Page 30 of Destined for the Devil
The facts were always there—I burned down her apartment, lied to her about it, kept her in my home, fell in love with her, and was too much of a fucking coward to tell her what I really did for a living. And here she was, a pure angel in front of me, still believing in the goodness of people.
She was not from my world, and she should stay out. She should lead a normal life, one that I could never offer her. That thought led me to the annoying realization that she was, indeed, already living her life without me. But her random nine-to-five job didn’t sit well with me, and while I pondered how to broach the subject with her, I had started figuring out how to get it done.
Isla should have gone back to school, and I had more than enough funds and connections to set it up for her. I gave my secretary a blank cheque last week, and she called around, finding out the right amount of donation money that was needed. Columbia accepted it with gratitude, and voila, Isla had her spot back for the beginning of September and could transfer somewhere here.
Or…she could go back to New York. My heart literally ached at the thought, but I had to give her the choice. And somehow, the topic came up by itself at the dinner.
16
Just Like His Other One
Isla
Fuckinghell,Romanwasobviously out to destroy me. Our last interaction left me in shambles, and yet, here I was at this dinner, pressed against him. He smelled like heaven if heaven was a six-foot-five tattooed man with the most mesmerizing blue eyes and a hypnotic deep voice. If heaven was tender and gentle, funny and considerate, and always knew how to melt all of me with his smile, then that’s where I was—pressed against heaven.
I was so incredibly torn. I wanted him—sofuckingmuch—but I knew, Iknewthat he only wanted what he always did, and my heart wouldn’t survive another calamity that this was bound to end up in.
But why did he say I was oblivious?
The dinner dragged on, and I made small talk with whoever I needed to, his hand never letting go of mine. It was painful being beside him like this, knowing what he wanted, but we were here now; there was no turning back.
Our table was filled with what I assumed were his business partners, their wives and girlfriends beside them. And one man…was really killing me with his gaze.
"And what do you do, Isla?" The lady beside me asked sweetly. Before I could even open my mouth, Roman appeared behind us out of nowhere and answered the question directed at me.
"Isla’s going back to med school in September." His deep andcommanding voice made us both turn. I shot my gaze up at him, surprised at his words, but he was looking right past me.
"Med school? Really? Good for you. Where are you studying?" The man who was devouring me with his eyes somehow joined in on this conversation.
"She's going to Columbia. She had to take a break, but she's planning to go back this year." Roman spoke up again, and I was absolutely floored at his words.
First of all,how on earthdid he know that Columbia was where I studied?! I never told him that; I was sure of it. Secondly, why did he lie like this? He could have made anything else up.
"Isla, let's go grab a drink." Roman held out his hand for me but looked at the hungry-eyed man.
"How did you know I studied at Columbia?" I directed the question at Roman as we made our way to the bar. He said nothing, only squeezed my hand tighter and continued walking. "Roman, tell me."
Instead of responding, he ordered drinks at the bar, mindlessly staring somewhere unknown. "I'm standing in front of you and talking to you, Roman!” I was annoyed at this point. What the fuck was that back there?!
"Just guessed.” He shrugged as he passed me a drink. “You said you studied in New York." I also had never said that! "I did some research and called some people, and if you want, you can go back in September. Either somewhere here or Columbia—they’re waiting for you. But I'm really hoping you won't pick New York." Roman finally faced me, a sad smile on his face.
What theactualfuck?! This was like getting hit over the head with a frying pan. It very quickly clicked in thatheobviously either already paid for something or was about to make that decision. And what kind of phone call did he have to make for Columbiamedical schoolto takeme back with such short notice?!
"What are you talking about?" Confused and annoyed, I made a last-ditch effort to convince myself this wasn’t what I thought it was.
"Listen,” he began somberly. “I really thought about it, and I think you should go back to school. That's what you want to do, and that's what youshoulddo. What is this job going to give you? You need to follow your dream, Isla. I will obviously pay for it all." Roman finished his sentence and took a sip of his drink, looking down at me from his height.
"Why?! Why would you do this, Roman?! You don't even know me!"
"Ugh, Isla.” He shook his head in defeat. “Just shut up. Stop arguing and just accept something nice that someone does for you, okay?" His demeanor changed in a second, likehewas annoyed that I wasn’t thrilled about this.
"I don't need anyone to do anything for me.” Such bitterness overwhelmed me. What the hell was this, a pity party? “I know I will eventually go back, but not like this! Not with a random guy paying for my school! What the fuck! What the fuck kind of behavior is this?! Who the hell do you think you are to not only decide for me but also do it without my knowledge?!”
I got it all off my chest, my face blazing red, but right then, the man from our table who couldn't stop looking at me came right up to us. He wore a very fake smile, but the moment of silence between us all gave me a chance to catch my breath and still the fury inside me.
"Isla, this is Sergei. Sergei, this is Isla." Roman introduced us coldly, watching Sergei like a hawk.
"It's a pleasure, Isla." Sergei spoke softly, grabbing my hand and kissing it. "May I have this dance?"
