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.

gala. He recognized her immediately-she was the girl from all those years ago, the one he'd searched for but could never find after she'd vanished without a word. The joy and disbelief

that floated around her like a cloud, her softly curled hair brushed her shoulders. Her features had matured into a delicate grace; her eyes sparkled like stars, and her smile was as luminous

each step making his anticipation swell. Victor was sure she recognized him too. He reached out a hand, ready to

she walked right past him, eyes fixed on the tall man behind him. She didn't even glance his

the heir to Wainwright Holdings, and one of the Fitzgerald family's biggest

through Magnus's, her lips curved in a gentle smile,

at his lips as he slowly let his hand fall back to

Was he too late?

out she

knew she'd always liked Magnus-liked him so much the whole upper crust talked about it. Victor just couldn't understand it. Magnus wasn't as handsome as he was, didn't have his charm, and certainly couldn't

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 what

out. Then, as if steeling herself, she closed her eyes, pushed up on her toes, and wrapped her arms around Victor's neck. She pressed her lips

She couldn't resist tracing them with the tip