Emille

Chapter 19

Isa's eyes were incredibly distracting. A brown so deep they were almost black, framed by thick lashes and intense eyebrows. They angled up gracefully at the corners, and when she grinned they threatened to disappear. Rich, sharp, hypnotic. And always sliding away from Natalia's gaze.

"What are you staring at?"

"Your eyes," Natalia replied, unashamed. Isa rolled her eyes and snorted.

"You're a shameless flirt."

"I'm an enjoyer of all things beautiful."

"Case in point."

Isa pulled them along with an insistent tug, and Natalia grinned cheekily. They were almost to Natalia's dorm, and despite the distraction of Isa, her leg throbbed pitifully.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Natalia asked. Emille's breakdown had shaken her more than she'd care to admit. She'd felt like she was intruding on something intimate. It was too raw.

"Peter doesn't talk much on a good day, so probably nothing," Isa replied. Natalia chuckled, and they fell silent.

"I've never seen her like that," Isa admitted after a moment. "But I think she needed that."

"I think Peter needed that too. At least tonight wasn't a total failure."

"I still think we did alright," Isa grumbled.

"Which is why I'm the group leader."

"According to who?" Isa laughed.

"It's an unspoken agreement."

"You're spending too much time talking to the rats."

"Yeah, but you guys have really grown on me."

That last comment earned Natalia an elbow to the ribs. She thought about elbowing her back, but given that Isa was holding them both up, she kept her elbows to herself.

Once inside Natalia's dorm, their dilemma became apparent. Natalia's bed, with its many colorful blankets and pillows, beckoned invitingly for her. She could feel the syrup of sleep already seeping into her mind. She stepped towards it, and Isa stopped her.

"You are caked in mud," she pointed out.

"Yes."

"Aren't you going to shower?"

"No?"

"You're going to sleep in your own filth?"

A pause. "Yes?"

"No. Come on, let's get you to the shower."

Natalia's eyes widened in shock, and a deliciously scandalized smile slipped onto her face.

"Ms. Isabella Cardillo, are you inviting me into the shower with you?"

"No–" Isa spluttered.

"You sly dog," Natalia continued, her smile widening.

"Oh, come on." Isa grabbed her waist and pulled them towards the door.

"No protests here," Natalia laughed.

The shower was anything but scandalous. Isa brought her to the stall door, then shoved her in unceremoniously and left, only to return with a shower caddy.

"There's no need to cover your eyes," Natalia said. "I'm fully dressed."

Isa peeked out from beneath her hands cautiously.