I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay composed.“Oh!” I exclaimed with a light laugh, masking the turmoil within.“I didn’t notice.”Ezekiel’s gaze didn’t waver, but I brushed it off, continuing in an even tone, “I thought you and Mom were spending some quality time together, so I figured I’d keep myself busy until you two came back.”I turned to face him fully, folding my arms across my chest. My eyes deliberately traveled to his lips, which still carried a faint redness.“Wow,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “It seems your lips love being red.” My tone was teasing, but deep down, the sight of those lips made my chest ache.Ezekiel’s jaw tightened slightly, and his brows furrowed.“Isabella,” he started, his voice softer now.“What?” I interrupted lightly, forcing a smile.I turned back to the counter, picking up a piece of the apple I’d sliced.“Don’t you have anything to say?” Ezekiel’s voice was firm, almost demanding, pulling me out of my thoughts.I glanced at him, feignin
We sat at the dining table for breakfast, the tension thick enough to slice with a knife. Mom took a spoonful of the fruit custard and hummed in delight, her voice dripping with satisfaction.“Umm... I’ve missed your delicious cooking, honey,” she said, directing a smile toward Ezekiel.He didn’t respond. His gaze, however, lingered on me.I smiled faintly at him, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me, but his face remained stern. Feeling the weight of his gaze, I deliberately shifted my attention to Mom and asked, “So, how was your trip, Mom?”The question hit its mark. Mom froze, her spoon hovering midair, as though she hadn’t expected me to bring it up. I could see the discomfort flash across her face.“I—Isabella!” she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. “I didn’t go on a trip.”She recovered quickly, but her annoyance betrayed her. “I’ve had tons of work to handle. You know that.”I let out a soft laugh, playing it off casually. “Mom, I was just asking. Why are you so
Isabella's POV.Ezekiel and I came back to the mansion after having a blast at the beach party. I had taken one shot of wine, just enough to feel a little tipsy, while Ezekiel had refrained since he was driving. We both plopped down on the sofa, the room bathed in a soft, dim glow that matched the quiet atmosphere.I took a deep breath, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. Then I turned to Ezekiel and asked, "Are you sleepy?"He shook his head and asked back, "Do you want to sleep?"I smiled faintly and shook my head. "No, not yet."I had a playful idea in mind. The wine had loosened me up just enough. "Let’s play something," I suggested, a mischievous glint in my eyes."Now?" Ezekiel asked, surprised but intrigued.I nodded, sitting on the ground in front of the table while he remained on the couch. "It's simple," I explained. "Let's play truth or dare."He didn’t hesitate, agreeing with a slight chuckle. He grabbed a small bottle from the nearby table and placed it in the middle.
The club was alive with pounding bass and flashing lights, a perfect escape for anyone wanting to lose themselves in the rhythm. But for me, the music was just noise, and the lights only made the shadows in my mind darker.I had come here with my friends to try and forget, to drown my sorrows in a sea of strangers, but the recent betrayal was too fresh.My boyfriend—no, my ex-boyfriend—had been cheating on me. And with Nikita, my supposed best friend. The image of them together, tangled in each other in that hotel room, was seared into my mind.I tried to keep a mask of indifference, but inside, I was seething. I didn’t want to be here, but I also didn’t want to be alone. My friends, sensing my mood, left me some space, but Sneha, always perceptive, slid into the seat next to me.“So, what’s the next plan?” she asked, her tone casual but her eyes probing.I took a deep gulp of the scotch in my hand, feeling the burn as it slid down my throat. “Nothing,” I replied, my voice flat. I swi
Milan Malpensa Airport buzzed with activity as travelers hurried to their destinations. I stood outside, the warm Italian sun beating down on me, my frustration mounting. My mom had arranged everything for this trip, so why was no one here to pick me up? I pushed my sunglasses up onto my head, scanning the crowd for any familiar faces.Just as my patience was wearing thin, I spotted Mr. Martin, my mom’s secretary, making his way toward me. Relief washed over me.“Ms. Isabella!” he called out.I raised an eyebrow, muttering under my breath, “Thank God.”“Finally, my mom has sent someone to pick me up,” I said aloud, not bothering to hide my irritation.Without waiting for a response, I walked briskly toward the car he had arrived in. Mr. Martin hurried to keep up, opening the door for me.I slid into the back seat with a stern face, choosing to remain silent. He quickly managed my luggage and took his place beside the driver.The car pulled away from the curb, merging smoothly into the
Ezekiel’s POV.I was in the kitchen, indulging in one of my favorite hobbies—cooking. After a hectic schedule, it was my way to unwind. The loud music blasting from the speakers amplified the energy, making the experience even more enjoyable. Suddenly, the music stopped. Surprised, I stepped out of the kitchen and spotted a girl with shiny, reddish hair glowing in the sunlight.I smiled, realizing this must be Isabella, the girl Kathrine had spoken so much about.“Isabella!” I called out.She turned to face me, her gaze lingering as if she were thoroughly inspecting me. I chuckled to myself, amused by her scrutiny.She was different from her mother; that much was clear from her demeanor. She had a fierceness in her eyes, a determination that was both intriguing and intimidating. I decided not to interrupt her, letting her take her time.And after a while, she asked who I am.I introduced myself, but Isabella assumed I was her mom’s cook. That was quite interesting, and I felt that my
Isabella’s POVMy mom’s so-called boyfriend was in the middle of one of his tedious lectures again. I smiled politely, though I wasn’t really listening. When he asked if I was angry with my mom, I decided it was time to be blunt.“It’s not about her, Mr.,” I shot back.He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to figure me out."Maybe it’s you.”He finally said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, "I know you can’t take me as your family. You need time."I smiled again, this time with a bit of an edge.“Why are you dating my mom?”“She’s 14 years older than you,” I added, not hiding the judgment in my voice.Ezekiel raised his brows and sighed, “Actually, I find her attractive. She’s so different from others.”“And she understands me a lot.”“Oh really?” I couldn’t help the smirk that crept onto my face.“So, you know others too?” I raised an eyebrow.Ezekiel smiled, his gaze unwavering. “Is there anything wrong with that?”“Of course not,” I replied, my voice dr
Isabella’s POV. I stood on the balcony, resting my elbow on the cool parapet, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. Mom had really outdone herself, managing everything so beautifully—the garden below was lush and vibrant, and the veranda on the ground floor looked like something out of a magazine. But as I took it all in, I couldn’t help but remember that it hadn’t always been this way. The last time I visited, everything was more chaotic, less perfect.Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when my mom’s car pulled away from the mansion. The sound of the engine fading into the distance brought me back to reality. I sighed deeply and let my gaze wander to the swimming pool. So many memories were tied to that pool—memories of my mom, my dad.Lost in thought, I was startled by a soft cough behind me. I turned, spotting Ezekiel standing there with two mugs in his hands. I immediately felt a surge of irritation and turned away, refusing to acknowledge him.He moved to stand beside
We sat at the dining table for breakfast, the tension thick enough to slice with a knife. Mom took a spoonful of the fruit custard and hummed in delight, her voice dripping with satisfaction.“Umm... I’ve missed your delicious cooking, honey,” she said, directing a smile toward Ezekiel.He didn’t respond. His gaze, however, lingered on me.I smiled faintly at him, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me, but his face remained stern. Feeling the weight of his gaze, I deliberately shifted my attention to Mom and asked, “So, how was your trip, Mom?”The question hit its mark. Mom froze, her spoon hovering midair, as though she hadn’t expected me to bring it up. I could see the discomfort flash across her face.“I—Isabella!” she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. “I didn’t go on a trip.”She recovered quickly, but her annoyance betrayed her. “I’ve had tons of work to handle. You know that.”I let out a soft laugh, playing it off casually. “Mom, I was just asking. Why are you so
I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay composed.“Oh!” I exclaimed with a light laugh, masking the turmoil within.“I didn’t notice.”Ezekiel’s gaze didn’t waver, but I brushed it off, continuing in an even tone, “I thought you and Mom were spending some quality time together, so I figured I’d keep myself busy until you two came back.”I turned to face him fully, folding my arms across my chest. My eyes deliberately traveled to his lips, which still carried a faint redness.“Wow,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “It seems your lips love being red.” My tone was teasing, but deep down, the sight of those lips made my chest ache.Ezekiel’s jaw tightened slightly, and his brows furrowed.“Isabella,” he started, his voice softer now.“What?” I interrupted lightly, forcing a smile.I turned back to the counter, picking up a piece of the apple I’d sliced.“Don’t you have anything to say?” Ezekiel’s voice was firm, almost demanding, pulling me out of my thoughts.I glanced at him, feignin
Isabella's POV.I walked toward Mom, trying to keep my expression neutral.“Surprise!” she said brightly, her arms outstretched. I forced a small smile and let her hug me tightly. Inside, however, my emotions were in turmoil.“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” Mom added, her voice warm and full of affection.“Thank you,” I murmured softly, keeping my tone steady.I could feel Ezekiel’s gaze on me like a weight, but I didn’t dare meet his eyes. I wasn’t sure if I’d find guilt or resolve myself there—and I wasn’t ready to confront him either.As Mom pulled away from the hug, she cupped my face in her hands. “How could I be far from you, love? It’s your birthday. I had to come back, no matter what,” she said, her tone brimming with love.I nodded, forcing myself to match her enthusiasm.“You should take a rest, Mom,” I said, stepping aside slightly, trying to regain some control of the situation.“Mr. Ezekiel and I will cook something for you.”The moment I said Mr. Ezekiel, his brows furrowe
Ezekiel's POV.I woke early, the faint light of dawn spilling into the room. Isabella was nestled in my arms, her head resting against my chest. A sleepy smile tugged at my lips as I ran my fingers gently through her hair.Isabella, I thought, why are you so tempting?My fingertips brushed her soft lips, and I felt the familiar stir of desire rise within me. I clenched my teeth, trying to push it down, but the urge to kiss her was overwhelming. She had a way of pulling me in, and no matter how much I tried to resist, I always ended up surrendering to her.I sighed quietly, my gaze lingering on her peaceful face. Falling for Isabella had been unexpected, but it was happening, whether I wanted it to or not. She had a hold on me that I couldn’t deny.But then, like a sharp slap, reality hit.Kathrine.The name hung in my mind like a storm cloud.Kathrine had walked away, leaving me in the chaos of my emotions. And now, here I was—wrapped up in something far more complicated. I’d messed u
I wrapped my arms around Ezekiel’s neck, pulling him closer until our faces were just inches apart.“I would love to do it again,” I whispered, my lips brushing his ear as I spoke.“But aren’t you hungry?” Ezekiel murmured back, his voice low and teasing as his lips grazed my ear. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver through me. I sighed, my body reacting to his closeness.“Yes,” I admitted, biting my lip.Ezekiel smiled, his eyes dancing with amusement before he stepped away. He opened the fridge, the cool air escaping as he rummaged through it.I sat on the table, my legs swinging lightly as I watched him. The sight of him, so relaxed and comfortable, made my chest swell with something warm. He finally pulled out a perfectly grilled chicken and set it on the table.I slid off the table and stepped behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. Pressing my body against his back, I whispered, “I want you.”Ezekiel froze for a moment, then took a deep breath. He didn’t turn immediate
“Ezekiel…” I moaned his name loudly, unable to hold back. His pace was fast and deep, each thrust filling me completely. Before I could register what was happening, he flipped me over and took the lead. It all happened so quickly, leaving me breathless. The intensity was overwhelming—tightening, squeezing, and a slippery heat filled my core.His movements were rougher than usual, deeper, more demanding. His hands cupped my breasts firmly, the warmth of his palms sending sparks through my body. It was bliss. Pure bliss.“Ah…” A deep, satisfied groan escaped him as he buried his face in my neck. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close, my body trembling with satisfaction. My breath was heavy, my heart pounding. A small embarrassed thought crossed my mind—I think I might have peed a little.I bit my lower lip, my fingers running through his hair as I traced slow, calming lines across his scalp. His warmth surrounded me, his presence grounding me.“I cum inside you, Isabella,” he
Ezekiel's and my gazes remained locked, a silent intensity passing between us. My hands instinctively covered my chest and lower body, trying to shield myself from his eyes, though deep down, I wanted him to see me. My bosom rose and fell heavily, betraying my nervous excitement.He sat between my legs, his expression unreadable but undeniably captivated. I felt both embarrassed and exhilarated under his gaze.To tease him—or maybe to tempt myself—I shifted, covering my chest with one hand and letting the other linger lower. His eyes darkened slightly as they followed my movements.He reached out, his touch gentle as his hand cupped my cheek.“Do you really need to do that?”His voice was soft but firm, coaxing me to drop my barriers.I bit my lower lip, hesitating before nodding slightly, my body betraying the shyness I felt under his scrutinizing gaze.“Don’t,” he whispered, his voice soft yet commanding. His hand slowly traced my trembling arms, easing them away from my body. The d
Isabella’s POVIt was the last day of my period, and over the past few days, I had only been teasing Ezekiel. He handled it with such grace and care, taking care of me as though I was his girlfriend. He made sure I had everything I needed, and his attention to detail warmed my heart.But nights were different. Ezekiel tried to avoid sleeping beside me, probably to maintain boundaries, but I had already made him my bad habit. Without his arms around me, sleep felt impossible. Every night, I called him to come to bed. He’d always say, “Sleep first. I’ll be late.”At first, I thought he wouldn’t come. Yet, at nights, at some point in the darkness, I’d wake to feel his strong arms wrapped around me, his warmth pulling me into a peaceful slumber. He always came, even if he thought I wouldn’t notice.Thinking of these moments made me smile. I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the reflection staring back at me. I wore a new red lingerie set, the lace highlighting the curves of my bosom.
Ezekiel's POVThe dim glow of the candles still lingered faintly as I lay in bed with Isabella. Her arms were wrapped tightly around me, her head nestled against my chest. Her breathing was soft and steady, her warmth enveloping me like a cocoon. My fingers absentmindedly traced through her hair, the silky strands slipping between them effortlessly.It felt so good. Too good.My heart was racing, a relentless rhythm I couldn’t control whenever she was near. Every glance she threw my way, every casual touch, every word she spoke seemed to light a fire within me. She had a way of making me feel things I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in years—things I wasn’t supposed to feel. Not for her.I liked her. There was no denying it now. I liked her far more than I should. And that truth gnawed at me, pulling me into a confusing mix of guilt and desire. Her presence made me restless, agitated in a way that both excited and terrified me.Images of her—smiling, laughing, leaning close, her lips gr