17. Izabella

IZABELLA

Today has quite possibly been the longest day of my life, and it’s not over yet, because even though dinner is over, all of these well-wishers just don’t seem to want to leave. Almost everyone in the room is a stranger, yet it feels like I’ve spent hours making small talk with them about people I don’t know and places I’ve never been.

Since we walked back into the lion’s den, Gulliver has kept me pinned to his side, forcing me to play the role of dutiful little fiancée. The entire time he’s touched me like we really are in love, holding my hand, wrapping his arms around me, and casually kissing me like he has the right to my lips whenever he wants.

For years I’ve been treated like an employee, trained to play the role of my sister whenever the need dictates, but tonight I feel more like a possession—Gulliver’s toy he’s using to taunt my family.

Turning, I risk a glance over my shoulder at the man whose hand keeps grazing the underside of my breast every time he positions me in front of him and wraps his arms around me like he just can’t keep his hands off me. Honestly, I’m amazed by how cool and calm he is. Either he’s an incredibly good actor, or all this subterfuge and the lies he’s so effortlessly told tonight just don’t bother him at all.

Gulliver seems genuinely happy and excited as he moves us from one group to the next, regaling each new set of people with the story of how we fell in love, regularly guiding us to gloat over my family, and occasionally stopping to chat and laugh with one of his friends. Davis, who I now know is the blond boy, and Hawthorn, or Thorn as Gulliver calls him, seem to think this whole charade is incredibly entertaining, but when Gulliver isn’t looking, I can see the sympathy for me in Kip’s eyes.

As the first guests wish us good night and leave, I’m both excited for the night to be done and dreading leaving with my parents. I’m fairly confident that they’re going to flay me alive the moment we get in the car. Gulliver may not have realized it, but threatening to tell my family I planned all of this was the perfect tactic to keep me in line. It doesn’t matter that all the lies he’s told tonight barely even make sense, because my family would absolutely believe him over me.

They might not have been speaking loudly, but I heard what Dad said to Gulliver earlier. He asked why Gulliver would want me when he could have Penelope, and as much as I tried not to let his dismissal of my value visibly wound me, I still felt it like a knife to the chest. If I were a different person, maybe I’d be happy about what Gulliver is forcing me to do, but even though I hate what they’ve become and how they treat me, they’re still my family.

“Izabella, our car is waiting,” Mom announces angrily as she appears at my side.

I nod and move to pull away from Gulliver’s hold, but instead of releasing me, he pulls me in tighter to him. “Trudy, have you met our friends? This is Davis Aldrich, Kip Tudor, and Hawthorn Benedict.”

“Of course, nice to see you again, boys,” she says so sweetly, I actually blink to check if it’s still my mom talking.

“We were actually just talking about the sailing trip we have planned tomorrow,” Kip says, winking at me before turning to look at my mom.

“It would make sense for Izzy to stay here tonight, so we can get an early start in the morning,” Gulliver says in a voice that dares her to argue.

“I’m not sure that’s appropriate,” Mom says stiffly.

Gulliver laughs, but the sound is cold as his arm becomes a band of steel around my back. “Trudy, she is my fiancée, and she has her own room.”

Mom’s hostile gaze turns to me for the first time. “Izabella, you’d rather come home, wouldn’t you?” She poses it like a question, but it’s clearly not. “And of course, you don’t have any of your things here.”

I open my mouth to speak, but Gulliver replies for me. “Fitzy is sending clothes here for her in the morning. Come now, Trudy, or should I call you mom?” he purrs. “You need to learn to share her. She is mine now, after all.” Lifting my hand, he dangles the huge diamond ring in Mom’s face before lifting my hand to his lips and pressing an ostentatious kiss to my ring finger.

“Let Izzy stay, Mrs. R. We’re excited for a day on the water. I promise we’ll have her home before you know it,” Davis coaxes, flashing her his dimpled smile.

My mom smiles at Davis, then turns her cold, angry gaze on me. “I’ll see you tomorrow night,” she says pointedly.

I nod, not bothering to speak as my mom waves sweetly at the guys, then turns and walks away.

One by one, the rest of the guests leave, until there’s only me, Gulliver, Mr. Winslow, Davis, Thorn, and Kip left. Mr. Winslow fills a glass with whiskey, loosens his tie, and sighs loudly.

“Anyone joining me for a drink?”

“You got any beer, Mr. W?” Davis asks, pulling his tie and jacket off and undoing the top button on his shirt.

“There’s some in the wet bar,” Mr. Winslow calls as he moves onto the terrace and flops down into a chair.

Thorn, Davis, and Gulliver all head for the patio, and I pause, unsure what to do. Should I follow them or leave? My first instinct is to leave, and my feet move before I even fully decide to go.

“Where are you going?” Kip asks, touching my arm lightly.

“Err, I was…” I awkwardly point toward the door to the hallway.

“Come have a drink with us,” he urges, smiling that reassuring smile he’s shown me more than once today.

“I don’t—” I start as Kip reaches out and takes my hand.

“Come on, we need to get to know you better,” he urges again, tipping his head toward the terrace again.

“You making a play for my girl?” Gulliver growls from the shadow of the door, his voice rough.

Kip laughs. “Maybe. She’s too good for your miserable ass,” he barbs straight back, pulling me forward and winking.

I laugh, my first genuine laugh of the day, smiling at Kip and wondering if maybe, just maybe, he could be the good in all this chaos. When he looks at me, I get the feeling that he doesn’t just see a pawn to be moved around to his advantage, and if he doesn’t want or need anything from me, maybe he could just be a friend.

Sighing, I let him pull me onto the terrace and over to the elaborate wet bar that’s set up on the far side. Releasing me, he leans down to open the refrigerator that’s under the counter. “What do you want to drink? There’s soda, wine, champagne, mixers.”

“I’ll have a beer, please.”

Kip straightens quickly and looks at me quizzically. “A beer?”

“Yeah, if you have one, or I’ll just have a soda if you don’t,” I say with a small shrug.

Bending back down, Kip grabs five bottles from the cooler, placing them on the counter as he opens each bottle in turn. Reaching for a glass, he calls. “Anyone need a glass?”

A chorus of no’s sings back, and then he looks to me. “You want a glass, right?”

I shake my head. “The bottle’s fine.”

“Are you sure? Because honestly, I’ve never seen your sister?—”

I cut him off. “I’m not my sister,” I say firmly.

“No, you’re not,” Gulliver says, snaking his arm around my waist and pulling me back against his chest until our bodies are flush.

Kip’s eyes narrow for a second, then his expression becomes neutral again, and he hands a bottle of beer to me first, then offers them to the other guys one by one.

For a moment, the terrace patio is silent, apart from the clinking of the ice cubes in Mr. Winslow’s glass as he swirls his whiskey around.

I flinch when Gulliver’s lips press against my neck, the heat of his skin on mine scorching me. “Come sit with me,” he whispers against my ear as he presses me forward and toward the huge sectional couch where Davis and Thorn are sitting.

Stepping forward, I sit down on the cushions next to Thorn, but far enough away that I’m not touching him and leaving plenty of room for Gulliver to sit next to me. A startled cry falls from my lips as he sits, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into him, my back nestled into the curve of his shoulder as he lazily draws circles over my exposed collarbone.

I try to relax, but the idea of being in his arms, of being in anyone’s arms, is unsettling. I’ve enjoyed the way he kisses me, but cuddling feels so much more intimate than a brief, orchestrated kiss.

Last summer, my parents agreed to let me go and visit a distant aunt in Spain, and I used the months of freedom to explore the beautiful country, anonymous and unknown. I introduced myself by my middle name, and for those three glorious months I was just Cordelia, in a place where the people had no idea who I was, or more importantly, who I wasn’t.

The men around me start a conversation, but I tune them out, instead listening to the sounds of the night. After a while, I relax a little and let my back rest against Gulliver, enjoying his body heat.

“Well, kids, I have an early round of golf in the morning, so I’ll say good night,” Mr. Winslow says, placing his empty glass on the table and standing. “Gulliver, Izabella, congratulations. I might be a pushy bastard, and I might have tried a little too hard for a political alliance between our two families, but I’m truly happy you’ve found each other. I’m cynical, bitter, and divorced, but there’s nothing better than being young and in love, so enjoy it. And not that you need it, but you have my blessing.” When he turns his gaze on me, his smile is warm and genuine. “Izabella, sweetheart. Our home is your home. Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a little choked up at his words.

“Good night, everyone,” he says, squeezing Gulliver’s shoulder before he disappears into the house.

We all stay silent for a few moments, then the guys look at each other and a ring of laughter starts with Davis, spreading through the others until I can feel the vibrations in Gulliver’s chest at my back.

Lifting myself from the cocoon of his arms, I twist around and find a wide grin etched across his face as he laughs openly, his eyes crinkling at the sides.

“Oh my god.” Thorn rasps. “I can’t believe you got away with it. You fucking got down on one knee,” he says, laughing so hard he’s wiping tears from his eyes.

“Did you see Izzy’s mom’s face?” Davis crows.

“And Penelope,” Kip adds. “I’ve never seen her green with envy before. I wish I’d taken a picture.”

“You all think this is funny?” I ask, a little incredulous.

“It’s hilarious.” Davis laughs. “Tonight, Gulliver got himself out of a life sentence. It’s epic.”

“But it’s all fake,” I say.

“And that’s the best thing about it,” Gulliver says, his voice rough and low.

Shaking my head, I reach for my beer and take a long pull, grateful that I’m not having to drink the disgusting champagne that’s been forced into my hand at every turn tonight.

“What’s with the beer?” Thorn asks, tipping his own bottle toward mine in question.

“What about it?”

“Well, I’d bet money on your sister drinking pink drinks and fruity cocktails, and you’re drinking beer straight out of the bottle.”

I shrug, not sure what exactly he wants me to say. I don’t think mentioning that I’m not my sister is driving the point home.

His head tilts to the side, and he assesses me impassively. “I can’t get over how fucking identical you and Penelope are, it’s freaky.”

Shrugging again, I swallow back my retort because “Duh, we’re identical twins” probably isn’t that constructive.

“Leave her alone,” Kip says. “Why don’t you tell us a bit more about you, Izzy? Something more than just the fact you’re Penelope’s twin.”

“There’s not much to say.”

“Who are you friends with at school? How many people knew there were two of you before today?” he asks.

“I don’t have any friends, so no one knew other than the teachers,” I answer dismissively.

“You must have some friends. You’ve been at GAA for years,” Gulliver says from his position behind me.

I shake my head. “I’ve just kept to myself.”

“Why do I get the feeling that your sister likes it that way?” Kip asks, and I’m shocked to hear a little anger laced into his voice.

“It’s fine. I don’t want to be friends with people who don’t look hard enough to notice that there are two of us. Right now, I’m just biding my time until graduation.”

“What happens at graduation?” Davis asks, sipping at his beer.

“Freedom,” I say with a smile. “And a fresh start in a new country.”

“Where are you going?” Gulliver asks with a little bite in his voice that confuses me.

“England. I’m going to go to school over there.” A happy smile slips over my lips as I imagine what my life will look like in a year’s time. No more pretending, no more family drama, just me being me.

“Have you been sailing before?” Kip asks.

“I went a few times when I was a kid. What kind of boat do you have?” I ask.

“The Escape is a sixty-foot oyster yacht. She’s a real beauty, you’re going to love her,” Thorn says, his face coming alive with excitement.

“Oh, no, that’s okay. You guys had this all planned out before Gulliver decided to pull this engagement bullshit. I don’t want to gate-crash your day,” I say, shaking my head.

“What? You don’t want to come? It’s all perfectly safe. We’re all experienced helmsmen and crew. We keep a professional crew onboard too, so you’ll be fine,” Kip assures me, reaching over to pat my leg reassuringly.

“I’m sure you’re all very qualified, that’s not my concern. Look, Gulliver only told my mom I was going with you guys tomorrow so I didn’t have to go home tonight and to delay the drama that’s going to explode the next time I see my family. You guys don’t need to feel bad for me and offer me a pity invite. I’m more than happy to camp out here, or I can go find a coffee shop and lose myself in a book for the day,” I stammer out, willing the blush that’s rising in my cheeks to dissipate.

“You’re coming,” Gulliver growls.

“No, no, really, I don’t have to,” I say.

“I said, you’re coming,” he growls again, silencing any more arguments I might have had planned. Twisting my head, I look up into his impassive face and wonder why he cares what I do. He’s coerced me into this sham of an engagement, but surely we only have to pretend this is real when people are watching.

“Anyone else want another beer?” he asks, getting up from behind me and walking to the bar.

I shake my head when the others all nod, forcing myself not to follow him with my eyes.

“We want you to come with us tomorrow,” Kip says, scooting up to take Gulliver’s place beside me. “It’ll be fun.”

“I literally have this dress and some jean shorts with me. I don’t have anything to wear,” I say.

“I already told you that Fitzy is sending you some things over in the morning,” Gulliver interrupts, appearing in front of me as he hands out fresh bottles of beer to the guys. Glaring at Kip until he moves, Gulliver sits back down beside me, pulling me into the curve of his arm and holding me in place.

“What? I thought you just said that to shut my mom up.”

Gulliver’s laugh is low and rough as he inhales on a cigarette, blowing the smoke into the air. “I spoke to him while you were getting ready, and he was fucking ecstatic to put some things together for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned up here in the morning just to dress you. You’ve completely got him in your thrall.”

“I met him for less than thirty minutes,” I scoff.

“And you look like a fucking goddess,” he says so quietly I barely hear him.

A tired yawn falls from my lips, and I sigh, exhaustion pulling me under.

“Come on, Little Ghost, it’s time for bed,” Gulliver whispers, his lips at my ear.

“Okay,” I agree, moving away from his warm heat and shivering as a waft of cool night air creates goose bumps on my skin.

One by one, the guys all stand and we shuffle off the terrace, someone shutting and locking the doors behind us. The rest of the house is dimly lit, and I slide my shoes off, gripping them in my hand and padding barefoot across the room.

“Am I sleeping in the room I got ready in?” I ask no one in particular.

“Yeah, I’ll walk you,” Gulliver says.

“See you in the morning, Izzy,” Kip calls, leaning down and pressing a light kiss against my cheek.

“Night, Kip,” I say softly. Lifting my hand, I wave to Davis and Thorn. “Night, guys.”

They both smile and wave back, and I’m surprised at how nice they’re all being. Maybe they’re all just really invested in Gulliver not having to marry my sister. It’s the only reason I can think of that explains their behavior. I suppose it makes sense to be nice to me. Don’t want to piss off the girl you’re using, even if you are blackmailing her.

From the little I’ve seen of the four boys at school, they’re not bullies, they’re just the Elite, the most popular kids in school. The richest, the most powerful, and usually that status comes with a sense of superiority, but the guys just seem normal.

Gulliver places his hand at the base of my spine, and I let him guide me through the house and up to the bedroom I used earlier. He twists the handle and opens the door for me, and I step into the room and then turn to face him.

“I know you don’t want to marry my sister, but all this,” I say, gesturing between us. “Don’t you think you’re taking it a bit too far? We could just tell them the truth.”

“No,” he snaps. “We’re not going to tell them anything. This is happening, so just…” He sighs and takes a step closer to me. “This is the perfect solution for both of us. So you’re going to be a good girl and enjoy being my fiancée until graduation, okay?”

Shaking my head, I point a finger at him. “This is the perfect solution for you. Don’t pretend like any of this has anything to do with me. You’re just using me to fuck with my sister. You don’t care about me or give a crap about all the wreckage this will leave for me to clean up. So just be fucking honest. You don’t know me, you don’t care, and you did this to save yourself.”

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