002 — Caught Wet

Isabella's POV

The elevator doors opened straight into the gala hall on the top floors of the Thorne penthouse. My heels sank into the thick, soft red carpet as cool, perfectly chilled air washed over my skin. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling like falling diamonds, throwing soft golden light across everything in the room. The whole place smelled real rich — expensive champagne, fresh white roses, and warm melted butter from trays of lobster.

I took a flute of champagne from the passing waitress in a black uniform. The glass felt real icy cold on my fingers. Tiny bubbles tickled my nose when I took a slow sip, the taste felt so crisp and sharp on my tongue.

I walked through the crowd now. Soft music played from hidden speakers, mixing with low laughter and the clink of glasses. Everywhere I looked, in every corner were powerful people who stood in their perfect clothes. Businessmen in sharp black suits. Women dripping in diamonds. Celebrities with their usual fake smiles. Politicians shaking hands like old friends. Even my father’s old competitors were here, laughing loud as if their hands were so clean.

I kept moving around. My dress slit opened with every step, letting cold air kiss my thigh. My eyes scanned the room, searching for my target.

Then I saw him — Damien Thorne.

He stood on the far side of the hall near tall glass windows that showed the sparkling New York skyline. His dark skin glowed under the lights. His shoulders stretched wide under his perfect tailored jacket. His muscles moved under the fabric when he laughed at something one of the men said. That warm smile lit up his face, perfect white teeth against dark lips. My stomach flipped so hard, watching him.

"Gosh!!" My mind screamed as I sipped more champagne, the cold liquid slid down my throat. He looked exactly like the pictures, but in real life, he made my skin feel hot. Still, Felix’s words kept ringing in my head about him being discreet. Ruthless. Not into women. If that was true, tonight would be harder than I thought.

“Isabella Vale—”

The voice hit me from the front. I turned and forced a sharp smile, trying to get ready for the casual business talks. Congressman Tim stood too close, his cheap, nasty cologne burning my nose. His eyes moved down my body then back up.

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Tim,” I said. My voice sounded sweet but my teeth pressed tight together, already pissed off just from looking at him.

“How’s your father’s health?” he asked, tilting his head like he cared when he didn't give a f*ck. None of them fucking cared. After all, they all benefited from his downfall, when Vale Global went down.

I kept smiling even though my chest burned real hot just from thinking about his stupid act, one that I can clearly see through. “He’s hanging in there.”

I glanced past him to where the Thorne brother had been standing. Only now, it's empty. My pulse jumped fast, my heart beating hard no.

"Oh shit." I cursed real low, biting my lips.

Tim still kept talking. “Isabella, why don’t you come work for me? I’ll—”

“I’ll give it a thought. Please excuse me.” I said real quick, cutting him off fast and slipped away before he could say more. My fake smile dropped the second I turned around , dropping the act completely. Now back to business.

I scanned the gala hall one last time. No sign of the host. He had slipped away just like Felix warned, after digging so deep on him before tonight. A small smirk pulled at my red lips, so happy that I know he's every move. This is so perfect.

I left the noisy hall and walked toward the private elevators. My heart beat harder as I pressed the button for the highest floor. The doors closed and the elevator rose, so smooth and silent.

When the doors opened again, I stepped into a completely different world.

Dark walls met warm wooden floors. Soft blue lights glowed from hidden spots. A huge swimming pool sat right there in the middle of the massive room, its water perfectly still and glowing turquoise from lights underneath. Glass walls looked out over the city lights. Black marble and soft velvet furniture filled the space. The air felt warmer here, heavy with the clean smell of chlorine and something woody. It was quiet. Private. His space.

I stood still for a moment, letting it all sink in. My eyes kept going back to the shining pool.

I reached up and pulled the net comb from my hair. Thick waves fell down my back. I unzipped my dress. The black fabric slid down my body like water and pooled at my feet. Cool air touched every inch of my bare skin. My nipples tightened. I stepped out of my heels and walked to the edge of the pool completely naked.

The water felt amazing as I slipped in — just the right warmth, wrapping around my body like silk. I let out a slow breath and floated, eyes half closed. The soft ripples lapped against my breasts.

“Shit. I won’t be able to get close to him,” I muttered. If he really wasn’t into women…

“My stripper is not supposed to be here now.”

I lifted my head fast. My heart slammed against my ribs.

He stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at me. A white robe hung open over his broad chest. Hard muscles covered his dark skin, abs tight and shining slightly under the low lights. Strong thighs showed under the robe, and black boxers sat low on his hips. His arms looked powerful, veins visible. That same warm smile was gone. Instead, his dark eyes burned with suspicion.

He looked dangerous. And so fucking hot it made heat pool low in my belly.

I stayed calm, floating there naked in his private pool. His brutal gaze moved over my body slowly, heavy and intense. It didn’t scare me as it should. It made my skin tingle.

“Who are you?” he asked, his voice deep and rough.