Chapter four

ISLA’S POV:

The second I stepped into Sabrina’s apartment, I dropped my bag and collapsed dramatically onto her velvet couch.

“Tell me everything, how was the first day of work,” she demanded, handing me a glass of wine before I’d even taken off my shoes.

I groaned, “It was… a lot.”

Sabine raised a brow. “That’s not a real answer. You met him, didn’t you?” she said moving towards me while stroking my curls

I took a long fortifying sip before answering. “Yes. Cade Thorne. My boss, New York’s Adonis, is every woman's dream. And he is every bit as dangerous as the rumors said.”

Her eyes widened. “Dangerous-hot or dangerous-dangerous?”

“Both.” I sank deeper into the cushions. “The library is unreal, Sab. Like something out of a gothic dream, mahogany shelves, frescoed ceilings, the works were all first editions. But the second I was alone, he showed up in some white sleeves unbuttoned, muscles popping with large veins, and”

“SLUT!!!”Sab smacked my arm giggling

Sab’s mouth curled into a knowing smirk. “Let me guess. He happened to drop by for a casual chat?”

“If by chat, you mean eye contact that could set my pussy on fire? Then yes, we chatted.”

Her laughter was sharp. “God, I’m living for this already. What did he say or do?”

“He asked if I was admiring his family’s history.” I mimicked his low, velvety, teasing tone, then blushed at the memory of our library hanky-panky.

“Sab, he stood so close I could feel his breath. He’s like… fierce, sexy, Intense. He says the kind of things that make your knees buckle”

“Girl,” Sab grinned, swirling her wine. “You are royally screwed.”

“Urgh, I wanna keep it professional, but I can't, I don't think straight when he's near me”.I said as my voice lowered.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. I peeked at the screen and froze.

My stomach dropped and flipped in the same moment. “It’s him.”

Sab scrambled over beside me, her wine forgotten. “Put it on speaker,” she instructed

“Absolutely not.” My heart rammed against my ribs threatening to burst out as I stood and walked to the balcony, my cheeks pink and hurting from blushing. My thumb hovered over the green icon, then I took a breath and answered.

“Mr. Thorne,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm, curt, and professional.

“Isla.” His voice was velvet over smoke. “Eleanor’s called in sick.”

“Oh,” I blinked. “I hope she’s alright.”

“She’ll live and that leaves me without a handler for the Drenmoor art auction.”

“Oh…”I gulped, my throat tight.

You’re coming with me.”He cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I blinked. “The art auction in Marseilles?”I. questioned

“Yes Isla, we leave at six, pack light”

My heart skipped a beat. “Of course, sir.”

He was quiet for a beat too long. “Isla.”

“Yes sir?”

“Bring something that makes you…”He paused as if I could hear him selecting his words.

“Never mind Isla, have a great night”

The line went dead but I continued to stare at my phone like it had just whispered secrets to me.

Sab popped her head out. “What was that look?”

“He said to bring something that makes me feel powerful.”

She gaped, then squealed. “You’re flying to France with your tall, brooding boss who may or may not want to undress you with his tongue.”

I didn’t answer. My mind was already racing.

Three days alone with Cade Thorne.

God help me.

CADE’S POV:

She smelled like vanilla and books. The moment I leaned against that library doorframe and saw Isla Campbell tracing her fingers over the edge of my desk, I knew I was in trouble.

But I was the one who broke first. The way she trembled when I got close, the way her lips parted like she was already halfway to moaning my name…

She says we have to be professional, but the way her body reacted otherwise

Now, I had three days to prove it.

When Eleanor called in sick, I didn’t hesitate. I told Isla she was coming. The auction was the perfect excuse.

But I’d barely hung up the phone when the real complication arrived.

My stepbrother. My rival in everything that mattered…business, reputation, and legacy. None other than Lucan Thorne.

The moment we stepped into the Drenmoor estate’s atrium, Lucan appeared like a devil conjured from smoke and salt. Tall, sharp-suited, smirking, and already looking at her like she was dessert to devour.

“Well, well,” he said smoothly, his eyes raking over Isla with a slow, appreciative gaze. “You’ve finally found taste, Cade. Who’s this?”

“My historian,” I said tightly.

Isla offered her hand politely, and Lucan took it, brushing his lips against her knuckles. “I'm fascinated and lucky me, I'll be spending the next few days surrounded by beauty and intellect. A rare combination”.

I stepped between them before she could respond. “We’re here to work, Lucan”

He just smiled that infuriating smile. “Of course. Just don’t be surprised if she decides she prefers someone with better manners.”

He walked off, the scent of cologne and challenge trailing behind him.

I turned to Isla. She was watching Lucan, brow furrowed, lips parted in curiosity

“Don’t trust him,” I said, voice low.

“Is that professional advice?”A flicker of defiance in her voice as she asked teasingly.

“No, Isla,” I said, eyes locked on hers. “That’s personal.”

IN THE HOTEL

“You need to stay away from Lucan, he is trouble” Cade yelled holding both my shoulders not hurting but firm.

“Why…”i stuttered

“He looked nice and…”

“You listen to me when I give you orders Isla, I am your boss and employer”

Cade’s voice boomed across the room shaking me to my core, his eyes red and not blinking, jawline hard. I could see he was visibly angry, something was up and I was going to find out.

I stormed out of his room, before twisting the doorknob, Cade called on me but boss or not, he doesn't get to yell at me like he did.

“Goodnight sir,” I said loud enough for him to hear as I stormed out of his room, while the tears threatened to roll down my cheeks.

ISLA’S POV:

“Urggggghhhh” I groaned falling backwards on my bed, the plush duvet swallowing me

Despite my anger, a thread of guilt wove through me storming out of his room was unprofessional. He's my boss and my…

“Aaaaaahhhhhhhh, don't want to think about him anymore” I yelled into my pillow.

I tossed and turned trying to find the best part of the bed that would make me fall asleep. Every position felt constricting. I’m hot and bothered, and all I could think of was those heated glances, every low flirty word muttered from some hot male one room apart.

Frustrated, I roughly tied my robe and wore my flip-flops as I walked out of my room, I needed water, maybe some air.

I yanked open my door and was immediately met with the smell of sandalwood.

My boss stood before me with gray sweatpants, wet hair dripping onto his bare broad shoulders.

I clenched my thighs together.

The world be damned at this point.

CADE POV:

Why did I yell at her like that, she looked so scared. I need to apologize and explain to her calmly.

“Isla, I'm sorry I…” too weak.

“Miss Campbell, just listen to instructions and we are good…” too authoritative

I cleared my throat,” Next time, be a good girl for daddy and…”

I dragged a hand over my face.” Get a grip, Thorne”.

“I need to fix this now,”

I dragged myself to the shower for a quick bath, throwing on some sweatpants to go see my… my what actually?

Getting to her door, I knocked softly and twisted the doorknob only to be met by a familiar scent that went straight to my groin.

Vanilla.

She looked heavenly as the light filled her face. Her skin shone, her doe eyes with an expression I couldn't decipher, her plump lips parted, and her curly hair cascaded down to her waist.

Damn…I never knew her hair was that long. It was always in a tight bun. Her nipples hardened in her flimsy robe which did no justice in trying to conceal them, and I felt my briefs tighten.

She cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality

I stared at her and started:” I…”

“I'm sorry…”We chorused together.

“All right go first,” I said

She started to speak and all I could do was stare at her lips as her words trailed into the night.

Damn everything she's saying, her apology, I don't care anymore

“Isla,” I said, stopping her from talking

“Yes…Mr Thorne”

“Use those lips for something else”

Huh,” I didn't let her think as I slammed my lips on hers, closing the distance between us.

Neither of us could hear the faint camera clicking as we were lost in our world.