Part 3The Savior Swap

Later, in the study, Julian made his case. "I brought someone back," he said, "Lila. She... she also saved my life. Her family is gone, so I'm taking responsibility for her." "The rumors are just that. Rumors. There's nothing unprofessional between us." I just sipped my whiskey. "Go on."

"I know you have a lot of... clothes. And jewelry. Things you never wear, things your mother buys you that just sit in a vault." He was hedging. "Lila comes from nothing. She doesn't own anything nice. With gala season starting, I was hoping you could... lend her some things. And maybe, you know, take her under your wing. Show her the ropes."

I had to set my glass down. Was he insane? Or had that "disappearance" cost him his brain? "No," I said flatly. "I don't think so."

Just then, the door burst open. Silas ran in, the sound of his jewelry like wind chimes. "Sloane! Look! Do you like my hair like this?" He'd taken down his elaborate braids and was trying to figure out how to use one of my diamond hairpins. He was like a beautiful, exotic bird playing with a mirror. I propped my chin on my hand, watching him. He really was stunning. That androgynous, otherworldly beauty that designers went crazy for.

I turned back to Julian, who looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. "You're too late," I said. "I gave all my extra pieces to Silas." "He's so beautiful, and he appreciates pretty things. They look better on him anyway." Julian's eyes bugged out. "You what? Those are your mother's! That's a billion-dollar collection! I've asked to borrow a set for my own sisters and you've refused! You're giving it to... to him?"

I loved my jewelry. I loved just looking at it. And Julian knew it. Which made his request for this "Lila" all the more insulting. He was clearly here to provoke me. Silas, sensing the tension, immediately started his act. "Oh, Sloane," he said, his voice trembling. "I shouldn't have taken them. I'll... I'll give them back to... to this gentleman." He fumbled, pretending to pull the pins from his hair. I grabbed his hand. "Don't be ridiculous. You need to look good for the parties, too."

Julian was vibrating. "You can't forget our engagement, Sloane. I am your fiancé. And you're acting like this, with him, right in front of me?" I raised an eyebrow. "Like what, Julian? I'm just being nice to my... friend." "He's my savior. I'm indebted to him. I'm taking him in, giving him a place to stay. You, of all people, should understand that." "Are you... jealous? You don't have siblings, do you?" Silas chimed in, "Sloane, am I in the way? He looks so... angry. It's scary." "Don't worry," I assured him. "He's just got a bad temper. Not sweet and kind, like you." Julian looked like he was going to faint.