Page 24 of Manacled Hearts

“Who’s they?”

“Maddox and the others.” I hate that I was hoping she would name a certain blue-eyed, striking man. “He lives in a secluded house in the middle of Queen’s Woods. It’s safe and private. I’m not forcing you, but Maddox and I think it would be nice for you to meet a few more people.”

My gut tightens with unease, but intrigue too. Diving deeper into their world is something I really want to avoid, especially when it’s in their home. But this might be the only opportunity I have to see just how safe Maya and I are. I don’t trust them, even with Katya I have reservations, and I need to find out if I’m making the right choice by staying here, or if we should take our chances out there on our own.

“I promise, you’ll be perfectly safe. Brinn is driving us, and he’s staying too. So, if at any point you are uncomfortable, he will bring you right back.”

That doesn’t sound too bad.

“I guess it would be okay.”

“Great. Now, I stopped by a shop and got you and Maya some new clothes since I heard you’re choosing to be stubborn.” She walks out before I have a chance to voice my protest.

I follow and find her pulling some garments from an expensive-looking bag. “Nothing crazy, a few T-shirts, some joggers, leggings, underwear, sports bras, and jeans. Basic colors. I have the receipt if the sizes are too big.” She forces the clothes into my hands. “Now, go try them on and pick something comfy to wear. We’re leaving in twenty minutes.”

I want to protest yet again, but it’s beginning to sound not only repetitive, but silly. Are new clothes really so bad? I’m not signing my soul or anything. I can force myself to accept them and repay them when I can to make sure there are no strings attached.

“Oh, um okay. I’ll go get Maya.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll sort her out.”

“Katya.” My voice holds too much urgency, and she whips around instantly. “Can I see what you bought for her?”

The brief confusion softens, and she nods, pulling out more clothes than she bought for me. It pulls at my heartstrings just a bit seeing this, and I’m thankful she’s not insulted by my need to be aware of what she got for Maya. There are leggings, T-shirts, underwear, a couple of skirts and dresses in an array of colors. I can’t help the meek smile, and she takes it as a seal of approval and walks back out.

I’m stuck in place, watching the door and debating if I should go be with Maya while she picks clothes… when she gets dressed. I have no reason not to trust Katya, but getting used to letting someone else alone in a room with her has been more difficult than I thought it would be. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to it, but I know deep down I hope I will. Having constant eyes on my sister will be impossible, especially if I get a job.

I’ll try harder tomorrow, but for now, I leave the door cracked so I can hear her voice in the other room as she squeals and giggles.

Ten minutes later, dressed in a simple, black T-shirt, mom-style jeans rolled up at the bottom, and brand-new Converse, I’m back at staring in the gold-rimmed mirror, debating using some of Katya’s make up. It’s been so long since I’ve used any. Before our life went to shit, I was just starting to dabble in it, and I knew exactly the style I loved. Dark, moody, edgy, just like the rock music my dad was playing when he tinkered in the garage. I was terrible at it though; no one taught me how to draw a proper wing with the liquid eye liner. At the end of most of my experiments and practice runs, I looked like a panda. By the time I started getting better at makeup, I couldn’t afford it anymore.

Maybe I should just settle for some concealer today. Cover the dark circles.

Katya’s reflection pops up in the mirror as she stands in the open doorway. “Do you need any help?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t think I want to wear any makeup, but…” I trail off because I don’t actually know where I’m going with this.

“There’s more stuff in that drawer.” She points to the right, in the tall, corner cabinet.

“Thank you.” I cast a quick glance, but stay in place.

“You’re beautiful no matter what, Evelyn. And where we’re going you don’t need to worry about make up. Only if you want to make yourself feel better.”

I didn’t realize I was tense, but with her words, my spine relaxes instantly. She puts a smile on my lips, too.

Yes, makeup does make me feel better.

I pick up the concealer and dab a bit under my eyes. It’s a bit too light for my complexion, but it will do. I decide to add some mascara, the silver and gold of my eyes popping when my dark blonde lashes turn black, and finish with a little peach blush.

“Here.” Katya hands me a lipstick. “It’s new. Sheer and natural.”

It’s a pinkish-peachy color that instantly puts me off. But Katya’s nodding to me to use it, so I reluctantly open it and swipe it over my lips.

“Oh, it’s sheer.” This is more a balm than lipstick. “Thank you.”

I love a bold lip, but I don’t feel bold at all right now. This is perfect.

“Don’t mention it. All done?”

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