Isla stood at the door her fingers tightening around the folder in her hands 1 second 2 seconds 3 she inhaled steadying herself before lifting her hand 1 knock 2 knocks 3 knocks
Enter
His voice smooth controlled a command rather than an invitation
She stepped inside 1 step 2 3 her heels clicking against the marble floor as Damien lifted his gaze from the documents before him dark eyes locking onto hers like a force she could not escape
Miss Monroe to what do I owe the honor
She took another step forward pulse steady despite the storm raging inside her I have the report you requested on the Easton deal
He leaned back fingers tapping lightly against the surface of his desk a lazy rhythm that sent irritation crawling under her skin did you complete it without distractions
Her jaw clenched unlike some I know how to focus on my work
A smirk 1 second 2 I see
She stepped closer extending the folder everything you need is inside I made sure to include every detail so there should be no misunderstandings
His fingers brushed against hers as he took it a brief touch heat sharp and unwelcome she pulled her hand back quickly but not quickly enough the sensation lingered like an unwanted memory
He opened the folder glancing at the pages but his eyes flicked back to her too soon tell me Isla why do you really hate me
Her breath caught 1 inhale 2 she squared her shoulders I think we both know
Because of your family
Her grip tightened because you took everything from us everything we built everything we were you destroyed it like it meant nothing
Silence 1 heartbeat 2 3
And yet you are still here
A bitter laugh escaped her 1 exhale 2 If I had another choice
You always have a choice his voice was softer now but no less dangerous
A flicker in his eyes something unreadable something that made her chest tighten
She took a step back 1 step 2 are we done here
He held her gaze for 1 second 2 then nodded for now but I expect more than just reports next time
Her fingers curled around the handle 1 twist 2
One day Isla you will have to choose hate enough to leave or want enough to stay
Her pulse skipped a beat 1 breath 2 she did not look back she could not
She stepped into the hallway 1 step 2 3 but her heart remained behind
Isla sat at her desk hands gripping the edges 1 breath 2 her mind raced replaying his words over and over
One day Isla you will have to choose hate enough to leave or want enough to stay
1 hour passed 2 she could not focus every document every number blurred together her fingers tapped against the desk 1 tap 2 3 frustration coiling tight in her chest
Her phone buzzed 1 message from an unknown number meet me in the lobby 5 minutes
She stared at the screen heart pounding 1 second 2 should she ignore it should she walk away
She stood 1 step 2 step 3 her heels clicked against the floor elevator doors slid open she stepped inside
As the doors shut her reflection stared back at her sharp eyes tight lips she exhaled 1 breath 2 what was she doing what did he want
Lobby doors parted 1 second 2 there he was standing near the entrance Damien Blackwood dark suit piercing gaze
She walked toward him 1 step 2 3 stopping just close enough to feel the weight of his presence
You texted she said voice steady despite the storm inside her
He watched her for 1 second 2 then nodded come with me
Where
You will see
1 hesitation 2 she could walk away but her feet moved 1 step 2 she followed him through the glass doors into the night
City lights flickered against the skyline 1 car waited sleek black Damien opened the door
Inside
Her pulse quickened 1 heartbeat 2 why did she get the feeling that after tonight nothing would be the same
Here is Chapter Thirteen written with only letters and numbers
Isla sat in the car 1 breath 2 Damien beside her silent his presence overwhelming
Where are we going
You will see
Her fingers curled against her lap 1 second 2 headlights flashed through the windows as the car moved through the city 1 turn 2 3 silence thick between them
Damien watched her 1 glance 2 she felt it his gaze heavy unreadable
You never answered my question his voice low
Which question
Why do you hate me
Her breath caught 1 heartbeat 2 because you destroyed my family because you took everything because I can never forgive you
His jaw tightened 1 second 2 do you really believe that
Yes
Liar
Her pulse skipped 1 beat 2 what
You think about me more than you should you feel it just like I do
She turned away 1 breath 2 her reflection stared back at her in the window city lights blurring past
The car slowed 1 turn 2 Damien stepped out held the door open
Come with me
Why
1 pause 2 trust me
She hesitated 1 second 2 then stepped out into the night
The air was crisp the world quiet 1 step 2 her heels clicked against pavement Damien walked ahead leading her toward a tall building glass reflecting the city around them
Inside now
She followed 1 breath 2 elevator doors shut them in together silence thick space too small
Damien watched her 1 second 2 tension crackling between them
Tell me Isla do you hate this as much as you say you do
Her pulse pounded 1 heartbeat 2 3 she did not answer could not
Because the truth was she did not know anymore
Here is Chapter Fourteen written with only letters and numbers and made lengthy as requested
Isla stood in the elevator 1 breath 2 Damien beside her silent his presence impossible to ignore the air between them thick with something unspoken something dangerous
1 second 2 3 the elevator rose smoothly the numbers blinking 1 floor 2 3 4 each moment stretching longer heavier
Tell me Isla his voice low dark do you hate this as much as you say you do
Her pulse pounded 1 heartbeat 2 3 she inhaled slow steady her hands curling into fists at her sides what are you trying to say
You know what I am saying his gaze locked onto hers unwavering
She swallowed 1 second 2 I do not have time for this
Liar
The word sent something sharp through her 1 breath 2 the elevator dinged doors sliding open Damien stepped out first she followed 1 step 2 3 heels clicking against polished marble floors
Where are we she asked but she already knew his office not the one at Blackwood Enterprises but a private space hidden away from the world quiet empty except for the tension that followed them inside
Damien walked toward the large windows city lights stretching endlessly before them 1 second 2 then he turned to her
Do you ever wonder what would have happened if things were different
No
Liar
Stop saying that
Why because it is the truth
Her fingers clenched 1 heartbeat 2 3 you do not know anything about me
I know you better than you want to admit
A bitter laugh 1 exhale 2 that is ridiculous
Is it tell me Isla if you truly hate me why are you still here
Silence 1 second 2 3
Her heart pounded she needed to leave needed space but her feet refused to move
Damien stepped closer 1 step 2 his gaze unreadable
I think about it he said voice softer than before about a different past a different future
She inhaled sharply 1 breath 2 what are you saying
That maybe hate is not the only thing between us
Her pulse stuttered 1 second 2 no
No
No
Then prove it
Her breath hitched 1 heartbeat 2 his eyes dark unreadable daring her challenging her
She should walk away should turn and leave should put an end to whatever this was but she did not move could not move
Because deep down in the spaces she refused to acknowledge she knew
1 second 2 3 she was not sure she hated him at all