The Phantom's Game | 18+

Chapter 26

Once Gabriel left, it was Vincent's turn to speak. "I don't trust him."

The brunette cocked a brow at his statement, an amused expression ghosting over her face. "What makes you say that?"

His gaze immediately shifted over to the woman, his own expression guarded. "I don't know, but my instincts are telling me that he's up to no good."

"He just went through some shit, Vincent. Give him a break," Isadora rolled her eyes.

Vincent sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Izzy. But my instincts have never failed me before, and something just doesn't sit right with me about Gabriel."

Isadora nodded, acknowledging his concerns. "Alright, I won't discount your feelings, but I trust him. Though, not entirely."

Then, a thought crossed her mind and her brows creased in wonder. Vincent immediately noticed, and his brow lifted in curiosity. "What is it?"

"He couldn't have escaped wherever he was tortured," the woman remarked aloud, her gaze falling on him with a thoughtful expression.

His mind began to wander all the possibilities what could have happened but deep down, he still doesn't trust it... despite being Gabriel his former affair. He pretends he didn't know Gabriel after a small conflict and decided not to think about the past. He only cared about Isadora, who had an affair with his former affair before.

"You're correct on that. He could have not escaped easily, as I'd expected, so... my assumption is that Valentine made a deal with him."

"A most likely scenario. But the question is... why?" Isadora furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "We need to find out what's happening. Gabriel might be playing a double game, or maybe there's a bigger picture that we're not seeing."

Vincent nodded in agreement, arms crossed against his own chest. "I'd agree with you, Izzy. But we have been through some shit earlier, and we need to lie low for now."

"Ah, fine, you're right. What am I supposed to do here, then?"

"Share my home with me," Vincent answered without a second thought. "I'd... like to know you more, Izzy."

"I assumed you already know much about me before you met me. So, what is it that you'd like to know?"

Vincent hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I just... want to understand you better, Isadora. The things you've been through, the choices you've made, the person you are now. I want to know everything about you."

Isadora sighed, looking away for a second. "Hm, where do I begin? You've probably heard of the Moretti family already, so I'll cut it short. I have an older sister named Madeline, I graduated from college 5 years ago then got into the family business; the rest is history."

She paused, allowing him to absorb the information before continuing, "I once had a long-term boyfriend, but that was way back when I joined my father's business. Once he knew what my family did, he ghosted me. Then, ever since, I never had a serious relationship."

"So just a couple of flings here and there?" Vincent questioned with an eyebrow raised.

The woman simply nodded, "Yeah. What about you?"

Vincent chuckled, a touch of pride creeping into his face. "Well, I'd say I've had an interesting life, too. Grew up in a well-respected family, spent years climbing the ladder along with my brother, the rest is history as well. As for a partner, well... no one has held my interest. Until now."

Isadora raised her gaze to his face — a look of surprise etched onto her face. "Now?"

Vincent's gaze softened as he met her eyes, a hint of vulnerability shining through his usual composed demeanor. "Yes, Isadora. You are different. Intriguing. Complex in a way that draws me in. I want to unravel all the layers that make you who you are," He took a step closer, the air between them charged with unspoken words and emotions.

To say that she was stunned was an understatement — in fact, she was confounded.

"I... I don't know what to say. You make me feel so seen and understood," Isadora admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "That's the effect you have on me, Isadora. You may be the only person I care about, and I want to explore this new territory with you, if you'd let me."

Isadora couldn't believe what she was hearing. The intensity of the conversation, the passion in Vincent's voice, it all felt surreal. At the same time, it made her heart race and her knees weak. She had never felt this way about anyone before.

"I... I would like that, Vincent. I really do."

Their eyes locked in a silent promise, both aware that this newfound connection carried with it a weight of expectations and possibilities. Little did they know that their lives were about to take a turn, one that would irrevocably bind them together, for better or for worse.

"For once, I'm glad to hear," A genuine smile crossed his features and his eyes twinkled in delight that she accepted.

As they stood there, entwined in each other's gaze, Isadora felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins. She knew that this moment would forever mark the beginning of a journey they would take together.

With a subtle nod and a half-smile, Vincent reached out to caress her soft cheeks and gazed deep into her eyes. The yearning in her soft brown eyes was calling to him, and in that instant, he knew he was in over his head.

This woman, with her layers and intricacies, had captured his heart and soul in a way he never thought possible.

Isadora felt the warmth of his touch on her face, a surge of electricity pulsating through her body. She could see the depth of their connection reflected in Vincent's gaze. She reached up and gently traced the contours of his face, feeling the stubble against her skin and it felt... soothing.

Just like the atmosphere surrounding them.

The air was thick with tension, a silent promise hanging between them. This was more than just an innocent connection, it was a bond that had been forged in the crucible of shared experiences and a mutual longing for something more.