Chapter 3 He's My Stepfather, for God's Sake

Isolde Black's POV

I furrowed my brows tightly as my gaze locked onto his. For a fleeting moment, we simply stared at each other in silence.

I let out a soft, startled gasp when he bent down gently, lifting me into his arms and pressing his hands against my thighs. Instinctively, I clung to his neck, distracted by the rare intensity of his features, while he used his foot to push the door open, intending to enter.

"Bring her a glass of soda, Mary."

I heard Mary's footsteps retreating, and I groaned inwardly. Being alone with him made me feel uneasy... I was drunk, for heaven's sake.

"You were angry, weren't you? That's why you decided to drown all your negative energy in drinking throughout the party."

His voice was rough as he spoke, just as he carefully placed me on the bed, removing my unbroken heel with deliberate slowness. He straightened up again, his gaze fixed on me with quiet contemplation.

"Tell me."

I was stunned... No, I was drowning in the storm of his eyes, devouring me over and over. When I finally snapped back to reality, I stammered,

"I didn't realize... I'm sorry."

He shifted his gaze away, looking unimpressed, then moved closer, kneeling beside me. Damn it, what is he doing? Is he trying to make me faint? His voice was calm, deep, and undeniably masculine as he said,

"You look like your mother."

His words took me by surprise, and I was about to respond when Mary's untimely entrance made me hesitate. He took a step back, standing tall as Mary handed me the glass of soda, looking concerned.

"Here, drink this. I already informed your mother."

I sipped slowly, my gaze dropping in embarrassment. He remained standing, towering over me, watching intently.

"Isolde, are you okay?"

My mother's breathless voice reached me as she stepped closer.

"I'm fine, Mom, there's no need to worry. It was just one glass, you know I'm not used to these drinks yet."

"Add a zero, you little liar."

His sudden, slightly menacing tone made all three of us turn to him in confusion. Well... I understood exactly what he meant, but I feigned ignorance.

"What are you talking about, darling?"

He spared my mother a brief glance before shifting his gaze back to me.

"Your daughter had ten glasses, sweetheart."

My mother gasped in shock, looking at me.

"Really? I had no idea!"

I averted my gaze in embarrassment. I was in no condition to get up and punch his annoyingly handsome face.

"I just got carried away with the music, Mom."

His deep voice cut through the air, clearly meant to provoke me, and I shot him a glare.

"I didn't see you dancing, little one."

My hands clenched behind my back in frustration, and I muttered, "I'm sorry, Mom. I won't get drunk again."

She sat beside me, pulling the blanket over my bare legs as she whispered softly, "It's alright, sweetheart. Now, get some rest and finish your drink. The headache will fade soon."

Mary added suddenly, "See you later, Isolde. Goodnight."

I waved at her. "Goodnight."

Turning my head, I saw him move closer to my mother, wrapping an arm around her waist before glancing at me quickly. Why does he have to be this handsome?

"Let's go, darling. Let's leave her to rest."

She smiled at him warmly, taking his hand. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

I nodded in understanding, watching as they turned and left the room together.

Damn it, what kind of night was this? My mother's husband was ridiculously attractive, my dress made me look like a harlot, and Mary's sudden arrival had thrown everything off balance!

What the hell is wrong with me? Why did I flirt with my mother's friend the moment I saw him? This is beyond humiliating!

Lost in my thoughts, berating myself, I suddenly heard the door creak open slowly.

I caught sight of him again. And oh, how I wish I hadn't.

The moment my eyes landed on him, I wanted nothing more than to keep staring forever, undisturbed.

He leaned against the doorframe, his voice a low, almost irritated whisper.

"Don't forget to take off that dress. It's uncomfortable, and it won't help you sleep."

My eyes widened in disbelief. I was about to protest, but he silenced me with another remark, his tone even firmer than before.

I looked away, flustered, nodding in understanding.

He let out a rough sigh, then withdrew his head and shut the door behind him, leaving me burning with the unbearable urge to see him again-this man, whose devastating handsomeness was almost unreal.

"Go to sleep, girl. Enough with the foolish fantasies."

I sat up halfway and pulled off the dress with ease. Given its revealing design, removing it was effortless.

"No... It's not him. It's not him."

I tossed the dress carelessly onto the floor, shaking my head, now clad only in my undergarments. Wrapping myself in the blanket, I grumbled softly,

"He's going to be my mom's husband, for heaven's sake."

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to fall asleep, willing exhaustion to take over.

What are you doing?!

I gasped in shock as his finger thrust into my core, his gaze unreadable, impossible to decipher. My eyelids fluttered, my body tingling from the unexpected wave of pleasure that surged through me, as if I was on the verge of begging him not to stop.

Are you even aware of what you've done to me?

That dress you wore tonight drove me insane, little one.

He pushed deeper, moving his finger in slow, deliberate motions, the slick sound echoing in the room.

Why did you return from London and suddenly make me notice this sinful body without warning?

His voice came in a husky, breathless growl.

You turned me into a madman with that outrageously tempting figure of yours.

The pace of his movements quickened, making my lips part in desperate need. The overwhelming pleasure was enough to reduce me to nothing but a trembling mess before him.

Did you like it?

I blinked in frustration as I felt him withdraw his finger from within me-only to find nothing.

He wasn't there.

My eyes darted around in panic, but all I saw was the ceiling above me.

Was it... a dream?

I buried my face in my hands, then sat up abruptly, releasing a mortified, silent scream.

"I had an erotic dream... about my mother's husband!"

I grabbed the blanket in frustration, yanking it off me and hurling it at the door.

"I'm going insane because of him!"