LOGINIsabella’s pov…We were too drunk to think or even care. I pressed my lips to his and we kissed like we were starving.“Rafael,” I breathed, but his mouth crashed into mine before I could finish. His tongue pushed past my lips, claiming me as his hands roamed down my sides, gripping my hips hard enough to bruise. He was taking out his anger on me, good.I moaned into the kiss my fingers tangling in his dark hair, tugging until he growled low in his throat. God, that sound. It sent liquid pooling between my thighs.He spun me around without warning, pressing my front against the cold metal shelving and some boxes rattled and a stack of folders nearly toppled over. I braced my hands on the shelf as he yanked my short dress up over my ass, the fabric bunching around my waist. Cool air hit my skin, then his hot palm smoothed over one cheek before he delivered a sharp smack. I gasped, arching back into him.“Quiet, Bella,” he murmured against my ear his voice rough with need. “Unless yo
Isabella’s POVThe silence in the storage room was suffocating it was the kind of silence that pressed against your chest, crawled under your skin, and refused to let you breathe properly.I stood there, my back against the door, my hand still wrapped around the handle like I expected someone to burst in at any second.But no one did.Outside, the noise was muffled now i could hear voices, footsteps, chaos but in here? It was just us.I turned slowly and he hadn’t moved not even an inch and he was still standing in the middle of the room like he’d been frozen in time.“Rafael”My voice came out softer than I intended, there was no response and I swallowed.Okay.Okay.Think Bella, do something.Anything.My gaze moved around the room, searching for something, something to pull him back from his state of shock and that’s when I saw it.There was a crate tucked against the wall it was half open with bottles inside, it contained alcohol.I let out a quiet breath and walked over, crouchi
Isabella’s POVI stared at my reflection for a long time, longer than necessary.I smoothed my hands down the sides of my dress again, even though there was nothing to fix.It was a baby blue dress and it was short and shimmering just enough to reflect the light without being too much.It was elegant and simple and I loved it because it made me feel confident.“You look insane,” Aurora said from behind me I forgot she was even hereI glanced at her through the mirror.“Good insane or bad insane?”“Annoyingly perfect insane.”I huffed a small laugh. “I’ll take that.”She stepped closer, adjusting a strand of my hair.“You’ll shut them up tonight.”“Who?”“Everyone.”I didn’t respond because I wasn’t sure that was possible anymore, not with everything going on and especially not with everything we’d uncovered.“Just stay close to Rafael,” she added, softer now.That made me pause.“I always have to”“Not only physically,” she said. “I mean in all way, just really stay close.”“I will,”
Isabella’s POVI loved pancakes and that was the only thing on my mind.My stomach betrayed me immediately with a soft growl i hadn’t realized how hungry I was.I followed the scent downstairs, one careful step at a time when I reached the kitchen I paused.Nanny Hilda stood at the stove, humming softly to herself like nothing in the world could disturb her peace.“How are you always so calm?” I asked.She turned, her face lighting up immediately.“Ah, Bella ! You’re awake.”She smiled warmly. “And you’re walking.”“Don’t make it a big deal,” I grumbled.“It is a big deal.”I rolled my eyes slightly but moved closer, leaning lightly against the counter.“What are you making?”Instead of answering, she turned the plate toward me and I blinked.“A heart?”A perfectly shaped heart pancake sat on the plate, golden and slightly fluffy, with syrup already drizzled on top.I stared at it then at her.“Really?”She grinned. “For strength and happiness.”A small laugh escaped me before I cou
Rafael’s POVI loosened my tie as I stepped into my office , shutting the door behind me with a soft click.The city lights stretched beyond the glass walls, glowing faintly against the dark sky. Normally I liked to watch the windows and see the world from Indy but tonight i didnt feel like doing that.Julian was already in here leaning against the bar cart like he owned the place,his sleeves rolled up and a glass of whiskey in his hand.He didn’t look surprised to see me.“You took your time,” he said casually.“I had things to handle.”“So did I.”I walked over, grabbing a glass and pouring myself a drink i took a slow sip, letting the burn settle.For a moment, neither of us spoke then he turned to me “The car?” he asked.“It’s gone .”Julian exhaled lightly, nodding.“Figured.”“They’re getting bold.”“They’re getting more desperate for you to make a move,” he corrected.I glanced at him, he wasn’t wrong. Then he pushed off the bar slightly, facing me properly.“So,” he said. “Wh
Isabella’s POVHospitals were beginning to feel like a second home and I hated it.I sat beside Vivienne’s bed, my fingers loosely wrapped around hers, my thumb brushing over her skin like that alone could pull her back faster.“Come on, V…” I whispered softly. “You’ve slept enough.”Aurora stood on the other side, pacing which meant she was worried Aurora never paced unless she was worried.“She better wake up,” she muttered. “Because I have a lot to say to her. Like a lot.”I almost smiled but the tight knot in my chest didn’t let me it had been hours.Every beep from the monitor felt like a countdown to something I didn’t want to imagine.“Bella” Aurora said quietly after a moment.“I know.”We didn’t need to say it out loud we were both thinking the same thing what if “No,” I cut the thought off immediately.“She’s fine.”“She will be,” Aurora corrected, softer now.I nodded.“She has to be.”“Wait”I leaned forward immediately.“Vivienne?”Her fingers twitched and Aurora froze.
Isabella’s POV…..Shit… Sebastian and the blonde woman walks to our table and Rafael tenses besides me.The moment Sebastian reaches our table, the air tightens.And I could feel everyone staring at us.The blonde woman remains tucked against his arm, her manicured fingers resting possessively a
Isabella’s POV….The silence after the reporter’s question stretches painfully. Everyone is looking at me now waiting for my answer,bubsee clarisse from the corner of my eye smiling at me. My hands start trembling and I feel dizzy all of a sudden.I open my mouth—unsure what will come out.But
Isabella's pov….Rafael's eyes doesn't leave mine, and I could see his gaze trailing over me form my outfit to my lips and then my eyes “What's the you doing?“ I choke out “Why” he asks quietlyHis voice low and controlling “Why do you enjoy driving me insane?“ He says again My stoma
Rafael’s POV…..She closed her door harder then necessary, and the sight of her angry and waiting for me still lingered in my mind. I stood at the counter, taking a sip of whiskey to drown out whatever emotions I was starting to feel... Isabella was fiesty and all the banter and back and forth w







