In the bathroom, Victor lifted Isadora and set her gently on the marble countertop.


    He began to undress her, piece by piece.


    Isadora''s hazel eyes were ssy and unfocused. She squirmed in his arms. "Who... who are you?" she slurred.


    "You jerk, don''t take advantage of me! I''ll... I''ll call the police."


    A muscle twitched in Victor''s jaw.


    "Isadora, look at me. Do you know who I am?"


    His voice was harsh, but his hands were careful, almost tender, as he eased her out of her clothes.


    Isadora''s flushed face turned to the side. She cupped Victor''s wless, handsome face in her palms and squinted at him, leaning in as if trying to see him clearly.


    After a long moment, something seemed to click in her mind. She mumbled, "Vi— Victor? What are you doing here? Where... where am I?"


    Victor''s tone was cool. "You''re in heaven."


    He continued undressing her, moving faster now. If a button wouldn''t yield, he simply tugged until it gave way, not caring if it tore.


    Finally, everyst bit of clothing was gone.


    Isadora''s skin was impossibly smooth, pale as ivory, the light casting a faint bluish glow across her body.


    Victor swallowed hard, his throat dry. Summoning every ounce of self-control, he lifted her and set her carefully into the bathtub, letting the warm water surround her.


    As soon as she touched the water, Isadora''s dizziness only seemed to worsen. She clung to Victor, shouting, "No, no... I don''t want to swim!"


    Water sshed everywhere as she thrashed, soaking Victor from head to toe. The frustration building inside him had nowhere to go, and now his chest burned with restless heat.


    With a sigh, he peeled off his drenched dress shirt, revealing a chiseled torso, then unbuckled his belt and stepped out of his cks, climbing into the tub beside her.


    Half coaxing, half firm, he managed to wash her as quickly as he could.


    When it was over, Victor wrapped her tightly in a soft towel and carried her to the bed.


    He took a pale pink nightgown and slipped it over her head.


    The bath and all the fuss-had exhausted her.


    Isadoray on the bed, eyes closed, brow furrowed as if still ufortable.


    Victor''s gaze lingered on her flushed, porcin face, the delicate fan of hershes, the soft pink of her lips...


    He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her forehead.


    Just as he was about to stand, he felt her clutch at the sleeve of his robe.


    Shey there, eyes wide and innocent, staring up at him like a lost, vulnerable fawn.


    "Don''t go..."


    Victor arched a brow, the hint of a smile ying on his lips. "Clingy, aren''t you?"


    Drunk and lost in a haze, Isadora seemed to think she was dreaming. She followed her heart, nodding earnestly. "Mm. You can''t leave."


    Victor couldn''t help but sigh, resigned. He really was powerless against her.


    He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.


    "If you can''t hold your liquor, don''t try to keep up with others. Be good—I''m just going to get you some water. I''ll be right back."


    Whether she understood or not, this time she let go of his sleeve.


    Victor mixed up a ss of honey water-something to help with her pounding head.


    He sat on the edge of the bed, cradled her against his chest, and brought the ss to her lips.


    But Isadora turned her head away, pushing his hand aside like a stubborn child. "No. It tastes bad."


    No matter how many times he tried, she refused, just as obstinate as a three- year-old.


    Victor lost patience. He took a sip of the honey water, then leaned down and kissed her, coaxing the liquid into her mouth directly.


    Forced to swallow, Isadora red at him, fuming.


    The alcohol had loosened her inhibitions. Suddenly bold, she rolled over and pinned him beneath her, biting his lip like a mischievous puppy.


    Victor hardly felt the pain-just the sweet heat of her breath, tinged with the scent of wine, making his head spin.


    Isadora lifted her head, her attempt at a re utterly unthreatening. "Why are you being so mean to me?"


    Victor wrapped an arm around her slim waist, pulling her close so she wouldn''t tumble off the bed.


    "I could ask you the same thing. Who''s bullying who here?"


    Isadora was in no mood for logic. She pouted, lips pursed. "Say you''re sorry."