Page 55 of Bitter Lies

She’s referring to the bookshelf that dominates one entire wall, crammed with old books whose spines are worn and faded. They aren’t my books. The place came furnished. Darius owns the flat and uses it as a safe house when need be. Meaning it has a top-of-the-line security system, bulletproof glass, and a safe room inside the bedroom closet.

“Those aren’t mine.” I jerk my head to the left, signaling for her to follow.

We walk past a door on my left. “That’s my office.”

She pokes her head inside and a sly smile teases her lips. “This is where you scheme your criminal activities? I always envisioned that happening in a dark backroom at the club or inside a shady warehouse.”

“Smart arse,” I grunt as I continue, passing the kitchen and dining area.

“This is cozy.”

Isabel veers to the glass doors overlooking the patio. Glancing down at Bear, who hasn’t left her side, she asks, “Is this where those mean squirrels torment you?”

With a bark, he plops his arse on the floor, carefully surveying his yard.

“So, this is how the other half lives? I’d love to live in a place like this.” Closing her eyes, she lets the sun beaming through the glass warm her. “On the patio, with a coffee and a captivating book, I could lose hours out there. Just enough space to exist happily in. Nothing more.”

With a soft thud, her bag lands inside the bathroom, and I cross to her at the patio door. My footsteps silent on the tile, I move in behind her. Lifting a lock of her hair, I bring it to my nose and inhale. Smoke hits me first, but then her scent washes over me as her body settles against mine.

For a second, I let myself imagine it—a life like the one she described.

A cozy little house. A happy life. Perhaps a few little ankle biters and a dog.

Those thoughts are interrupted when my phone rings. I step back and yank it from my pocket, ignoring the insistent vibration as I hit end. He’ll call back soon, and I’ll sort things out after I get Isabel situated.

“Your bag’s in the bathroom. Clean towels are in the cabinet. Once you’re done, I’ll make us breakfast to kick off the day.” My phone rings and I silence it. “Coffee or tea?”

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Isabel shakes her head as if clearing the cobwebs. “Tea. Any will do. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Not wanting her to rush, I reach out when she moves past and spin her to face me. “Take as much time as you need. I have a few calls to make. It’s still early. It’ll be a few more hours before anything opens.”

She looks up at me, her eyes heavy with unshed tears, and I almost falter, wanting to scoop her up and banish the shadows gathering around her.

I don’t. Risky idea. That only complicates things. I need a clear head to untangle this mess and uncover the truth of what happened.

A knot of unease settles in my gut, sharp and persistent. Something isn’t right. A dark and dangerous force lurks beneath the surface, and I need to be ready when it shows itself.

Lowering my head, I brush my lips against her forehead in a tender, lingering kiss. “Go on. You’ll feel better once you’ve washed away the acrid smell of smoke and cleaned up.”

With a curt nod, she delivers her next words. “You smell of smoke, too. Maybe you should join me.”

I’m only so strong. I’ve wanted this woman since the night I sat in that pub, listening to her butcher a song without a care. My appetite has only grown with each second I’ve spent with her.

“Is that what you want?” It has to be her choice. Solid. Firm. Not a suggestion.

She nods, biting her lower lip, and my cock twitches.

“I need your words, Izzy.” I tug her lip free with my thumb, dragging it slowly across. “We both know what will happen if I get in the shower with you. Are you sure?”

Taking my other hand in hers, she steps back. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. I need you, Aiden. I need to feel something besides sadness. Please?”

Ignoring the insistent ringing of the phone, I toss it onto the hard counter with a dull thud. I’ll deal with him later.

I should say no and walk away.

But fuck if I want to, so I don’t.

“Then that is what you’ll get, princess.” Pulling her toward me, I lift her off the ground. “Wrap your legs around me.”