All Chapters of His to Preserve: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWOISLA’S POVThe contract sat on my desk like an object that had fallen from space and was untouchable. I continued to stare at it unsure of what to do. My name was written above a blank space below that awaited my signature. I pressed my palms flatly against the desk and exhaled slowly thinking about my life. This wasn’t how I imagined my life to be falling apart.Lucan Thorne had visited me again. This time he came with a proposal, and a serious expression on his face.Lucan stood across from me, leaning against a bookshelf, with his arms loosely crossed and bulging muscles. He hadn’t rushed me and I know that was part of his strategy.He slammed the contract, leaning on my desk while whispering. “You don’t have to decide right now,” he said calmly. “But I thought you’d want the option.”“An offer to work at our branch in London, trust me Isla it's going to be worth it. You're going to be safe, free, and happy. All of these would be a thing of the past.” He said, t

ISLA’S POVThe invitation to the private auction arrived in a folded shiny red envelope. The Thornes really have a thing for throwing parties and I didn't know if I should attend or not given my last misfortune at the previous gala.I stared at the envelope longer than necessary, my thumb tracing the dark red crest in the middle, making my stomach tighten as I continued to stare at the invitation.“You know you've got to go right” Sab announced, plopping on the bed, with a sandwich in hand.“I know…” I whispered, dropping my head on her thighs.“Babe, let’s get you ready,” she said, pulling me up.“No…”“Yes, up you go…First off, you’re wearing this” Sab said waving a red silky long gown with dangerous slits.“No way in hell I’m wearing that” I pointed at the gown while she pulled me up dragging me along to the dresser to get ready.Ever since that day, Eleanor has grown silent, Lucan hasn’t text and Cade hasn’t said five words to me. We passed each other in the hallways, silently sta

ISLA’S POV“Isla, you’re screwed,” Sab added, biting on a cookie.“But I prefer this Thorne by the way…cuter” Sabrina muttered, extending some cookies to me. I plopped down on my couch, pulling my robe tighter ignoring Cade’s eyes boring holes into my forehead.“Care to explain?” Cade cocked his head to the side, slowly walking towards me. His hair wasn't sleek like it was in the morning. He wore plain T-shirts and sweatpants which made him look like an ordinary man and not the CEO of Thorne Foundation. His scent wafted in my nose as his commanding presence engulfed me. He looked really large, his muscles bulging out, with a dark intense gaze. His hands casually rested in his pockets; he looked different and hot.“Hello Cade,” Sab waved, trying to lighten the situation but only if she knew. I burst into laughter and so did Cade. “Did you tell her?” Cade asked, pecking my forehead.“Hold on…what are you lovebirds not telling me, come on spill the beans already” Sab pulled on my robe d

ISLA’S POVI stood outside the Thorne Estate for almost five minutes before I finally found the courage to go inside.The iron gate was cold beneath my fingertips, and damp with morning mist. I'm definitely going to miss the familiar scent of the perfectly clean garden. How the estate has finally found some light and is no longer gloomy like when I'd just started working here.I drew in a slow breath, trying to calm my beating heart. I'm just here to collect my things…Nothing more, which was a lie, but I clung to it anyway.I rolled my suitcase softly behind me as I stepped on the gravel path. I remembered the first time I came into the estate and how the estate seemed so tall with the windows reflecting the blue sky. I always felt small when standing before it. I always had a feeling like I was taking a risk each day I came here. But now I'm about to take the greatest risk of my life by going to London and dining with the enemy.Inside, the air was cool and faintly scented with polis

CADE’S POVThere are only a few times that I've felt like this; the first was when I lost my best friend, and then my dad. We Thornes are known for not showing emotions, it is seen as a sign of weakness. But now, I'm unable to concentrate because of how whipped I am and this isn't some sad excuse of having Isla as someone for my pleasures, it's far deeper than that. It's something that I cannot explain.Vanessa, my ‘girlfriend’, has been whining about buying the latest Hermes edition, and how there are only five in the world. What a royal pain in the ass. Although I've been swarmed with work, meetings and conferences, I really need to see her and let her know how I feel about her. I know she felt sad and probably cried after she said she loves me and I clumsily ran out. I really didn't mean that; I was just confused as to how to react or what to say. Hence, I've come up with a decision–I’m going to London. To everyone else except my pilot, I'm going to Brussels because we can't afford