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As I climb into the elevator, the silent alarm on an empty apartment on the twenty-third floor goes off. I flip to the monitor in time to see Isabella slip into the apartment. Jesus Christ, did she just pick that lock? I know all those doors are secured and locked. Building security checks them every thirty minutes.
“Fuck, my little fiancée is going to think twice before attempting this shit.” I hit the button to that floor.
It’s the longest elevator ride of my life. I finally arrive on the floor and stride toward the apartment. My rage blends with reluctant admiration as I stop outside the door and wait for Isabella to pop out of the apartment.
I mutter, “God, the woman’s defiant and disobedient, but god dammit, if she isn’t magnificent, surprising, and…”
My words die in my throat when I hear the lock on the other side of the door turn. I lean my shoulder against the wall beside the door, folding my arms and crossing my ankles in a casual, just hanging out in the corridor, stance.
I wait quietly and watch as the door slowly swings open before Isabella’s head pops out.
“Out for an early morning parkour session?” I quip, brows raised.
“Uh, oh!” Isabella stutters in wide-eyed shock when she sees me, her eyes darting around for an escape route.
Then Isabella quickly darts back into the apartment like a whack-a-mole. She moves to slam the door, but I’m quicker. I push inside, and she freezes, trapped.
“I have to give you points for trying, princess,” I say, masking the admiration and pride rising in my chest. And indicating toward the balcony. “And points for the uniqueness of the escape.”
Even now, knowing that she’s trapped, she’s not backing down and takes a few steps back. I can see every muscle in her body is tensed, ready to flee as soon as she sees the opportunity, which my little princess is never going to get again.
No doubt, she’s backing towards the still-open balcony door. I’ll be damned if I’ll let Isabella get to that open door. In fact, that little minx is going to be lucky ever to see the light of day again. I’m so fucking angry beneath the admiration, pride, and arousal.
I take a step closer. Isabella takes a calculated step back. We do this for another two steps.
“I must say you surprised me with your daring balcony hopping break.” I purse my lips. “I did not see that one coming, nor did I expect you to have the skills and moves of a cat burglar.“ I smirk, trying to rattle her with the added, “Frankly, I wouldn’t have thought you’d have had the energy after what we just did in your room.”
More admiration swells inside me as she lets my words slide over her, not rising to the bait but standing watching me, assessing.
I take a step closer, but this time, Isabella doesn’t step back. She goes into a defensive stance, and my eyes narrow.
“Really?“ I snort. “Have you been watching the Karate Kid?” I mock. “Are you going to try and tickle me to death?”
Isabella still doesn’t take the bait. She just watches me as I continue to goad her. “Nice form,” I say, my eyes taking a slow, caressing look over her body.
I admire her stance. Isabella’s feet are perfectly positioned for stability and balance, her knees bent, and her weight evenly distributed, but her hands aren’t up like a fighter’s. They’re relaxed at her sides as she watches me warily.
“Thanks,” Isabella says.
“But aren’t you supposed to have your hands up?” I demonstrate, but she still doesn’t move. I sigh. “Are you really going to do this?”
“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.” Isabella shrugs.
Fuck me, she’s beautiful and challenging. “You do know there’s nowhere to go, right?” I take another step closer, getting ready to grab her, but Isabella stands her ground.
I’m starting to get the feeling the hunted is somehow trying to become the hunter. Over my dead fucking body.
“You may have surprised me this time, princess,” I tell her. I stand still and look at her, warning resounding in my tone. “But trust me, you only get one chance to do that. No more surprises.”
Isabella is about to say something, but I cut her off and go for a surprise attack, lunging for her, thinking she is going to jump toward the glass door. But to my surprise, Isabella moves with a speed and precision I didn’t expect. She steps into me, closing the distance before I can react.
Her small frame is suddenly under my arm, and I feel her grip tighten. What the fucking hell? My mind races as I try to comprehend her movements. She hooks her leg around mine and uses her hip as a pivot point. I’m thrown off balance, my own momentum working against me.
Before I can regain control, she twists her hips and pulls on my arm. The world tilts, and I’m airborne for a split second before crashing onto the hard floor. The impact knocks the breath out of me with an oof, leaving me stunned and staring up at the ceiling.
“What the fucking hell?” This time, I snarl it out loud. My mind races as I try to catch my breath, disbelief mingling with a grudging sense of respect. Now I know what she was doing, all relaxed and watching. The bitch was sizing me up like a fucking python, wondering if it could swallow a creature whole.
Isabella stands over me, a mix of defiance and amusement in her eyes. “Trust me, asshole, I’m full of surprises.”
