“With a twist—”
She turns the pendant sideways and it expands into a small but wicked-looking knuckle guard.
Tony stares.
“You’re wearing brass knuckles as jewelry.”
“Correct.”
Hunter laughs.
“Smart.”
Viper folds it back and lets the necklace drop against her chest.
I lean back in my chair, trying to process everything.
“So while Tony and I are worrying about fabric seams,” I say slowly, “you two are basically walking armories.”
Izzy grins.
“Prepared women are harder to victimize.”
Viper nods once.
“Exactly.”
Tony points between them.
“And tomorrow… none of that.”
Viper sighs dramatically.
“Tragic.”
Then she looks at me and smiles.
“But don’t worry, Zara.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Bianca and I will look stunning.”
Tony leans forward. “That’s what I like to hear.”
Viper’s smile turns sharp.
“And if anyone tries anything…”
She cracks her knuckles.
“…I can still improvise.”
Viper and Izzy’s little show-and-tell sticks in my brain long after the conversation ends. Weapons designed as jewelry. Boots doubling as knife sheaths. Defense tools hidden in plain sight and easily accessible. The idea grows in my mind as I consider the possibilities. Without a word to the others, I push away from the table and jog upstairs to Bush’s room. I’m grateful that he had the foresight to give me a key. Locking the door behind me, my heart races from excitement.
I grab my drawing pad from my bag and flop onto the bed, pencil already moving before I fully think it through. My pencil flies across the page as images of clothing designed to protect and empower women flow from my mind.
First–jackets.
