CHAPTER 4

Isabelle's POV

A shiver ran through me, the kind I’d only read about but never believed. No one had ever kissed me like that before, like he was discovering something precious, like he was afraid to break it.

My breath hitched, and before I could talk myself out of it, my fingers curled into his shirt. I tugged him closer, feeling the answer in the way he deepened the kiss, his mouth moving against mine with a confidence that stole my balance.

I let him.

More than that, I wanted him to.

And as his lips explored mine, gentle turning slowly into something fuller, sweeter.

His mother cleared her throat, pulling us back to reality. “I think we should head inside now.” She held my hands and gently guided me into the house.

I could feel his eyes piercing my back, and Oh. My. God. I feel too happy, or should I say I feel delighted.

Okay. Delighted is weird. But I can’t explain it. The only thing keeping me from hopping and jumping into his house while giggling is his mum, who is beside me. She’ll think I’m weird or maybe mentally ill.

“I’m so happy to finally meet you, Isabelle.” His mother said, pulling me back from my thoughts.

I was so lost in my fantasy world that I was just noticing the interior of this mansion, and OMG! I’m so speechless.

“Me too, ma’am,” I said whilst staring at the interior.

His mother led me to a dining table that looked like the preparation of a feast or something. Because who’s gonna eat all these? Probably, they have other family members that would join us.

“Do you know Adrian never told me about you till I had to pull up a stunt this morning?!” She asked with a mischievous smile, pulling her chair to sit.

Well. I never had an idea your son existed till today. I pulled a chair beside her and sat down, slowly returning all my attention to her.

Let the show begin.

“Omg! I was so shocked when he practically begged me to come live with him, and I think he’s gonna propose soon.” I said in a very sweet voice.

I could see the joy in her eyes as she smiled widely.

“Really?!” She asked.

“I think so.”

Her gaze shifted from me to her side. I followed her eyes and saw Adrian coming towards us, and my stomach made a stupid sound. This Greek god has so much effect on me.

“Son, Isabelle said you practically begged her to come stay with us before the wedding,” his mother said cheerfully. “I’m so happy you found your perfect match.”

He forced a smile and sat beside me.

Did I say the wrong thing?! Why did he force a smile?!

“How long have you two been together?” his mother asked, her gaze returning to me.”

“Five months.”

“Three months.”

We answered in unison and shared a look. I froze under his piercing blue gaze, perfectly framed by his sharp eyebrows.

But he looked irritated; maybe I was staring at him way too much. To be honest, that’s not enough for him to look this irritated, like he hadn’t kissed me a few minutes ago.

 “Huh?” his mother asked, confused.

I quickly turned to her. “Mother, he chased me for two months, got me flowers, took me on private dates, and bought me my favorite meals. We made it official three months ago, which is why he said three months.”

I turned to look at him. Maybe he’s smiling at my skills, like that’s what he paid me to do. So, maybe he’s impressed, but Oh. My. Geez.

My eyes fell on him, clutching his fists.

I think I said something wrong again.

“You must love my son very much,” his mother said, taking my hands. “I feel so blessed to have you as my daughter-in-law.”

“Oh, thank you, ma’am,” I said with a warm smile.

“Adrian told me you love spicy food, so I prepared a few varieties for you,” his mother added.

My eyes widened.

I don’t eat spicy foods. Why would he say that?!

I turned my gaze to Adrian, who gave me a cold, piercing look.

I think I have no other choice, because this Greek god is gonna chew me alive if I say no. And also his mom went all out to prepare these meals for me. I can’t say no. She’ll feel bad, and this Greek god would chew me alive.

I lifted my head, forcing a smile, placing my two hands on my chest. “Oh, you did all that for me… thank you so much, ma’am.”

She signaled the staff, and they served the food. I nervously toyed with my cutlery, and I could feel Adrian’s eyes on me. But I did not look up.  

“Mom,” He said, turning to his mother. “It seems the food is too mild for my woman. Please add more chili to her meal.”

I froze, unsure of what to say. I barely ate this amount of spice in my food, and he’s suggesting adding more. I can’t even say no. So I just sat there staring at him.

Does he hate me?!

No. He kissed me. It means he likes me, and maybe he just thought I love spicy meals. So I forgive him.

“Isabelle, darling, you really love spicy food? Why didn’t you just say so?” his mother asked gently.

“I didn’t want to trouble you, ma’am,” I said softly, turning my gaze to her.

His mother snapped her fingers. “Add more chili to my daughter-in-law’s meal.”

The staff had added even more chilli to my meal, and I immediately started digging in, before this Greek god decided it still wasn’t spicy enough.

I could feel his eyes on me. So I looked up and met his gaze. For a moment, something like concern flickered in his eyes, but it vanished just as quickly, replaced by that cold, unreadable expression he wore so well.

I forced my attention back to the meal that was currently killing me. My eyes burned red, my face felt drained of color, and the fire in my throat and on my tongue was enough to make me question all my life choices.

“Isabelle, darling, are you okay?” his mother asked, her voice warm with concern.

“Y-yes, ma’am,” I stuttered, trying to smile. “I love this meal so much.”

“Call me Mom… or Evelyn,” she corrected gently.

Something in her tone reminded me of my mother, and the tears I had been fighting, tears from the spice, from the heat, from everything spilled over. My vision blurred, my head throbbed, and a migraine struck so sharply I dropped my cutlery and pressed my hands to my temples.

“What’s happening?!” Evelyn exclaimed.

An arm wrapped firmly around my waist, another around my shoulders, lifting me effortlessly.

 I didn’t need to guess; it was the Greek god. My body collided with his solid chest; I could feel his heartbeat pounding beneath my cheek. His cologne, cedarwood, and mint wrapped around me like a spell.

He kicked a door open and carried me inside.

“Get me cold milk,” he commanded.

Omg! I think I’m gonna eat spicy meals every day.

He laid me gently on the bed. “Get me a cold towel,” he added, rolling his sleeves up, preparing to help me.

He placed a hand behind my neck and gently lifted it. “Open your mouth,” he said.

Overwhelmed by his closeness, I could hardly process his words whilst staring at his wide pink lips.

I want to kiss him again.

“OPEN YOUR MOUTH.” He ordered.

I flinched but slowly opened my mouth. He poured a small amount of milk into my mouth and helped me lie back.

He pressed the cold towel gently to my forehead. I closed my eyes, feeling calm and safe in his presence.

He brushed his fingers through my blonde hair, and a wave of goosebumps rushed down my spine. His touch, steady, gentle, unexpectedly tender, was the calmest, most beautiful sensation I’d ever felt.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath. “What am I doing? I’ve lost control again.”

His voice was low, frustrated, but loud enough for me to hear every word. Before I could respond, he tore himself away from me and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him.

I opened my eyes, slowly taking in the room. It was dark, warm, beautifully decorated, far larger, and more luxurious than my entire apartment. Yet my mind wasn’t on the décor.

His words replayed over and over.

I’ve lost control again.

What did he mean? Why did he sound angry… at himself? And why did it feel like he was fighting the same pull I felt whenever he was close to me?

Not felt. Feels.

I let out a soft sigh and slid off the bed, heading toward the bathroom. A shower might help clear my head… or at least steady my heartbeat.

The bathroom was breathtaking soft, warm lighting, marble walls, and a bathtub big enough to float in.

I slipped out of my pink body-hugging gown and stepped into the tub, and washed myself. When I was done, I drained the soapy water and filled the tub with clean, warm water. Gently, I rinsed my body, my hands lingering on my waist as memories of his touch and our deep, lingering kiss flooded my mind.

A strange, unfamiliar sensation stirred within me, an urge to be close to him, to feel his presence. The feeling between my legs was overwhelming, and then my phone rang, slicing through the moment.

I flinched, heart stumbling as reality snapped sharply back into place.

Oh no… that must be Miranda.

I ran out of the bathroom naked, grabbed my phone from the top of the drawer, and quickly answered.

“Hello… I’m sorry I couldn’t call earlier. We just finished dinner, and I have so much to tell you,” I said.

“I guess you’re busy. Are you okay?” Miranda’s voice sounded worried.

“Yes… I feel different,” I admitted.

“Wow, that’s different. I’ll call later tonight so you can tell me everything.”

“Alright, bye.” I hung up and glanced back at the bathroom.

I froze.

He was standing there, staring at my naked body.