Lahat ng Kabanata ng Ruin me, Gently : Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

ISABELLEThe ride to my office after the hospital was quiet. The silence sat between us, thick and full — like we both had too much to say and had agreed, without saying so, to say none of it.The appointment itself had been quick and clinical. A brief exam, a few questions about my cycle, and then the shot — a small pinch in my arm that would cover the next three months. More than enough for a trial period.Did I regret it? Or was I simply already dreading the seven days I’d have to wait before feeling him bare again?I didn’t know what the future looked like. I had no idea if we’d even survive the trial period. But I had never been more certain of what I wanted right now. And after Dave, I had made a decision — no more living for a future that might never come. Just this. Just now.Matt pulled up four blocks from my office, alongside a bank. I had already messaged work to say I’d be in late, and Sage had sent my work bag ahead. But I wasn’t willing to risk Matt anywhere near that bu

ISABELLE“Look who finally called after disappearing on me.” Sage’s voice came through the moment she picked up.A smile broke across my face. I pressed the phone closer to my ear. “I would never ditch you.”“Oh, really.”“I saw a car outside when I looked out the window last night. That was M, wasn’t it?”I opened my mouth to answer. Nothing came out. My lips moved, but the words seemed to have made their own decision about staying put.“I thought I was the only one who could calm my sister down,” Sage said, something quiet and knowing in her voice.“You are,” I said immediately.“Mm-hmm. Then you’d better be ready to answer every single one of my questions when you get back tonight.” A pause. “You are coming back tonight, right? Or do you have plans with M?”The warmth crept up my neck before I could stop it. I needed to get a handle on this — on the way, even a mention of him did things to my composure. It was embarrassing.“I’m coming to yours,” I said firmly.“Perfect. I’ll be wa

ISABELLEThe hot water had done nothing to calm my racing thoughts.I stood in Sage’s guest bathroom, staring at my reflection in the fogged-up mirror, trying to process what tomorrow meant. Tomorrow was the kick-off of my trail moment with Matt. Sleeping in his bed. Existing in his space for the weekend and an extra two days if he impresses me.The thought sent equal parts excitement and terror through me.I wrapped a towel around myself—one of Sage’s decorative hand towels that was far too small to be practical—and padded back into the bedroom, my skin still damp, my hair dripping water down my back.That’s when I heard it.My phone, buzzing insistently on the nightstand.I grabbed it quickly, not wanting the noise to wake Sage down the hall.Unknown number.My finger hovered over the decline button. It was almost midnight. Unknown numbers at this hour were never good news.But something stopped me. Some instinct I couldn’t name.I swiped to answer and pressed the phone to my ear. “

ISABELLE Matt led me through the house, his hand firm around mine, until we reached a set of double doors at the end of a hallway.He pushed them open, revealing his bedroom.Massive, just as I remembered. Dark sheets that looked impossibly soft on the king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city, the lights twinkling in the distance. The memory of what happened here the last time; on the sofa, against the wall, the table, came rushing to me, sending shivers down my spine.“Matt—” I started, but he turned me to face him, his hands cupping my face.“Before we go any further,” he said, his voice low and serious, “I need you to understand what this arrangement means. What I expect. What I need from you.”“We already discussed the terms—”“I’m not talking about the contract.” His thumb brushed across my bottom lip. “I’m talking about this. Us. What happens when that door closes, and it’s just you and me.”My heart was racing. “I thought we agreed to define that—”“Wo

ISABELLE I woke to sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows and the warmth of Matt’s body wrapped around mine.His arm was draped across my waist, his chest pressed against my back, his breath soft and even against my neck. For a moment, I just lay there, savoring the unfamiliar comfort of waking up next to someone who made me feel safe.His hand moved, fingers tracing lazy patterns on my stomach, and I realized he was awake.“Good morning,” I whispered.“Morning.” His voice was rough with sleep, sending shivers down my spine. His hand slid higher, cupping my breast through the silk pajama top. “Sleep well?”“Very.”“Good.” He pressed a kiss to my shoulder. “Because I plan on making sure you’re very awake now.”Heat pooled low in my stomach as his thumb brushed over my nipple.“Matt—”“Coffee first,” he said, pulling back suddenly. “Then I’ll properly say good morning.”I turned to look at him, confused and a little frustrated. “Coffee?”“Trust me.” He slid out of bed,