Page 27 of Shattered Oath
She was right. I knew she was right.
"I will," I said. "Soon."
My phone buzzed. Xavier.
"Sorry." I stepped away to answer. "Hello?"
"Hey, Isa. Quick thing. I need the code to your apartment."
"Why?"
"Can't say. Sworn to secrecy." His voice was light, but I could hear him moving, keys jingling in the background. "Come on. Trust me."
"Is this Femi's doing?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny."
I sighed. "Fine. 4792."
"You're the best. See you tonight."
He hung up. I pocketed my phone and returned to find Aria sketching dress ideas while Kim made detailed notes.
"Everything okay?" Kim asked.
"Xavier. Being mysterious."
"So, normal Xavier."
"Basically."
We moved on to the dress. Aria had ideas—classic but modern, romantic but not fussy. I sketched while she talked, modifying lines, adjusting proportions.
"What about the bridal shower?" Kim asked. "Have we set a date?"
"Next month. And I know exactly what I want for drinks." Aria's expression turned almost dreamy. "That wine from the launch party. Matteo's wine. I'm obsessed. We have to have him at the wedding."
Matteo. The wine vendor. I remembered him vaguely—the tasting, his passion when he talked about his grandfather's vines.
"His wine is good," I agreed. "Makes sense."
"Good? It's exceptional. Sebastian doesn't understand, but I don't care. We're having it."
We finished around four. I hugged everyone goodbye and headed back to my apartment, wondering what Xavier and Femi had been planning.
The door was unlocked.
I stepped inside and stopped.
Flowers. Everywhere. Roses and peonies covering every surface, filling the apartment with overwhelming scent. It looked like someone had robbed a botanical garden.
On the center table, a card in his handwriting.
Something beautiful to match the woman I love. See you soon. —F
I heard movement behind me and turned. Femi stood in the doorway to the bedroom, looking pleased with himself.
"Do you like it?"
