Aiden's POV
I laid awake all night, I hardly slept but this time around it was different,worse.
I have never made reckless decisions based on my emotions. My mind was racing with uncertainties and doubts. Was I having second thoughts?, was making a proposal to a thief reasonable and sane?. The deal I proposed to Isabelle Aisling weighed heavily on my mind all through the night.
I was driven by a desire, a desire to prove a point, to assert my dominance over this stubborn, wild, captivating and strange woman.
I recalled the way she challenged me, vexed me, the fire in her eyes, and the way her lips felt against mine.
I thought about the deal I had proposed, about the terms I had laid out, the expectations I had of her,and the outcome I hoped for. Was it reasonable? Was it fair? Or was it just a cleverly disguised attempt to exert control over her?, Because she had challenged me?.
No. I pushed aside the doubts, telling myself that I wasn't one to back down. I had proposed the deal, and I would see it through, I wasn't going to look like a fool.
But as I lay there, on my bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in over my head, that Isabelle Aisling was going to be more trouble than I had bargained for...
...
I stood at my window, staring off into space as i sipped my coffee. I was an early riser, I was already dressed and ready for the day,my mind focused on the tasks ahead of me at the office.
But first, I had a pressing matter to attend to.
Isabelle Aisling
I had left her in Joe's hands,to keep an eye on her yesterday. While I returned back to the party; my mind racing ever since then. I had spent the better part of the evening pondering the implications of what I was planning to do.
The contract was already ready, by the morning and I needed Isabelle to review and go through the terms before signing it, so that this process could be finalized as soon as possible. I checked my watch, it was still very early, she might still be sleeping, I'd wait another hour. There was no rush.
She wasn't going anywhere, I smiled to myself taking another sip of my coffee.
.
.
I headed to the room where Joe had kept her overnight, contract in hand, ready to discuss the details.
"Good morning sir", The guard stationed at the door greeted me, stepping aside.
I readied myself, putting on a serious, cold expression. I pushed open the door, ready and expecting to find Isabelle Aisling, my adversary already dressed and ready for our... discussion. I was expecting a verbal sparring match with the sharp-tongued Miss Aisling, with her wits and ill-manners,ready to challenge me.
Instead, I was met with an entirely different sight, completely taking me off guard,my eyes widen in amusement.
I couldn't help but smile, forgetting my composure as I behold the sight before me.
She stood still in an awkward position, with a croissant lodged in her mouth and her hands awkwardly positioned on her shorts, struggling with the stubborn zipper.
The flaky pastry crumbled down, leaving a trail of crumbs on her chin. I couldn't help but chuckle, my gaze lingering on the humor of the moment.
Taking in the sight. Her hair was damp from her shower, the way her eyes sparkled with mischief, how easily and quickly her freckled face turned red with embarrassment, and the way her lips curled around the pastry.
It was distracting...
With her wet hair and no make-up,she looked unconventionally beautiful, carefree and innocent.
She narrowed her eyes at me, watching me like a hawk as I strolled in. I couldn't help but chuckle, trying to regain my composure.
.
.
.
....
"Looks like someone is having a bit of a morning", His tone laced with humor.
Red groaned, rolling her eyes as she quickly zipped her shorts, walking away from him.
"You're ruining my morning".
"Good morning to you too. You know, seeing you so.... flustered. It's almost...charming and cute", he teased.
"Go.away.", she hissed.
"No. What's the hurry?,Trying to eat and dress at the same time". His eyes drifting to the pastry still lodged in her mouth, "But to be honest, I must say you're not the most elegant eater I've seen", a hint of smile playing on his lips."But I suppose that's part of your charm, isn't it,Miss Aisling?".
"You locked me up here with no food!", She snapped at him.
"well you're not exactly trustworthy, but I apologise. I did arrange for breakfast to be brought to you this morning,and I can see you're really enjoying it", he pointed at the pastry, trying to suppress his mocking smile.
"Why are you hell bent on tormenting me?, what do you want now?, Plus haven't you heard of knocking?, What if I was naked? I was literally getting dressed when you barged in!"
He raised an eyebrow, "knocking?, I own this estate. I don't knock on doors in my own home". He paused, a small smile playing on his lips. "And as for walking in on you naked...well, that's a risk I'm willing to take", he replied, his voice low and husky, with a hint of flirtation.
Red's eyes widen, "You're a scoundrel and an ass".
His voice low and smooth, as he took a step closer to her. "Ah, you wound me," Aiden reached out, his fingers brushing against her chin, gently wiping away the crumbs.
"But I suppose i've earned that title", he said his eyes locked on hers, a hint of a smile still playing on his lips.
She pushed his hand away, walking to the bed to pick up the towel to continue drying her wet hair.
He strolled over to the table, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "You're going to have to get used to my... familiarities", a hint of challenge in his voice as he perched on the table and took a sip of the coffee. Aiden's eyes never leaving hers. "After all, we're going to be spending a lot of time together when we're married".
Red's eyes narrowed angrily at him, "that's MY coffee...."
"It's really good". He said, mischief in his eyes as he takes another sip, savoring the taste, trying to vex her more. "I'm nice, I can share", he teased, his voice dripping with amusement, as he held out his cup.
She eyed the coffee, she really wanted it.
"I really hope it burns that nasty, insultive mouth of yours", her gaze fixed, longing on the steaming cup. "I wouldn't drink it now,even if you paid me", she lied, trying to sound convincing despite her cravings for the hot mug of coffee.
"Ouch...", He teased, smiling as he enjoyed another sip.
His expression changed and he became serious, putting down the mug and folding his arms.
In his smooth and businesslike voice, he spoke.
"I'm here to discuss the details of our arrangement...