She delicately takes the small square box from me, pulling the black mug from its packaging. Her eyes widen, glancing at me, and I nod, causing her to burst into laughter, nearly dropping the damn thing.
“What’s on it?” Isla asks. Bel holds it aloft, showing the custom design imprinted on it.
“Is that…Oh, my god.” Her cackles join in with Bels, followed closely by a huff of laughter from Eamon and a small grin from Cas.
“Am I safe to assume it’s a character from one of your books?” Mike asks, humor filling his voice as well. Bel nods emphatically, eyes glittering as she gazes at the mug. I realize we may need to tell them the truth eventually, but for now, nothing could force me to break this blissful moment for her.
The mug is the only real glimpse my sweet girl has had thus far of the monster beneath my handsome flesh. A demon-like cartoon, blue-black skin with black eyes, the tongue she’s enjoyedimmenselyhanging out of the mouth, and the antlers shoot back and up from the cartoon me’s head, twisting like two helixes, with ridges all along their lengths. The only animal I’ve ever seen with a similar set is the blackbuck antelope. I only know that because trying to describe the creature to an artist would have been a bitch without the help of some pictures.
“I love it so much, Fritz,” Bel gushes, leaping up to wrap her arms around my neck, planting frantic pecks all over my face. Every instinct is telling me to lay her on the table and make a meal out of her, but I don’t think our current company would appreciate that.
Caspian excluded, of course.
I keep one hand locked around her and use the other to press a small, flat box towards Isla. She protests, “What the hell? You built me a whole room, you weren’t supposed to get me a present, too.”
“Just open it,” I tell her with a laugh. When she does, she holds the key card up for all to see and cackles. “Now you can let yourself in next time.”
“Ya know, based on what happened earlier,” she clears her throat, “I don’t think I’ll be doingthat,but thank you.”
“And Eamon,” I sigh, thankful to almost be finished. “If I remember right, you havethe mostexpensive taste in booze, so I got you some very old, very pricey scotch. Do I know if it’s good? No.”
With a chuckle, he takes the bottle from me, giving it a thorough once over, “I’m sure it’s gonna be awesome. Thanks, man.”
I blow out a relieved breath and plant my ass down, taking a swig of my drink and sitting back to watch the rest of the presents be divvied out. I don’t see most of it, too distracted by Caspian’s grabbing for Bel and her wandering hands all over both of us. It’s a damn good thing everyone has been supplied with plenty of alcohol, or the discomfort of those witnessing it all would be overwhelming.
The only thing I do notice is that Eamon seems to have gifted Isla a coat. The biggest one I’ve ever seen. Her confusion is written all over her face, but he only smiles, insisting she’ll need it when she comes to visit.
Bold. And stupid. So stupid.
Gift time finally coming to an end, I take the opportunity to refill everyone’s beverages while Cas and Bel tell the made-up story of what happened to Bel’s hand.
When I return to my seat, Eamon says something that catches my attention. I have a sneaking suspicion he does so on purpose, so I give them my full attention.
“Isla, tell me, do you have any siblings?” he asks, and her eyes narrow in suspicion.
“I have two younger brothers,” she answers slowly, like she’s unsure she’s willing to give up the information, “Why?”
Without missing a beat, he clarifies, “So you’re the eldest in your family. And the only daughter.”
She hums in acknowledgment, raising her brows at him like he’s dense for needing to repeat what she just said. His eyes flicker to mine momentarily, and I fear I’m missing something of great importance there.
“And you mentioned you’re not close with them?” he prods again.
She works her jaw, irritation twisting her features, “No.”
Before he can ask another follow-up, she stands, excusing herself from the table in search of a more potent drink.
“Oof, tough break,” Charlie breathes in through clenched teeth. “Her family is a no-go subject.”
“Why?” Eamon asks, and the entire table goes silent for a moment. Charlie opens his mouth to explain, but he’s cut off before he can.
“Because Isla’s family fucking sucks.” Bel announces, “But that’s her shit to tell you, if she decides to.No one,” she looks pointedly at Charlie and Mike, “else is going to. Right?”
The men nod in agreement, this new, assertive and dominant version of Belissenda putting them in their places real quick.
Mood sufficiently ruined, Charlie groans, “We should probably head out, Mike. Our flight leaves in a few hours.”
They head over to Isla in the kitchen, Bel tagging along behind them, giving her hugs and comfort from the reminder of her shitty family. The three of us demons do our best not to overhear their conversation, but nothing can hide the sniffles Isla tries to hold back. Eamon’s mood shifts to dark places upon hearing that sound, and I worry who he’ll turn that vicious rage on with none of the guilty parties nearby.
