Isadora wasn''t paying attention to where she was walking, and before she


    realized it, her foot caught on something. She stumbled, arms iling,pletely losing her bnce and pitching forward-straight toward the hard edge of a ss coffee table.


    For a split second, her mind went utterly nk.


    But just as she braced for impact, a strong hand shot out and caught her.


    Victor''s arm wrapped firmly around Isadora''s slim waist and, with a quick pull, he caught her and settled her securely onto hisp.


    The familiar scent of pine and cedar washed over her, grounding her as her racing heart finally began to slow.


    It all happened so quickly that, by the time the people nearby turned to look, it appeared as if Isadora had thrown herself into Victor''s arms without hesitation.


    Isadora sat frozen for a moment, her thoughts spinning. Only after a long pause did she finally snap back to herself. Flustered, she scrambled off Victor''sp, refusing to meet his eyes.


    Across the room, some women dressed to impress watched the scene unfold, their expressions tinged with thinly veiled derision.


    So much for the innocent act, they thought. Looks like the littlemb is really a sly fox.


    Isadora felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She hurried back to her seat, then quietly slipped away to the restroom.


    Standing at the sink, she sshed cold water on her face, unsure whether her blush was from lingering fear or simple mortification, but either way, her skin was on fire.


    She pulled out her phone and texted Wendy: "Let''s get out of here."


    After hitting send, Isadora stepped out of the bathroom-only to see Victor leaning against the hallway wall.


    He looked effortlessly rxed, one shoulder propped against the wall, long legs stretched out, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. Under the soft lighting, his profile was sharply defined.


    At the sound of footsteps, Victor''s dark,zy gaze drifted over to her.


    Isadora pressed her lips together and, as she passed him, finally managed,


    "Thanks for before."


    She knew full well that if Victor hadn''t intervened, her face would''ve smashed right through that ss table-she''d be lucky to walk away without a scar.


    It was probably one of those jealous women who''d tried to trip her.


    Victor''s voice was low and casual. "Careless."


    Isadora frowned in response.


    He changed the subject, "Still after the Horizon Architects project?"


    She lowered her eyes. "I''ll earn it myself."


    She was well aware that using Victor was the fastest shortcut. But she also knew better than anyone he was the most dangerous shortcut imaginable.


    She turned to leave, then paused as something urred to her. Looking back at him, she asked, "Why didn''t you reply to my message?"


    She was referring to the deadline.


    Victor took a slow drag on his cigarette, his tonezy. "I did."


    She blinked. "You did?"


    A beat. Then he said, voice dry, "I replied with silence."


    Isadora stared at him, exasperated.


    She forced herself to stay patient. "Mr. Fitzgerald, you''re not trying to back out, are you?"


    Victor let out a softugh. "Isadora, I told you I want to be satisfied-but so far, I''m the only one putting in the work."


    As if I''d let her take the initiative, he thought. What a joke.


    Isadora bit her lip, frowning-looking, to anyone else, like a little cat about to unsheath her ws.


    Victor''s hand, cigarette and all, hooked around her waist, pulling her into his arms. His eyes were dangerously dark, lips curving into a wickedly seductive smile.


    He bent his head, murmuring against her ear, "How about we pick up where we left off tonight?"


    Isadora rolled her eyes, unable to resist a jab. "You really don''t ever run out of energy, do you?"


    Victor''s reply was teasing, warm with mischief. "Why would I? Gotta make the most of the time I have before my girlfriend gets tired of me."


    She huffed in annoyance and tried to push him away, but just then, Wendy''s voice echoed down the hall.


    "Isadora? Isadora, where are you?"


    Without thinking, Isadora grabbed Victor''s shirt and shrank into his embrace, letting his tall frame block her from view.


    Over her head, Victor''s voice rumbled quietly, "Such a temper, and yet you''re still afraid your coworker might see us?"


    Isadora had only worked with Wendy for a few days, but she already knew what she was like. If Wendy caught even a hint of their rtionship, she''d meddle in every way imaginable.


    "We''re going to break things off eventually," Isadora said quietly. "No need for anyone else to know. Saves you from worrying I''m just using your name to get ahead."