Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(50)

“He could tell I was upset. He was being nice. What’s the big deal?” Once again, she was in the dark.

“Help me find a dress, and I’ll explain.” Ivy pulled her toward the dressing room. Bryn found herself in a curtained-off room surrounded by castoff dresses. “Why doesn’t anyone hang anything up?”

“Those aren’t mine.” Ivy undressed and pointed at the hook on the wall. “Pick a dress while I fill you in.”

Bryn sifted through the dresses and pulled out a deep scarlet gown cut to resemble a toga.

“The descendants of Dragon’s Bluff live their daily lives like normal people. The dragons provide everyone with a livable wage because they keep the secret of the school and help cover any dragon sightings. But there’s more to it than that. They still honor the vow to fight side by side with us if they’re needed. They promise to defend us if necessary. Valmont stepped up to defend you today. By being chivalrous, protecting you from a perceived threat, he activated the dormant spell, which resides in the blood of all the knights’ descendants who live in Dragon’s Bluff. He became your knight. Technically, he’s bound to you.”

“He’s bound to me? Just me? Like he’s mine?” Talk about a bonus.

“Yes, and no. He’s your knight, bound to you alone and sworn to protect you should the need arise. Any fantasies you’re spinning in your head aren’t his duty.”

“I can dream. Can’t I? And there are those legends about knights and dragons falling in love.”

Ivy laughed as she shimmied into the scarlet dress. It skimmed across her body and accented her curves.

“That is your dress,” Bryn said.

“Let’s see if Clint can tell the difference.” Ivy sauntered into the viewing area and batted her eyelashes at Clint.

“You look amazing.” His voice was an octave deeper than normal.

“Thank you.” She walked over and pecked him on the cheek. “Do you understand the difference now?”

He nodded.

Ivy returned to the dressing room and changed into her clothes. “Now we need to find you a dress.”

“Zavien has explained to me twice that no male will ask me to the dance because it’s like proposing.”

“You don’t need a date. You can come with us.”

“Clint has been more than understanding about all the time I spend with you guys, but you can’t expect him to let me butt in on your date.”

“What if someone asks you? Is there something in your armoire you can wear?”

“You’ve seen my clothes.”

“Pick a dress.” Ivy gestured at the castoff garments. “There’s enough on the floor for us to find one.”

Bryn eyed a pile of copper silk.

Ivy scooped it up and tossed it to her. “Try it on.”

“You’re such a pain.” Bryn pulled her shirt over her head.

“You need to lose the penguins.” Ivy pointed at Bryn’s bra. “I swear it’s like you bought your underwear from a Dr. Seuss store.”

Once she’d shimmied into the dress and shifted everything around, her throat grew tight. The stupid dress was perfect. The bodice draped over her chest, hinting at the curves underneath. In back, the material pooled below her waist.

“You look hot,” Ivy said in a proud voice.

Secretly, she agreed. There wasn’t a hint of cleavage, but her entire back was exposed.

Ivy grabbed her hand. “Let’s see what Zavien thinks.”

“He’ll gripe at me.”

“After his act of stupidity this morning, he deserves a little misery.”

When they emerged from the dressing room, the store was crowded. Groups of Blues and Reds milled about. The females chatted happily while the males wore pained expressions. Zavien glanced up when she came out. The corners of his mouth turned down.

Bryn ignored him. “Clint, what do you think?”

“You look great.” His tone was sincere.

“Thank you.” She pointed at Zavien. “You could learn a lot from Clint.”

Head held high, she turned back to the dressing room. A male voice drifted through the room.

“The dress isn’t bad. It’s a shame you don’t look more like your mother.”

She recognized Jaxon’s voice. Without breaking stride, she called out, “It’s a good thing you’re so pretty, because your personality sucks.”

Growls and laughter followed her into the dressing room.

A few moments later, they emerged and paid for their purchases without incident. Clint appeared happy. Zavien glared but kept his mouth shut. That was new. Could it be due to her knight?

“Where to now?” Clint held the door open so they could all walk through.

“I need colored pencils,” Ivy said.

Clint pointed down the street. “Why don’t Zavien and I grab a table at Snacks Galore while you and Bryn shop?”

…

The Artist’s Loft was filled with bookshelves and bins containing various art supplies. The walls were painted sunshine yellow. Bright slashes of primary colors resembling brushstrokes decorated the walls. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful.

“This is the happiest store I’ve ever been in,” Bryn said.