A FEW HOURS LATER
ISABELLA
When I opened my eyes, the world smelled like chocolate, coffee, and something absurdly sweet that made my brain short circuit before it could even locate oxygen. I blinked, disoriented, and realized I was lying on a bed that wasn't mine. Rich linens, silk pillows, the kind of hotel room that made me want to apologize for existing, and then I saw him. Xavier Stoneheart. Shirt unbuttoned just enough to show a dangerous hint of abs, abs that were criminally defined, as if sculpted by some divine sadist, and a small tray of sweets in his hand. He looked like he had just stepped out of a fantasy I never agreed to.
"Morning." He said softly, voice low, teasing, dangerous. "Sleep well?"
Before I could formulate a coherent reply, let alone object, he pushed a small piece of chocolate toward my lips.
"Xavier, wait-" I began.
But my protest was drowned in the absurdity of the moment as he pressed it gently, insistently, against my mouth.
