Page 18 of Whatever He Wants
His expression darkens.“What kind of ring did he buy?”
I tug on my sweater’s drawstring, suddenly embarrassed for some reason.
“Does it matter?”
“Yes, it does.What kind?”
I sigh.“An engagement ring.”
“Well, isn’t that something.”Isaac’s tone is as snide and chilly as when he first confronted me about the theft.“Your boyfriend stole jewellery my wife gave me to buy jewellery for you.”
God, this keeps getting more awful and guilt-inducing.He lost his wife in a home robbery, and now he’s lost a cherished gift from her in another one.Why?Why couldn’t Matt have just left Isaac’s stuff alone?
“Isaac, I—I’m sorry this happened.I feel terrible about it.Matt did something really selfish, and he regrets it.We both do.I know it’s asking a lot, but please forgive him.”
“You must really love him to keep sticking your neck out for him.”
There was a time when, if someone asked me if I love Matt, I could answer without hesitation.Yes.Lately, it feels like there’s a question mark after theyesinstead of a full stop, and the scariest part is, I think it’s been there for a while.
“We’ve been together for five years.We’ve always looked out for each other.”
“He’s only looking out for himself and taking advantage of you.”
I scoff.“You’re one to judge.”
A tense silence follows, and I regret what I said.It might be the truth, but now isn’t the time to say it.Isaac still has power over us.It’s for the best if I leave now so I don’t risk pissing him off again.
I bid him good night and turn to leave.He grabs my arm, stopping me.It’s a reverse of how we were in the basement.I tug at my arm to indicate I want him to let me go.He tightens his grip.
“Did you say yes?”he demands.
“Yes to what?”
“To Matt’s proposal.That’s why he got you the engagement ring, right?”
“Yes,” I say, then shake my head.“I mean, no.”
“Which one is it?”
“Yes, he tried to propose, but I didn’t say yes to it.I didn’t let him finish.”
Isaac slackens his grip but he doesn’t let me go.He swipes his thumb back and forth over my skin, and I’m hyperaware of his touch, a pleasant fluttering sensation filling the pit of my stomach.
I should hate this.I should hate that just this simple touch from Isaac makes me feel excitement and temptation for more.I should pull my hand away, but I don’t.I remain still, shamefully enjoying his caress.
“That’s good you didn’t say yes.He already stole my watch.I wasn’t about to let him take something even more valuable from me.”
There’s a slight growl to his possessive tone, and between my legs respond with a pulsing need as if Isaac touched me there.I’m blown away by this.It’s the first time I’ve ever been turned on just by a man’s voice.Isaac’svoice.
His gaze dips to my mouth and my stomach flips with anticipation.He’s going to kiss me.When he tightens his grip on my arm and pulls me closer, I start to follow until I remind myself this is wrong.I shouldn’t cheat on my boyfriend again either.
I yank my hand from his grip and take a step back, his touch lingering on my skin.We hold each other’s gazes in the silence, until I turn around and flee the deck.
12
Isaac
I’m awake before my alarm goes off the next morning, and the first thing on my mind is Denise.Her naked perfection within arm’s reach.How she lied that she wouldn’t have let me fuck her if that’s what I’d wanted instead of her mouth.The way she was ready for me to kiss her before she ran off like she was being chased.
