Chapter 9

• She swallowed hard. She had the desire to remove her eyes from his body but she didn’t. She did her best to just casually look up from his bare torso to his face. He opened the door wider.
• "Hello babe. Why are you here? Come inside,” he invited her with a sexy drawl and she sighed.
• She walked to the living room though she didn't want to enter. She almost caught her breath because he smelled so good. Looked like he had a shower and was about to get dressed when she rang the bell. A suitcase was near a door which was probably a bedroom.
• "Do you want anything? Coffee? I can order breakfast for us."
• Luke was taking in her loveliness. She was in a simple dress but it didn’t hide her natural beauty. What she was wearing fitted her slender figure perfectly. But she seemed to look uncomfortable being in his room. He liked a lot about her especially her virginal innocence.
• Isabelle wanted to wipe off Luke’s sexy grin as he stared at her, "I don’t want anything. I came to see you to confirm something. Are you behind my scholarship pull out?" she asked directly but she was taken aback when he spoke.
• "Yes,” he replied immediately. He was looking intently at her. His grin disappeared. His expression turned serious, "I am also your boss. I bought this resort for you, my Isabelle," he revealed nonchalanty.
• The last thing she expected was for him to tell her the whole truth without any hint of worry or regret. He was really different. Being born in a wealthy and influential had given him a lot of self-confidence and self-assurance. Could she blame him if he always got what he wanted? The only thing that she couldn’t really fathom was why her? They came from different worlds. She wouldn't know how to move in his world.
• "Why did you do it?"
• His brows met then he closed the space between them. He tilted her chin while looking directly at her eyes.
• "Because I want you to come to me. I want you to need me. Let me take care of you , my Isabelle. I promise that I will give you anything and everything you want and need."
• She suddenly found the courage to move back from him, “Don’t you see that you are way out of my league. I am begging you to stop this."
• "Don't say that!" he hissed.
• "But that is the truth! How many times do I need to beg before you finally leave me alone?”
• He turned away from her, "You start work on Monday. Rona told you your duties," his voice was emotionless. He started putting on his shirt.
• "About the job..."
• "I don’t want to hear it! You will work here! Be practical! You will never find a job as good and as convenient as this one," his o voice was cold.
• "You are giving me this job in exchange for what?"
• He turned to her again. His handsome face was impassive, "I won't force you to have sex with me. I want you to want me as much as I want you," he replied without directly answering her question.
• "Answer me! Why are you doing this? What do you really want in return?”
• "I don't have to spell it out. Anyway you are always against everything I tell you! I don’t like to hear that you are not a good match for me! I know what I want and nothing can change that! The thought that I am out of your league never crossed my mind! You are the one with a lot of issues! I am not going to answer your question so just drop it!” he ordered in a very cold voice.
• She felt her knees wobbled so she sat down on the sofa. Is this my destiny? Do I have to accept all of this? – she asked herself.
• It’s impossible to stop Luke. She did her best to get away from him but all her effort were wasted. Until now she was trying to resist him but she wasn’t getting anywhere. She knew that his resources were almost endless so sooner or later, he would achieve his aim. She had nothing which made it impossible to evade him and all thee moves that he did. But she admired his self-control. He hadn’t attempted to touch or kiss her again though she knew well that he wanted to do more than that. She could sense it in his eyes on her.
• "I'm leaving in half an hour babe. Don't you want to come with me?" she heard him asked.
• He was standing in front of her. She raised her face to look at him. He then went down on one knee and held her hands in his, "I am not as bad as you think I am my Isabelle. Don't be afraid of me. I do all these because you know how much I want you. I will even marry you if that's the only way I can have you," he confessed.
• He came to realize that what he felt for Isabelle now was more than desire. He started to really care about her. He had accepted the fact that there would be more changes in his life once they become a couple. If he wanted her, he had to marry her. He knew that people would talk because his Isabelle was so unlike the women he was usually seen with but he didn’t give a damn. By hook or by crook, he would have her sooner or later because she is his. Isabelle had a defeated expression as she looked at him. He didn’t like it. He preferred her to come to him of her own accord not because she felt she had no choice. He felt he was about to get angry again. The only woman he wanted didn’t feel the same about him. No female had ever said no to him but at this point he had to take what she could offer. The most important thing was she knew she couldn’t get away from him.
• “I can’t come with you and you know the reason why,” Isabelle said in a small voice.
• She told herself to stop defying him. Anyway her life would go back to normal once he left although one part of her was doubtful. She hated to admit it but it would be hard to erase everything that happened the good and even bad ones when he came to her life. It might be difficult but she must forget him. He would forget about her in no time. Many beautiful and sophisticated women were waiting for him in the city. He could have any female he wanted and she had to accept that. The best thing for both of them was not to be a couple. Things would be very complicated for both of them and their families. Luke sighed and gently took her hand while he rose to his feet. This time, she didn’t resist.
• "I am not used to expressing my feelings babe. But I have been very honest with you even from the start. I meant everything I said. I am going to do all that I promised, " he vowed as he gazed at her.
• Isabelle didn’t know whether to believe him or not. It was very easy for Luke Contrero to do things to persuade her to be his.
• "I am sorry babe but I have to do this to keep me sane while I am away from you,” he added.
• Before she could react, he kissed her. It wasn't a wild and passionate kiss. It was very tender. He gave her butterfly kisses on her upper lip then her lower one. She was clueless that Luke was giving her a gentle kiss because he didn’t want to shock and rush her. He wanted to do more. He came this far with her and he didn’t want to ruin everything just because of his lust for her. After several seconds, he released her. He couldn’t let her feel his arousal. He couldn’t afford to scare her again. Isabelle bit her lower lip. The kiss was different but she would have to admit to herself that she liked it. He was her first kiss so maybe that was why she felt his kisses were so good, gentle or rough. Luke hid a smile when she didn't protest.
• That's an improvement! He thought with satisfaction. He ran the tip of his forefinger on the side of her face, "Babe,I will constantly call you. I have to check on you. I can always get a bodyguard for you if you want." he suggested.
• "No need!" she retorted.
• He just nodded. He didn't want anyone watching her, " If the need arises, I will hire one, " he said firmly.
• Isabelle just lowered her lashes and looked at his neck. She chose not to say anything anymore. Less protest, less mistake.
• ***
• She was happy that her grandmother allowed her to work after she told her about her scholarship. She also told her that she would be working at Luke’s resort. She wanted to be honest with her. Her grandma didn’t get mad.
• She just told her, “We can’t do anything if he really likes you. But never forget the things I always tell you. If you think you can face all the challenges if you become his girlfriend, I will not stop you. Just be ready for anything and everything. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt.”
• She sighed when she remembered her conversation with her grandma. But she had to admit that she liked her job at the resort. Her coworkers were friendly and helpful. She wasn’t sure whether they were ordered by Luke to be nice to her or not though. She just smiled and shook her head. She had nothing to complain about anyway. She couldn’t help feeling giddy because Luke was making her feel how special she was to him. He called her three times a day. He kept convincing her to come to the city with him but she always said no. She was okay with how things were going.
• ***
• One of their foreign guests always seemed to be looking at her. He was Caucasian and had deep blue eyes. He even said hello to her several times and she said hello back out of courtesy. He was pleasant looking and nice but she wasn’t interested. She was a bit surprised when after checking the room next to his villa, she found him waiting for her in the balcony.
• "Hi Miss Isabelle. I am Jeremy," he introduced himself. He offered his hand to her and she had no choice but to shake hands with him.
• "How did you know my name?" she asked with a small frown. She wasn’t wearing a name plate or an ID.
• He released a smile without answering her question. He kept holding her hand, "You are prettier this close," he complimented her.
• She tried to avoid looking at his blue eyes. He was also tall like Luke. She pulled her hand back, " I’m sorry but I have to go."
• "Wait!" this time he took her arm, "Can we have coffee? I want to get to know you."
• "Please let me go. Staff aren't supposed to have a meal or coffee with guests," she said but he didn't free her arm.
• "Can't you make me an exception? I really want to know more about you. Please Isabelle. I have been waiting for this chance to talk to you. You always seem so busy and aloof,” he said with a smile.
• Her phone rang before she could answer so Jeremy had no choice but to release her arm.
• "Take the call. I'll wait," he said.
• She almost sighed. The man was persistent like Luke. She nodded and took the call. She didn’t want her boss to be angry. He didn’t like it when she didn’t take his call immediately.
• "Where are you?" Luke asked without even saying hello. His voice was cold.
• "I just finished checking unit four, why?"
• "Are you alone?" he asked unexpectedly.
• She looked at Jeremy who was patiently waiting for her. "Yes," she lied. She heard his ragged breathing.
• "Are you sure babe?" he asked again. He sounded pissed.
• She wasn’t even able to answer his call immediately but he shouldn’t be mad because of that. That was petty, "Yes of course,” she replied to his question.
• He probably had some problems at work and he was taking his anger out on her. She wanted to tell him to not call her if he was in a bad mood because it was unfair. She was waiting for him speak again but surprisingly, he hang up. She rolled her eyes and sighed.
• Mr. Contrero woke up from the left side of the bed this morning.- She thought.
• "Please Isabelle? Can we talk over coffee? I think you are done with your duties anyway," Jeremy insisted when she put her phone down.
• "Sorry I really can't."
• He looked at her with sad eyes though he had a small smile, "I will be here until next week. I really hope you will have a meal with me before I go,” he said in a coaxing voice but she just shook her head before leaving him.
• She said a silent thank you when he didn’t follow her. She didn’t want to chat and most especially go out on a date with any man. She only had time for studying and her job at the resort. She didn’t need any distraction. Her forehead creased when she saw Rona coming towards her. The woman looked a bit worried.
• "Miss dela Vega, please come with me.”
• They headed to a door at the end of the corridor. Rona knocked three times on the door before turning the knob.
• "You can enter now," the staff told her.
• She wanted to ask another question but Rona left hurriedly. With a slight frown, she opened the door wider. She was surprised upon seeing Luke on his office chair. He was in his business suit. He had his jaw clenched. He was staring at a big monitor on the wall. She swallowed when she realized that he could see everything around the resort and the villas because the monitor was connected to a cctv camera. He slowly turned his chair to face her. He had a white ring around his mouth. A muscle jerked in his right jaw.
• "Did you enjoy your little chat with one of the guests babe?" he asked in a very chilly voice.