Page 14 of Potent Desire

8

Maddox

Jesus Christ, she’s not the same little girl I used to know.

Isabella Romani has ascended to womanhood and it’s been damned kind to her. She’s gorgeous from head to toe. A perfect hourglass frame, scantily clad in that short dress. Her tits are on full display, her legs no different. Her face is painted in make-up that highlights every alluring feature. Even the forming bruise and the swelling on her cheek can’t detract from her stunning beauty.

I find it easy not to stare, though if I was a weaker man, I’d understand Vik’s desperate want to have her.

When we get to the lobby, I give the King’s men the tip-off that the job is done. Whatever deals they have in place with the hotel, to get the body out, doesn’t have a thing to do with me. I’m only meant to bring Isabella back home safely.

I keep my distance from Isabella until we get to my Bentley, where I open the door and help her in. She hasn’t taken her eyes off me since we left the hotel room.

I get into the driver’s seat and we head off. Neither of us speaks for most of the drive. I just want to finish this, and Isabella’s probably shocked at all that had happened. As we pull up the road to her father’s estate, she finally turns to me.

“You’re probably expecting a thank you, aren’t you?” she asks.

“No, not at all,” I reply. “I’m doing my job.”

A choked noise comes out of her mouth. She doesn’t seem happy with my answer.

“Well, thank you anyway,” she says with a huff.

“What happened up there?” I inquire. My curiosity rarely gets the better of me, though I can’t help myself with Isabella.

“Another chapter in the exciting life of Isabella Romani,” she shrugs. She doesn’t say any more and I fight the urge to question her further.

Something about Isabella’s making it harder for me than usual. I’ve never been chatty, never cared to question my orders. This is different. It’s only a fleeting feeling, I’m sure. After I drop Isabella off at her father’s estate, I’m sure it’ll have passed by morning. The circumstances of what happened to her, that’s all it’s got to be.

We arrive through the wrought iron gates of Isabella’s home. She looks hesitant about getting out of the car. I sit with her a while, long after Bruno steps out the front door, obviously waiting for us.

Isabella’s eyes fall on him, and I can see a deep sadness lingering within.

“Are you alright?” I ask.

“Yeah,” she replies.

“Look, it’s not much,” I slide my hand into my pocket, and pull out one of my business cards. I hand it to Isabella, and she looks it over once. “But if you ever find yourself in a pinch, how about you give me a call?”

“Why? So, you can come around and shoot some more people?” she spits. “You’re on my papa’s payroll, anyway. Anything that happens goes through him, right?”

Not the reaction I was expecting, but I accept it.

“No,” I shake my head. “I do odd jobs for the King, but I’m not his personal hound.”

My response takes Isabella by surprise. “Use it or don’t, it’s up to you,” I finish on the matter. “Now, come on. Let’s not keep your father waiting.”

I get out of the car, and open the door for Isabella, helping her out. We walk over and meet the King at his front door.

“Is it done?” Bruno asks, gently rubbing his thumb over Isabella’s bruising face.

“It’s done,” I reply.

She turns to me, giving me puppy dog eyes that might’ve melted my heart if it still worked that way.

“I knew I could count on you.” Bruno slaps my arm, forcefully, excited. “Getting rid of that sack of shit sorts out all my goddamn problems. Today’s a big day for the Romanis. Today’s a big day for you.”

“For me?” I ask, crossing my arms.

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