Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 49

"Ready yet?"

Victor's voice was low and steady. "Are you sure you're ready, Isadora?" he asked. "Ready to be mine?"

Isadora felt her mind go blank, as if someone had just set off fireworks inside her skull.

She had thought that chapter of her life was over, that it was safely behind her. She hadn't let herself consider it—at least, not when she was in her right mind. She never dared.

But now, staring at Victor's strikingly handsome face only inches away, she felt her ears burn hot. The flush crept down her neck, betraying her.

Victor reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were intense, smoldering, like the midday sun-so fierce, her heart trembled and her body shivered.

He had planned to let Isadora come to him, to take things slow, to reel her in at her own pace. But then Pearl had shown up, and Victor started to worry Isadora might go to Magnus for investment instead. That's when he realized his calm had been a façade; patience was no longer an option.

just returned to the country, Victor had spotted Isadora at a business gala. He recognized her immediately-she was the girl from all those years ago,

that floated around her like a cloud, her softly curled hair brushed her shoulders. Her features

swell. Victor was sure

him, eyes fixed on the tall man behind him.

Holdings, and one

Magnus's, her lips curved in

outstretched, watching them. A bitter smile tugged at

Was he too late?

about her, only to find out she no longer went by Isadora Lowry. Just Isadora now. No wonder

Victor just couldn't understand it. Magnus wasn't as handsome as he was, didn't have

devoted? Even grown up, she was just as naïve as she'd been as a child-utterly clueless about people, it seemed. Sometimes, he couldn't help but wonder

Isadora's throat went dry. She parted her lips but couldn't force the words out. Then, as if steeling herself, she closed her eyes, pushed up on her toes, and wrapped

and soft, almost temptingly sweet. She couldn't resist tracing them with the tip of her