Page 37 of Our Darling Isabelle

The dress was too tight, and I felt ridiculous with my hair curled and half of it pinned onto the top of my head in a messy bun. I’ve never made a messy bun look elegant, but Delilah had a serious talent for hairstyle, so it was hard to be angry. My makeup had me staring at my reflection too long, the smoky colors matching my outfit. The emerald dress I wore was the only style choice I got a say in for this entire night. It was an evening dress with rhinestones around the bust and a sweetheart neckline. The dress was an open back, and I knew my father was going to argue my choice. But this is exactly like a dress Alec had picked for me on our only shopping trip together.

The first event of the night was my father announcing me as his heir. He was sure that everyone would welcome me with open arms, but I just wanted to crawl back into my bed after getting ready. Rich people and their parties were no joke. It had been a month since Alec and Markus drove away and I missed them more every day. My heart longed for them most when the house was silent at night, even if Markus lurked in the shadows outside my window.

Part of me was afraid they would give up. Alec had warned me they wouldn’t wait forever. I sat on my bed, staring at the door, and hesitated in the safety of my quiet room. It was lonely though, including nights like this when the house was full of activity.

I put on the necklace and earrings that had arrived just this morning, even though the gift had no note, I suspected where they came from. The earrings were teardrop shaped rubies, the matching necklace was tiny rubies clustered together to look like a rose. I smiled to myself, hoping they would be here even if they refused to respond to any rsvp I sent.

A soft knock on the door startles me. “Come in.” My voice squeaks as my father pokes his head around the door.

“Oh sweetheart, look at you. Although they seem to have forgotten the back of your dress.” He frowns. I roll my eyes at his cheesy comments.

“You are the most beautiful young woman I have ever seen. I’m so proud of you.” He beams, choosing to pick his battles about my clothing choice. I blush under my father’s adoration, letting him take my hand to lead me downstairs to where people have gathered.

“Don’t be nervous, everyone here is thrilled to meet you.” He whispers in my ear as Aden falls into step just behind us.

“Papa, that’s why I’m nervous. Everyone is going to stare at me.” I groan, carefully stepping down the stairs in the heels Dalia insisted I wear.

“They’ll be staring because you are beautiful, Izzy.” Aden says behind me and I fight the urge to gag at him.

“I wish you would reconsider the marriage proposal from Vincent.” My father says.

“Papa.” I groan between gritted teeth.

“I agree with you, sir,” Aden says behind us as we get to the bottom of the stairs. I can’t respond though, because a wave of guests coming through the front doors instantly flooded us.

This was going to be a long night.

Two hours later, a whirlwind of guests I can’t remember the names of have been kissing ass, and I was ready to rip my shoes off and start using them as weapons.

“Oh, Mr. Kane, she truly resembles you. Her hand in marriage could secure you many alliances, and as many enemies, I’m sure,” Joseph says. He was a greasy man, personality wise. He was an attractive enough person, with his obnoxious white tux and gelled back hair. His entire demeanor screamed pedigree and vanilla in bed. He kept schmoozing my dad, no doubt looking for a way to weasel into his good side.

“I’m certain after tonight she will have many offers to consider.” My father says, winking at me and I smile back.

“You mean you will have plenty of offers to consider?” Joseph says, a little uneasily. Most likely the death glares I have been shooting him while holding my steak knife at the ready. Aden has reprimanded me a dozen times already, telling me he would protect me if anyone tried anything. I wasn’t the one who needed protecting. If anything, this event has me considering stabbing somebody just to escape.

Alec and Markus still weren’t here, and I was getting antsy. The front doors swing open and I spin on my heel, unable to hide my excitement and then disappointment. A delivery driver walks in with eyes wide and a clipboard dangling from his hand. Vincent steps up to him, leaning close to listen to what he is mumbling, and I turn away with disinterest.

I excuse myself, planning to sneak out the back doors for fresh air, but Aden grabs my elbow and turns me to look at the doors once more. Men and women flood through the doors, arms full of vases filled with roses. The flowers are in every color imaginable, and they are being sat on every available countertop, table and windowsill. I look at my father, but he’s just as confused as I am until the last two men walk in, each of them holding a bouquet of black roses.

My feet pull me towards them, shoving through the crowd as I pick up speed in my excitement. Both men are wearing black dress pants, black satin button ups and fire in their eyes. Markus has his shirt sleeves rolled up and the top few buttons undone to expose his chest. His hair is combed back, and he smirks while licking his lips. Alec has his hair a mess, his shirt tight on him to show off every muscle as he looks me over with hungry eyes. They are equally breath-taking and terrifying. I stop just in front of them, suddenly nervous.

“You came.” My voice is a whisper, the sound swallowed by the murmurs of guests around us. Markus drops the roses on the ground, kicking them out of the way as he swoops me into his arms, twisting to crush me between him and Alec as he drags his nose along my neck.

“It would have been rude if we didn’t bring our lady flowers, especially a night like tonight.” He takes my left hand, holding it up as I struggle to find words.

“What’s so special about tonight?” I ask, my voice breathy as I feel Alec press onto my back. Neither of them cares about the dozens of people watching, but my cheeks are burning hot.

“This just became your engagement party.” Alec says in my ear, slipping a diamond ring onto my finger.

“You two sure like to make a show of everything.” Aden grumbles, crossing his arms as I try to separate from them.

“What is this? Why are they here?” Joseph’s voice rises to an embarrassing pitch as I stare, dumbfounded at the ring sitting snug on my left ring finger. It’s a ruby set between two black gemstones and is easily the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever seen. Arguments and whispers kick up around us and I look at the Barone brothers, who stand with their chins held high. Lucian cuts through the crowd, holding his hand up, and the room’s chatter dwindles as he climbs the stairs. My father is a tall man, but from his position he can stare down at the entire room.

“The Barone brothers are welcome guests in my home. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to speak in private. Please continue to enjoy yourselves. This won’t take long.” My father gives us a pointed look, nodding to Vincent. Aden holds his arm out for me as we get to the stairs, but Alec shoves between him and me, taking my hand and wrapping it around his arm.

“Bunch of animals.” Aden hisses under his breath, following behind as Markus runs up to take my other arm. I ignore Aden, trying to salvage whatever of our friendship that I can after this.

“You guys made a real grand entrance.” I snort, relaxing as we follow my father to his massive study.

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