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.

for?" Valerian asked, looking like

out he'd come to the office, so she'd arranged to

car for ages. He'd been wondering when, or if,

was, the perfect Christmas

as the stuff Lisette usually

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

car. Bet you didn't see

you a car?" Ulysses raised an eyebrow,

a glance for him. She was all about her

with pride. "She

She knows I

to whip off the cover and check out his "gift." He probably wanted to take it for

close, Franco stepped in,

to touch the car," Franco said wearily. "She

you. Seriously,

course it's

Valerian insisted, practically