Page 102 of Isaia

Across the room, Isaia’s dark eyes lock on mine, and the storm brewing there is nothing short of terrifying—and thrilling. Every step I take toward him feels like crossing a threshold, and by the time I’m close enough for his hand to claim my waist again, I know there’s no turning back.

Chapter 31

EVERLY

The second I rejoin the Del Rossa family, Isaia’s fingers wrap around my elbow, and he pulls me with him as he leaves the grand ballroom. His grip is firm, a stark echo of the authority that shrouds him.

Everyone stares, whispers trailing behind us like ghosts. Their scrutiny is sharp, a series of invisible claw marks dragging across my skin. But I don’t care. My focus is on Isaia—the tension coiled in his shoulders, the heat of his hand seeping through my skin.

He leads me past the sea of people, his pace measured but brisk, cutting through the crowd like a blade through silk. We ascend a flight of stairs, my heels sinking into the thick red carpet with every hurried step, and my heart is racing inside my chest.

The air is cooler up here, quieter, the music and hum of conversation from the ballroom below muted by distance.

I don’t ask him where we’re going or why. I already know. His anger radiates off him in waves, palpable and suffocating.

Isaia pushes open a set of glass doors, leading us onto a private balcony. The sprawling gardens below shimmer in themoonlight, but the scene's beauty is lost on me. All I can focus on is Isaia as he releases my elbow, only to turn and face me, his dark eyes burning with barely restrained fury.

“You kissed him.” His eyes burn with menace. Possession.

“It was a peck on the cheek, Isaia. I know you’re struggling with the concept, but Anthony and Iarefriends.”

“Do you have any idea how fucking hard it was to watch you with him from across the room?” he grits out. “If it weren’t for Alexius, his skull would have a bullet in it right fucking now.”

“Isaia, please.” God, he’s wound up tight. “He’s worried about me.”

“You’re not his concern.”

“He thinks I’m in over my head. That I’m playing with fire by being with you.”

Isaia’s jaw tightens, his body rigid. “And let me guess, he thinks he should do something about it.”

“He’s concerned, Isaia. He knows your family. He knows you.”

“He doesn’t know shit.”

“He said you killed one of Michele’s men sent to kidnap me.”

His gaze sharpens as he freezes for a second.

“Is it true?”

“Yes,” he states—no hesitation, no apology in his tone. Just a simple, unflinching admission that coils tightly around my stomach.

My breath catches when he moves right up to me, hardly leaving enough space to breathe.

“And I’ll do it again…and again…and again. I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you. There's no line I won't cross for you.”

“I knew you were capable of violence,” I whisper, my hands trembling, “but knowing you actually?—”

“I told you I’m not a good man, Everly. And I will not apologize for keeping you safe,” he says with so much conviction, it’s like he’s swearing an oath. “You need to understand one thing,” he touches my chin, tipping it upward so I meet his gaze, “I will spill blood and slit throats without a second’s hesitation when it comes to you. And I’ll never apologize for it, no matter how much blood I have on my hands. I’ll pave my way to hell with the bones of those who try to take you from me.”

Before I can respond, his mouth is on mine, fierce and demanding, his hands sliding down to grip my hips as he pulls me flush against him.

Heat cuts through me, his body burning through the fabric of my dress, and I gasp against his lips.

His tongue sweeps into my mouth, tangling with mine in a way that leaves no room for hesitation, no space for doubt—and it disarms me completely, leaving me incapable of caring about anything else but letting him have me.

Strong hands move with purpose, sliding down to the curve of my ass before gripping tightly, lifting me just enough for my feet to leave the ground.

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