Seduction In Ink

Chapter 26

Desire and Discovery

As they stepped into the luxurious penthouse, the city skyline twinkled beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the atmosphere between Tyler and Isabela crackled with unspoken words. Tyler quickly wrapped his arms around Isabela's hips, concern etched on his face.

"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing the contemplative expression clouding her features.

"Well, because of the man earlier..." Isabela began, her voice faltering at the thought of another man. The admission hung heavy between them.

Tyler's expression darkened at the mention of someone else. "And what about him?" he asked possessively, his tone sharper than he intended.

"Do you know who he is?" Isabela's gaze was fixed on Tyler's face as if searching for answers buried beneath the surface.

Tyler stepped back slightly, the tension palpable in his posture. "That's right, I know him," he said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside. "Why do you ask?"

"He seems strangely familiar," Isabela mused, her voice dropping as she tried to piece together her memories of the man.

A shadow crossed Tyler's features. "Really?" he asked, his mind racing with possibilities. "For now, let's set him aside. We should make the most of our time together."

His words, laced with a hint of threat, made Isabela smile despite herself. "Are you jealous?" she teased.

"Yes," Tyler admitted, his voice softening as he looked deep into her eyes.

Isabela couldn't help but grin at his honesty. "What makes someone like Tyler Sterling jealous? You have everything, and I have almost nothing."

"Me," Tyler replied, his tone earnest. "Isabela, I am everything you need."

He couldn't take his eyes off her lips, a flicker of longing sparking within him. "I have an idea for a little experiment," he said, his voice dipping with desire.

Her face twisted in curiosity as she leaned closer. "What is it?"

A sly grin broke across Tyler's face. "Why don't you take a shower first? I'll join you shortly; I need to call."

"Are we going to have sex?" Isabela's voice was filled with excitement.

Tyler's response surprised her. "No." Her smile faded, replaced by confusion. He pulled her close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We are going to make love, Isabela," he said, brushing his breath against her ear, nibbling playfully on her earlobe.

"Okay," she breathed, her heart racing with anticipation.

After he released her, Isabela hurried to the bedroom, and Tyler seized the moment to call someone. As the line connected, he spoke urgently. "This is me. I need you to look into James's profile—everything about him. I want to know if he and Isabela have met."

Once he hung up, unease washed over him, and he raked a hand through his hair, feeling frustrated.

***

Isabela gasped at the door as Tyler emerged from the shower. He lounged on the plush sofa, his broad back facing her, a towel hanging low on his hips, barely covering his firm backside. The dim lights accentuated the glistening of his wet hair, and he held a glass of wine, sipping thoughtfully as he admired the skyline through the expansive windows. The city lights flickered across his skin, highlighting the contours of his muscular build.

Her gaze was riveted to him, heart pounding as memories of their passionate encounters flooded her mind. She felt the echo of his touch, the warmth of his lips, the exploration of his hands—each recollection sent a thrill coursing through her. Despite the electricity of their connection, vulnerability tugged at her; she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Doubts swirled in her mind about living with Tyler without the anchor of marriage. Yet, the magnetic pull was undeniable.