Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 219

The woman's voice was smooth and sweet, like warm honey melting over your heart.

She reached out, her fingers tipped with striking, seductive crimson polish.

Twisting open a bottle of expensive whiskey on the table, she poured the amber liquid into a crystal tumbler; the spirit caught the light as it sloshed, fiery and potent. She offered the glass to Victor.

Victor lounged against the back of the sofa, eyes half-lidded with lazy indifference. He didn't bother to take the drink, not even after a long pause.

The woman's hand hovered awkwardly in midair, glass extended.

A man in a bright, flashy shirt nearby chuckled. "You know, Doris is the darling of the Verdant Pavilion. She hardly ever entertains guests, but tonight, our crown prince is the lucky one."

Victor's low, languid voice carried a hint of amusement. "Is that so?"

Doris smiled, flicking her eyes at the man. "Mr. Flynn loves to tease me. This is your first visit, Victor, so as your host, it's only right I show you a warm welcome." With that, she quietly set the drink back on the table and sat primly to the side.

Isadora's gaze drifted across the head of the table, casual and disinterested— until, out of nowhere, her eyes locked with his: deep, fathomless, impossible to read.

Caught off guard, she looked away in a flash, as if she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't.

She forced herself to focus on the cards in front of her.

She was the ringer in this game.

still better than drinking

if Victor was pleased,

hadn't said she had

losing might make Victor even

suggested a quick, no-nonsense game of "Chicken"-each player

can call out the other's hand, and whoever has the lower card

wondered if someone was

round, Victor drew the king-the

out around the

king! Victor, who's your

it languidly on the table, sliding it across the polished surface-then paused with the card aimed in Isadora's

heart leapt into her

Damn it.

her for punishment, would he?

of his lips, he flicked the card

"Me?" Jonathan blinked.

need to get nervous," Victor replied, smiling faintly. "Mr. Oakley, you seemed eager to see someone drink. Since you interrupted earlier, how about you give us all a good

Jonathan swallowed, hard.

retraced his steps; he couldn't

he liked watching