Page 25 of The Immortal’s Curse (Bound to the Immortals #2)

My mouth falls open. What is she? A freaking reporter?

I’m about to say something, anything to change the subject, when Bella speaks.

“Yes,” she answers and takes a sip of wine.

I blink, shocked.

I didn’t know that.

“Thane and I have been trying for a while,” she continues.

My shock grows with each word. “Honestly, I think the stress of the reb—of his job makes it more difficult. That’s just my theory, though.

No medical evidence to support it.” She tries for a light tone, but there's a hint of sorrow in the words.

In Greece, I learned it’s rare for Immortals to have children together. It’s much easier to do with humans. That must be a tough pill to swallow for a devoted couple like Bella and Thane.

“You and your husband are already trying to have a baby?” Kayla’s eyes fly wide. “But you’re practically a kid yourself! ”

If only she knew how old these women actually are.

The petite Immortal laughs and lifts a delicate shoulder. “If it happens, it happens. Thane and I would love to have a child.”

“I can’t even imagine being married, let alone having a kid,” Kayla says with a shudder.

“You should enjoy your youth,” Eshe states. Her words are low, serious. “Don’t be in a rush to grow up. You’ll miss this time when you’re older.”

Bella murmurs her agreement.

I stare at Eshe. She keeps her eyes on Kayla, but all her warnings play in my mind. Not for the first time, I wish I knew more about what happened between her and Lome.

Eduardo returns, carrying a wide black tray filled with plates.

He sets our dinner in front of us one by one, joking and laughing like we’re old friends. After telling us the show will begin in fifteen minutes and that he will return during intermission to ask if we need anything, he leaves.

This time, I don’t comment on how Kayla’s eyes linger on his backside.

“Darcie.” Bella draws my attention.

“Besides school and work, what’s new with you?” She takes a bite of her vegetable medley, watching me expectantly.

The question sounds innocent enough, but my stomach tightens.

Does she know about my visions? Does Eshe?

My stomach drops as the pieces fall into place.

Bella and Eshe weren’t at Evetta’s trial or the meeting between Des, Thane, Julisanna, and Eros.

Did the brothers tell them about my ability to see events unfolding from half a world away? Do they know how quickly the cut on my hand healed?

Do they know about the curse?

I scan Bella’s face, looking for any sign that the question is loaded, but no… she’s simply curious. She’s just a friend trying to catch up with someone she hasn’t seen in a while.

Anger on Bella and Eshe’s behalf ignites in my chest.

If I’m right and they have no idea what’s happening to me, what possible excuse could the brothers have for leaving them in the dark?

Why do they continually leave these women out of important discussions when they are directly affected by everything that has to do with the three enforcers for the Council? It’s selfish, cruel, and sexist.

And it makes me want to scream.

“Nothing really.” I shove down my frustration and swallow back insults for their husbands. “My life is pretty boring.”

That’s the lie of the century.

“What about your boyfriend?” Eshe asks, lowering the water glass from her lips. A dark brow arches with curiosity. “Kevin, right? How is that going?”

Beside me, Kayla stiffens. Regret shadows her eyes.

I hate that she holds any guilt for telling me about Amanda and Kevin. I understand why she didn’t. She’s my best friend, but she’s also his sister. She didn’t want to hurt either of us.

It won’t be her fault when things inevitably end between me and Kevin, but she will blame herself anyway.

Unless you tell her the truth about cheating on her brother.

The thought makes me nauseous.

“We’re fine,” I answer, hoping Eshe will let the subject die.

But there’s a gleam in the Immortal’s gaze. “Have you spoken to Des lately?”

I ignore the way my heart squeezes. “Yesterday, why?”

The gleam grows brighter. “No reason. I ran into him when he was returning to the house. He seemed… unraveled.”

She knows . I don’t know how, but Eshe knows something happened between me and Des .

“Who’s Des?” Kayla asks, looking between me and Eshe, no doubt picking up on the awkwardness hovering between us.

Bella clears her throat. “Des is our husbands’ brother.”

“Wait.” Kayla shakes her head. “Your husbands are brothers?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. Wow. That’s wild. Is that how you two know each other?”

Eshe pulls her knowing eyes off me. “Yes.”

Not deterred by the short responses, Kayla continues, “What about Des? Is he single?”

“Yes.” Eshe’s dark eyes slide back to mine. “Though I suspect his heart is not free.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. I shouldn’t say anything. I should keep my mouth shut and let Eshe make her innuendos without responding.

But the hurt from Des’s most recent rejection has my lips moving, “You’re right. It’s not free.”

Bella gasps, perfectly aware of what her sister-in-law was getting at. But I stomp whatever hopeful thoughts are brewing in her mind when I say, “Des is determined to be callous and miserable. His heart is set on suffering.”

Sadness flows over Bella’s features. Understanding fills Eshe’s.

“Damn…” Kayla says, trying to lighten the mood as the theater lights dim, signaling the start of the show. “It sounds like Des might have some major trauma.”

The red curtains split into two, and a scenic backdrop appears.

Still, Eshe’s eyes remain locked with mine as she murmurs, “He does have major trauma. And I fear it will only get worse in the days to come.”