She inhaled without meaning to—and froze.
Somehow, she liked it.
The steady sound of running water came from the bathroom. She lay still, listening, her thoughts drifting unwillingly. Had he backed off because he sensed her fear? Or had he simply lost interest at the last moment?
Either way, it seemed clear that nothing would happen tonight.
Only then did she realize how tense her body had been.
She exhaled quietly.
This man was exhausting.
Every encounter with Victor Steele left her feeling as though she were being guided along invisible threads, never quite sure whether she was walking forward or being pulled.
Still, she reminded herself firmly—
This was only a contract.
Nothing more.
As long as she guarded her heart and waited patiently for him to lose interest, she would be safe.
Yes, Isabella, she told herself. Protect your heart.
Don't provoke him.
Don't depend on him.
And above all—
Don't fall in love.
Just treat him as a wallet and nothing more.
