All Chapters of His to Preserve: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

ISLA’S POV“Sabbbbbb… It's seven thirty I'm late,” I yelled glancing at the clock still trying to fix my hair. “The car would be here soon” I said trying to put on some gloss.“How do I look?” I asked Sabrina as she fixed my curls.“You look breathtaking my pretty historian” she answered, spanking my ass lightly.“Mr Cade is gonna be blown awayyyy” she said a little too loudly.“Ok bye,” I said, grabbing my clutch and blowing Sab a kiss.“Have fun and sex” she giggled.I got into the SUV that Cade arranged to pick me up. I haven't been to his house and I look forward to seeing what it looks like.The feeling of the black dress I wore was a constant reminder of the night we met, the nightclub, his hands on my hips, and how he made me feel. That feeling was replaced by another the minute I stepped into the dining area which seemed endless.The table was a mile long. The chandelier above our heads shone bright reflecting the faces of everyone on the polished mahogany surface. A lady in

ISLA’S POVI love Cade Thorne…is such a bitter truth I wasn't ready to accept. I definitely feel something for my brooding boss but Cade is like a fire that shouldn't be touched.After our sexcapades, he has been softer towards me, pulling me closer when I drifted from him on bed, planting kisses all over my face and neck, and how he slid his hot, hard cock in my pussy in the morning giving me countless orgasms.Now, he has made breakfast; coffee, and bacon. We'd eaten in Cade's kitchen, giggling and brushing our knees under his small table. He seemed different; all chatty, lingering stares, his fingers brushing mine while handing me a mug. I wish it could be like this all morning…forever.He spoke to me about the foundation review, the future of the estate, and for a split moment, I let myself believe in that future with him.I gathered my things and set out to head to the main estate. Sab was kind enough to get me some work clothes.Before I left Cade's mansion, he'd kissed me slow

ISLA’S POVThe estate was dark except for the lights which shone from the side lamps. I had told the security man that I forgot my credit card, gave him my best puppy eyes and he let me through. I moved from the darkened halls, my heart beating loudly in my chest. A part of me wants to turn back and be the historian I was hired to be and not some private investigator, while the other part wants to find out how I'm connected to this and why the Thorne estate has a freaking picture of me when I was a baby. The only light was from my phone’s flashlight. It was past midnight, and the estate was so silent that a falling pin would make a sound.I wasn’t after the main archives this time. I’d explored them already. I was after the forgotten places, the cupboards that hid the “skeletons”.The basement was packed with rusty machinery and damp air. My light swept over old-fashioned washing machines and lines for drying.My gloves were thin cotton, which matter of factly were useless against t

ISLA’S POVThe invitation for the annual Thorne Foundation Autumn arrived on thick cream paper with the Thorne family crest which looked more like a royal invite. I was holding the invite contemplating if I should go or not.“You're going right?” Sab questioned, sprawled on my bed as I stared at the invite like it was going to bite me.“As what Sab?… I'm literally a staff member in the Thorne estate. I'm not supposed to attend those kinds of parties.” I said, poking her head.“As Cade’s date, you idiot. He left you the invite, didn't he? It would be so rude not to attend. C’mon, girl, billionaire daddy wants you” she said giggling.“Eleanor and Lucan are going to be there… It's like walking into a lion's den” I answered.“Nobody cares Isla, now let's get you ready” she protested.I wore a blue Sapphire silk dress that came along with the invite. Of course Cade got me.I did light makeup, wore some pumps, and silver accessories. Sab helped with my hair, putting it in a low bun allowing

ISLA’S POVAfter resetting from what happened at the gala, I found my way back to work.I noticed that the Thorne estate had different moods. I’d learned that in the weeks of living and working within its walls. Some days it felt dull and quiet, just the sound of birds chirping. Other days, like today, it felt awake. As if the house itself was paying attention. I instantly felt it the moment I stepped inside.The doors closed behind me with a thud that echoed far too loudly through the hall. My heels clicked once, twice, then stopped as my instincts urged me to pause. The air was cool which made me pretty chilled. No voices in the estate were heard, nor was there any movement.“Good afternoon, Miss Campbell.” I turned around to see Mrs. Hawthorne standing near the base of the grand staircase, hands folded neatly in front of her black dress. Her posture was impeccable, as always, but something in her expression was unreadable.“Good afternoon,” I replied, forcing a polite smile. “Is ev