Page 135 of The Oath We Give

There is a pause, each of them knowing the answer. That without telling them about Rosemary’s abuse, none of them would have taken my words as truth. Each of them would’ve been too afraid of the consequences of me not being medicated.

I don’t blame them.

I’m not angry at Alistair.

I can’t feel anything besides relief, knowing the ones I’ve always kept closest to me know me. Each of us have a story, unbelievably hard fucking stories.

They hurt and they bleed. When they fall on deaf ears, they become myth. But it doesn’t make it any less real for us. I look at them, knowing that regardless of the lies, one truth is our solid foundation.

“We are all unbelievable circumstances that are complete truth.”

Book made for [email protected]

THIRTY-TWO

PIERCED

CORALINE

“Coraline,the plan is going to work.” Silas tells me again, hands in my hair as he holds my face, “I promise.”

“But what if he finds out we moved the wedding up, and then what? He shows up with a bomb strapped to his chest?This isn’t just about me and you, it’s your family to Silas.” I murmur, heart racing even though it’s been hours since he told me what Easton said.

“He’s not going to. He won’t hurt you. I just need you to trust me.”

Yeah? And what about you? I want to say, who protects you?

The piercing sound of my phone alarm rings out, making me flinch. I set down my paintbrush, running two frustrated hands through my hair.

I’m getting married for the second time tomorrow, and all I feel in my stomach is dread. I know Silas says he has a plan. I know I trust him.

But there are too many lives at risk, too many people I’ve grown to care about that could get hurt in the crossfire of this. If Stephen were to find out about what the boys plan to do, it could be catastrophic and for what?

For me.

All of this for me.

My teeth grind together as I press my hands onto the black canvas, shoving it forward and watching it smash to the floor. Paint splattering across it.

I thought spending the day in my studio would help ease the nerves, but I think it’s only made it worse. Being alone with my thoughts, with no one to talk me out of my spiral.

A spiral which was leading me into dangerous waters, ones that Silas would hate me for entering.

“Getting cold feet, Hex?”

I didn’t finish my thought because Silas is leaning against the front door. My heartbeat thumps in my throat, drumming loudly in my ears.

It’s unfair for him to look this good in a suit. Impossibly strong, muscles unable to be hidden by the slick black material. He wore a smirk, staring at me with an arched eyebrow.

“They say it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding day, Hawthorne.” I stand from the stool, leaving the canvas on the floor.

He pushes off the door frame, stalking further into the room, his hands deep inside of his pockets.

I hated that even though I wanted to protect him by keeping my distance, by doing stomach stupid like calling Stephen and offering myself to him to save Silas, I still wanted him close to me.

When he’s in the room, it’s hard to not want to be next to him. His entire existences is a balm for my soul. Like he was made to keep me calm.

“I have a gift for the bride. That needed to be delivered personally.” He grunts, coming to a stop when he’s in front of me. Peering down at me with a smile in his eyes.