21. Chapter 21
I didn’t waste any time getting ready, though my mind wasn’t entirely cooperating. The image of her from ten minutes ago refused to fade. Black satin. Lace. Soft skin against my chest. The unmistakable brush of her nipple where it had no business being—except it had been there.
Real and warm, until she scrambled off the bed.
I’d seen a lot of skin in the last few months. None of it had ever hit like that. Maybe it was the way her breath rushed from her lips and the flush of her cheeks as the mortification set in. Maybe it was the fact that she hadn’t meant for me to see.
Accidental intimacy was a hell of a lot more dangerous than deliberate seduction any day. I dragged a hand down my face and tried to refocus. Morning wood wasn’t making any of this shit easier.
Fuck, what the hell was I going to do now?
“You start by fucking mastering yourself. You’re not a damned teenager,” I grumbled under my breath and started the shower.
Cold water for the win. After the initial shock, my brain left Crazy Town, and I forced my brain to stop replaying the sight of her draped across me. I had slept well. Too well. Her small, warm body curled into my side had quieted something I didn’t know was restless.
That could become a problem. Because this trip was supposed to be controlled. Playful at best and temporary in every way. Not whatever this was becoming. Who knew what today’s agenda would have in store for us?
I finished up and emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. Isabella was murmuring to herself as she paced the length of one side of the room.
“Remember, at the end of the day, you’re an adult and can be charged as one. Orange really isn’t your color.”
I couldn’t help the laughter that followed. Her eyes jerked to mine, and her face erupted into a huge grin, damn near knocking me off my feet. Fuck, she was beautiful when she smiled.
“It’s going to be fine. You’ve been around her before. I believe in you,” I offered.
“Thanks,” she said, shifting from one foot to the other.
There was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but her shoulders were squared with the determination I knew she possessed. I could tell she had something she wanted to discuss.
She gestured to the bed, and my eyes followed the movement. She’d laid out clothes for me. I cocked an eyebrow in her direction and lifted my gaze. A warmth spread through my chest.
She took a deep breath and said, “I hope you don’t mind. I figured we’d probably snap a few photos like most couples do, and I wanted a certain look.”
I walked over to the clothes and picked up the T-shirt.
It was a standard black V-neck, thin and tapered.
It would mold to my body and show off my muscles, not to mention the hint of my tattoo at the neckline.
On top of the black jeans was a pair of boxer briefs.
Socks and shoes were neatly placed next to the bed. She’d thought of everything.
“I’d also like to discuss something before we head out.”
“Of course,” I said, “let’s hear it.”
Her face flushed, and she looked away for a quick second before turning her eyes my way once more. “It’s stupid, really.”
Once more, my curiosity was piqued, but I waited for her to elaborate.
“It’s about kissing. What if we have to?”
“Have to or want to?”
“Pasha,” she warned.
“Isabella, we’re both adults. We’ve kissed before.”
“I know,” she breathed, gulping as she brought her fingers to her lips.
“It’s not complicated. If you’re asking my permission to kiss me at will, you have it. Did I push you away last night?”
She shook her head.
“We can pretend we’re actors on stage.”
“I don’t know why I phrased it that way. It’s not like your friends expect us to make out in front of them. I’m overthinking things.”
“Did you want to practice a bit?”
“Pra-practice?” she squeaked.
“Yeah, it’s been a minute. We wouldn’t want to be awkward with it, right? Or seem unprepared?”
If we were going to sell this, we couldn’t hesitate. And if I was being honest? I didn’t want to. I dropped the T-shirt back on the bed and stalked toward her. The closer I got, the rounder her eyes became.
Her breath hitched as I looked down at her. Leaning in, I pulled her into my arms. My calloused fingers brushed against the smooth skin of her tanned arms.
I pushed her hair back and whispered in her ear, “Just know if I initiate, it will always start like this.” My lips trailed from her delicate skin behind her ear to her cheek before softly kissing her on the lips.
“And it will always end like this,” I said, my voice low and husky before surrendering to the temptation. “Fuck.”
My mouth captured hers, slow at first, then deeper. She gasped into the kiss, parting for me like a good girl. I took my time, but then her fingers tightened on my shoulder—nails digging in just the slightest. Desire danced up and down my spine as I hungrily kissed her.
A soft groan accompanied her surrender, and my head exploded as the memory of her taste rushed back to me. This was sweeter, the time before both of us were wrapped up in darkness.
Almost on instinct, she clung to me, sending a rush of need sailing directly down to my dick, the towel rising as my erection did. Mindful of that fact, I pulled away and released her.
“What do you think? Awkward?”
I awaited her response and couldn’t help but feel a bit uncertain. Had I overstepped? It was impulsive, and I was practically naked, but she didn’t look afraid, more like dumbfounded. Then she shook her head. Her words had me instantly relieved.
“Not in the slightest,” she said, not looking away.
The previous weight on my shoulders lifted more at the sound. Traces of desire lingered in her eyes. The aftermath of our kiss played across her features. She was still trying to process the moment and compartmentalize it.
But then, in a surprising display of confidence, she straightened her shoulders, her gaze meeting mine with a hint of playfulness. “But that’s not how you kissed her, is it?”
One perfectly manicured eyebrow lifted as she waited for me to respond.
A mischievous glint danced in her expression.
The question caught me off guard, and laughter bubbled up from deep within me, escaping before I could stop it.
It was endearing—sweet, a testament to how comfortable with one another we were.
“No, definitely not.” And I meant it. Whatever this was, it wasn’t recycled. “And princess,” I called. “That style…” my eyes darted to her lips, “is reserved just for you.”
I locked eyes with her.
“Good,” she exclaimed before adding, “Or we would have had to spend some extra time practicing to make it different.”
“Well damn, had I known…” I let the thought trail off as she realized what she’d said.
Turning, I went back to bed to gather my clothes. This was insanity. But fuck, it felt right.
“You know I’ll let you in on something else, I never kissed her in public.”
The brush in her hand paused midway. “Really? I guess I’m so used to seeing affection I assume everyone does.”
Once more, I was thankful she’d agreed to come with me.
If nothing else, the amount of gratitude I had for her honesty, her humor, and the unexpected sparks rising between us had me feeling less and less nervous.
The distance that had grown in the last year between my old friends and me would be easier to manage with her by my side.
“Oh, by the way, I put a new picture in your phone. If you want to keep your balls, swap it out,” she said with a smirk.
“We’re back to that, are we? You going to run to your brother and tattle on me? That’s disappointing.”
“I’m giving you options is all. Options are a good thing, Dancer.” She sauntered over to the bathroom. “You can get dressed in the room if you like. I’m going to put some makeup on.”
“Wear red lipstick, please. I like that color on you.”
Her tongue peeked out and sensually wet her lips. She fluttered her eyelashes. “Glad to know. Anything else you like?”
“You don’t want me to answer that,” I drawled, my gaze lowered to her breasts.
When I looked up again, she huffed and disappeared into the bathroom. I grabbed my phone and unlocked it. I scrolled through my gallery of images. My heart skipped a beat when I found the photos she had taken. There were three of them.
Options.
I shook my head. The first one made me smile. She was mid-laugh, and her eyes sparkled with genuine amusement. She had one hand playfully tousling her hair, and her head was cocked to the side. Her new nose ring shone. Her laughter leaped out of the screen. I could almost hear it.
The next one was a stark contrast. She was seated by the window, and the soft light of the room made her glow.
She looked innocent and serene, with one hand resting in her lap.
Her blue eyes were wide and curious, gazing at the center of the camera.
She looked pure, and something in it made my chest tighten.
Then I swiped to the last photo and groaned. She was lying on her side, her head propped up on a pillow, one hand trailing provocatively along the curve of her hip. The look in her eyes was intense. Her lips were parted. She exuded a raw sensuality I couldn’t look away from.
The way she gazed into the camera, she may as well have been staring straight into my soul. Each photo told a different story, revealing layers of her I hadn’t yet uncovered. And with each image, I went deeper into the danger zone.
With another lustful look at the one Kinsley had sent me of her partially exposed, I swapped it out with the last one.
When she emerged, I was tying my shoes. I looked up.
She had a cool expression on her face. What thoughts were running around in her head?
I hoped she would find her stride with us at some point.
I stood and offered her my hand. “You ready?”
“I think so,” she managed, sliding her small hand into mine. I gave it a reassuring squeeze and brought it to my lips.
“You’ll do magnificent. I have no doubts.”
As we rode the lift down, I couldn’t help but study her more. Not everyone could pull off bangs, but she could. The lift landed with a tiny jolt, ending my scenic view. We stepped out and made our way to the small group gathered.
Lisa’s warm voice rang out as she said something to Chase. There was the distinct laughter of one of our other buddies, Reggie, followed by the playful voice of his girlfriend, Shelia. I smiled and whispered to Isabella.
“That’s Reggie laughing. You’ll love him. He’s laid back and cool like your brother.”
She nodded, and I squeezed my hand once more. We rounded the corner, and Chase was leaning against a fireplace in the center of the lobby. Lisa casually stood in front of him. A loud whistle from Reggie reached my ear, and my face erupted in a huge grin. The whistle was clearly for Isabella.
“Hey, you made it down. Now we wait for the other couple,” Chase exclaimed. “How’d you sleep?”
“Surprisingly well,” I said, and then turned to Lisa. “You look amazing. Wedding planning hasn’t stressed you out one little bit, has it?”
“You know me. I’ve been planning this day since I was five.” Lisa laughed. The sound echoed around us. “Now wait until you hear about all the shenanigans that are planned.”
I turned to Reggie and Shelia. “This is my Isabella,” I said.
The word ‘my’ came out easier than expected. And when I said it, she brushed her body against mine and sighed. We all exchanged greetings, and then Hannah came around the corner with her new boyfriend.
Their presence drew everyone’s attention, just as Hannah liked. Her stride was confident and purposeful. With a toss of her perfectly styled hair, she greeted us with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She centered her attention on me and Isabella.
“Well, look who it is. I honestly didn’t think you’d tear yourself away to attend. Looks like I owe you ten dollars, Shelia,” Hannah practically sneered before smoothing her features and turning to the man next to her. “Trent, these are my friends. Well, most of them.”
She introduced the man standing next to her to the others. He was tall, on the slender side. His blond hair was long and pulled back. He had piercing blue eyes that scanned the room with an air of detached confidence.
His gaze settled on Isabella, making me wonder what Hannah had told him about her. The smile on his face was practiced, almost but not entirely genuine.
Finally, she turned to us. “Trent, this is my old dance partner and his…I’m not sure what she is honestly, but Isabella, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
“Good to meet you, I’m Pasha.” I offered my name and hand to the man. “And I told you the last time we spoke in London that Isabella and I are dating now.”
“Did you? Between her and that club-whore you were seeing, I can’t keep up.”
I sighed and ran my hand down Isabella’s back. Isabella chuckled. “Well, from what I understand, his previous relationship was as barren as the Atacama Desert, so it was understandable. But don’t worry, I’ve got him on lock now.”
Isabella turned her vivid blue eyes my way and smirked.
“Well, I hope everyone is ready to start the day. I don’t know about you all, but I am starving. I know an amazing restaurant for breakfast.” Lisa spoke, cutting off whatever reply Hannah was going to give and the soft laughter of my friends.
Trent looked like he was fighting back laughter as well, and he relaxed somewhat. I made a mental note to keep my distance from Hannah as much as possible.
Thankfully, I knew in my heart Isabella could not only take what Hannah dished out, but in return, she would meet her head on. There would be no backing down.
Not with my little princess.