Page 63 of Silent Oaths
Acrossthe room,Isabelsighs, like she regrets all her life choices that led her to this moment.
Julianreaches for the clear bandage. “Trynot to get it infected,” he commands dryly, pressing it over the fresh ink.
“Please,”Iscoff. “Youknow you love babying me.”
Hepresses the bandage down harder than necessary, making me suck in a sharp breath, then peels off his gloves and tosses them aside.
Isabelsnorts, andIcatch the sound. “What’sfunny,Starling?”
Sheshakes her head, biting back a smirk.
Igrin, tilting my head. “Oh, sweetheart.Ifyou wanted to play nurse, all you had to do was ask.”
“That’sfunny, ‘causeIwas just thinking about smothering you in your sleep,” she bites back.
Igrin, tapping my fingers against my stomach. “You’dmiss me too much.”
Theodoreinterrupts us. “Ifyou three are done flirting?—”
“Weweren’t flirting,”Isabelmutters.
Ismirk, stretching my arms behind my head. “No?That’sa shame.Almostthought you were going sweet on me for a second.”
Julianthrows the used paper towel at my face.Ilaugh, catching it before it hits me.
Isabelhuffs and throws us each a withering look before turning on her heel and stalking off, butIstop her in her tracks. “Holdon.”
Shepauses but doesn’t turn around, like she’s debating whether she actually has to listen to me.Itake my time getting up, stretching lazily before making my way to the dining table.Agarment bag is draped over one of the chairs, exactly whereIleft it earlier.Isling it over my arm and walk toward her, stopping just a few feet away.
“You’recoming with me tonight,”Isay simply, holding out the bag.
Thatgets her attention.Shefinally turns, brow furrowed in suspicion as she eyes the bag like it might bite her. “Where?”
Ismirk. “Madhouseis hosting its first-ever masquerade ball.Andyou,Starling, will be my date.”
Isabelblinks. “Excuseme?”
“Youheard me.”Ishake the bag slightly, urging her to take it. “Goput this on.YouandIare going to have some fun.”
Shedoesn’t move to take it.Instead, she crosses her arms, glaring at me likeI’vepersonally offended her. “Youcan’t be serious.”
“Deadserious.”
Herlips press together, eyes darting towardTheodoreandJulian, as if expecting them to say something, to stop me, but they don’t.
Hershoulders tense, like she’s preparing for a fight, butIdon’t give her the chance.Istep closer, lowering my voice just enough to make it feel intimate. “Comeon,Isabel.Don’ttell me you’re scared of a little fun.”
Shesnatches the bag from my hands with a sharp exhale. “Ihate you.”
Igrin. “Yousay that, butIthink you’re going to enjoy yourself tonight.”
Shedoesn’t dignify that with a response.Instead,Isabelturns on her heel again and marches up the stairs, this time without stopping.
Iwatch her go, already looking forward to whatever the night will bring.
24
ISABEL
