Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 259

Victor strolled over and flopped down on the couch, all swagger and indifference. He sprawled out, legs apart, eyes shadowed and unreadable as he stared at the woman across the room.

“So, is that mutt the only thing you see right now?”

His voice dripped with jealousy and frustration.

Pudding, meanwhile, was beside himself with excitement, circling around Isadora nonstop.

Hearing Victor’s words, Isadora glanced up at him, tempted to give this man a little attention just to keep the peace.

But Pudding was relentless, nuzzling and nudging her for all he was worth, so she just shot Victor a look and said, “Why don’t you entertain yourself for a minute?”

Victor snatched up the remote, flicking restlessly through channels, his brooding gaze flickering from the woman to the dog.

Finally, he tossed the remote aside and snapped his fingers with a sharp crack.

Pudding, who had been climbing all over Isadora, instantly sat down, suddenly the picture of obedience. He didn’t dare move, just tilted his adorable face up, glancing pleadingly from Victor to Isadora, eyes shining with unshed tears.

Isadora shot Victor an exasperated look. “What’s your problem? He hardly ever gets to visit, and this is how you treat him?”

Victor snorted. “He hardly ever gets to visit, and this is how you treat me?”

Isadora couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing at his sulking.

She headed to the fridge, pulled out a big bowl, and filled it with slices of roast beef, ham, and every kind of cold cut she could find, piling it high for Pudding.

Pudding dove in, munching happily.

Isadora crouched down and stroked his soft, fluffy fur, then, as if making casual conversation, said, “Pudding is adorable. I remember you said you were looking after him for someone else. Was it an old flame, by any chance?”

Victor, hearing this, lifted his eyes, his gaze lazy but full of hidden meaning. After a moment, he crooked his finger, beckoning Isadora over.

She licked her lips, her face composed, and walked over to him. In a flash, Victor grabbed her wrist and pulled her between his knees.

They were face to face, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.

Isadora felt her confidence falter in the closeness, nerves prickling under her skin. She tried to step back, but Victor’s legs trapped hers, warmth pressing in on both sides.

He looked up at her with a half-smile, the corners of his mouth curled in amusement, his dark eyes holding her in place.

Victor’s eyes softened. “Close your eyes.”

“Why?”

“I want to kiss you.”

Before she could react, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

And just as he pulled away, she heard him murmur, “Come by my office later—I’ll tell you who my first love was.”

*

Seafarer Designs.

Rowena had just finished a sketch when she heard the click of heels outside her office. She glanced up and saw Nanette leaning against the doorframe.

Arms crossed, face serious, Nanette fixed Rowena with a steady gaze.