Page 50 of Beautiful Lies

My focus shifts back to Isla when she switches off the hair drier and starts braiding her hair to the side.

I set the glass down and lose myself in the way she twines each lock of hair with precision. Then, without warning, the towel hits the floor, exposing her perfect,nakedbody.

Air leaves my lungs in a sharp exhale, and every rational thought I’ve ever had burns to ash.

“Well, fuck.”

She exceeds everything I imagined. And what I imagined after this morning’s encounter was pretty damn good.

A muscle ticks in my jaw as I drag my gaze up the length of her body, claiming every inch of her—a vision made to test me.

Her breasts, full, shapely, rose-tipped, sway as she bends to pick up the towel and toss it into the laundry basket. Then she turns, and I get a long, perfect view of that round, flawless ass.

Long, slender legs carry her to the bed, where she climbs in and slips beneath the sheets.

She switches off the lights, and I realize straightaway that the little artist likes to sleep naked.

“Perfect.”

My fingers curl around the armrest, fighting the urge to reach for my cock and finish what she started.

I don’t like distractions, and Isla Monroe is already shaping up to be the biggest one I’ve ever faced. But I won’t deny the truth: I like that she’s mine.

Mine.The word thunders through my mind like a dirty lullaby, and I smile to myself.

Mine to do with whatever I please.

Is it possible to want something—or someone—you should hate?

To hate and still want to fuck?

I’m Knox Vale. There’s no reason I can’t have it both ways.

Chapter Eleven

Isla

Mia gives me a long hug,then pulls away to take in the garden.

Her radiant smile says it all. Not only is she impressed with Knox’s home, she’s

in love.

I can’t blame her. This place is the most elaborate house either of us has ever set foot in.

Mia lets out a dramatic whistle and spins around, reminding me of that opening scene fromThe Sound of Music.Any second now, I half expect her to burst into song.

“I’m in heaven.” She laughs.

I smile, glancing around, too. “Itisbeautiful.”

“Beautiful?” She gapes at me. “That word doesn’t even come close. I feel like I’m walking through a dream.” She waves a hand at the house. “I don’t care what you say. This is moving up in the world. There’s no way you can tell me Madam Corvina’s curse is still riding your back.”

When Mia said she was coming over, I immediately thought of hanging out in the garden. I knew she’d love it out here. Theflowers are everywhere, and the view of the beach stretches out like something from a postcard.

I also wanted to be away from everyone, because I know I’m being watched.

This is my second day here, and that’s the one constant. As nice as Sheila has been, she reports everything back to Knox.