AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I make my way toward Liam and ask for a drink as Vice sits beside me. “Do we need to watch them pour?” Vice asks, as if thinking they’ll poison us.
I chuckle, but my mind is still locked on Isla. My gut twists at the thought of her in his arms. I remember how she felt in my arms, so small and sweet, her scent like strawberries and cream.
I can check everything from my phone now, from the records to the email to the security cameras. Vice and I down our drinks and Liam refills our glasses, his gaze sharp and his lips pressed into a thin line that warns me Vice is right about morale.
I take my drink and head back to my usual spot, leaving Vice at the bar. I force myself to focus on the device in my hand instead.
Pulling out my earbuds, I put them in and tap on the screen, scrolling till I find what I'm looking for—Isla's latest post.
It's a simple video, nothing more than her smiling into the camera, talking about making blackberry wine syrup and joking that this one isn’t for kids and should probably be made for dinner, not breakfast. Her humor brings a smile to my lips, and I can’t help but notice, but it's enough to have me hooked. She's radiant, her eyes alight with passion as she speaks, and I can't tear my gaze away.
"Beautiful," I murmur under my breath, watching as she tosses her hair back and beams at her unseen audience. Her innocence, her joy... it calls to me, a siren song I've been trying desperately to ignore.
I want her to look at me like that. I want her to be as passionate about me as she is about her cooking.
Her laughter spills from the tiny speakers, a sound so sweet and genuine it sends a shiver down my spine. She's got this light about her, a warmth that seems untouched by the harshness of the world—a stark contrast to the coldness I've become accustomed
“Wow,” I murmur under my breath, watching as she glances at the camera, her eyes seeming to make contact with mine in a way that has me warming up inside. I know it’s stupid, but something about her just makes every bit of me want her. Her innocence, her joy... I want all of her, but I have to be smart how I win her over.
Vice glances over at me from where he’s been shadowing Liam. The two guys seem to be getting along great, and I nod. I see his gaze jump to Isla and know I’m caught. He knows.
The video ends and I know it’s time to get down to business and pull up the numbers. This place makes good money, but I know it can be better. I just need to figure out how to ramp up profits. Alex would know what to do with this place… if he’s not busy getting shot in the leg, that is. I know he has a wife and kids now, but he’s the man I trust with these kinds of businesses.
“Excuse me,” a sultry voice purrs, and I barely manage to glance up before a blonde bombshell slides across from me, her two equally beautiful friends smiling down at me.
Their smiles are practiced, their dresses are designer. “We couldn't help but notice you sitting here alone.”
“Is that so?” I say. I couldn't be less interested. My eyes tick to Isla for just a moment, catching her watching me, an emotion flickering across her face that I can't quite place—until it clicks. Jealousy. It's subtle, but it's there, turning her cheeks a cute shade of pink.
“Yes,” the blonde says, giving me a bedroom smile designed to hit me right where it counts. But her attempts miss. She leans in closer, her hand accidentally brushing against mine. “Maybe we could keep you company?”
The friends that are standing take spots by her side and mine, and I suppress the urge to tell them to leave me alone. Instead, I let my fingers linger against the blonde's for a fraction longer than necessary. Across the room, Isla shifts uncomfortably, biting her lip.
Interesting.
“Thanks for the offer,” I say, pulling my hand back and folding my arms, “but I'm not interested.”
The trio exchanges a puzzled glance before retreating, their words sharp and low, no doubt saying what a dick I am for refusing their advances.
I watch them go, aware that Isla's gaze has not left me. In that moment, an idea pops into my mind. Maybe I should just ask her out.
But nothing is that simple. I’m her boss now - which doesn't bother me, but it might be a boundary for her - I’m not a good man. I’ve done evil things, and my past leaves a lot to be desired. She’s so pure, so innocent, I don’t know that I can taint her. I want to, but can I live with myself if I do?
“That’s a bad idea,” I say to myself, as if I can talk myself out of the idea.
I glance at Isla and see her making her way toward me.
“Sorry, did you need something?” she asks, her voice soft, uncertain.
“No,” I say.
“I thought I heard you say something.” The slight smile at the corners of her lips has bad thoughts crossing my mind.
“I was just thinking out loud.”
“About...?” Her question trails off as she reaches out to take my empty glass, her hand grazing mine and staying as her eyes meet mine.
In that simple touch, electricity surges through me, fierce and undeniable. I catch her wrist gently, our eyes locking. I see her chest rise and fall sharply, her breath hitching, and despite every alarm bell ringing in my head, I can't release her.
