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“Isabelle, please sit,” he grinned, motioning toward the table with his free hand.
A man appeared out of nowhere, pulling my chair out from the table for me. Nodding, I silently thanked him as I sat down. He immediately placed a napkin in my lap and I instantly folded my hands over it, nervously locking my fingers together in my lap. A woman then arrived, pouring coffee and orange juice into the glasses before me.
“Are you going to be able to drink those or should I sit closer and help you?” V teased.
I giggled, “Hush.”
He lifted his hand into the air. Promptly, his staff disappeared out of view, leaving us alone. He tilted his head, studying me as I awkwardly shifted my weight in the chair. I had great table manners in general, but when you are blindfolded before a man who paid one million dollars for you, manners are the least of your concerns.
“Breakfast shouldn't be long.”
I nodded.
He took a sip of his coffee then folded the newspaper, placing it to the side of the table out of the way. “How did you sleep?”
Lifting my glass of orange juice, I placed it to my mouth speaking with the rim to my lips, “I slept fine but I'm still feeling weird about being here.”
I quickly realized I probably should not have said that when he became incredibly still and silent. If it were not for the birds chirping, I would have been able to hear a pin drop. I swiftly lowered my eyes, slowly sipping my juice once again.
“You're unhappy here,” he mumbled. “Have I not been nice enough to you?”
“It's not about that,” I sighed.
I tried to find words that would not further insult him because the truth was, he had been nice. He did not try to force me into anything like I expected. Weighing my words carefully, I debated if I should digress or continue. I felt him glaring at me, causing me to feel intimidated.
“I just hate wearing this thing,” I admitted. “I know that's not what you want to hear, and yes, you have been nice to me.” Fidgeting with my fingers in my lap beneath the table, I prudently chose my words as I continued. “I just feel so lonely because I have no friends or family here and I have to walk around in this thing.”
Gesturing to my black, lace veil, I lowered my head in shame. He cleared his throat, altering his position in his seat. He appeared to be tense based on his demeanor, but he did not snap at me or yell. Instead, he audibly exhaled as I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
“I'm sorry,” I apologized, sniffling. “I don't want to ruin breakfast, but I just didn't want to lie to you.”
“Then don’t,” he glowered. “It’s here now.”
He turned his attention to the staff, lifting his hand to signal his approval for approaching the table with our food. Pursing his lips, he nodded to them as they placed our food in front of us. I did not need full vision to realize that he was bothered. As we made small talk, he informed me that he was taking a few days off to spend time with me. He was not rude or short, but I could tell he was trying to find the right words to say so that did not sound brute.
When we finished eating, he stood, sauntering to my side of the table. Taking my hand in his, he softly pressed his lips to my skin before he smiled. He gently tugged on my hand, helping me to my feet. Tilting my head, I tried to guess what game he was now playing with me as I tried my best to peer into his eyes.
“Isabelle, take a walk with me,” he exhorted with a serious tone.
Silently, we strolled the estate gardens, following along a stone path. He placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me as the paths crossed and broke off into different routes. A strong aroma of flowers filled the air, the breeze swaying around us, caused me to deeply inhale the delightful scent. I stumbled on a water hose stretched across the stones, but he reached out, grabbing my arm before I fell to the ground. We shared a laugh as I smoothed my dress, fighting back embarrassment.
“Just a little farther,” he reassured me.
A few moments later, we came to a stop in an open area near a fountain. He placed his body behind mine, curling his fingertips on my hips, gently pulling me back into him. A shiver inched up my spine the minute he caressed me. A small gust of cool wind blew against us, causing me to let out a small gasp.
“Don't move,” he warned, leaning forward as he whispered into my ear.
I felt his hands leave my hips, and he trailed his fingertips up my sides over my shoulders. He came to a stop on the back of my head. Suddenly, I felt my veil become loose as he untied it and delicately pulled it away from my face.
Audibly, I sighed in awe as I was faced with a breathtaking, colorful view of the gardens surrounding us, with his mansion in the background. I found myself beaming, forgetting why I was here. The garden boasted a variety of bushes and every sort of flower imaginable that I could see, for what seemed like miles.
Tucking my bottom lip between my teeth, I contemplated turning around, exposing his true identity. As if he could read my mind, he slowly snaked his hands around my waist, locking his fingers in front of my stomach.
6 The PLan
He asked as he wrapped his hands around my waist, “What do you think?”
I was speechless. Never in my life had I ever been faced with something so incredible. An entirely new world had been opened before my eyes. Peering around the grounds of the mansion, I absorbed every small detail that I could. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes. It was then I caught the scent of his cologne once again. I was in sensory overload, rendering me speechless with a carnal desire.
