Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 112

Isadora's expression darkened, the last traces of drowsiness vanishing from her mind.

She hugged her arms around herself, her voice cool and distant. "So this is how you reward women, Mr. Fitzgerald?"

Victor could feel the shift-moments ago, the woman in his arms had been soft and affectionate, but now her mood seemed to turn on a dime.

He never understood how women's minds worked.

He just wanted to give her something, that was all.

But despite her even tone, Isadora's words were edged with distance.

Victor lowered his gaze and fixed her with a penetrating look. "I've told you before -I've only ever slept with you."

Sleep together? Sure, they had. But everyone in the city knew Victor Fitzgerald had a string of women vying for his attention. Of course he was used to handing out gifts and favors as if it meant nothing. Why would she be any different?

Isadora replied, "There's nothing I want, but thank you for your... generosity, Mr. Fitzgerald."

With that, she shifted away from Victor's embrace, moving to the far side of the bed.

Victor's eyes grew cold.

couldn't for the life of him figure

room was steeped in darkness, their quiet breathing the only sound, making the silence feel

gently turned Isadora to

palm rested against her pale cheek, thumb brushing lightly over

are you

to her core, stripping away the thin veil she used

Yes, she was sensitive.

come to live with the Vaughans, she'd felt like an outsider, always treading carefully, desperate

Eleanor thought she was being good, she'd say, "Isadora,

of it. She was happy to accept whatever was offered, believing it was her parents' way

was until one day, Pearl swaggered in wearing an amethyst necklace-the one Eleanor had won

a couple hundred dollars? You think that's a sign they love you? They hand out little trinkets like that to the housekeepers

ashamed, not sit around waiting for scraps. You're pathetic, you know that?

not before tossing over her shoulder, "Oh, and in case you didn't notice, my necklace is worth more

echoed down the hallway, leaving Isadora standing there, cheeks burning

didn't need the Vaughans' charity anymore, but

of hurt flashed in Isadora's eyes as she whispered, "I don't want anything. Not

the emotion