Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

"Ah-!"

Isadora felt Victor's large hand move over her, and her knees nearly buckled.

"What's the matter now? Did the mouse bite you?" Eleanor's voice shot up in alarm.

Isadora murmured a distracted "Mm-hmm."

"What? No way, the mouse actually bit you?"

Eleanor had never heard of anyone being bitten by a mouse before this was a first!

Clutching her phone, Isadora hurriedly said, "No, Mom, it's not that. I've got to go catch the mouse, talk later!"

She hung up before Eleanor could say another word, spun around, and shoved Victor away.

Humiliated and flustered, Isadora glared at him. "Victor! You said you wouldn't push me."

Victor looked maddeningly relaxed, bracing his hands on either side of her as if he had all the time in the world. His tone was a teasing drawl. "Did I? What exactly did I promise?"

Isadora jabbed a finger at his chest. "You said you wouldn't force me into anything."

He arched a brow, feigning innocence. "Right. No pressure."

Her ears turned scarlet. "Then why were you just... holding me, and kissing me?"

He grinned. "You wanted me just as much, didn't you?"

"I did not!"

Victor took her hand and pressed it over her racing heart. "Isadora, good girls don't lie."

The gesture sent a rush of heat through her. She shoved him hard and darted for the door.

"I'm... I'm going home!"

Victor's tone was thick with mock outrage. "You get me all worked up and then run away? That's just cruel."

Isadora shot a mortified glance at his sharply tailored trousers-he was clearly aroused, and not making any effort to hide it.

Her cheeks burned even hotter. "I didn't do anything! You started it."

Victor stalked after her, his steps predatory, his voice low and tempting. "But you felt something too, didn't you?"

She kept backing away until, as he drew near, she spun and dashed into the guest room, slamming and locking the door behind her in one swift motion.

Victor stared at the closed door and couldn't help but let out a helpless laugh. He glanced down at his predicament and sighed, "Looks like you're on your own tonight, buddy."

He turned, headed to the bathroom, and cranked the shower to cold.

The Vaughan Group.

Later that morning, Eleanor burst into the office.

"Isadora, I've already arranged for

top pest

specialist to genet

ocade Heights."

Isadora looked up from her desk just as Eleanor swept in, all business and bustle.

She put down her pen. "Mom, that's not necessary."

"Nonsense! That mouse must be huge, judging by how loud you were screaming last night."

The memory of last night made Isadora flush.

"And now that you're pregnant, you need to be extra careful about things like this." Suddenly, Eleanor seemed to notice something. "Hey, why's your face so red?"

Isadora drew a steadying breath. "You're imagining things. It's just a little warm in here."

Was it? Eleanor didn't think so. It was autumn, and the temperature was perfect.noveldrama

Eleanor set her purse on the desk.

"You should spend the night at home tonight. I don't like you staying out there at Brocade Heights by yourself."

Just then, Isadora's phone buzzed on the desk.

Victor had insisted she unmute him yesterday-now he was calling.

Eleanor stepped closer. "Who is it? What's going on?"

Quick as lightning, Isadora hit decline. "Telemarketer. Insurance."

Eleanor frowned. "If you won't come home, I'll just go stay at Brocade Heights with you-"

The phone rang again, cutting her off, Eleanor's eyes narrowing with suspicion.

With no way out, Isadora reluctantly answered and pressed the phone tightly to her ear.

Victor's lazy drawl came through the line, unmistakable and teasing.

"Miss me yet?"