19. Chapter 19 #2
Isabella stepped over and stopped in front of me. Without a single glance in the direction of the front desk, she eased up on her tiptoes and I bent down. She placed a soft kiss on my cheek and then moved to my ear.
“Looks like I may need to keep you on a tight leash,” she whispered.
The connection sent a jolt of electricity through me. My dick jumped in my jeans and then the little demon had the nerve to take my earlobe in her teeth before nibbling it and sucking it into her mouth. I hauled her close on instinct, hearing her squeal.
“Careful, princess, or I’ll devour you whole. Lions don’t do well on leashes.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” she teased back, seemingly unaffected by the exchange.
I let her go reluctantly, and all of us made our way to the lift. It opened with a soft ding, and we stepped inside. Isabella’s leg brushed mine as we stood side by side. A second jolt coursed through my veins, and I seriously began second guessing us sharing a bed.
If she kept touching me like that, sleep wasn’t going to be the problem. As the lift began its ascent, Chase turned to me.
“Hey,” he said, nudging my shoulder. “How about we hit the hotel bar for a drink? Celebrate being here and all.”
He wanted to quiz me about her. I could see the curiosity burning in his eyes. It was probably a great idea to put a little distance between us, but I needed to ensure Isabella was comfortable first.
“Yeah, let me get my girl settled and I’ll meet you down there.”
Lisa touched my arm, getting my attention. “Oh my, I forgot to tell you. So thirty-two of the thirty-three rooms here have waterfront balcony views. Hannah, being her normal self, requested the largest guest room. And guess what?” Lisa giggled.
“Dare I ask?”
“She may have gotten her wish of nine hundred and fifty square feet, but her room is the only one with no water view,” she snickered behind her hand. “And not only that, but it only has a Murphy bed. Serves her right for being so picky and they are sold out, so she can’t change her mind.”
Chase spoke up, bringing some balance. “But her room does seat eight with a big dining table, so who knows, maybe we’ll crash her room for our card game. Do you play cards, Isabella?”
“It depends,” Isabella offered quietly.
The lift dinged once more, and the doors opened.
“So everyone else is here?” I asked Lisa as we stepped out.
“Yeah, a few had long flights like yours, so they decided to call it a night. Most of the days and nights will be relaxing. We do have at least one wild night planned.”
“Wild? You?”
She threw an affectionate punch in my direction. “Yes, this is our last bit of freedom. He gets a stripper, so do I. It’s only fair, don’t you think?” Lisa asked Isabella.
“Most definitely.” Isabella laughed. Her body language was relaxing more and more.
“I suggested Chase and his groomsmen put on a show for us, but he nixed that idea. Something about not wanting to share his physique with the other women. I think it’s because he knows Pasha has all the muscles now,” she paused, “I’m really glad you came, Isabella.
I can’t wait to get to know you better. I think I’m going to turn in for the night, we’re on the same floor. Chase, can you come with for a second?”
Lisa gave me a side-hug and then trotted down the hall with Chase in tow. Isabella sighed.
“See, I told you she was nice.” I nudged her. “Shall we?” I mock bowed and swiped the card key before opening the door.
She stepped in and I followed, bringing our bags. I took a deep breath and looked around. The walls were painted a soothing gray, giving the space a modern and sleek feel. Shutters lined the large wall of windows and the sliding glass door to the balcony.
The bed was large and inviting. It dominated the center of the room. Its plush pillows and crisp white linens beckoned me. I was exhausted. I noticed Isabella staring at it as well.
“I’d offer to sleep on the couch but looks like we don’t have one,” I offered, my gaze landing on the only other furniture that you could sit on.
Two plush chairs sat around a small table in one corner, and a dresser with a large screen TV sat on one wall. My hand nervously went to the back of my head as she remained quiet. What I wouldn’t give to have access to her thoughts.
Tearing my eyes from the bed, I looked around once more.
There was a fireplace directly across from the bed.
And a large standing mirror positioned against one wall.
Its frame reflected the soft glow of the overhead lights, and Isabella was standing just right.
I could see both our images in the reflection.
“It’s fine, Pasha. I think I can manage sharing a bed with you.”
Her words brought a smile to my lips. The only alternative involved the two armchairs and a questionable amount of optimism.
“Oh, God, do you snore?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
I placed a hand over my heart in mock indignation. “Me? Snore? I would never,” I replied with a grin. “But I should warn you I’m a deep sleeper. So keep your knife handy. I may need you to protect me from burglars if they break in.”
Her head whipped around. “Is that a possibility? Because, I’m ready.”
I threw my head back and roared. “You going for the Achilles’ heel?”
“Worked for Tori.”
A fire burned in her eyes. Her mentioning that night had me going down memory lane. Again.
“Shower and get in bed. It’s late and tomorrow will more than likely involve a lot of walking.”
I needed to put some distance between us. This was going to be harder than I thought. I left her and went in search of Chase. After catching me up on everything he was doing in life, he asked about Isabella.
“So when did that happen?”
“Recent actually, but I’ve had feelings for her for a while now.”
The reality of my words set in. What exactly those feelings were was the real issue. My phone buzzed. I smiled down at the message before shooting off a reply.
PRINCESS:
I put your things away and turned the fireplace on. It has a timer. Isn’t that a cool feature? Hopefully, it’s enough light for you to see by. Have fun with Chase.
LEV:
You’re amazing as always. Thanks, see you soon. XOXO.
“How is Hannah handling it?” Chase asked.
I inhaled sharply. “I don’t care, honestly.”
“That’s harsh, my man.”
“Not really, considering how much of an ass she made of herself a month back.”
“What did she do this time?”
“It’s not important. I won’t let our differences affect the wedding. I’m over engaging her in anything other than mild pleasantries.”
“Still think that’s harsh. You spent what, five years together?”
“And only about one of them was good. You remember Seattle, right?”
“Yeah, but in her defense, she didn’t know how significant Kinsley was to you.”
The mention of that specific incident had a way of stirring up the resentment again.
I understood Chase wanting to express his concerns, but frustration bubbled up inside me.
I was over her. All the years of navigating her unpredictable behavior and selfish tendencies didn’t leave me sympathetic in the least.
“Yeah, but she could have asked, and she never did. Instead, when I introduced them the first time after telling her she still acted like an ass. It is what it is.” I shrugged, my tone more resigned than bitter.
“I’m not about to waste another second worrying about how she feels.
She’ll deal with it in her own way, as she always does. ”
Chase raised an eyebrow, clearly not prepared for this new attitude.
“And you and I both know she’ll find a way of making this event all about her.”
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “She won’t.”
“I’m tired. I’m going to turn in,” I said, rising and yawning. The travel and jet-lag were kicking my ass, and I didn’t want to say anything more.
Shaking off the conversation, I wandered back to our room.
The closer I got to the sanctuary of it, my steps lightened.
I paused at the door for a moment, my hand hovering over the handle as I gathered my thoughts.
With a quick swipe and a steadying breath, I pushed open the door and closed it behind me.
The click of the latch as I threw the lock echoed in the stillness of the room. A wave of relief hit me at the sight of Isabella curled up on one side of the bed, her form bathed in the soft glow of the fire. She looked so peaceful; her features relaxed in slumber.
I headed to the bathroom and quickly showered before joining her. As I approached, she shifted, and I only then noticed her shoulder peeking out. It was completely unexpected. Her style was a cross between casual, comfortable, and emo/goth.
Reaching out, I eased the covers back and nearly swore under my breath. As eclectic as she was, I wasn’t expecting a satin and lace-covered Isabella. It was elegant and classy. The black silk fabric draped beautifully over her curves, accentuating her shape.
The lace cami skimmed her breasts, the neckline dipping just enough to flash creamy cleavage. Her pajamas were going to make restraint a tough choice. One I was going to have to actively be aware of.
My eyes trailed downward, and I couldn’t help but admire her legs. She was wearing a matching pair of shorts, and the lace detail added a touch of femininity to her. Softening her almost. It was refined. Intentional. And it undid me.
For a moment, I found myself at a loss for words, captivated by the sight of her. So different from her normal, and it made me realize I still had a lot to learn about little Isabella Rose Caruso.
With a sense of wonder, I settled in on the other side of the bed and watched her sleeping until my eyes grew heavy. And as sleep claimed me, I drifted off into a world of erotic dreams. Ones of her and me. Ones I had no business having.