Page 89 of Beautiful Lies

That’s the problem. Everything’s been upside down and spiraling out of my reach since Isla Monroe walked into my world. Or rather, since I upheaved hers.

As I look at her, I see now why Chad came back and wanted a second chance. But he was a fool to let her go in the first place.

Maybe I’m a fool, too. Because I clearly want her.

And that’s the part that scares me the most.

I wasn’t built for real connection.

I’ve spent my whole life learning that wanting someone only ends one way—my mother weaponized affection, my father treated loyalty like currency. I grew up believing connection was just another form of leverage and feelings were liabilities, weaknesses to cut out before they spread.

But Isla… she makes me feel something that doesn’t follow any of those rules.

She’s the only woman I’ve ever met who didn’t want me because I’m Knox Vale.

And she’s the one woman I’m supposed to keep at arm’s length … yet can’t seem to let go of.

I can’t fuck her.

Wanting her isn’t the issue. I already do.

The problem is what happens after.

If I touched her again…

I’d want more. Andmore.

I wouldn’t stop.

I wouldn’t know how.

There’d be no end to what I would take.

So, I’ll stick to the plan. To the contract.

And I’ll remain the monster who collects beautiful things and stores them on a shelf.

Look but don’t touch.

Look. But do not touch.

Chapter Twenty

Isla

In for a penny,in for a pound. I’m already in enough trouble. What’s one more thing?

I climb the steps to Chad’s old apartment, my heartbeat quickening with every creak of the wooden stairs.

I’m not supposed to be here, but I had to come today.

Despite my turmoil with Knox, it felt like the best day to make this visit. Like ripping a bandage off a wound that’s already oozing.

My nerves are still raw from last night’s encounter with Knox. And this morning’s.

I never expected to see him so early. I’d actually woken with the sun and decided to go to that side of the house just to avoid him. Since he didn’t come to bed, I figured he’d be avoiding me, too. But he must have stayed in his office overnight. Knowing him, he probably didn’t want the maids talking.

It’s only been one night we’ve shared a bed—my first night—and he’s been away a lot since.