Isadora’s cheeks flushed, a soft pink coloring her ears as Victor’s words lingered in the air.
Without hesitation, Victor reached out and slipped his hand into hers, the gesture intimate and easy, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
His palm was large and warm, enveloping her slender fingers completely.
Isadora wasn’t used to this. The crisp early autumn breeze did nothing to cool the restless flutter in her chest. Her palm was already damp, and she instinctively tried to pull her hand away, not wanting him to notice.
But Victor didn’t let go. At first, he’d just held her hand, but now his fingers interlaced with hers, holding her tighter.
She’d never held hands with anyone like this before. It felt so close, so unmistakably romantic—her heart thudded in her chest with nervous excitement.
Victor glanced down at her, lips curving into a teasing smile, his gaze playful. “Is it too warm for you?”
Isadora shot him a glare with her bright, expressive eyes, certain he was doing this on purpose.
She stubbornly replied, “I’m just hungry, that’s all.”
Victor chuckled softly, still holding her hand as he led her inside.
Under the moonlight, their shadows—two people and a dog—stretched long and harmonious across the lawn.
A housekeeper passing by caught sight of them, eyes going wide in surprise before quickly looking away.
“I’ve never seen the young master holding hands with a woman before. Isn’t that the same lady from last time?”
“I told you she was special. Even Pudding, who never lets anyone near him, follows her around. Anyone would think she’s his real owner.”
“Mark my words, the Fitzgerald family is about to get a new mistress.”
Inside the dining room, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. The long oak table was set with an array of dishes: sweet and tangy glazed ribs, steamed white fish, sautéed crab with herbs, and beef with tender spring vegetables. Four courses and a hearty soup—the spread was rich and inviting.
Isadora’s eyes widened in delight, her mouth already watering. “Did you make all this?”
Victor’s lips quirked in a playful grin. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just threw a few things together. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of ribs tonight. No need to fight Pudding for them.”
“I did not fight Pudding!” she protested, recalling how she’d simply taken a few extra pieces last time.
Victor laughed, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Alright, alright. My mistake.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)
It takes too long to get to the point. Too much unnecessary in between in all of these books. Too many extra characters, the authors lose the plot after a while....