A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Franco hadn't counted on running into Valerian right then. Of all the luck, Valerian just had to show up at that exact moment, and, of course, he immediately noticed

the car.

The car was still under its cover, so you couldn't see the details, but the shape was unmistakable. Anyone could tell it was a car, and a pretty sweet one at that.

Franco felt his mouth twitch, feeling a mix of awkwardness and dread. He knew, with absolute certainty, that Calliope had not intended this car for Valerian. But Valerian had been under that impression for a while now.

He'd convinced himself the car was a gift for him.

And Calliope hadn't bothered to explain otherwise.

"Oh, it's nothing," Franco said with a shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just parked the car here like Callie asked."

Honestly, he wished Calliope would handle this whole mess herself. He didn't exactly love dealing with the Jewell family. Every conversation with them felt like stepping onto a minefield.

"Is this a new car?" Valerian asked, his eyes practically sparkling.

"Yeah, it's brand new," Franco replied, hoping to keep things vague.

with it? What's it for?" Valerian asked, looking like a kid on Christmas

arranged to have the car delivered right to the front

for ages. He'd been

was, the perfect Christmas

maybe it wasn't as meaningful as the stuff Lisette usually gave him, but

giving it to someone," Franco said, trying not to roll his eyes. He really wished

Valerian's grin just widened. He turned to Ulysses, who had been quietly watching from

this car. Bet you didn't

car?" Ulysses raised an eyebrow, clearly

a glance for him.

said, puffing up with pride. "She wanted to

She knows I love sports

over, ready to whip off the cover and check

as he got close, Franco stepped in, blocking

told us not to touch the car," Franco said

for you. Seriously, don't get

Of course it's

Valerian insisted, practically