Chapter 29

Isabella's POV

We sat down, shared the meal, and the conversation flowed easily—laughs, stories, teasing remarks, and comfortable silences filled the room. I could feel him watching me, eyes lingering on every little movement, every smile, every bite I took. And the way he looked at me—soft, adoring, with an undercurrent of something darker—made my stomach twist in a delicious, terrifying way.

“Stop staring,” I said lightly, though I secretly wanted him to keep ...