Page 61 of Silent Oaths
Iclench my jaw and force the memory back, pushing the shame and heat deep down where it belongs.Iwon’t let myself go there again.
Instead,Imove straight to the kitchen and slam my notebook down onto the island.Thesound barely startles them, but it’s enough to draw their attention.
Theodorelooks up slowly before closing his book.
Julian’sgaze flicks to me briefly before returning to his work, unbothered.
Maxwellis the only one who reacts fully.Hiseyes open, amusement flickering in them as he tilts his head to the side, stretching like a fucking cat.
“Tookyou long enough,Starling,” he drawls.
23
MAXWELL
Isabelis finally out of her cave.
Shelooks different.Notphysically—physically, she’s still a walking contradiction of defiance and hesitation, like she can’t decide if she wants to stab me or crawl into my lap.Butemotionally, there’s a clear shift.
Thefire in her eyes isn’t just anger anymore.
Isabelstands there, stiff-backed and scowling, her hands curled into fists at her sides like she’s bracing for a fight, like we didn’t already break her open and see what’s inside.
Iwonder if she hates herself for it…
Ifshe hatesusmore.
Shedoesn’t answer me right away, which is fine.Ilike watching her squirm.
Instead, she drags a deep breath in through her nose and steps forward, shoving a notebook onto the kitchen island like it personally offended her.Theslap of paper against marble echoes through the open space, but none of us startle.
She’sthe only one with something to prove.
Istretch my arms out further behind my head, letting my fingers lace together asIsprawl deeper into the couch just asJuliantakes a break from inking my skin. “Well, well.Thedead rises.”
“Iwant in,”Isabelblurts out.
Ilet my eyes drag lazily over her, taking in the way her sweater hangs off her frame, the joggers barely clinging to her hips.Shecovered up this time, hiding the bodyI’vealready memorized, but it doesn’t matter.
Iknow what’s underneath.
“Intowhat,Starling?”Iask, feigning boredom.
Herglare sharpens. “Don’tplay dumb.”
Iflash a grin. “Butit’s so fun.”
Theodoresighs from his chair, already looking like he regrets letting me speak.Juliandoesn’t acknowledge her at all, too focused on the piece he’s working on, butIcan tell he’s listening.
Isabel’sjaw clenches. “Iwant to help.”
Iexhale a short laugh, shaking my head. “That’scute.”
Herglare sharpens, butIdon’t let her get a word in beforeIcontinue, voice dripping with amusement. “Yousure you don’t just want a new tattoo?”Idrag my hand down my torso. “Iwas told you were pretty interested inJulian’swork last time.”
Hernostrils flare. “That’snot whatImeant.”
Igrin. “Shame.Itwould’ve been nice to brand you that way.”Iglance atJulian, who’s still focused on my skin but not oblivious to the gameI’mplaying. “Right,Juju?”
