Chapter 0003

•ANTONIO•

A FEW HOURS AGO.

I knew when the noise in the VIP section shifted that something was going on. People gasped and a girl's voice made my chest tighten.

When I tilted my head to see the people who were drawing attention, I saw her. That sucker was intimidating her, towering over her.

I stood up on instinct and leaned toward them, with my fists clenched on my sides.

When that Creed boy wanted to get smart with me, I punched him in the face and sent him crashing against the tables.

I then turned to her and took her hand. Though that wasn't something I usually did with other girls, I wanted the other boys to see what would happen to them if they ever did that to her.

Isabella didn't protest when I took her to my car at the back of the club. She hopped inside and I drove her home.

I didn't even ask her where she was staying because I already knew that information. I had already gotten her checked up.

I wanted to know something about her that would make me not think about her anymore, but boy, she still dared to make me think about her even when I didn't want to.

That somehow passed me off because I never met a girl who did that to me. They usually swamped up for my attention, and I would pick the best one to take home.

I looked at her through the rear-view mirror and could feel my groin engorged. She was simply the most beautiful woman I had ever met.

She had eyes that could make even the strongest men lose their minds over her and fight each other, just what I did at the club.

"I'll speak with Bruise tomorrow so he will let you work at my office the entire shift. I don't want you causing another drama when that boyfriend of yours comes around again," I said as I looked at her, my hands tightening around the steering wheel.

The thought and the sight of him with her made my chest burn with anger. He had no right to look at her that way.

I should've done the worst to him. I should've gouged out his eyes from his eye sockets so he would never look at her again.

"I am sorry, sir," she murmured. "But Tom and I are not dating. Next time, I'll try not to cause trouble again. He won't pull that stunt when he comes to the club."

"He's banned from the club," I answered. "And you are restricted to work anywhere else but my office, do you understand? It seems like you draw attention wherever you are, and I can't risk the club's reputation."

"Yes, sir."

The car came to a stop and she hopped out. I watched her as she headed to the door and got in.

Fuck, I wanted to hop out and get her to come home with me so we'd get this done with. If I needed to sleep with her so she'd stop possessing all my thoughts, then so be it.

I swore under my breath as I pressed the drive and accelerated.

***

The next evening, my mind was completely occupied with a new deal I wanted to close when I walked into my office and saw her.

Isabella gasped when the door closed behind me.

A file slipped from her fingers and hit the floor. She inhaled sharply, then straightened, as if embarrassed by the reaction.

“Sir,” she said, steadying herself. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

I bent down, picked up the file, and placed it on the desk. Our fingers didn’t touch, but the space between them felt charged.

“Relax,” I said calmly, even as my pulse betrayed me. “You look like you’re expecting trouble.”

Her lips pressed together. “I’m just doing the job you asked me to do.”

She didn’t stutter. She didn’t avoid my gaze. That unsettled me more than fear would have. I moved away from her and took a seat on the couch instead.

From there, I could see her reflection in the glass cabinet. Every movement. Every shift of her hips as she worked and I clenched my jaw.

This was a mistake.

“You’re very quiet,” I said.

“I work better that way,” she replied, sliding a folder into the drawer. “Unless you want a conversation.”

Fuck, did she have to make me question everything when she was around me?

I stood before I meant to. Caught myself halfway across the room and forced my hands into my pockets.

'You don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you. Yet.'

“Does he still bother you?” I asked instead.

She turned slowly. “Who?”

“Creed.”

Her eyes sharpened. Not confused or frightened.

“That’s not your concern, Sir.”

The word sir landed differently this time. Not submissive, but defensive.

I stepped closer, but stopped a breath away. Close enough that she could feel my presence, but not cornered.

“You should be careful,” I said quietly. “Men like him don’t like losing.”

“And men like you,” she replied, lifting her chin, “don’t like hearing no.”

That hit.

I stared at her, something dark and conflicted tightening in my chest. She wasn’t wrong, and that was the problem.

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” I answered.

“And I don’t take what isn’t offered.”

Her gaze flicked to my hands, still clenched at my sides. She noticed the restraint.

“Then we understand each other,” she replied.

“Because I’m here to work. Nothing more.”

There was instant silence, which made my throat tighten. I wanted to say something, and step closer, and see what she’d do if I did.

Instead, I stepped back.

“Finish up,” I said. “You can leave early.”

Her brows lifted slightly, surprised, but not relieved.

“Alright,” she said. “Good night, Antonio.”

Not sir this time.

She walked past me without rushing, without looking back. The door closed behind her, leaving the room colder than before.

I exhaled slowly and dragged a hand over my face.

This woman will either ruin me, or I will ruin everything trying not to take her.