Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 103

At Victor’s words, Isadora’s eyelashes fluttered, her hands twitching at her sides. She couldn’t quite put her feelings into words—her heart just trembled twice, almost involuntarily.

“Why me?” she asked softly.

“I told you—I’m interested in your body.”

Isadora understood: most men had a possessive streak about things they’d already claimed. Besides, Victor had once said their chemistry was undeniable. That, she figured, was why he was making this proposal.

She wasn’t naïve enough to believe Victor was falling for her.

At the same time, she needed to snuff out Richard’s dream of marrying her off to the Wainwright Group. Right now, Victor was simply her best option.

Isadora mulled it over for a few seconds.

Victor’s breathing grew shallow, his gaze fixed on her, unwavering.

Then, Isadora looked up. Her clear eyes met Victor’s. “Alright.”

The darkness in Victor’s eyes flared, a barely contained intensity shining through.

“But,” Isadora went on, “we need some ground rules.”

Victor’s heart pounded at her acceptance. At this point, he would have agreed to anything she asked.

“Name them,” he said.

“While we’re together, you can’t be with anyone else.” Isadora’s voice was steady. She’d already lived through Magnus’s infatuation with Elise and had no desire to repeat that kind of heartbreak. Even though she’d learned how to protect herself, she could never quite forget the sting of being cast aside.

“Of course,” she added, “I’ll hold myself to the same standard.”

“Agreed.”

Victor had no interest in anyone else. From the very beginning, she was the only woman he wanted.

“And if either of us finds someone we truly care about, we’re free to end it, no questions asked.”

Victor frowned. Only now did it register—Isadora was approaching this relationship with the expectation that it would eventually end.

He couldn’t help but protest, “So you’re saying we’re just friends with benefits?”

Her eyes sparkled. “Deal.”

“Excellent. Well, Miss Vaughan,” Victor said, “it’s time for you to start acting like my girlfriend.”

No sooner had he spoken than Isadora looked up, just in time to see his strikingly handsome face closing in.

A second later, his lips were on hers—warm, insistent.

Victor’s kiss was hard and hungry, stealing her breath away. Isadora hadn’t expected it; his presence filled her, overwhelming and intimate. She stood frozen, nerves tingling.

He brushed her lips with his, then drew back an inch. The desire in his eyes was unmistakable—dark, almost predatory.

Seeing her still stunned, cheeks flushed, Victor broke into a rare smile. “Isadora, you’re supposed to close your eyes when you kiss.”

It wasn’t their first time, but she was still so adorably inexperienced. Her awkwardness seemed to delight him.

This time, Victor leaned in again—gentler, slower. His lips and tongue coaxed her, claiming her sweetness and drawing her in, guiding her into the rhythm of the kiss.

Isadora closed her eyes at last, surrendering. The heat of his mouth sent a shiver down her spine, making her melt into his arms.