CHAPTER 2

He followed behind her, and she waited for him with a beam, held his hand, and began stepping to the beat.

He barely danced, just kept staring at her as she enjoyed the moment. She obviously forgot that he's standing there after some time.

He wondered briefly how she seemed so hyper after the humiliation she just went through and decided to blame it on her alcohol.

And then he got captivated by her smile, which he had to say, was very beautiful.

He must've been entranced for a long while as a young man appeared behind her and groped her waist, prompting Isaac to tear her away from him.

"Back off." He snarled.

"Ooh, I thought she's alone." The man smirked and backed away.

He faced her, and the surprise on her face made him realize what he just did, making him release her hand.

Awkwardness swept through them like a chill, and she looked away from his intense gaze, slipping her hands into the coat's and thinking of what to say, realizing without liking the fact that her thoughts were getting clearer.

"Do you mind… buying us more drinks?"

He didn't answer her, just kept staring at her bright upturned eyes under neon lights. Something kept pulling him towards her, it's unlike anything he's ever felt and was certainly not because of his alcohol.

He held her hands and pulled her closer, lacing their fingers together. "If I were to be a gentleman," He said to her ears. "I should seek permission to kiss you, right?"

He stared at her for an answer, but she didn't respond in any way.

"I don't think I wouldn't do it even if you said no."

Still not responding, he took her silence as a go-ahead and locked their lips, his heart getting frenzier - if that's even possible, as he did.

Her lips felt soft and plump, her breath shuddering at first as she willingly let him in.

He could taste the mint flavour of her cocktail almost like he's drinking from her mouth, and that made him push deeper, wanting to have as much of her as he could.

She hung an arm around his neck to support herself as she tilted her head, appreciating his gesture from all angles.

She honestly didn't expect him to kiss her so deeply, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't like it. That stranger didn't kiss her like most men have - like she's some kind of pleasure item, rather he kissed her like a lover would, sensually, sharing his breath and relating his emotions, softly but deeply, and she kissed him back just as he did, devouring every bit of passion he gave to her and focusing on just that moment and feeling.

He then stopped, his throat moving as he gulped and breath clashing with hers. He kept staring at her lips, like he still wanted more of it, all of it, and his heart kept thumping, and skipping beats, it's a feeling he couldn't comprehend.

A faint voice tried prompting him to stop, but he shut it out. He wanted this lady. He wanted everything she could offer.

"There's a hotel across the street." She husked to his hearing.

"I don't have my card."

"We can pay in the morning."

"Lead the way." Said he. If he had to be careful, at that moment, he just didn't care.

She smiled, held his hand, and headed out.

☆☆☆

Natalie opened her eyes the next morning to the blunt rays of the sun and stretched on the bed. She faced the window which was draped with black shades and then the man sleeping beside her.

She flipped to lie on her belly and gave the long-haired man a better look. Cute? Nah, he's more handsome. Not devilishly handsome, majestically handsome. He had this flawless pearly skin with a cool undertone. His face was chiselled with thick and arched brows, his nose was a bit hooked at the tip, and his lips were one she'd have had a second thought before kissing; they're lovely.

His full, auburn hair had a faint shimmer as the dull rays reflected on it, and she could tell from their night together that he's insecure - or protective or it? She couldn't say, but he surely disliked his hair being touched.

She sat up and bundled her hair, which was almost the same length as his, in a bun, and took his wristwatch from the bedside table to check the time.

Shit! She almost yelled as she saw it's already some feeble minutes to 10 am.

She hurried to the toilet and had a quick shower, remembered she only had a skirt with her as she looked around afterwards for her clothes.

"Oh my, I am so sorry. I'm going to have to borrow this." She took his coat from the floor and donned it over the skirt. She then went to the mirror and raked her hair with her fingers, massaged her face to reduce the puffiness, and headed for the door.

She opened it slowly, and her heart almost broke out of her chest at the sight of the menacing man who popped up before her.

She couldn't find her voice and just stood there staring wide-eyed at him.

"You can't leave yet." The large guy said in a rumbling voice.

Scared? No. She was terrified. Who is this man?! What have I gotten myself into?!

"Don't speak like that." A croaky voice said, and they both snapped their eyes toward the bed.

Isaac stretched and sat up, faced them. "Leave us."

The guard bowed and left the door.

"Don't be scared." He said, noticing the fear stretching all over her. "Are you in a hurry?"

She nodded, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"He can give you a ride."

"No, it's okay. I need to stop by somewhere."

"What's your name?"

"Bella." She lied.

He bobbed his head. "Bella," He grabbed his briefs and slid them on. "How am I to pay you for last night?"

Her brows arched briefly in confusion. "Ah, don't worry about that. You didn't call on me."

"You were to be paid last night, I believe I ruined that."

"No, it's totally okay."

"If it'd put you in trouble, you can tell me, I can meet whoever it is and settle."

"No, no, it's really okay. Don't bother."

"You keep turning down my offers, Bella."

She's mum for a jiffy. "Do I? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound off-putting."

He sized her up, and she believed it was because of the coat.

"I wasn't stealing it!" She defended, and he gave her a bizarre look. "I wasn't stealing it, the coat. I couldn't walk out naked, I'll bring it back, I promise."

He smiled. "How?"

"Uh, at the club. You seemed like a regular."

"You can keep it. It looks good on you."

"I wouldn't want to_"

"Tsk tsk." He cut her off, prompting her to just accept it. "Is your phone here?"

She shook her head, wondering why he asked. "No."

"Are you there?" He called out to the guard who appeared almost immediately.

"Yes."

"Give her a card."

Jonas obviously hesitated but still did as he was ordered.

Natalie stared at the card, which only had his initials and contact number, then a crest on the back. Who the hell is this man?!

She had no idea, but he must be wealthy and powerful.

"My name's Isaac. Do give me a call or drop a text. Anytime."

She didn't know why, but her head just told her to stay away from that man. He's definitely someone way up there, and mingling with the likes of him only puts the likes of her in trouble.

"Bella, make sure you do. I'll look forward to hearing from you."

"Yes, Isaac."

"Are you sure you don't need a lift? I'd love to drop you off, but I can't at the moment."

"It's totally okay, I appreciate the offer."

"Okay then, don't forget to give me a call."

"Sure, have a nice day."

He watched her as she hurriedly took her leave, obviously still finding Jonas intimidating.

"Don't do that again." Isaac warned him.

"I have to make sure you are safe, Your Highness."

"And I said do not do that again, you scared her."

Jonas lowered his head in acquiescence, and Isaac turned around to get a robe. "Have you settled the hotel?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Fiddlesticks!" He exclaimed as he opened the bathroom door. "They only have towels!"

"I have your essentials here." Jonas quickly stepped out and pulled in a trolley bag.

"You're finally becoming useful. Set my bath and order breakfast." And he stretched on the couch.