell kissed Violet deeply while pressing his body against her, earning him a moan. Sliding both hands under her skirt, he cupped her butt appreciatively. "You know..." he trailed kisses down her neck. "I've always been a butt man."

Bringing both arms around Maxwell's neck, Violet let herself be hoisted up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Braced between the stall wall and Maxwell's body, Violet started grinding.

"Fuck, Vee..."moaned Maxwell as Violet continued.

Reaching in between them, she unzipped Maxwell's pants and released his member. Giving it an appreciative stroke, she murmured. "Well someone is ready to go..."

Maxwell slid one of his hands from cupping her butt to insert a digit into her heat, feeling her wetness. "Looks like we both are."

Freezing for a second, Max paused, "Shit, I don't have a condom."

Violet reassured him with a kiss. "Don't worry, I'm on the pill."

Sighing with relief, he pushed into her, slowly at first, then faster until her moans were so loud he had to cover her mouth with his hand. Pulling free she peppered his neck with fevered kisses, until she came with a shudder, biting down on his shoulder to block her scream of delight. He followed soon afterwards, lowering her legs down to the ground slowly.

Violet cleaned herself as well as she could in the stall before straightening her skirt and top and giving Maxwell the once over. "Shit, sorry dude," she apologized, rubbing a spot on Maxwell's neck. "You are going to have a hell of a hickey tomorrow."

Maxwell grinned at her. "Worth it!"

Rolling her eyes, she led him out of the stall and back into the club, ignoring the stares from the others in the bathroom. They took a lap around the booths, once around the dance floor, and then by the bar. "Looks like you friends left you, Max."

"Oh, it's Max now?"

Shrugging, Violet nodded. "I figured we are a little more intimate than Maxwell, don't you think?"

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her in close. "Hell, if it gets me a place to stay tonight, I'm down."

"What's that? The club is kinda loud. Did you say you'll go down if I gave you a place to stay?" she smirked at him, hearing him correctly the first time.

"Hey, whatever is the magic ticket." He kissed her lightly on the nose.

"Well then, you sir, have a place to stay tonight."

Maxwell fist pumped. "Yes!"

"You are such a dork. I'm surprised you didn't high five me after our little stint in the bathroom."

"You know, I was going to, but you don't seem like the type who would be into that."

"C'mon loser, you have room and board to earn."

Violet woke up the next morning feeling warm. Too warm, especially for the fact that she was naked. It didn't help that she had a raging headache. Sleepily, she attempted to stretch, but a pair of arms wrapped around her held her back down.

"No. Still sleeping," grumbled Maxwell as he snuggled closer to her back.

"Ehhhh. I'm too hot," complained Violet, still a little groggy.

"Yeah you are," replied Maxwell, planting a kiss right behind her ear and cupping a breast.

"What time is it?" she reached for her phone. It flashed 1124 back at her. "You are still here?" A part of her was thrilled that some guy actually stayed the night, verses leaving as soon as the deed was done, or crawling out while she was still asleep, leaving her to wake up alone. At the same time, it terrified her with how much affection it made her feel for him, and the little bit of hope that blossomed.

Maxwell stretched a bit before fitting Violet back into the crook of his body. "Of course I am. Fun fact, we are the perfect height for each other. My dick fits perfectly between your two butt cheeks. It's a wonderful way to wake up." He started kissing her neck again as his hand traveled lower. "Though I can think of another good way to wake up too."

Violet rolled over to find his lips and his fingers found their mark ready and willing. Flipping her leg over his body, Violet nudged Maxwell on his back while rolling her hips onto his. Leaning back, this pose allowed Maxwell's hands to go where ever they wanted, and he took advantage of the position. "Fuck, Violet. You are so beautiful."

The statement caught her off guard, causing her to pause her movements. "What did you just say?"

Unsure on why she stopped, he replied, "I said you are so beautiful. I g-"

She descended down on his lips hungrily and her actions quickened, leading them both to find release shortly after. Laying on top of him, she allowed herself to have this happy moment, where he ran his fingers through her hair and planted soft kisses on the top of her head. But then he ruined it.

"I don't want to leave you," he said softly.

Steeling herself, Violet retreated back to her shell. Rolling off of him, she got up and started to head for the door. Looking over her shoulder before heading out of the bedroom, she replied, "You don't need to say things like that. We both know you just wanted to have a cool tourist story and have a good time. Don't make it weird."

She tried to ignore the look of hurt that crossed his face before closing the door.

Violet made sure to take extra long in the shower, so she wasn't too surprised when Maxwell had already left though she wouldn't acknowledge the disappointment in finding him gone too. Sighing, she flopped down on the bed, only lifting her head when she heard a soft knock on her door.

"Can I come in?" asked Riley, already dressed and ready for the day.

"No...I'm naked," replied Violet, trying to keep her voice from breaking.

"I've seen you naked before, silly. We are roommates. And you are wearing a towel, don't be dramatic." Riley sat down on the bed and moved Violet's head to her lap. "You ok?"

Violet nodded. "Yeah, it's just some stupid boy who gave me the night I needed after a shitty day and me not wanting to face reality. And now we have to wake up to the real life, where we don't have jobs because it's my fault. It was really nice to just forget about that for a night." Rising from Riley's lap, she got up. "Let me get dressed and I'll go job hunting with you."

Smiling sadly, Riley offered, "Maybe we'll see them again?"

"I wouldn't hold your breath." Violet saw the hurt look on Riley's face, knowing that Riley's personality would never let her give up hope that she might run into Liam again. "But maybe for your guy. Did you know he was a prince? So he's loaded, he'll find a way to reconnect with you. You guys really have something special."

"It's a pipe dream, I know. But sometimes you gotta hold on to something, right?" Riley walked out so Violet could get ready. "Don't take too long, you know they don't interview during the dinner rush!"

20 minutes later, the pair was on the street outside their place, trying to plan on where they'd start their job search. "Ok, first let's check in with -" started Riley.

"Riley! Violet! Wait up!"

Violet turned around sharply. "Maxwell, what are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be heading back to Cordonia right now?"

Maxwell nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, we are heading back now so Liam can find someone to marry and all that jazz. But before I go, I wanted to officially extend to you an invitation to join us for the festivities in Cordonia."

"Why would she want to see someone she likes pick out another woman to marry?" snapped Violet, crossing her arms.

"Uh, well. Normally she wouldn't be allowed to join...but I want to sponsor her!" He turned to Riley. "Sponsor you!"

"I am very confused," stated Riley.

"Well, you see, I'm from a noble house, but I don't have any sisters, so we don't have anyone in contention to marry the Prince. Instead, we can sponsor any girl we choose. And you're my pick, Riley," he announced.

"And what's in it for you?" asked Violet, coldly.

"If Riley accepts, she'll owe me three boons, each favor more fraught with peril than the last!"

"Don't be try to be cute, Maxwell," said Violet, an edge to her voice.

"I don't have to try to be this cute," Maxwell joking gave a hair flip which Violet met with stony silence. "I'm just messing with you. But I'm trying to help you out, Riley. I saw the connection you have with Liam, and he deserves to have a wife who he connects with as well as someone who will be good for Cordonia. I saw how you handle those rowdy customers. I know you can do it. ...We are kinda crunched for time though. I've got a plane leaving within the hour..."

"Whoa! That's a little fast, don't you think?" cried out Violet.

"No time to waste. The opening Masquerade is tonight! It's the start of the ...uh, I guess you could say, it's the start of the competition."

"What do you mean?" asked Riley, interest peaked.

"There's a whole horde of gorgeous, rich, noble women vying to become Cordonia's next queen. And it's not just about winning the Prince's hand. You've also got to prove to the council that you can rule Cordonia with him. But I think you've got what it takes. You're witty and charming."

"Uh, thanks. So a fancy Masquerade...and what else am I getting myself into?"

"Fun stuff, I promise! You'll get to go yachting in the Mediterranean, skiing in the Alps, and dancing in the Royal Palace...Or y'know, you can stay here...try to find another waitressing job with a less shitty boss. That's probably just about as good." He shrugs.

Riley's face broke out in a grin. "You know what? I'll do it!"

Maxwell fist pumped. "Yeah! Go pack your bags. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime!"

Riley squealed and drew Violet and Maxwell into a group hug before running back into the apartment, leaving the pair in an awkward silence. Clearing his throat, Maxwell started, "Violet I -"

Violet interrupted him. "Maxwell, you don't have to say anything. It's fine, we both knew what last night was. But I'm glad you could help Riley out with Liam, I know she really likes him and -"

"Vee, shoosh!" He covered Violet's mouth with his hand, causing her to glare at him and reminding them both of the other night. Removing it quickly, he shoved his hands in his pockets. "Look Violet, I really like you. And though I'm not a prince with a competition to get married, I do want to spend more time with you but I can't really think of an excuse to get you to come so I'll just have to ask. Will you come back to Cordonia with me please? I can't stay here cause I'll have to help Riley with the competition and I'm sure she'll appreciate your support if you came, but I would stay if I could."

"Maxwell, I -" Violet was at a loss for words. Fear from past experiences kept her from being vulnerable, but a part of her wanted to believe what Maxwell was telling her. "I enjoyed last night. A lot. But we went into it thinking that it would be a one night thing and I don't want to complicate things anymore than they are. So I'll go, mostly to help Riley, but also partially because I've got nothing going on around here."

"I'll take it!" Maxwell grinned at her. He approached her with arms outstretched to hug her.

Putting her hands on his chest to hold him off, Violet resisted the urge to slide them around his neck and bring him in for a kiss. She thought about her cousin Katie, who was happily married to Leo after less than a summer together. To Alex, who made Elena fall in love with him without even trying. And to the twins, who got their respective partners due to their fun loving and spontaneous personalities. She wasn't like them, and so her story wasn't go to end like theirs, with happily ever afters. As her mother told her all her life, she wasn't good enough. Not for her mother, not for Nana, and not for Maxwell. She sighed sadly, "We're just going to be friends Max."

"Friends with Benefits?" he asked, hopefully.

"Just friends." Violet stuck out her hand to prove her point and Maxwell reluctantly shook it.

"Friends." He smiled sadly at her. "Well, go get packed. We've got a plane to catch!"

I think I did ok with Maxwell, but I think I need to make Violet meaner. I don't know! I just want them together! lol

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