Page 168 of Vicious Knight

One month later

Isabelle and I are on our way to Eilish’s office to try to convince her to go to the party with us.

Myrridin House is throwing its first party of the year. Since we’re in the heart of winter, we decide on a snow and ice theme.

Everyone has been looking forward to it. Everyone except Eilish, because Lucian is heading to Russia tonight.

Eilish has been putting on her game face and acting like she’ll be okay, but she’s not. I saw her crying in the garden this morning.

She was there for me a lot when I was going through hell and couldn’t tell anyone. She has been there for Isabelle too.

“I think Eilish will love this. No one can say no to a little sugar.” Isabelle holds up the pastry box full of cupcakes she got and gives me an uncertain smile. “These are her favorite.”

“Then this was a good idea.”

“I hope so, and I hope she got to see Lucian before he left.” Isabelle grimaces. “She was talking about not saying goodbye to him because it’s so hard.”.

“I hope she changed her mind. I felt guilty this morning when I saw her. I was with Thorne. When she saw us together it was clear she was missing Lucian.” Thorne and I were kissing in the snow. Since we’re the only two people on this planet when we’re together, we didn’t notice her straightaway.

Isabelle giggles. “Don’t feel bad about that. Eilish and Lucian have been so-called best friends forever. They’ve had time to get it on. You and Thorne didn’t waste time.”

I smile back at her. “No, we didn’t.”

“Does he have another surprise for you tonight?”

I blush. Since we got back from the Bahamas for the holiday of a lifetime, Thorne has been on this quest to shower me with gifts and surprise getaways.

“I think he will.”

“You lucky girl.”

“Hey, you’ll be lucky too, soon.”

“I don’t know, but we’ll see, right?” Her tone is flat. “I guess I’d have to date first wouldn’t I?”

“Yes you would.” I place emphasis on my words to show my intense agreement. She hasn’t attempted to date anyone since she found out that asshole Kade was screwing with any guy interested in her.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Or just do it. I saw Curt Matthews looking at you earlier.”

“I noticed him, too, but since he has his own teeth, is under the age of sixty-five, doesn’t dress like Dr. Seuss, and is good looking I doubt he’ll be allowed to slip through the net.”

“I’m sure Kade isn’t still playing that game. That was several months ago.”

“I don’t know for sure, but it would certainly explain why every guy who is remotely interested in me changes course like the wind and backs away from coming near me.”

“Do you want me to talk to Thorne?” I’ve asked her that before.

“No. It’s silly and I need to deal with it myself in whatever way I can.” She nods.

My shoulders slump. “Okay. Let me know if I can help.”

“Of course.”

We reach Eilish’s office and knock on the door. There’s no answer but I’m sure she’s in there. I can hear muffled sounds.

Isabelle and I glance at each other when she knocks again and there’s still no answer.