Chapter 90
“You spoke of a horrific death, while he promises a happy future. That’s all there is to it.” Sparks ignited in Isaac’s eyes. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he took a step closer, the space between them vanishing until their chests nearly touched. It was a familiar proximity. Arietta involuntarily exhaled, the effort of not reaching out to him, of not resting her head against his broad chest, a monumental task. It felt like withdrawal. During their time apart, she hadn’t realized how desperately she craved his touch. Now, face to face, everything felt unsteady. Still, she had a task to complete, and that meant escaping Isaac’s pull.
The most sensible course of action would be to turn and go back to her room. Benjamin would follow, and she could speak to him away from Isaac’s gaze. Whatever she needed to say—a reprimand, a plea, a warning—she could deliver it with a clearer head. But with Isaac before her, the familiar emotions of passion and possessiveness surged. She wanted him. She wanted proof that he was hers, to see him react to her touch, her lips, her gaze. Arietta had always acted on impulse; control wasn’t her forte. That’s why this was so difficult.
Sweat beaded on her palms, yet she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Isaac. “Sweet words? Is that all that matters? You’ve become foolish, Arietta…” His voice dropped, a low rumble that seemed to melt into her eardrums. How could a voice so low and dry feel so hot? Arietta wanted to evaporate in its heat.
“You were clever when you chose me after Seia.” The words were a cold taunt, but they also sounded like an invitation to return. Choose correctly now, Arietta. Make the smart choice. Every cell in her body screamed for her to go back to him, her instincts urging her towards him. Arietta bit her lip. This is all for you, she thought, resolutely turning her head. Her shoulders trembled, a movement Benjamin mistook for shame.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s a bit… lacking,” Arietta said slowly, choosing her words carefully, words designed to provoke Isaac’s hatred. She wanted to leave a mark on his life, to be more than nothing. It’s fine if you don’t love me, but I want you to think of me. “Mother was perfect from beginning to end, but you weren’t.” Isaac’s brow furrowed. Finally, Arietta looked directly at him.
“You owe me this. I made you, Izzy.”
Isaac stared down at her, his expression cold and impassive. Arietta turned her head towards Benjamin, as if to avoid Isaac’s gaze. “What’s to stop me from doing the same with him?”
Isaac let out a breath that sounded like a laugh. Arietta’s eyelids fluttered, the blatant tremor a novelty in the bright light. “Your love is shallow, Arietta.”
“If you’re going to say that, you should have returned my affections.”
“I have no intention of taking you.” Isaac’s large, strong hand cupped her cheek. Benjamin wanted to intervene, but something held him back. He sensed a history between them, a depth of time he, having only met Arietta days ago, couldn’t fathom. He couldn’t know that it spanned nearly two decades.
Arietta’s lips parted, her breath catching in her throat. Isaac smirked at her reaction. Then, his lips covered hers. She couldn’t resist any longer, surrendering to the flood of sensation that washed over her. She clung to him, and he welcomed her into his arms, the familiar weight of her body settling against his. His head tilted, his tongue seeking hers. A jolt of electricity shot through him as he tasted her.
With Benjamin watching, they kissed as they always had, Arietta’s head thrown back as she yielded to Isaac, lost in the moment.
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