Leaping from my chair, I snatch my black silk clutch from the tabletop. I need to leave before my foolishness becomes more exposed.
When I attempt to dash away from the table, Isaac’s hand jerks out and seizes my wrist, causing the cutlery on the table to clang together.Never show your fear, Isabelle.Raising my shoulders, I gather my composure before turning my gaze down to him, endeavoring to show him I’m not affected by his rejection.
“I’ll drive you home,” he offers, his voice rough.
I shake my head. His eyes narrow, forcing me to swallow a lump formed in my throat. Not releasing my hand, he stands from his seat and aggressively throws his unused napkin down onto the table. When he digs into his back pocket, Cormack gestures his hands in front of his body, indicating he will pay the bill.
“Can you take Harlow home?” Isaac questions, his voice deeper than I’ve ever heard it.
“Yeah,” Cormack replies. “If Harlow is okay with that?” His gaze seeks Harlow’s.
Harlow’s anxious eyes lift to mine, seeking permission. I nod. Just one look into Isaac’s stern eyes is all I need to know he is going to drive me home whether I agree or not.
Harlow leans over the table to give me a brief, friendly hug. “I’ll call you later.”
Nodding, I return her hug the best I can with the one arm I have free since Isaac is still clutching my other hand.
Cormack and Isaac must say a silent goodbye as neither utter a sound before Isaac walks toward the exit of the restaurant. I have to jog in my heels to keep up with his quick strides.
Halfway there, he yanks his phone out of his pocket, lifts it to his ear and commands Hugo to bring his car around. By the time we make it outside, my arm feels like it's been tugged out of its socket from his harsh pulls. I attempt to remove my arm from his rough grip, but instead of releasing me, his grip tightens. Pain spasms in my wrist.
“Let go of my arm.” I pull away from his grasp.
He exhales a husky breath before releasing his tight grip. He runs his hand through his hair as his eyes turn to the blackened sky. I've never seen someone so furious over a little kiss before. I wouldn't have kissed him if I knew I was going to get this type of reaction.
He is acting like. . .like he is. . .oh my god.
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” Irritation is heard in my voice. “It was just a harmless kiss. . . it didn’t mean anything.”
“Then why did you do it?” His stern eyes turn from the blackened night to me. “If it didn’t mean anything, why did you kiss me?”
“Because I wanted to,” I reply honestly. “And I wanted you to admit you lied.”
“I didn’t lie,” he snaps, his tone unwavering. “I said no brunette I havefuckedhas maintained my interest outside of the bedroom.”
So he is admitting I have gained his interest?He takes a step closer to me, forcing me to take a step back. His eyes are unnerving. They’re the darkest I’ve ever seen them.
“If you want to prove your point, Isabelle.” Even though his voice is gruff, my name still rolls off his tongue seductively. “I’ll have to fuck you first.”
I should be offended by his crudeness, by his lack of respect, but I’m not. For months I’ve been torturing myself over this man. He is in my thoughts day and night. He is under my skin. He even invades my dreams. The intriguing Isaac Holt I read about every day on paper has nothing on the suspense and intrigue I feel when I’m with him in person. His aura makes it seem as if he is two different people.
He steps closer to me. He is so close there isn’t enough space between our bodies for my lungs to fully expand. His tormented eyes filter over my face before he cradles my cheek. His thumb glides over my dry top lip. It's dry from my inability to produce saliva, my mouth is parched from his intense gaze.
“Is that what you want, Isabelle?” he questions, his tone rough.
At first, I’m confused by his question. I’ve become so immersed in staring into his entrancing eyes, I’ve completely forgotten about his earlier comment.
“Because your body is saying one thing and your eyes relay another.”
His intense eyes convey his absolute confusion. He isn’t the only one confused. My brain knows our bizarre kinship is unethical. It may even be illegal, but my heart and body don’t want to hear the logical thoughts of my mind. All they want is Isaac. They have craved him ever since the day I collided with him at the airport, but can I do this? Can I sacrifice everything for a man I hardly know?
Before any words can seep from my lips, a dark, sleek sports car pulls in next to us. Isaac removes his hand from my cheek and shoves it into his trouser pocket.
“Get in the car, Isabelle.”
Shocked and frozen in place, I watch Isaac stride toward the driver's side door Hugo is stepping out of. Isaac and Hugo talk in hushed whispers. Hugo nods before his blue eyes lift to mine. He offers me a wary smile before moving around the vehicle and opening the passenger side door.
Isaac's eyes lift to mine. He gestures for me to enter the car before he slides into the driver's seat, not bothering to wait for my response. Although this is a prime opportunity for me to make a calculated getaway, I can't force myself to walk away from him. Reluctantly, I head to the sleek black car.
