ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas's sharp intake of breath made me look at him. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened, the amusement from earlier replaced by something raw and furious.“I suppose it was my fault,” I added, forcing a smile. “I should have taken better care of her.”Nicholas shook his head “No, Isabella. That wasn’t your fault”"I guess" I tried to laugh it off."Why haven't you bought another one? It's been years," He asked, and I looked at him. His eyes bored right into mine as though he could see the emotions starting to twirl inside."You're scared it might die because you won't be able to take care of it?" he murmured, his words sticking a nerve.I blinked, surprised at how easily he read me. “Maybe.”“Do you want a cat?”His question caught me off guard. “What?”“Do you want another cat, Isabella?” he asked again.My lips parted, but no words came out. Why did he care?“It doesn’t matter,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “Let’s forget about it.”His brow arched as he st
ISABELLA'S POV I slammed the door shut behind me, the familiar surge of annoyance bubbling hot in my chest. It's been hours since my encounter with Christabella but that encounter was all it took for my entire day to be ruined. The only thing I wanted now was peace and quietness. "Welcome, my dear" Odessa's soft voice greeted me from the foyer but I didn't look at her. I was lost in thoughts, irritation tangling my skin. "Would you like me to prepare something for you, dear?" Her gentle voice asked again and I finally looked at her."Not yet, Odessa. I'm not hungry" I gave her a faint smile, one that didn't reach my my eyes. She studied me for a moment, a knowing look in her eyes. With a slight tilt of her head, she stepped closer "Follow me, dear. There's something I'd like to show you" she said, her eyes lit with excitement My brows furrowed slightly. Something? I nodded and pushed aside everything that weighed in my heart, I followed Odessa, curious about what she wanted to sh
NICHOLAS POVTHE NEXT DAYAs soon I stepped through the front door, I stormed straight into my room, my movements swift and forceful. I flung my phone away but made sure it landed safely on the comforter of my bed. With a quick, sharp motion I yanked my tie off, throwing it inside the basket of unwashed clothes. My jacket came off next and I folded it where it should be. I was angry but I couldn't even let it show. The weight of my encounter with Victor pressed down on my chest, suffocating me. He always knew how to push my buttons, how to make me feel like I was failing the legacy my grandfather left behind. That bastard always questioned me, questioned my every move, my every decision, and no matter how much I tried to act unaffected, it was exhausting, especially with the constant reminder that things weren't moving perfectly like they should. But my thoughts suddenly drifted to her. Isabella. The anger in my chest subsided slightly as I pictured her. A soft, almost invisible sm
NICHOLAS POVThe moment my lips collided with hers, everything else ceased to exist. The softness of her lips, the way she tasted, and the way she melted into me- consumed me. It was like every ounce of control I'd spent years perfecting was rippled out of my grasp in an instant. I couldn't think. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't stop. My grip on the back of her neck tightened and I pulled her closer. The kiss deepened, my tongue sweeping into her mouth and savoring every taste of her. She gave in with a soft, breathy moan, a sound that sent a jolt of electricity straight to my cock. Every ounce of discipline I had, disintegrated. I was no longer Nicholas Montgomery, the man who calculated every step, who planned every encounter with precision. I was just a man, utterly and completely consumed by her. My hand slid lower, gripping her hip as I pulled her fully into my lap, desperate to feel every inch of her. Her soft gasp sent a jolt of electricity through me and I groaned into her mout
ISABELLA'S POV The club was a swirl of energy as Nicholas and I stepped inside. Dim lights flickered overhead, illuminating clusters of elegantly dressed people. It wasn't just any type of club, but a safe haven for the elites. Nicholas walked beside me, his hand resting lightly on the curve of my waist. It was a casual touch, almost indifferent, yet the only thing I could hear was the thundering beat of my heart against my chest. It was hard not to notice how people seemed to part for Nicholas as we entered. Even the boldest of gaze darted away when they met his as though his icy demeanor was too much to bear. Before I could process the atmosphere fully, a tall, strikingly handsome man with an easy grin made his way to us. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, a clear show of his status. But it was the confident glint in his eyes that struck me first. I was quick to recognize him. Alex Reynolds. North-Virexia's greatest renowned Formula 1 driver. My eyes widened a bit in surpris
ISABELLA'S POV "Care For a Dance, Mrs. Montgomery?"Alex's voice startled me out of my thoughts. I turned to find him smiling, his hand extended once more. I glanced toward Nicholas whose gaze was still on me like a hawk. "Why not?" I replied, placing my hand on his. Alex led me to the center of the room, his hand resting lightly on my waist as we began to move. Nicholas' eyes felt like a brand on my back, digging into my skin and that made me tense."You seem distracted," Alex said, his voice cutting through my haze of thoughts. I forced a smile "It's nothing""Hmm," he tilted his head to study me "You're wondering what he's thinking, aren't you?" The question caught me off guard but I tried to brush it off. "It's not that way" I mumbled. "He likes you," he said and my eyes widened. "What?""Would have said love but...""What makes you say that?" I asked.He scoffed "I've known Nicholas enough to see the way he looks at you. It's... different" "Different? How?"Alex twirled me e
🌸 CHAPTER FORTY 🌸NICHOLAS POVI rip off my tie and dumped it on my dresser before making a quick work of my button. I pulled at my head and groaned, wanting desperately to distract me from how hard my dick was in my pants. I was so mad- not at Isabella, but at myself, for wanting her the way that I do. Her curves, her scent, and her legs-fuck those sexy legs. Only God knows how many times I'd imagined them wrapped around my waist as I thrust deeply into her. I can already feel my dick getting harder by the thought of it. I took off my shirt and pulled my pants down, alongside my boxers, freeing my boner from its restraints and headed straight to the bathroom.The cold water poured over my head, drenching my hair and running down my tensed body as I stood under the shower but it did nothing to calm me down–or rather my boner. I tried to think of something, anything that could make me less horny, but my thoughts kept going back to Isabella. Of what could have happened if we had pu
CHRISTABELLA'S POV The club pulsed with the rhythm of the music, the neon lights flashing in time with the beat. I leaned back against the bar, a glass of champagne in my hand, and a satisfied smile tugging at my lips.The laughter around me was intoxicating, and I reveled in it, in the glow of the club’s lights and the praise from my circle of friends. The last few days days had been about photoshoots, interviews, and extravagant events. Tonight, however, was for me. I finally got to take a break and enjoy myself, enjoy what I loved doing the most instead of thinking about that loser, Isabella.I raised my glass to the crowd, smirking at the way the attention shifted toward me. "Cheers to me!" I exclaimed and everyone cheered. I laughed before knocking down the champagne in one smooth gulp. The alcohol burned, but it felt like freedom.Here, I didn't need to put on an act. I didn't need to pretend I care about anyone. I get to be my true self and not that stomach turning angelic ima
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas withdrew his fingers, coated with my release, and brought them to my lips. “Taste yourself, Sunshine,” he demanded softly. I obeyed, sucking his fingers clean, my gaze locked with his.“Good girl,” he growled, pulling me into a searing kiss. His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting me as though he couldn’t get enough.My hands fumbled with the button of his pants, tugging them down and wrapping my fingers around his hard length. “Fuck, Isabella,” he groaned as I stroked him, his breath hitching.His hand went to my thighs and he parted them. He stepped back, staring at me like I was a work of art, something meant to be worshiped, explored, and pleasured. I bit my lips, my cheeks burning red. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his gaze filled with unrestrained desire.“Stop teasing,” I pleaded breathlessly, tugging him closer.Nicholas grinned, lowering his head to place a long, teasing lick against my soaked folds. “Impatient, are we?” he teased “Come on, tel
ISABELLA'S POV The Ravioli was finally ready, its aroma filling the kitchen. Nicholas stepped back, his arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, watching me with a small, expectant smile.“Well, Sunshine,” he said, his voice carrying that familiar teasing lilt, “the honor is all yours. Let’s see if my hard work can impress you.” I stared at the plate in front of me, my heart racing—not just because of the food, but because of the man who had made it with me. The Ravioli looked perfect, and I wasn’t sure if it was the dish or Nicholas's piercing gaze that made me feel so warm.“You’re really building this up,” I murmured, trying to play it cool even as my hands trembled slightly.His grin widened. “You’re stalling,” he teased, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down my spine. “Come on, Sunshine. I’m on the edge of my seat here.”I swallowed hard, cutting into the Ravioli and bringing the fork to my lips. The moment the flavors hit my tongue, my eyes widened. The ri
ISABELLA'S POV Before we even started cooking, Nicholas stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “First things first,” he said, reaching for a hair tie and a hair net resting on the counter.“What are you doing?” I asked, arching a brow at him.He smirked. “Making sure your hair doesn’t end up in the Ravioli, Sunshine.”I opened my mouth to protest but froze when he stepped closer, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulders. “Turn around,” he murmured, and I hesitated for a moment before obeying, letting out a shaky breath as I felt his hands gather my hair.His movements were deliberate. His knuckles grazing the back of my neck as he pulled my hair into a neat ponytail. My skin tingled where he touched me, a shiver running down my spine when his thumb accidentally swept over the nape of my neck.“You okay?” he asked, his voice low and rough, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.“I'm fine,” I said quickly, though my voice c
ISABELLA'S POV I hummed softly to myself as I rummaged through the cabinets, gathering the ingredients I needed. The kitchen was quiet, save for the occasional clatter of pots and the soft rustle of packaging. Breakfast wasn’t my forte, but I could manage my usual—white pasta with tomato sauce. Simple, safe, and familiar.I had just placed the box of pasta on the counter when I felt it. A presence. My movements stilled, the tiny hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. I turned, and there he was.Nicholas stood at the kitchen entrance, his broad shoulders leaning casually against the doorframe, but there was nothing casual about the way his eyes raked over me. A deliberate inspection that started at my face and moved downward with agonizing slowness.His gaze paused at my chest, and my breath hitched when I realized why. The thin fabric of my shirt did little to hide the outline of my peaks beneath, visible in the soft morning light. His eyes darkened, the grey in them turning s
ISABELLA'S POV The meeting had gone better than I expected. Watching Nicholas handle the presentation with his usual precision and authority had been a sight to behold. Even Mr. Franklin, who initially seemed hesitant, was visibly impressed.As the executives left, I lingered by the hallway. Nicholas was still speaking with Mr. Franklin, their voices low as they discussed final details. I clasped my hands in front of me, a soft smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in a while, I felt like I’d contributed something meaningful.“Mrs. Montgomery?”The deep, confident voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a tall man in a perfectly tailored navy suit approaching. He looked to be in his early thirties, with striking brown eyes and an easy smile that was undeniably charismatic.“Yes?” I replied, tilting my head slightly.He extended a hand, his voice warm. “Ryan Caldwell. COO of Franklin Industries. I couldn’t leave without introducing myself.”“Ah, Mr. Caldwell,” I said,
NICHOLAS POV The conference room was a fortress of efficiency—sleek, modern, and perfectly calibrated for business. The faint hum of the holographic projector filled the room as I stood at the head of the table, presenting what I knew was a flawless pitch. Across from me, Mr. Franklin Darnell, a man with silvering hair and sharp eyes, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he studied the display.I didn’t blame him for being cautious; projects like this weren’t mere investments—they were legacy. His plans to build an amusement park were ambitious, aiming to create not just a destination but an experience for families and children across the region.And that’s where I came in.“As you know, Mr. Franklin, Neuro-Corp specializes in integrating cutting-edge technology into large-scale projects. We have designed systems that will redefine the operational efficiency of your park,” I said, gesturing to the virtual blueprint hovering in midair. “Our autonomous safety protocols are state-o
Isabella's POVThe rooftop terrace was like something out of a dream. The glittering city below stretched endlessly, a sea of twinkling lights dancing beneath the darkened sky. Above, the stars shone faintly, as if whispering secrets to one another. A gentle breeze rustled past, cool but not biting, carrying with it the faint hum of the city far below.Leaning against the edge, I let out a soft sigh. It was breathtaking, every inch of it—the lights, the breeze, the quiet serenity that seemed so impossible in a world as noisy as ours. For a moment, I closed my eyes, letting the stillness sink in. When I opened them, I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips.“This is incredible,” I said softly, more to myself than to him.I didn’t hear Nicholas move, but I felt him before I saw him, his presence unmistakable as he stepped closer. He was quiet, as always, but there was something different about him in this moment—something softer. The usual edge he carried seemed dulled by the
ISABELLA'S POV "Let's make this more interesting, Mr. Montgomery. Winner gets to demand a favor" "A favor?" His tone was skeptical but I caught the glint of amusement in his eyes. "Any favor?" His gaze darkened in mischief."What's wrong? Afraid I'll beat you to it?" I teased leaning against the counter as the vendor handed a set of darts.Nicholas’s expression shifted, his usual calm replaced by something sharper. He wasn’t the kind of man to back down from a challenge, and I had clearly stoked his competitive side.The reward were low, just a stuffed animal prize but Nicholas had too much pride to back down.“Prepare to lose, Mrs. Montgomery,” he said, his voice laced with confidence.He stepped up to the line, his posture perfect, and movements precise as he put on some gloves. I winked at him as he took aim, watching with quiet amusement. The first dart sailed through the air, landing in the outer ring of the target with a solid thud. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t impressive eith
NICHOLAS POVThe street fair loomed before us like a chaotic storm I had no interest in weathering. The air was thick, the sound of laughter and chatter blending into a noise that clawed at my nerves. Bright colors blurred before my eyes. The crowd swarmed in eaves- shouting, the distant hum of music, the smell of street food mixing with the unmistakable scent of warm bodies and sweat. It all felt too close. Too loud. I stopped at the edge of the pavement, my muscle muscles stiffening as the rush of bodies pushed by. My stomach churned. My throat tightened. I could feel the heat of people brushing past me, their voices rising each passing minutes. My breath faltered as I glanced around, scanning the crowd with precision, calculating every exist, every opportunity to retreat because the closer people got, the harder it became to breath and my chest tightened with the old familiar pressure- like hands were closing in on me. Memories I thought I had long buried resurfaced. A differe