Seduction In Ink

Chapter 11

Flirting with Danger

As Isabella awoke, gentle sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room. She found Tyler Sterling nestled peacefully in her arms. How had she ended up with him?

Lightly, she brushed her fingers across the bridge of Tyler's nose, careful not to wake him. Her thoughts drifted to their passionate encounter in the fitting room, and she bit her lip anxiously, wondering how he would react to her boldness.

Tyler's husky voice broke the silence. "Love, you may relish me while I sleep."

His eyes fluttered open, catching Isabella by surprise. She hastily pulled her fingers away, feeling his warm breath touch her neck as he spoke in her ear, "May I have you for breakfast, please?" His tone was playfully cheeky.

Blushing, Isabella stammered, "Oh, um, okay. I'll cook." She was acutely aware of his intentions.

As she attempted to get up, Tyler stopped her with a lingering gaze. "Will you cook for me?" he asked, his eyes locked onto hers, creating a tension that hummed between them.

Isabella offered a warm smile, her heart fluttering under his scrutiny. "Of course."

Suddenly, Tyler exclaimed, "No!" His playful tone was disarming. "Not that I wouldn't love for you to cook, but it's not necessary."

Isabella felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at her presumption. "I used to cook for you back at the villa," she replied, her voice lighthearted yet tinged with unease.

Tyler's expression turned serious. "Things are different now."

"Different?" Isabella asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"You weren't mine then," Tyler stated, his gaze unwavering.

Her heart raced at his words. With a shy smile, she replied, "Just let me cook for you," and got out of bed.

As Isabella prepared breakfast, Tyler's earlier words gnawed at her. What did he mean by 'You weren't mine then?' Did it signify something more? She pushed her concerns aside, focusing on the cooking.

Meanwhile, Tyler sat alone, grappling with the unsettling feeling in his chest. Isabella was becoming more important to him than he expected—exciting and dangerous.

The doorbell rang, interrupting his thoughts. Tyler opened the door to find Zek grinning.

"Zek, what brings you here so early?" Tyler asked, masking his surprise.

Zek stepped inside, his eyes roaming over the opulent surroundings. "Just dropped by to check how you're doing."

Tyler sensed Zek's visit was more than a mere social call, especially when Zek's gaze lingered on Isabella. Wariness settled in his gut.

"Zek, you don't just pop by my house without a reason. What's your real agenda?" Tyler inquired, trying to keep his tone light.

Zek's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Isabella, she's quite the enigma, isn't she?"

A surge of protectiveness coursed through Tyler. "What do you mean by that?"

Zek shrugged, his demeanor calculating. "Oh, nothing. Just that she seemed to appear out of nowhere." His voice lowered as he surveyed the room.

Tyler's suspicion deepened. Zek had always been fascinated by beautiful women, and Tyler felt uneasy about his brother's behavior.

"What happened between you, Isabella, and Allysa at the charity event last night?" Zek asked with a smirk. "Did you know Allysa is furious with you for dragging her past security? She's quite embarrassed!"