Promise

Chapter 2: Dessert

"That's kind of you." I returned the smile.

Pressing a hand to my lower back, he ushered me into the house. Before Damon and Ariadne got married, I used to live in the mansion. Though they both insisted I stay, I wanted something that was just mine. Something personal and small. It wasn't anything fancy, a two-bedroom little thing that I was very happy in. Easels and oil paints scattered the floors and counters and it always smelled like cinnamon. It was home.

"It's the truth. Although..."

"Although?"

"I actually don't know if it is my favorite."

I rolled my eyes. "You're lying to me now, huh?"

His low chuckle reverberated through me. "Never."

"What is your favorite then?"

When he turned to me, there was a flash of pain in those endless brown eyes. His face was perfectly sculpted, cheekbones and a jawline so sharp it could cut diamonds. Beautiful brown hair that was as soft as it looked.

"You know the answer," he played.

It took me less than a second. "Cinnamon rolls?"

He nodded his assent, his gaze touching my cheek.

"I'll make them for you sometime soon, then."

"Yeah?"

"Of course."

He didn't get to respond, because Ariadne's voice broke us out of the bubble we were in.

"There you are!" Ariadne exclaimed with outstretched arms, a ten-million-dollar smile on her face. I missed this house. But, it felt more like a home now. Ariadne and Damon displayed my art proudly all around the house and there were tons of toys and games scattered on couches that Bella Duval's daughter–Reyna–played with. And of course, their upcoming bundle of joy. Or bundle of terror. Who knew, when Damon Hale's DNA was in the mix?

I hugged my best friend with fervor before crouching down to her stomach. "Hi there. How are you? Did you miss me? I know you did."

"Seeing as you saw him yesterday, I don't think he had time to miss you," my brother drawled, coming up behind his wife and planting a kiss on my cheek.

Ariadne smacked his arm lightly. "He did miss her. So much."

"Thank you," I smiled serenely before glaring at my brother. "I don't care if I just saw them yesterday. You steal enough of Ariadne's time, Damon. Back off."

"She's my wife," he deadpanned.

"She was my friend first," I retorted.

Christian and Damon shared an exasperated look that clearly said, sisters.

Paying no attention, Ariadne and I walked hand in hand into the enormous kitchen. Pots and pans were piled on the stove, flour everywhere and fresh gnocchi sitting on the counter. My mouth watered as I watched Bella knead the dough.

"Dio mio, that looks delicious, Bella."

"Robyn," she grinned her signature mega-watt smile that made me instantly feel much more comfortable. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," I answered. "And you?"

"Tired," she replied honestly. "Terrible twos are real."

"Reyna and terrible? No."

"Oh yes," Bella chuckled. "She's a mini Francis."

Reyna was incredibly advanced for her age. She spoke nearly clear full sentences, had coherent advanced thoughts, and was an absolute mastermind like her father. Ariadne, a pediatrician, was sure her IQ test was going to be off the charts if she ever decided to take one. Francis Duval was a member of Mensa, so it really didn't surprise me too much.