God, what in the hell is he doing here?
This can’t be a coincidence. No way.
Seeing him once was enough for today. Why am I seeing him again so soon?
I come to this club with Mia regularly enough to say I have never seen him here. And someone like him would never come to a place like this.
So, the obvious answer is he’s here forme. But why?
An easy grin slides across his mouth, and even though we’re about twenty feet apart, I can see that flicker of interest alive in his bright blue gaze.
I look away and stare ahead at the shelves of liquor.
I don’t want to talk to him. The best thing to do is leave, but I’d need to get past him to head for the exit.
Damn it. I’m not ready to leave yet. But I don’t want to sit here where he can see me.
Think, Isla. Think.
The VIP lounge comes to mind. Mia’s boyfriend told us we could use it anytime we’re here. Granted, I’m usually here with Mia, and the offer was forher, but I don’t think anyone would turn me away.
Only one way to find out. And if it works, I can stay there until I’m ready to go home.
I down my drink and turn oh so slowly to check if Knox is still there.
He’s not. I can’t see him anywhere. Chances are he’s making his way down here to terrorize me.
No matter. Now’s the best time to make my escape.
I get off the barstool and make my way to the corridor on my left. There’s a secret stairway to the VIP lounge.
Once I’m through the crowd of dancing bodies, I head up the stairs. The moment I reach the top, I feel slightly better.
The guard at the lounge door simply smiles at me and waves me in.
Yes. Mission accomplished. I’m in. And there’s only a handful of couples up here in the private booths.
I rush to the furthest one. It’s by the arched window in the darkest corner. People use this booth when they want to hide out or have more privacy. I need both.
I lower my body to the chaise, take five deep breaths, then search through the shit clogging my mind for something to calm me. I settle on the artwork I’m currently working on.
I think of the vibrant colors in the design and try to lose myself.
I close my eyes. Then I hear footsteps. Heavy and sure, approaching me.
Before I even open my eyes, I know the monster has found me.
I open one eye, then the other, and sure enough, there he is.
Knox Vale, my future husband. Tall, ridiculously handsome, and standing before me like the Prince of Darkness.
Shadows seem to cling to him, enhancing his raw, male beauty as he regards me, and a dark smile floats across his mouth. “Hello, love.”
There’s that damn word again—love.
Hearing anybody else call me that would be heartwarming. But him? No, no, no.
“Why are you here?” I snap. I can’t help myself.
