Page 50 of Brutal Promise

“Yes. I’ll wait for you in the living room.” My cock twitches. I need distance between us or I’ll fuck her again.

I rummage through the liquor cabinet and pull out top-shelf whiskey and tip it into a waiting rock glass. Drink in hand, I walk to the large picture window and stare out at the skyline.

My brother texts and learns that the Irish are a source of contention.

Figures,he responds.

We had a run-in with the Irish in London a year ago. Things got quiet, but now they’re causing problems in the States.Fuck me.

The date for the wedding is set, and Anya wants to know Izzy’s preference for flowers and colors.

I text:I’ll send it when acquired.

My brother makes a crack about fucking my new interest, then tells me to use the family jet to get home safely. I thank him and sign off.

I sip the liquor and settle onto a chair that swivels around to the window. What will my life be like in London with Izzy? There are plenty of women in our circle whom I’ve fucked. It might be awkward for Izzy to meet past conquests.

I swirl the liquid in my glass and zone out. Now I understand how men who fall in love become weak. We’ll do anything for the woman we love. In one respect, it’s a weakness, but protecting my own has never been a question, and I have to rise to the occasion for Izzy.

I sense her presence and turn around to see her standing before me, looking gorgeous in an elegant dress. Half her hair is piled into a knot. The other half cascades past her shoulders. Her lips are red, and the rest of her makeup looks very natural.

“So?” She twirls with a clutch in her hand, showing me her dress, but it’s the last thing on my mind.

“You wear it well, Isabella.”

Her eyes shy away from mine, meaning she’s not accustomed to hearing compliments. I have more where that came from, so she better get used to it.

“Time for dinner,” I reply, setting my glass down. She turns toward the door, and I slip my arm through hers. We ride the elevator in silence and find Anton waiting in a Range Rover outside.

* * *

The ride isquiet as Izzy takes in the city lights. Anton pulls up in front of Maesto’s to let us out. I possessively place my arm around her waist and guide her into the restaurant. We are seated immediately. I order a bottle of red wine I know she will love.

Seeing the ring on her slender finger, I take comfort in the fact she is mine. Mine to fuck and mine to keep.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“Anything.”

She leans toward me and lowers her voice. “Will you find my black book of sketches at Alena’s condo and grab my birth control pills?”

Interesting…my wife wants to continue to work and not have a family.

“I’ll see what I can do,” I reply, knowing one of those two items will never make it to the condo.

“Great.” She smooths her dress down on the sides and rests a hand on the base of her water glass. She’s relieved, and I wonder how long she has thought about this.

Our waiter arrives with a bottle, uncorks it, and pours a sample. I swirl it under my nose. The robust notes engulf me. I lift my eyes over the glass and am surprised to find Izzy observing me. I withhold a smile but admire her beauty. I think my sex kitten likes me.

I sip the wine, nod to the waiter, and he finishes the pour, then sets the bottle on the table. I order an appetizer of oysters Rockefeller, wondering if Izzy has ever tried them.

“My mother and sister-in-law are working on our wedding. You’ll like them both. We’ll be married in two weeks.”

“So soon?” She was eyeing her wine until her eyes return to me. Her dainty hand encircles the stem of the wine glass.

“You have an alternate idea that will keep you safe?” She’s not out of the woods, and she bloody well better well understand she is mine and that I call the shots.

She picks up her glass and stares into the sea of liquified grapes, shaking her head. “No. I guess I don’t.”

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