Page 127 of Pride

“Dead,” I finish.

His lips purse together. “Is that why you are worried?”

I shake my head. “No, I told you he deserves to die, but I don’t like the idea of having to pretend everything is okay, considering what I know.”

“Focus on the rest of your family, not him.”

I nod in response, knowing he’s right. We can’t back out last minute, no matter how badly I want to. “Okay, let’s do this.” I take a step back from him. “How do I look?”

His gaze darkens, and he closes the gap between us again. “Dangerous question to ask me, love. You look like you’re ready to be devoured.”

I shake my head, placing my palms firmly on his chest to push him away. “We don’t have time.”

“Well, to answer your question. You look delicious.”

I roll my eyes heavenward. “You can never be serious, can you?”

He laughs. “I’m being deadly serious.”

I lace my fingers with his and move past, pulling him toward the door of the bedroom. “Come on, we’re already running late.”

Isiah stops me at the door of the apartment, tugging me sharply into his embrace. His lips meet mine in an intensely passionate kiss that leaves me breathless. He whispers softly against my lips, a soothing assurance. “Everything will be alright tonight.”

I smile, as it’s almost impossible to liken the man who stands before me with the man I met almost three months ago at that party Dad threw. He’s no longer out to make my life miserable. Instead, it’s as if his sole mission is to make me happy and I can’t believe the way I feel about him. A man I believed to be arrogant and cold. He’s far more complicated than that—special even.

We get into the town car waiting on the street for us and Isiah keeps his hand laced with mine, squeezing gently.

It’s amazing that in such a short space of time, I’ve come to almost depend on this man. His strength is inspiring and as I gaze at his beautiful face, I know that I’m the luckiest woman on this planet to have won the love of a man so damaged.

“Stop staring, love. It’s rude.” He looks at me then, a wry smile on his lips.

I roll my eyes. “I apologize, you’re just so darn handsome.”

He arches a brow. “And don’t I know it.”

I punch him in the shoulder playfully and he laughs. “There’s no need for violence.”

“You know, Cathal is going to be there tonight.”

Isiah’s brow furrows. “Why?”

“Because Nina is giving him a second chance. I really don’t know how to feel about it, as he might hurt her again.”

“He might.” Isiah nods. “But I think if he was the one who came crawling back to her, it’s highly unlikely.”

“Why do you say that?”

Isiah squeezes my hand. “Because clearly he loves her enough to admit he was wrong. I knew Cathal when we were younger, and he never admitted when he was wrong.”

“Is that supposed to be reassuring?” I ask, as it just makes me dislike him more, knowing he’s the kind of man who can’t admit when he is wrong.

He laughs. “I’m not sure. I’m just saying that Cathal isn’t a bad guy.”

“I heard he killed his own brother.”

“I heard the same,” Isiah admits.

“And you believe that’s true?” I ask.

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