Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 15909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Isla is quiet as she eats, and I can see her stealing glances at me under her long lashes. I can tell she's dying to ask me a million things, but that's all going to have to wait. Getting her back to my penthouse and settled in is my top priority. I can't give her too long to mull over what the contract she's signed really means, or she might balk. Isla won't be able to get away from me, but this will be much more enjoyable for both of us if she comes along willingly.
I ordered for both of us, filets with au gratin potatoes and asparagus, and I'm happy to see that she eats without complaint. She's less enthusiastic about the wine, but that's okay. I'll learn her preferences soon enough.
Once we're done, I stand up first, offering her my hand. She looks at it like it's a snake about to strike, but slowly reaches out and lets me help her to her feet. It's the longest touch we've exchanged thus far, and the energy crackles like a live wire. There is a measure of bravery in my Isla that I'm coming to recognize, and it pleases me greatly. There are no tears, very few complaints, and her hand on my arm isn't exactly relaxed, but she isn't stiff with fear, either.
I keep my hand on hers as we exit the restaurant. Outside, a sleek black car is waiting, and my driver comes around to open the door. Isla hesitates, looking up at me.
"Where are we going?" she asks, her voice quiet.
"Your new home for the next three months. My penthouse overlooking Elliot Bay."
Isla swallows and looks away as she folds herself into the vehicle. I follow, and she doesn't respond until the door is shut and we're on the road. "I guess I was holding on to hope that when you said 'live with you', you meant on a property you own or something. But we're really staying in the same apartment, huh?"
"Yes. But I'll let you use the guest room for the first week or so."
Her head whips towards me, her jewel-toned eyes wide. "What happens after the first week?"
I laugh quietly, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
She opens her mouth to respond, but I shake my head, cutting her off. "No more questions. You can see your new room once we arrive. And you can sleep there for the time being. Then tomorrow we'll get your new life in order.
"My new life? This is just for a few months!"
"I think I've made myself clear, Isla," I say warningly, despite being secretly pleased at the fire she's showing. "The only thing I want to hear out of your mouth right now is 'thank you'."
"But—"
I raise an eyebrow at her, and she closes her mouth, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. A flush rises to her cheeks, and I watch as she fights with herself to respond the way I told her to. I can almost see her mind racing.
Isla's lips press together, then part again. She breathes out, and then says, "Thank you, Dante."
"You're welcome. It'll take some getting used to, but you're learning quickly."
Her jaw clenches, and she stares out the window. I don't mind the silence. It gives me plenty of time to think about all the things I plan to do to her once she's settled in.
The rest of the drive passes without incident, and by the time we arrive at my penthouse, Isla seems to have calmed down a bit. I let her go ahead of me into the elevator, watching the sway of her hips, the way her dress hugs her ass. I'm not going to be able to control myself much longer, and I want her to come to me of her own free will.
"This is a very fancy building," she says as we ride up to the top floor.
"It's convenient. Not too far from downtown, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle that it's quiet. Plus, there's a pool on the roof."
"I like to swim," she admits. "Dad and I used to go to the lake during the summer."
I file away that piece of information for later. There are plenty of situations involving Isla, water, and seriously small swimsuits that appeal to me.
When the elevator doors open, Isla hesitates, but I place a hand at the small of her back, nudging her forward into the hall. My penthouse is the only one on the top floor, so there's no chance of someone coming out of their unit and running into us. It's late enough that most people are in bed, anyway.
I unlock the front door, holding it open for Isla and letting her walk past me into the foyer. Her heels click on the marble floors, echoing through the room as I lock the door behind us. I let her take in the place, satisfied at her small gasp. I've put no small amount of effort into making my living space mine, and I'm pleased that she's noticed.