Page 103 of Forsaken Oath

“Thatismy hobby.”

“Then get a new one,” I grit through my teeth. “Are you going to help me or not?”

He frowns, his eyes narrowing on his plate for a moment. “Fine. But then I need something from you.”

“Fine, whatever. I need you to expedite something for me and a background check. Pull everything you can. I don’t know if I’ll need it, but I want it in my back pocket just in case.”

Graham’s eyes narrow as he studies my face. “That’s two favors.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Are you serious right now?”

He huffs. “Fine. Who?”

I glance over at Eloise, making sure she’s still absorbed in conversation with Cora before whispering, “Darla Hawthorne.”

His expression evens out, his gaze flicking over my shoulder to my girl next to me. “Consider it done.”

The stitch in my chest eases marginally, knowing my brother is gonna get me everything I need. But I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe freely until it’s taken care of.

The rest of dinner passes in a blur of conversation and laughter, but my mind keeps circling back to her. To us. To what this could be.

Hope and love are dangerous bedfellows.

They roll together, meld and mutate until it’s an invincible, driving force. Until the line between them blurs and they become one all-consuming entity.

Until it burns brighter than the stars.

44

ELOISE

Beau’s familyis boisterous and welcoming, the conversation flowing easily around the table. I find myself caught up in it, laughing at Hazel’s stories about her boys as kids, swapping baking ideas with Cora, and listening raptly as Lucas regales us with tales of his own youthful misadventures.

Under the table, Beau’s hand remains linked with mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. Every so often, I catch him watching me, his blue eyes soft with an emotion I want to believe is real.

But there’s a good chance I’m projecting right now, so I don’t let myself get swept up by it. I take a breath, steadying myself against the warmth of this place. It’s chaotic and unfamiliar, but there’s something undeniably sweet about being here. It’s loud but loving—a family in every sense of the word.

My phone vibrates against my leg in the pocket of my sundress. As discreetly as possible, I pull it out and look at the screen under the table. I don’t want to be rude, but I want to make sure Margot is okay. I think I’ll be fifty years old and still worried about Margot.

Unknown Number: Congratulations, you’re advancing to the next round.

Unknown Number: 42.2165, 89.0587. 4PM tomorrow. Don’t be late.

Relief crashes through me, a tidal wave of emotion that threatens to pull me under. I swallow hard, trying to keep my expression neutral even as my heart races in my chest.

I made it. I’m advancing to the next round of the Gauntlet.

For the past week, I’ve been on pins and needles, waiting for this message. Every time my phone buzzed, my stomach would swoop with a dizzying mix of anticipation and dread. As the days ticked by with no word, doubt started to creep in, its icy fingers wrapping around my lungs and squeezing. Every day without a text chipped away at the dream I had started hoping for.

But now, with those two simple sentences glowing on my screen, the weight lifts from my shoulders. I’ve taken one more step toward my goal, toward the money that will change everything for my sisters and me.

I quickly lock my phone and slip it back into my pocket, hoping no one noticed my momentary distraction. When I glance up, Beau is watching me, a small furrow between his brows. He leans in close, his breath warm against my ear.

“Everything okay?” he murmurs, his voice low.

I nod, hesitating for a moment. “I advanced to the next round.”

The corners of his mouth curl into a proud smile as he leans in. “Of course you did. You’re amazing, Peach.”

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