Isadora still hadn''t managed to put on her nightgown.


    She''d just spent another two passionate hours tangled up with the man beside her.


    Right at the very end, just as sleep was about to im her, she heard hiszy, deep voice rumble in her ear:


    "I was on my best behavior in Europe, you know that?"


    "Can you feel it?"


    "I saved it all for you."


    Isadora closed her eyes and promised herself she''d never wrongly use him again.


    After thest five hours, she was certain this damn man really hadn''t fooled around.


    Because he''d given everything-absolutely everything-to her.


    *


    The next morning, when Isadora finally dragged herself out of bed, every muscle in her body ached, as though she''d been taken apart and put back together again.


    She shot a fierce re at the culprit still sprawled on the bed. After all, they''d both been up all night, but he looked as fresh and energetic as ever-like he''d just stepped out for a brisk morning run.


    Victor stood at the full-length mirror, calmly knotting his tie. He lifted his gaze, refined and unhurried, to where Isadora sat dazed and kneeling on the bed.


    Those mesmerizing, mischievous eyes of his glinted with amusement.


    Isadora turned her head away, refusing to look at his irritatingly smug smile. She forced herself to get up and head to the bathroom.


    After washing up, she spent a long time deliberating in the walk-in closet before settling on a fitted whitece turtleneck and a pair of jeans. The delicatece at the cor did a good job concealing the marks on her neck and corbone.


    Once she was dressed, she snuck another nce at Victor from the corner of her eye.


    He chuckled softly. "Isadora, try to control that wild longing in your eyes when you look at me, will you?"


    She rolled her eyes.


    As if!


    Today, he wore a gray dress shirt, perfectly knotted tie, and tailored suit pants that hugged his long legs. Clearly, he had a meeting to attend. But on his neck, one particr red bite mark stood out ringly.


    Isadora hesitated for a moment, then said, "You''ve got a mark on your neck. Want me to cover it with a bandage?"


    Victor raised an eyebrow. "I''m not bothered. Why should you be?"


    "Fine. Suit yourself."


    She thought, at least she wouldn''t be the one gettingughed at.


    As she was about to leave the bedroom, Victor''szy, teasing voice drifted after her: "If anyone asks, I''ll just have to say the woman at home is a little jealous, so she left her mark on me."


    The next thing she knew, Isadora was dashing into the living room, grabbing a bandage from the first aid kit, and hurrying back. Without a word, she stood on tiptoe and pressed it firmly over his neck, swift and businesslike.


    When she was done, she looked him straight in the eye, dead serious. "It''s better you cover it up."


    if


    Victor just stared at her. "...."


    *


    The autumn sunlight was softer than summer''s harsh re, casting a gentle glow across the city.


    A sleek ck Ferrari streaked down the road.


    Isadora sat in the passenger seat. When she realized Victor was driving straight towards Seafarer Designs, she spoke up: "I''m going back to work at The Vaughan Group."


    Victor nced at her, then after a moment, leisurely changed direction. His long fingers drummed idly on the steering wheel.


    "What made you decide to return to The Vaughan Group all of a sudden?"


    Isadora kept her eyes ahead, her answer simple and direct: "I left Seafarer Designs and rejoined The Vaughan Group."


    Victor gave a nomittal hum. "When did this happen?"


    "While you were away on your business trip."


    "Why didn''t you mention itst night?"


    "You didn''t ask."


    Not that he''d given her much chance to talk, anyway.


    "Oh, so it''s my fault now."


    A few minutester, the Ferrari pulled up to the front doors of The Vaughan Group with a flourish, drawing the attention of several passing employees.


    Isadora opened her door, eager to slip out quickly.


    Behind her, Victor called her name. "Isadora."


    "Hm?"


    He fixed his dark eyes on her, sounding casual: "Come home early tonight. I want


    to hear about everything that''s happened while I was gone.”


    Isadora lowered her gaze, fingers tightening unconsciously around her bag.


    "I have to visit my mom tonight, so I won''t be home. Rain check?"


    Victor''s usual indifferent look lingered on her face for a second, but he said nothing more.


    Isadora closed the car door and hurried inside, not looking back as the Ferrari roared away.