Chapter 2 #2
“Could they even arrest me here? I mean, his apartment is in Denver. I can just avoid going to Denver from now on,” she says nonchalantly.
“I didn’t even do that much that would involve jail time.
At least I don’t think so. How much time do you think I’d get for glitter bombing an apartment and sticking really stinky shrimp all over the place? ”
I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “What else did you do?”
Her cheeks tinge with pink as her face tilts to stare at the floor. “I may have put laxatives in his protein powder and superglued his shoes to the carpet.”
I let out a loud bark of laughter. “I fucking love that. What did he do that necessitated a quick glitter bomb?”
“I caught him with my best friend.”
My laughter dies as I take in those words. “The fuck? You caught him?”
“Yup.” She smiles bitterly. “Caught in the throes of passion.”
I feel anger rising, and I pull my phone from my pocket, ready to set my anger onto someone who deserves it. “Give me his name.”
“No.”
“Isabella.”
“I handled it. Nothing else needs to happen. ”
I shake my head emphatically. “I disagree. I need to keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn’t come back here.”
“You don’t need to do anything, Sebastian. You are not responsible for me in any way, and I’m not a damsel in distress that needs you to solve my problems.” Her voice sounds one way, but I see the fear in her eyes. She’s rattled, but I’m probably the last person she’d ask for help.
“I know that,” I say in a huff, reaching up to scratch the back of my neck.
Focus, Seb. Think of your words. Don’t stick your foot in it again.
“I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you, if I knew I could have prevented it.
I’d rather you hate me, but be safe, than for you to be hurt at all. ”
Isabella studies me momentarily. I see the moment she shutters her heart. “I’ll be fine. Besides, I can just talk to Alex and get the Eternity Springs police involved.”
I sigh. “He just had a baby. Don’t involve him. All of your brothers have families. If something else happens, you contact me, okay? Let me handle it.”
Silence ensues for a few moments as Isabella ponders my words.
I cast a quick glance at Trace, who swipes at his phone, but is very clearly listening to this conversation.
Finally, Isabella speaks, and I’m unprepared for the vitriol that oozes from her voice.
“Why do you want to help me so much? Did my brothers tell you to keep tabs on me? Am I some kind of bullshit bet? I never understood why you showed interest in me. I’m not a toy, Sebastian. ”
“Woah, what the fuck?” I blurt out. “I never said you were a toy, and I’m certainly not playing games with you. I’ve asked you out at least a dozen times. Have you said no every time because you thought it was a game or a bet?”
She shrugs, the tension evident in her shoulders. “ If the shoe fits.”
I tilt my head back, looking up at the ceiling. “I didn’t realize you thought so poorly of me.”
“What am I supposed to think?” she exclaims, gesturing up and down my body. “You look like that , and I’m me! We are not equal.”
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I quickly look at the screen to see a text from Trace.
Trace: Circle back. She’s picking a fight to get off the topic of her safety.
Fuck. He’s completely right.
I step closer to Isabella, watching as she slowly inches backward until she runs into the counter.
Once our shoes touch, I lean forward until my lips are next to her ear.
She shivers as my breath skirts over her skin, and I revel in that small victory.
“You are not a bet. I would never play games with you, because I’d fucking lose every time.
You are an absolute goddess, and if you ever allow me the privilege of taking you out, I’ll spend every fucking moment worshiping you until you see yourself the way that I see you.
You are spectacular, mi Cielo . You may not want to tell me your ex-boyfriend’s name, but I will find out.
Now get your things so I can escort you back to your apartment.
I know you’re about to close, and I’ll feel better if I can see you safely home. ”
I dip my nose into her hair, taking a deep inhale of roses, vanilla, and a hint of sugar, and hoping I never forget how this smells. How it feels to be this close to Isabella. I honestly can’t believe she’s allowed me to be in her space this long —
Hands hit my pecs before Isabella pushes with all her might, shoving me six feet back. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, Sebastian, but it better be from this far away.”
God, I wish she’d let me take care of her. Let me into her orbit. Trust that I’ve only had eyes for her for as long as I can remember. Sure, I’ve scratched an itch here and there when I felt it was needed, but no one truly interested me like Isabella always has.
But if I can’t save her, I can at least build her confidence, so she never thinks she’s less than. The fear in her eyes only moments ago has been replaced by fire, grit, and determination. And that’s the Isabella I know.