Page 102 of The Art of Ruin

“Fine,” I say, huffing out a small laugh. “He was—” I hesitate because I can feel how this sounds before I even say it.

“Go on,” she prompts.

“He was really wonderful,” I say finally, quieter now. “Like… annoyingly good. He didn’t leave me alone for more than fiveminutes, kept bringing me things I didn’t ask for, and wouldn’t take no for an answer even when I tried.”

Isabella’s mouth curves slowly. “That sounds like him.”

“It was exhausting,” I add, though there’s no real bite to it, “in a completely different way.”

“Because you’re not used to being looked after.”

“I don’t need to be looked after,” I say automatically.

Her expression doesn’t shift. “We all need it sometimes, Case,” she says.

I roll my eyes but ignore the comment. “He’s just more stubborn than I am.”

She laughs softly. “That’s a dangerous combination and, believe me, it’s a family trait he shares with his older brother.”

“You’re telling me. It’s a bad combo.”

“And?” she presses. “Was he nice about it?”

I think about it for a second, about the way he’d taken over without making me feel like I’d lost control of anything. “He was very considerate,” I admit. “He just… did things. Didn’t make it into a whole discussion. Or make a fuss. He just handled it and was even sweet at times. I even got him to watch that show we like, Murder on the Island.”

Isabella hums softly. “I love that show.” Her head cocks to the side. “He’s not like that with many people.”

I glance at her. “You sound surprised.”

“I am.” She pauses, then adds lightly, “He’s hot, too. Although don’t tell Nic I said that.”

I choke on my drink. “That’s not relevant. He’s my boss.”

“It’s extremely relevant. Nico was my arch-nemesis, and look how that turned out, so boss seems like a weak excuse.”

“It’s not.”

“It is,” she insists, completely unfazed. “You’re far more likely to tolerate things from a man you find attractive.”

“I tolerated him because I didn’t have the energy to argue,” I say, even as the words sound weaker than I’d like.

“Hmm.”

I shake my head, pushing past it. “Let’s move on from me and my boss. What about you and Nico?”

Her expression softens instantly. “We’ve been talking about trying.”

It takes me a second. “Trying?”

“For a baby.”

My smile comes easily this time as I grab her hand and give it a squeeze. “Izzy… that’s amazing.”

She laughs, a little breathless. “It’s terrifying.”

“It’s supposed to be. You’ll be incredible parents.”

“I hope so.”