Page 53 of Isabella and the Slipper

She laid her hand on his knee. “I’m going to be out of there after I graduate. Just eight months. That’s all I have. If I can endure until then, I’ll be fine.”

He placed his hand on hers, her smooth skin making his heart beat faster. “Will you promise me something?”

She hesitated. “What?”

“Promise me if she starts getting physical again, you’ll call 911? Or me, and I’ll come get you?”

She bit her lip and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll do that.”

“Good.” Because if he saw any more bruises on Isabella, he’d have to be dragged off her stepmother in handcuffs.

“Night, Chase,” she said, her hand on the door handle.

“Have sweet dreams, Isabella.”

She gave him a sideways glance, then smiled and nodded. She climbed out of the car and walked up the street to her house. He stayed back but made sure she got in the door okay. He waited until he saw her bedroom light flood the balcony, then he pulled out his phone and texted.

Hey, Five, how are you?

Tired. But fine.

He looked at the clock. It was after midnight now. Oops. He knew he shouldn’t have texted her. He shouldn’t know she was still awake.Oh, sorry, just looked at the clock. Were you asleep?

No. Just heading to bed. How’s your sister?

Continuing to improve.He paused, wanting to ask if she got in trouble when she walked in the door, but it would have given him away. Instead, he texted,Thanks for everything, Five.

You’re welcome. Good night.

Night.

Chase drove home, his mind unable to settle down. He didn’t need any more proof that Five was indeed Isabella—or that Isabella was being abused at home. But what could he do about it? That was the real question that gnawed at his gut.

Chapter 17

Isabella woke up to the sound of Elenore shrieking her name. She moaned and rolled over, putting her pillow on her head. Why was she even up now? It was too-early-thirty.

“Isabella!” Someone pounded on the door. “We have a mandatory meeting at the gallery in fifteen minutes.”

“All right.” Isabella crawled out of bed and threw on some clothes. They never had mandatory meetings at the gallery.

What on earth had Elenore all fired up?

Ten minutes later, she walked into the kitchen. Elenore stood there, dressed in some flowy Asian getup. Delilah and Ava sat at the table. “Everyone come with me. We need to be at the gallery—now.”

Isabella’s mouth fell open. She grabbed a banana and followed Elenore and the girls to the garage. “You want me to ride with you?”

Elenore motioned to her Porsche. “Of course.” She said it like it was the most logical thing. Like she hadn’t spent the last five years making Isabella walk to the gallery while she drove her daughters everywhere.

Isabella climbed in the back and sat with her hands in her lap. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, but she kept her mouth shut and ignored it. No way was she going to answer Chase while sitting next to Elenore and the step-witches.

They arrived at the Vibrant Hue, and Isabella followed them in. Leilani was already there, dressed in a short skirt and denim jacket. Paco was even there crating up the artwork she’d taken down last night.

Elenore clapped her hands. “Paco, please come in here a minute.”

Paco came walking in, hitching up his pants. “Yes?”

“I have an announcement.” Elenore paused dramatically before continuing. “We are signing a new artist.”

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