Chapter 11

ISABELLA

After going down to the garage, we both got into a black sedan with a driver waiting in front. So far, Jax has pulled out all the stops. It's the first time I've been treated like this on a date, not that I've had many.

He justified using their chauffeur because he knew he'd be drinking during our dinner and didn't want to endanger my life by driving. Damn, and he's responsible and considerate too. He immediately put me at ease in the car by asking me questions about my day and my work.

"I think I've been so used to being with my brothers that I don't know if I'd be able to work on my own." He tells me as we get stuck in traffic.

"You get used to it. It wasn't easy at first, but then I found my rhythm. I can organize myself however I want, as long as I respect the deadlines."

We approach a familiar street and the car finally stops, in front of my favorite restaurant. Jax gets out of the car and walks around to open the door for me. He keeps my hand in his as he closes the door, the car pulls away and he approaches and we enter the restaurant. The waiter seats us at an isolated table in a corner.

"Okay, first the flowers, then this restaurant. How did you know?" I ask him, once we're settled in.

He chuckles. "I plead guilty, I asked Alex. I wanted to make sure you had a good time tonight."

"He didn't tell me anything. But I have to admit, it's well played." I tell him, nodding, and he graces me with his million-dollar smile and dimples. I fucking love his dimples.

Two glasses of white wine and a risotto later, I'm laughing out loud when he tells me a childhood anecdote about his brothers.

"And Ash walked at least two kilometers home naked, hiding his private parts with his hands." He adds with a laugh.

"Did he know it was you?" I tell him between giggles.

"Do you think I'd still be here if he did? No." he shakes his head. "He must still think it was an animal that took his clothes down by the lake."

"It must have been cool growing up with brothers."

"It was." He says before pouring more wine into my glass. "We're never alone, we always have someone to talk to, someone to play with, but that doesn't have only advantages."

"Why's that?" I ask him before taking a sip.

"We've always been the Black brothers. Most people couldn't be bothered to remember my first name."

It's the first time he's let me glimpse a slice of vulnerability. He clears his throat immediately afterwards. "And what about you? Ash told me you were an only child and lost both your parents. I'm sorry."

"Thank you. These things happen... unfortunately. I'm having an excellent evening and I'd rather not spoil it by dwelling on the past."

"You're right." He claps his hands, turning a few heads, and I chuckle. "Let's talk about the future. Do you have any plans for next weekend?"

"Nope, none." I shake my head.

"Friday night we're having a gala at the company. It's a pretty simple event with our employees, but if you'd like to come along..."

"I accept." I cut him off. "It'll give me a chance to see you in your professional environment."

He gives me a big smile. "Ash and Knox are going to be so excited."

We're interrupted when the waiter asks if we'd like dessert.

"Tiramisu with two spoons." He tells her, ending my dilemma.

We continue talking and laughing as we enjoy our tiramisu together.

Jax takes my hand in his as we leave the restaurant. Just as I expect to find the sedan in front of the restaurant, it's not there.

"I've asked Richard to wait for us a little further on, I hope you don't mind? It's a lovely evening."

"It was a very good idea."

We've only taken a few steps when I hear an aggressive voice shouting my name. Jax and I turn around and he immediately steps in front of me. I shift slightly to see Dominic.

"You fucking stood me up to go out with him? In our restaurant." He says to me, his voice full of venom.

"I hadn't accepted your date." I reply simply, pulling Jax's hand away, still holding mine.

"Why didn't you? You owed me!"

I turn away at his words. "I beg your pardon? I don't owe you anything! So, a word of advice: don't cause a scene and go home."

His jaw tightens and his nostrils flare.

"If I were you, I'd take her advice." Jax adds, looking him straight in the eye.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Jackson Black."

"We haven't even been divorced a month and you've already got a date? Isa I thought I knew you, but now..."

"Are you fucking kidding me? You didn't even wait until we were divorced before you fucked someone else. And not just once, but several times. You disrespected me continuously during our marriage. I think you've got a lot of balls showing up here and pissing me off because I accepted a date from a respectable man. The only reason you sent me these flowers, which aren't even my favorite, is because Helen dumped you, you've lost your job and you can't find one because you've got a reputation to uphold. No firm wants to hire a guy who cheated on his wife with a coworker on the job. So yes, I'm dating a man only two weeks after our divorce and I may get laid, but you have no say in the matter. You'll never have a say about me again. Forget about me because I intend to forget about you."

"Well done girl!" I hear whistle and applaud around us. I hadn't realized that our argument had attracted the attention of passers-by.

Dom glares at me before turning around and walking away sheepishly.