Page 98 of Vicious Behaviors

“She’s lucky to have you. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Her eyes light at the praise, her pulse visible at her throat. “I… uh… should get changed,” she says, suddenly shy. “I have a client in half an hour.”

“Actually, you don’t.”

“Beg your pardon?” She arches a brow.

“Rico’s covering your sessions today.”

“Happy to help,” Rico calls from across the gym counter, clearly eavesdropping.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she says, still uncertain.

“He can handle it. I’ve got other plans for you.”

“Is that so?” She giggles again, the sound making my chest tighten.

“Do you trust me?” The words are out before I know the reason behind my question, but suddenly her answer feels like it will settle something deep inside me.

“I do,” she says without hesitation.

And just like that, the last of my anxiety evaporates, replaced by an ache to be closer to her.

“Come,” I growl, taking her hand and leading her toward the door as fast as possible.

“Will you at least tell me where we’re going?” she laughs, so carefree and trusting that it feels like my body might explode if it doesn’t have her right here and now.

Still, that will have to wait. I have a surprise for her.

“Wow.” She breathes when we step inside my new home, her voice echoing faintly against the soaring ceilings and cream-colored marble floors. “This is… wow. Just wow.”

“Do you like it?” I ask, sliding my arms around her waist from behind as we take in the space together.

The foyer is pure elegance, the light spilling through a glass wall stretching nearly three stories high, casting reflections across the polished cream stone floor. Ahead, a sweeping staircase curves upward like something out of an old-worldopera house, its black iron railing gleaming against a limestone wall.

As Izzie takes my new home in, I see my mother’s elegant touches everywhere. From the fresh orchids on the entry table, to the subtle scent of bergamot from lit candles, and the perfectly staged art pieces that look like they belong in a museum. I’d asked her for a minimal look, but I should have known this was as restrained as my mother could get.

“I do,” she finally answers, her gaze wandering over the grand piano tucked under the stairs, then to the antique mirror framed in gold leaf at its side, and finally to the handwoven rug anchoring that part of the room together. “Although it isn’t what I expected.”

“What did you expect?” I ask, curious.

“I don’t know,” she says with a shrug. “Just not this. It’s a bit intimidating.”

“More than me?” I joke, placing a kiss on the crook of her neck.

“Not that intimidating.” She laughs. “It’s just… kind of big. For one person, I mean. I always thought you’d have some kind of bachelor pad in the city.”

My only bachelor pad is the one across from her place, but I don’t tell her that. For now, I’d rather let her think this is where I lay my head at night. If she knew differently, it might derail the celebratory plans I’ve got for us today.

“The tour isn’t done yet,” I tease, grabbing her hand in mine.

“Should I be scared?” she goads back.

“Even if you are, I’ve locked every door in the house. No use in running now.”

“Is that a challenge?” She bites her bottom lip, making my cock harden at the sight.

I have half a mind to shove her against the wall and fuck her right here with the way her autumn eyes taunt me, but that would defeat the purpose of my surprise.