Obsidian Desires

Chapter 1

Isabelle POV

The gallery pulsed with energy, a cacophony of voices blending with the soft strains of classical music. My latest pieces adorned the walls, each one a fragment of my soul laid bare for all to see. I felt a mix of pride and vulnerability as I moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and accepting compliments with a gracious smile.

It was then that I felt it-a presence that sent a shiver down my spine. I turned, and there he was. Alex Montgomery. My rival. My nemesis. And the man who had a habit of unsettling me in ways I didn't care to admit.

Alex stood by the entrance, his dark eyes scanning the room with a predatory intensity. He was handsome in a way that made people stop and stare, with a commanding presence that filled the space. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world around us faded.

I lifted my chin, determined not to show any sign of the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me. I was Isabelle Laurent, and I would not be intimidated.

As if reading my thoughts, Alex made his way towards me, his gaze never leaving mine. The crowd seemed to part for him, as if sensing the electricity crackling between us.

"Isabelle," he said, his voice a smooth, dangerous purr. "Your work is... impressive tonight."

I arched an eyebrow, my lips curling into a sardonic smile. "High praise, coming from you, Alex. I didn't think you'd bother to show up."

He leaned in slightly, his proximity sending a thrill through me despite my best efforts to remain indifferent. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Besides, I always like to keep an eye on the competition."

I laughed, the sound tinged with both challenge and dismissal. "Competition, is it? I suppose we'll see about that."

I turned away, giving him a full view of my dress. It covered me completely, save for the deep plunge at the back, exposing a large, intricate tattoo that started at the nape of my neck and flowed down to the small of my back. The design was a mix of swirling patterns and hidden meanings, something deeply personal that I rarely spoke about. I felt his eyes on the tattoo, and it was a small victory to feel his gaze burn into me as I walked away.

Alex POV

The tension between us was palpable, a tangible force that drew me to her despite the years of rivalry and unspoken desire. Isabelle Laurent was a force of nature-fiercely talented, undeniably beautiful, and my greatest challenge.

I watched as she moved through the gallery, commanding attention with her every step. Her art was a reflection of her: bold, passionate, and impossible to ignore. Tonight, she was in her element, surrounded by admirers and the fruits of her labor.

But for me, Isabelle was more than just a rival. She was an obsession. An addiction I couldn't shake. Every glance, every smile, every dismissive laugh fueled the fire inside me. I wanted her-more than I had ever wanted anything.

I approached her, my heart pounding in a way I hadn't felt in years. "Isabelle," I greeted, my voice betraying none of the chaos inside me. "Your work is... impressive tonight."

Her smile was as sharp as a blade. "High praise, coming from you, Alex. I didn't think you'd bother to show up."

I leaned in, unable to resist the pull. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Besides, I always like to keep an eye on the competition."

She laughed, a sound that was both a challenge and a dismissal. "Competition, is it? I suppose we'll see about that."

She turned, her dress revealing a stunning tattoo that ran the length of her back. It was mesmerizing, a piece of art on her body, and I couldn't look away. The desire to touch, to trace the lines of ink with my fingers, was almost overwhelming.