"You're going bold," Layla held up a deep sapphire dress against Aurora's frame, pouting. "Something badass-birthday-bitch."
Aurora tilted her head, studying herself in the mirror. "Is there any way I can go "badass birthday bitch" without looking like I sold my body overnight?"
"Oh, hush." I ran my hand down a glittery pastel pink. "Looking hot never equates to being a slut."
She sighed. "Don't want anyone to think I'll come back from Kingsworth beaming sexual energy. I'm still a freaking virgin."
Layla gave her a warning look in the mirror. "A virgin and proud of it. Stay away from morally corrupt males."
I rose a brow. "Speaking from experience?"
"Yes, in fact. Having to wake up to breathing caskets for the past five years taught me a lot."
I disregarded the fact that she was probably thinking about Enzo in all his temperamental, cold-suited glory.
Aurora held a purple sequined black against her body, like she was debating on whether she wanted to stand out that much. I admit, the shine was a lot against her paler skin, but I wasn't going to give her the luxury of going soft on such a big day. Her last birthday before leaving- that only meant she had to leave a fucking impression.
My phone buzzed, and Nikolas's name lit up my face like a switch. 

Niko: You having fun?
Me: Yes, sir.
Niko: What's with the formality?
Me: Just prepping you for that card transaction in t-minus five minutes.
Niko: Funny. 
Me: I'm so serious. 
Niko: I know.
Me: I want a car.
Niko: Buy one.
Me: Really? Just like that?
Niko: Just like that.
Me: I might buy two, then.
Niko: Buy all the cars you want, baby.
Me: What do you want in return?
Niko: I already have what I want.
Me: Love you.
Niko: Say that to my face when I see you.

I tucked the phone back in my pocket before he somehow convinced me to leave this place and walk home just to do that. 
"I like this one."
A rush of pink blew through the dressing room curtains, and then, there she was.
Layla gasped.
"Badass-birthday-bitch was right," I muttered. It was a stunning clubbing dress, split open in all the right places. Definitely didn't give soft, but wasn't too provocative. Perfectly... Aurora. 
 "On Wednesdays, we wear the fuck out of pink," Layla chimed in. 
My sister chuckled and turned around, a melty smile on her lips as she stared at herself. That was the look of love, right there. 
Thank god Mikhail wasn't here to mess it up.
I clasped my hands together and looked at both girls.