Page 46 of Poison Vows

“There’s a visceral reaction that takes place when girls break out of their delusional cocoon,” she says as she starts walking in my direction. “Let’s call it the painful journey of reclaiming one’s self-worth and identity.”

Stunned, I look at her.

For so long, I lost sight of myself, so much so that even though I really hated the fact that everyone knew I had a crush on Emmett, a part of me still didn’t mind it because it meant he knew how I felt.

And if he knew, then one day he’d admit that he loved me too…

But now, not only did he make everything clear with me, he’s actively making strides to get rid of me.

“Am I that obvious?” I whisper, a wave of sadness washing over me.

“You’re fighting not to be, which makes it easier to fish you out.” She smiles sadly. “And I heard you curse him out a while ago.”

“Oh no.”

Did she hear everything?

“No, I didn’t hear everything,” she says with a disappointed smile. “I was quickly taken to the apartment downstairs by his goons.”

I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Not to worry, babes, he isn’t doing so well himself,” she says, gesturing over her shoulder. “I’m Scarlet Lily Easton, but you can call me Scar just like everyone close to me.”

Scarlet Lily Easton.

Up close like this, she looks a lot like Emmett’s mother.

“Did I pass your screening test?” I say with a smile.

She smiles. “See, not everyone would be aware that I was testing your character. Most people would’ve taken everything I just said as me being rude.”

“Youwerebeing rude,” I point out.

“Was I? Never noticed.”

We both laugh at that.

“I’m Ivy Marie Irving, since we’re giving each other our full names and all.”

“Oops, that’s a habit of the trade.” She says blushing slightly. “The Easton name is a power-packing wrecking ball.”

From what Vaughn told me the other night when I met him, I’m only discovering that what I thought I knew about Emmett was literally a drop in the ocean.

I wonder if Astraea and the guys know. I’ll have to text the group chat later or just go straight to the gossip extraordinaire himself. Noah knows everything about everyone.

“Is your cutthroat approach a part of your family traits as well?” I walk over to the rack of clothes.

Scar chuckles a bit. “What do you think?”

“I think the Easton Family more than just possesses a wrecking ball in power but also in leaving lasting impressions on people.”

“Ahh, we try our best in that department,” she says with a smile and we both laugh.

“Your family is so secretive and extremely…”

“Dangerous,” she finishes.

I glance back at her, the hairs on the back of my neck rising. “Am I in danger?”

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