ISABELLE CAMPBELL
Every second I spent in that man’s car made me want to disappear.
I’d thought I could talk to him like a normal person. Stupid me actually believed he was only cold, insensitive, and rude back at his mansion—but I was wrong. He’s an idiot in every possible sense of the word.
“Jerk,” I muttered under my breath.
“What was that?”
I hadn’t realized I’d said it out loud. I thought I’d cursed Colin in my head, but apparently the anger ran so deep it slipped out. And honestly, “jerk” was pretty mild for someone like him.
“Nothing. Just thinking out loud.”
“Sounded like you were talking about me.”
Did he know? Or was he guessing? Either way, I didn’t care. I wasn’t on the clock, so I was free to say—or think—whatever I wanted.
“Of course not. Why would I say something like that?” I lied, forcing a smile. I had to put my job first, not get fired on a night I wasn’t even supposed to be working. “I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.”
Colin didn’t say a word, and honestly, thank God. I prefer him silent—because when that man opens his mouth…
“We’re here.”
The place we arrived at was huge—no, massive. Colin’s mansion looked like a toy house compared to this one, and I couldn’t hide my surprise as I took it all in.
The garden stretched endlessly, with a giant pool right at the entrance. I also noticed an outdoor kitchen and several guest areas scattered around the property.
“My God… this place is incredible.”
Colin glanced at me but didn’t bother responding. I kept staring, amazed, spotting a small oasis in the garden with a jacuzzi and a pool framed by artificial waterfalls. The night lighting made everything look even more stunning.
“How about you walk a little faster?”
I realized I’d fallen behind, too busy gawking, and quickly apologized.
“What exactly am I supposed to do here?” I asked as we walked.
“Nothing. Just stay by my side. The focus will be on me—don’t bother trying to please anyone.”
The focus will be on me.
He really doesn’t lack confidence, does he?
I stiffened for a moment. Why was I even acknowledging his good qualities when I’d been mentally cursing him the entire time?
In the end, Colin was right. The focus tonight was entirely on him. I was basically here to smile politely at whoever came over to talk to us.
Whenever people asked about our relationship, he’d answer without hesitation, “We’re friends.”
If only they knew that neither of us saw the other as a friend. Quite the opposite—we could barely stand each other.
Well, hate might be a strong word, at least for me. As for him, though… I can’t be sure. He seems to hate the whole world, really—especially the people in it.
Colin got bored of talking about work pretty quickly, and we ended up outside, sitting on one of the small sofas scattered around the terrace. Of course, he chose one that only fit two people. Typical.
“You talk when it’s convenient,” I said.
“Yep,” he replied curtly, not even looking at me.
“And you actually know how to hold a conversation when you feel like it,” I jabbed, but Colin didn’t take it well.
“You know,” he said dryly, “with this many people talking to me, I’m almost tempted to listen to you. Everyone here’s painfully dull.”
What an ass.
“Too bad I’m not in the mood to talk.”
“Really? Coming from you, that’s a miracle. You never shut up.”
It’s unreal how much this man gets under my skin. Just hearing his voice is enough to drive me insane—and I haven’t even completed a full month working in his mansion yet. I had no idea this job would be so exhausting.
Still… ogre or not, he’s gorgeous. Tall, bearded, piercing eyes, perfectly shaped lips…
“Why are you staring at my face like that?”
“It’s just your imagination.” I quickly looked away, embarrassed to have been caught. What is it about this man that makes me lose all sense of subtlety when I look at him?
“Sure it is…”
Thankfully, an older man started walking toward us, and Colin immediately stood up—but not before leaning in to warn me, “Don’t say anything stupid. He owns this place—and he’s the reason I had to show up to this miserable thing he calls a party.”
I said nothing and stood up beside him.
“I see you’ve got good taste, Colin.” The man’s gaze landed on me. “You’re beautiful, young lady. Allow me to introduce myself—I’m James Sullivan, your host. And you are?”
“Isabelle Campbell.”
“We’re not together,” Colin said almost the instant our introductions overlapped.
“What a shame, son. She’s far too pretty for you anyway.”
Serves you right, Colin.
“Whatever,” he muttered. “Can we talk business now?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll leave you two alone.” I took a step back, but James gently touched my arm.
“Please, stay. I don’t want you feeling out of place.”
I glanced sideways at Colin, who nodded, clearly irritated. Naturally, he didn’t want a chatty woman like me tagging along—but he didn’t seem to have much choice this time.
“All right.”
The two of them started talking as they strolled through the mansion. Colin paid close attention to everything James said, and I followed along silently. He’d made it clear he didn’t want me to interfere, and I was trying my best to respect that.
Kind of.
“You know,” James said, “I want something different. I’m tired of this mansion. The architect who designed it wasn’t exactly… well-known.”
Colin smiled faintly.
“I see. So you’re looking for something bigger, flashier.”
“Yes. Twice the size, at least. More rooms, more leisure spaces… more everything.”
“Well, I think we can create something like—”
“Excuse me, Mr. James. Are you serious about that?”
I realized too late that I’d interrupted Colin mid-sentence as he was about to make his pitch. One look from him told me I’d stepped right into trouble—but it was too late to take it back.
“Please, don’t call me Mr. I don’t need to feel older than I already do,” James said with a warm smile.
“Got it. So, James,” I continued, “I think your mansion is gorgeous, and honestly, I don’t know if Colin could actually outdo this one.”
Both men looked at me, surprise written all over their faces.
If Colin was already annoyed with me before, I couldn’t even imagine what was going through his head now—but honestly, he deserved it after the way he’d treated me all night.
I really don’t know when to shut up…
“Look, I didn’t mean anything by it. I don’t know who designed this mansion, and I know Colin’s good at what he does.
I just meant that I—I don’t know—I really like this place, and I can’t imagine a prettier mansion, and…
I’m so sorry for interrupting your conversation,” I mumbled the last part under my breath.
“What do you think, Colin?”
He turned his eyes on me again, and for once, I didn’t immediately spot anger there.
“She might be right,” he said.
“I just meant that whoever designed this mansion is… freaking amazing.”
Great. There I was again—using slang in front of important people.
I noticed Colin closing his eyes and shaking his head in silent disapproval.
“I like you, kid,” James said, laughing as he pulled me into a quick side hug. “Now tell me—what makes this place so special to you?”
“Oh, I’m not sure exactly. The way everything’s arranged, the lighting, how the interior and exterior flow together—it all feels so balanced.
I didn’t notice any structural flaws, either.
I fell in love with the main hall and that staircase design…
Honestly, I could spend all night talking about how much I love this place. ”
James studied me curiously before asking, “So, do you just enjoy admiring mansions, or are you actually interested in architecture?”
“I want to be a famous architect someday. I haven’t had the chance to go to school for it yet, but I’m sure I’ll make it happen soon. It’s been my dream since I was a teenager.”
“So, if you were a student of the architect who designed this mansion, you’d be pretty happy?”
“James…” Colin said warningly, but James ignored him, too focused on me.
“Of course! Look at this place! It’s stunning!”
Yes, I was completely smitten.
James laughed again, shaking his head in amusement.
“Sweetheart… do you really think I’d trust my money to two different people?”
“I’m… not sure what you mean by that,” I said slowly.
“Tell her, Colin. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Colin took a deep breath and looked straight at me.
“I designed all three of James’s mansions. The one you just said I could never outdo? I built it.”
“Oh. My God. I’m so sorry—I had no idea!”
Colin didn’t scold me, but I was mortified the entire time after that—right up until we were getting ready to leave.
I went to the bathroom after the ogre announced we were leaving.
When I came back, he was waiting near the lobby—no one else around.
“You hate me, don’t you?” he asked out of nowhere, catching me completely off guard.
I didn’t see the point of that question. The answer was pretty obvious. Still, I played along.
“I’m paid to work, not to talk. Or be honest, for that matter.” A mischievous smile curved my lips. I just couldn’t resist poking the bear.
“I don’t care if you hate me. Makes no difference to me.”
“Let me guess—that’s because basically everyone hates you?”
Okay, that was harsh. Colin’s my boss, and maybe those few glasses of champagne weren’t such a great idea because I was running my mouth more than usual.
“Maybe.” If he was embarrassed, he didn’t show it. “We should go.”
“Right now? Just when I was starting to have fun?” I teased.
“Meaning your idea of fun is reminding me that people hate me?”
“Oh, no. That guy over there’s been staring at me since I got here, and... I kind of feel like kissing him.”
I wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to say. Colin’s face darkened instantly—completely black with fury—all because of a harmless joke.
“You’d better start being a lot more careful with what you say around me.” His voice was tight, his expression sharp, and I couldn’t help being curious about what might come next.
“I don’t get it. What’s wrong with me wanting to kiss someone? Just because you don’t do that anymore doesn’t mean I can’t.”
The words were out before I realized what I’d just said.
If he’d looked angry a moment ago, now he looked... indescribable.
“Listen to me…” He stepped closer, gripping my arm firmly—but not harshly. “You’d better worry about yourself and leave me the hell alone.”
I didn’t know what to say. His closeness made my pulse race. Being that close to him—smelling him, seeing the fire in his eyes, the tension in his jaw—
It wasn’t helping.
So I did the opposite of what a sane person would do. I kept pushing him.
“The truth hurts, I know. The lack of… something more in our lives makes us like this.” I paused, glancing around. “We forget how to even kiss someone, let alone handle it when someone actually wants us.”
Colin’s eyes darkened, and in one smooth move, he pressed me back against the wall, his face just inches from mine.
“You’re saying I don’t remember how to kiss?” he whispered.
Then prove me wrong. Kiss me.
“Maybe. You never know.”
He laughed—low, dangerous—and then his hand came up, fingers curling under my chin. He was going to kiss me.
“Looks like a certain woman’s dying to be taken by me… by my mouth, my tongue…”
A shiver ran through me at his touch. My body felt like it was melting, caught between guilt, desire, and the champagne fogging my mind.
“Yes, Colin.”
“Say it,” he murmured, his breath warm against my lips. “Say you need my mouth on yours, my hands on your body…”
“I need that…” I whispered, my eyes fluttering open.
He stopped—his lips just a breath away from mine. I was sure he was going to kiss me. My heart was pounding; I even parted my lips…
But he pulled back.
The bastard pulled back.
“I know,” he said coolly, pretending not to care. “You don’t attract me. So it’s not happening.”