Page 63 of The Oath We Give

He’ll do it because he loves the people around him.

We are two very different people, with very similar experiences.

I don’t need to know his dreams or his favorite color in order to grasp who he his. His loyalty speaks louder than words ever could, and his unwavering urge to protect those around him mirrors my own.

That’s enough for me to go forward with this.

That is enough for me to trust him.

“Play it up for the in-laws.” I give him a tight-lipped smile. “Got it.”

I already know his mother is going to hate me. Mothers always fucking hate me.

“Any other rules?”

“Yeah.” I nod, biting the inside of my cheek.

“No falling in love. I’m not saying this to tempt you. This applies to both of us. This needs to remain as fake as possible, or else I’m gone.”

It’s for the best, keeping my distance, being a bitch. He’ll thank me for it in the long run.

He takes another sip of his coffee, eyes lingering on my face with the movement, before speaking again.

“Is that your greatest fear, Hex? Falling in love?”

His question is so unexpected, so alien, that I laugh in answer.

“You can’t be afraid of something you’ve never known,” I reply truthfully.

Silas has loved, and from what I’ve heard? He gave it every ounce of himself. I could easily let him fall into me and then suck him dry. Use his emotions to my advantage. Let him get close to me, then leave once he was too far gone or simply watch him destroy himself like every man who dared try before him.

The town may call this man a villain, but inside, he’s a lover boy. It gives off a smell. Good intentions and romance. His tender heart bleeds all over the ones he cares for.

It’s easy to get a read on him, written on every inch of his being—someone who would give absolutely everything for those he loves.

I’m far too wicked to deserve it that sort of devotion.

“No, Silas. I’m not afraid of love,” I say firmly. “But you should be afraid of me. I hurt people who try to care about me, Hawthorne. Don’t let yourself becomes one more victim of my wretched heart.”

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FOURTEEN

HEY, ROSIE

SILAS

“Silas,when we figure out where we’re going, can we have a garden?”

“Sure.”

“I wanna grow carnations.”

“Carnations?”

“And peonies!”

“Okay.”