5

“Mr. Grayson, it’s not what it looks like!” She defended herself. “Oh really? What does it look like, then?” He thundered. Liam chuckles, pissing his brother more. “Chill, Ethan boy. We were just trying to clean a stain. Isabella spilled on herself... see?” He points to her spoiled shirt, which she wasn't sure if it’s helping.

A strange hardness gleams in Ethan’s eyes as he looks at his brother, but finally, he clears his throat and turns to her. “So.. how’s the party planning going?” She breathed out before smiling. “We’re actually all done. It wasn't easy, though. Madelyn has very... unique instructions that we had to pay attention to.” He nodded his head, “ah, yes. I'm very familiar with her lists. She's...”

“Entitled to a perfect engagement party. She's probably been dreaming about this event since she was a little girl. Of course she has a particular plan for everything.” He nodded to her again, and cleared his throat. “Right. She might come across as overbearing since this stage of a relationship is a little more... intense than most.”

“Yeah, I'm sure Madelyn will become much more reasonable after the wedding. That’s how it usually works with women like her,” Liam spoke nonchalantly. Ethan cleared his throat yet agai, glaring at his brother. “And now I'm certain I've left you alone with Liam enough for one day. I hope he hasn’t spilled all of our family secrets already because he’s being much of a blabber mouth around beautiful ladies.”

“Don't worry, Isabella still doesn't know about the ballet class we were in--”

“Oh wow, would you look at the time? I actually came by to offer Isabella a ride home. Unless...” He cuts off his brother from embarrassing him more.

His eyes darts over to his brother, and she saw a flash of something you can't quite put your finger on. “You still have some unfinished business here?” He darts his gaze on her. She blushes, Ethan was clearly jealous. “Well, Ms. Jonathan? Are you coming?” She looks at Liam then to Mr. Grayson. “We’re done here. And yes, I'd love a ride home.” He smiles, almost letting out a sigh of relief.

She puts her drink back on the desk and gather her things to go. Maybe it’s her imagination, but she thought she caught a weird look between the two brothers. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Liam. Try to get some rest.”

Isabella smirks. She turns to Liam and smiled. “Yes, catch you tomorrow, cutie.” She throws Liam a playful wink. “Would you look at that! I hate to see you go... but I love to watch you leave.” If he wasn’t his brother, Ethan wouldn't mind punching Liam in the throat. “Aren't you supposed to be on the clock right now?” Liam couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. “ you know I'm salaried.”

Ethan glares at him and moves into the hallway. Liam reaches out and took her arm, drawing her back. “What are you doing?” She whispers, praying Ethan has left. “What am I doing? What are you doing? I've never seen him so enraged over my flirting before. But... it’s my new favourite thing.”

“Ms. Jonathan?” Ethan calls out from the hallway. She shrugs Liam’s hands off her and briskly walked out. Liam’s words still echoed in her mind as she followed Ethan outside to meet his driver.

She slides into the backseat of the limo with Ethan beside her. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. Jonathan. I'm David, Mr. Grayson’s personal driver.” Isabella responded before she gave him her home address.

The car turns quiet as Ethan turns to her, his gaze darkened. He asked the driver to play some soft music. “Now that we are alone, you can tell me how your day with Liam really went. I hope he didn't bother you too much. Was he that flirty and being a jerk all day?” He sounded so tensed. “Liam? I think he just likes to see you annoyed.”

“What... was I annoyed? Do I look annoyed?” He questioned, looking a little worried. She let’s out a soft chuckle. “Well, you tell me.” He stares at her thoughtfully , considering his next answer. “Okay, maybe a little bit.” He gently puts his hand on her knee, and her lips part in awe. There’s a possessive glint in his eyes she has never seen before.

Clearly feeling aroused by her soft skin, he started speaking again. “Let me know if Liam ever does anything that’s off limits. Or anyone else for that matter.” He stared at her for way too long. “”Myself included....”

“Ethan, I can take care of myself. I've been handling men like Liam my whole adult life.” He raised his brow, then sighs. “You shouldn't have to.”

“No, I shouldn't. But as much as I like your protective side, you should save it for your fiancee. I don't need a knight in shinning armor.” Ethan's grip on her leg tightens a little, and a thrill run through her. “I'm not trying to ride in and save the day, Isabella, I'm just...” She swiftly cuts him off. “Trying to keep me for yourself?” She meant it as a joke, but in light of the intensity in his eyes, the question comes out completely sincere. After a long moment, he finally admits it.

‘Yes, maybe.” She looks at his hand on her leg, gently guiding it up. She shivers as his fingers brush her inner thigh, tracing delicate circles across her skin. “Mr. Grayson...” He moves his face closer, “tell me to stop.” His fingers slides further up, leaving a teasing trail of fiery touches... “I don't want you to stop.” Her eyes flutter closed as she moans, willing him to keep touching her, begging him to apply more pressure.... “Please... don't stop...”

“God, I want to taste you...” His fingers finally reaches the apex between her thighs, lightly brushing against the fabric of her panties. “Want to make you moan out my name.” His fingers slip beneath the remaining fabric, and she gasps. “Ohh... Ethan!”

Suddenly, she realizes David has stopped the music as he parks the car in front of her apartment. Ethan quickly disentangle himself from her. The partition rolls down just as the two of them settle opposite sides of the backseat. “Oh that’s my home. Thank you for the ride Mr. Grayson, David it was nice meeting you.”

She swiftly jumps out of the car before David or Ethan could respond. She enters her apartment trying to understand what just happened between them.

The engagement party came sooner than she expected it. She stands before her boss, staring at him with so much desire. “Why don't you want to be there for me, Isabella? Do you know how I'll feel if you aren't there tonight?” He grasp her arm gently, moving her closer to his body. She stares into his eyes. “I can’t be there with your fiancee treating me like crap, treating all your employees like we are sh*t!”

“She’s not my fiancee,” he clamoured, letting go off her hand. He faced the glass window. His back facing her. “Look, you have to be there.” Isabella chuckles, dryly. “I choose not to be there,” she spoke calmly despite the fact that she was burning inside. “Why?” He faced her, his eyes darkening with desire. His eyes traveled around her body, gulping visibly, he turns his head away. “Because I can’t stand it, I can’t stand her being all over you. I can’t stand how she’ll be the one in your arms not me. I can’t stand the fact that you will soon call her your wife, where does that take us? Huh? Where do I stand?”

Ethan bites his lower lip, bewildered. He approaches her and and gently cups her face in his palm. “I never said I was going to marry Madelyn. It’s you I want, not her. Don’t you get it?” He paused, letting go of her face. “You’re the only person I trust and love. The first person. I don’t know why but I trust you more than you can imagine. I choose to open up to you, not Madelyn or anyone.”

He grabs her hand and guides her to the soft sofa in his office. “When I was eighteen my parents got divorced because my father was cheating. She had stayed with him thinking he would change but he ended up sleeping with my aunt, her sister. She filed for a divorce and left. She took her with us and I didn't blame her. She met Liam’s father, he moved in to our house before they got married. He moved in with his son and my sister and I had no other choice but to accept our mother’s decision. Everything got so messed up, Liam’s father brutally beats my sister and mother, and I... I couldn't fight back, I couldn't fight alone. I stood there like a jerk instead of protecting my mother and sister. When I asked my mother why she stayed, do you know what she told me?” Isabella stared at him, waiting to hear the worst. She never knew Ethan had done through that, he didn't deserve to go through such brutal past.

“She said... he was better than my father at least because he didn't cheat on her. He loves her even though he puts his hand on her and I figured out he did that all because of my father’s wealth. He wanted to have the money. He beat my baby sister to death. She was only sixteen and I couldn't say anything, I couldn't say anything because my mother begged me not to. My father died a month after that. He died not knowing the cause of his daughter’s death. And when my father passed away, I had everything to myself and when I turned twenty, I left, I moved out of the house.”

“But why did you choose to help Liam?” She couldn't help but ask. “Because he stood up for me whenever his father was being a d*ck. He always helps me fight back. And when I realized my mother chose Liam’s father instead of me, I took everything and left. Started a new life and started my own business till it grew to this.”

Isabella placed her forehead on his. She couldn't hold the tears any longer. Ethan went through that yet he hid the scar, he had to go through all that? No wonder he hated being close to anything considering families. He was traumatised as a teenager. “I'll be there, for you. I'll always be here for you, I promise.” She finished speaking and kissed his lips before giving him an affectionate hug.

With the afternoon off, Isabella meets up with Hannah to shop for a perfect look. They saunter into the shop together. “Okay, I know you've been holding out on me. Spill! When did it happen? How long did it happen? How long did it last? Oh, is he as good in bed as he looks?”

Isabella feels her cheeks flood with heat as she tries to shush Hannah, frantically looking around to make sure no one heard. “Hannah! What is wrong with you? Nothing like that happened.”

“Yet! Don't you stand there and lie to me. I took a train and a taxi to get here.” With a sigh, Isabella lowers her voice and fill Hannah on everything... the close calls, the jealousy, the engagement. But she took his family secret out. “I'm going to have him no matter what.” Hannah squealed. “I like your bravery. Do you have a plan? Posing naked in his bathroom would work. Or show up at his house.”

Isabella sighed tiredly. “Hannah...”

“Hold that thought!” Hannah bolts through the racks and picks up a gorgeous dress. “Isabella! This is the one. The one the prophecy foretold. You have to try it on!” Isabella looks at the beautiful lace and the flattering silhouette that shows just enough leg. “Give it to me!” Isabella grins like a Cheshire Cat.

She saunters out of the dressing room later on. “How do I look?” She does a little twirl in front of Hannah. “You look dashing. Ethan won’t be able to avert his gaze from this hottie!”

They both grin as she heads to the register to pay for her gown.

Later that evening. She arrives at the hotel for the engagement party in style. The paparazzi starts snapping her pictures as soon as she emerges from the limo with Tyler, Olivia and lily. “Whoa! I guess this party really is a big deal. Look at all the celebrities here.”

“Yeah, that’s why we all have to dress up!” Lily walks ahead after she spoke. “At least there’ll be cake, right?” Tyler asked walking in his fancy, gorgeous suit.

One of the paparazzi waves at Isabella, trying to get her attention. “And who is this newest member of the Grayson enterprises? Tell us about yourself, sweetie.” She looks at her coworkers. Tyler shoves in and pulls her away, “no comment. Come on, let’s head in.”

They enter the party and her eyes fall on Ethan immediately. He stands on the other side of the room, receiving congratulations from visitors with Madelyn. Her heart thumps in her chest at the sight of Madelyn in his arms. Tyler and the others went ahead to congratulate him while Isabella stayed behind. After they had left, she moved forward. “Congratulations on your big night.” She held a stoic look, making his gaze on her to darken as his eyes slowly lift to hers. He takes her in from head to toe. “Isabella, you look stunning.” He spoke not minding to respond to what she said.

“Thank you.” She responded, smiling. “Hmp! You do clean up surprisingly well.” Madelyn gawks at her dress. “And thanks for coming even though I know all this glamour and excitement probably isn't your scene.” Isabella grins, “I think I can manage one party.” Madelyn returns a smile, “that’s the spirit.”

A waiter swings by their groups, offering them champagne flute. Liam shows up from no one. Isabella beams at him. “I guess we shouldn't be surprised that you're fashionably late.” Tyler and the rest looks at her in awe, wondering how she got so close to him within few months. “Damn, Isabella! You looking to get laid tonight?” He looks at her from head to toe, feeling aroused by her short dress.

“Really Liam? Must you be so uncivilized?” Madelyn asked, glaring at him.”I've always been maverick.”

“Good to see you too, Liam.” Ethan interrupts him. Liam nods to his brother before he walks off. Isabella excused herself and dashes towards Liam by the table. “Hm! Couldn't resist following me, huh?” He teases her. “That, and I needed a snack.” She grabs a plate of small chops. As she turns back, Liam lifts his hand and tenderly strokes her cheek. “What are you doing?” She asked in awe. “Seeing if I can turn Ethan Grayson into a red bull. Just look at him.”

She subtly glances over her shoulder. Sure enough, Ethan is watching intensely, his jaw tight and his eyes hard. He looked enraged. “Fun, isn't it? I bet we could make him positively explode if we kiss...” She looks back at Ethan, trying to gauge his reaction, when she realizes. She ignores him and saunters away as Ethan heaves a sigh of relief.

Walking back to her group, Ethan extends a hand, eyes unreadable. She looks around, Madelyn wasn't anywhere near. “May I have this dance, Ms. Jonathan.” He interrupts her reverie. “um... of course.” With her heart pounding in her throat, she takes his hand and let him lead the way to the dance floor. He holds her close, and she could almost forget that this is his engagement party with another woman. She leans back a little so she could look at his face. “Never knew Mr. Grayson could dance this much.” She teases him, beaming. “Did you think dancing with me would be...”

“No, I don't mean that! It’s just that we haven't been this close since... uh... since we...”

“Since my hands were on you in the back of the limo?” He completes her sentence. “Since we found ourselves tangled in each others arms in your office that night months ago....” He then lets go of her. “Maybe we should find different dancing partners.”

“But the song isn’t over yet.” She protested. “It’s not about the song, and you know that.” He then moves a little closer to her ear. With his husky voice, he whispered. “You know how hard it is for me to control myself when I get too close to you.”

“Then don’t . It’s just one dance. We don't even have to talk.” Without hesitation, he grabs her again as his eyes meets hers. She wished she could tell what he was thinking.

He swallows. “I know that shouldn't, but... my hands feels glued to you. And no matter how close I am...” he spins her out holding on to her hand. “...I want you closer.” He spins her back, little too hard and her body presses flush against his. “Funny enough you can’t get much closer than this. He leans in to whisper in her ear. “That is where you’re very, very wrong.”

Ethan shifts his hands down to her hips and guides her back so her arms are around his neck. even though there are only inches between them, the extra space feels like a chasm.

She casts around for something to talk about doesn’t sound like foreplay, or a breakup. “It’s such a beautiful party, Ethan. I hope you’re having a wonderful time.” His gaze lingers on her for a moment. “Probably not as much as I should be, all things considered.”

“Oh? Let’s get that fixed.” She traces her hands along his shoulders, down his sides to his waist. She closes the distance and press her hips to his. “This seems... dangerous.” She let’s out a hearty laugh, a feminine one. “That’s what makes it fun, Mr. Grayson.”

“I know we should probably talk.” She glances around, still no sign of Madelyn or Liam. Just her coworkers enjoying themselves. “But this isn't the place. It’s okay, Ethan. Just dance with me.” She turns and grinds her hips against his. She smirks as she spins around his arms until her back is against his chest, and her hips are still pressed together. His fingers clutch her waist desperately as she sways her hips back and forth against his. She relish the feeling of her body against his, hungry to be closer.

Ethan's lips finds her ear... “you're driving me nuts, Isabella. I'm starting to think if that was your plan all along...” She smiles. “I definitely don't have my life together enough for any sort of plan.” She turns back around in his arms to face him, yet his hands remained glued to her waist. “I just have one problem...” He then pauses and sighs. “What?” She asks worriedly. “You and Liam.... You’re not... are you?” He looked hopeless. She gapes at him, “me and Liam?”

“I see the way he looks at you. He has never settled down with one woman in his life. You could do so much better, Isabella...”

“I could do better? Do you have someone in mind then?” His eyes sear into her as their bodies move together, forgetting the other partygoers completely. “Someone like you, I guess.”

“Isabella, you know I must--” suddenly someone taps her on her shoulder. She spins around immediately. “Isabella, we need to talk. Right now!” He clamoured and without waiting for an answer, he wraps an arm around her waist and sweeps her away from Ethan.

What has she done this time?