But before they could delve into any of the practical details, the building’s door opened again, and Isla’s world tilted completely off its axis.
The man who emerged was nothing short of devastating. Tall—easily six-foot-four—with broad shoulders that spoke of real strength rather than just gym workouts. Dark brown hair slightly tousled as if he’d been running his hands through it, a strong jaw that could have been carved from stone, and the kind of presence that made the very air seem to shimmer around him.
That must be Damon.
Her heart suddenly launched into an erratic rhythm. This man looked like he’d stepped directly from the pages of one of her favorite romance novels—the kind of alpha hero who could make a woman forget her own name.
When his gaze met hers, everything else faded to background noise. His eyes were deep green, intense, and completely unreadable, eyes that seemed to look straight through her defenses to something deeper. For a moment that stretched like eternity, they simply stared at each other, and Isla felt something electric and undeniable spark to life in her chest.
This is it,she thought with breathless certainty.This is love at first sight. This is everything I’ve been waiting for.
She could see it in his face too—the way his pupils dilated, the way he went completely still as if struck by lightning. Whatever was happening between them, he felt it too.
Isla stepped forward with a bright smile, ready to introduce herself and maybe shake his hand like a normal person.
But the moment she moved, something shifted in Damon’s expression. The warmth vanished, replaced by something cold and distant. His jaw tightened, and he took a subtle step backward as if she carried some contagious disease.
What just happened?
The confusion must have shown on her face because Gerri’s voice cut through the tension with pointed authority.
“Oh, don’t be so coy, Damon,” she said with the tone of someone accustomed to managing difficult personalities. “Be a gentleman and shake Isla’s hand properly.”
Isla caught the flash of irritation that crossed Damon’s features at Gerri’s directive, but after a moment’s hesitation, he stepped forward with obvious reluctance.
“Damon Veyr,” he said, his voice deep and controlled as he extended his hand. “Welcome to Everflame Isle.”
The moment their palms touched, Isla’s entire world caught fire.
Heat flooded through her body like molten honey, racing up her arm and spreading through her chest until she could barely breathe. Tingles danced along her skin, and when she looked up into those incredible green eyes, she watched his pupils dilate until they were nearly black.
Desire,she realized with a flutter of hope and excitement.That’s definitely desire.
They stood frozen like that, hands clasped and eyes locked, the air between them crackling with an energy that felt almost supernatural in its intensity. Isla had never experienced anything like it—this immediate, overwhelming connection.
But then, Damon jerked his hand away as if her touch had burned him.
“It was... nice meeting you,” he said stiffly, already backing away. “But I really need to get going.”
And just like that, he was gone—disappearing before Isla could say a single word about matches or dates or the undeniable chemistry between them. She stood there frozen, her hand still tingling from his touch and her mind reeling with confusion and hurt.
“I apologize for Damon’s abrupt departure,” Evelina said gently, her voice carrying maternal concern. “He’s not used to being around people much. He’s lived alone for such a long timeand keeps to himself most days that social interaction can be... overwhelming for him.”
That makes sense,Isla told herself, trying to rationalize the strange encounter.He’s just shy. Overwhelmed. That’s all.
But even as she nodded understandingly, she couldn’t help but think there had been something deeper in Damon’s reaction—something that looked suspiciously like fear.
“I’ll talk with him later,” Evelina continued diplomatically. “But for now, let’s focus on showing you the bookstore space and getting you settled afterwards.”
“That sounds perfect,” Isla managed, forcing brightness into her voice.
But as Evelina led her toward the building, Isla’s mind churned with questions she couldn’t voice. The man who was supposed to be her perfect match had just run away from her like she was his worst nightmare.
Damon is supposed to be my person according to Gerri... so why does it feel like he’s rejecting me?
SEVEN
DAMON
