Addison Lane is not your typical vigilante. Sure, she'd like to make the world a better place—but through fashion, not violence. Her parents were well-to-do merchants—and still are, mind you. Through her parents, Addy learned to deal with people. The way she talked mattered. The way she looked at people with her emerald eyes
mattered, as did the way her vermilion curls lit up a room like a blaze, fixing all eyes on her freckley face.
That is the very effect Vikki Finn had on her.
Addy was nine. Vikki was ten. The two redheads passed as sisters, and were destined to be BFFs for life. Vikki was the prettier one. Her hair didn't frizz up like Addy's. The privilege to braid Vikki's fiery locks more than compensated for envy. As the playmates grew into their teens, Addy found herself craving the touch of her friend's rosy cheek. One day bathing in the river, she gazed into Vikki's deep blue eyes and declared, "Ye're a mermaid, Vikki Finn." Her friend replied, "Addy, you're a fox." How those words made Addy's heart pound! Surely, Vikki saw the beat rippling Addy's bared breast!
Alas, Vikki was betrothed to Gill Bluebeard. Such a waste that a previously-married man would have a virgin bride, the very maiden Addy lusted over since her hormones kicked in. But her strongest feeling for Vikki was—and still is, mind you—Love. Thus, Addy was elated to be the bridesmaid on her "sister's" big day! She held her tears until the day ended, and spent the whole night finalizing the decorative trim on Vikki's gift, intent on delivering it come morning.
Surely, Gill would not resent the brief intrusion upon seeing such a fine eastern-style gown hanging in his wife's wardrobe. And oh, how the form-fitting dress would look on Vikki's body!
