Chapter 119 An Unprecedented Feeling

Chapter 119 An Unprecedented Feeling

This feeling of being cherished and carefully protected by someone was something she had never experienced before.

"They're Nathan's people." Robert's expression darkened, and for the first time, his gentle eyes revealed an icy coldness. "I recognize that car. He's set his sights on you, just as I thought."

"Why would he follow me?" Isabella asked with a frown.

"Because of you." Robert looked at her seriously. "Because tonight, you were my date. In his eyes, you're my weakness, the best leverage to use against me."

His voice was filled with anger and guilt: "Isabella, I'm sorry. I've dragged you into my family's mess."

"It's not your fault." Isabella shook her head. "Even without you, given the Mellon Group's current situation, we'd become prey in someone's eyes sooner or later."

She just hadn't expected the danger to come this quickly.

"No, it's different." Robert's eyes darkened. "Nathan is ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Now that he's targeting you, he won't let go easily. From now on, you must be careful."

His hand still rested on her shoulder, the warmth from his palm continuously seeping through the thin fabric.

"Isabella," he looked at her, his gaze becoming incredibly serious, even carrying a hint of pleading, "promise me you'll let me check on you every day, okay? I don't need to do anything, just confirm you're safe, and I'll feel at ease. I'm really... very worried."

The concern and lingering fear in his eyes were so real, so intense, that Isabella couldn't refuse.

In that moment, she felt a small corner of her long-frozen heart melting from the warmth in his eyes.

"Okay..." she heard herself answer softly.

With her consent, Robert's tense nerves finally relaxed. Looking at her pale face and the lingering shock in her eyes, the tenderness in his heart nearly overflowed.

The night outside was deep, and the warm lights in the apartment glowed softly.

The atmosphere between them became somewhat delicate after this crisis.

The air was filled with an ambiguous, heart-fluttering emotion.

Robert's gaze fell on her lips, slightly pressed together from tension, still bearing traces of lipstick color, like ripe cherries, inviting endless imagination.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

As if possessed, he slowly lowered his head, leaning toward her.

Isabella didn't dodge.

She could smell his clean scent, mixed with a faint medicinal smell, pure and reassuring. Her heart began racing uncontrollably.

Just as their lips were about to touch, Isabella suddenly turned her head away.

Robert's kiss landed on her cheek, warm and soft.

He stopped, didn't go further, just quietly looked at her, his eyes carrying a trace of confusion.

Isabella's mind was in chaos.

Though she didn't reject his closeness, and even... felt a hint of anticipation. But the memory of that humiliating night was like a poisoned thorn, deeply embedded in her soul. The mark Terry left on her and that nightmare-like experience made her instinctively resist and fear this kind of intimate contact.

"I'm sorry..." She lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I'm not ready yet."

Seeing her reddening eyes and vulnerable appearance, Robert instantly understood.

All his romantic thoughts were replaced by tenderness. He reached out his hand, not touching her but using his fingertip to gently brush away a tear about to fall from the corner of her eye.

"I'm the one who should apologize," his voice was gentle enough to melt, "I was too hasty."

He stepped back, creating distance between them, giving her enough sense of security.

"It's late, get some rest. Remember, no matter what happens from now on, tell me first." He looked at her deeply, suppressing all his surging emotions, and turned to leave.

Watching his lonely figure, Isabella's heart felt like something had silently tugged at it.

"Wait..." she called out to him as if possessed.

Robert stopped and turned around.

Isabella bit her lip, as if making some kind of decision. She walked to the wine cabinet by the entrance and took out a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

"Have a drink with me," she said.

Robert looked at her and finally nodded.

They sat on the living room carpet, without turning on the main light, leaving only a dim floor lamp.

After several rounds of drinks, under the influence of alcohol, the tense atmosphere gradually eased.

Isabella began talking more, discussing the pressure of taking over the Mellon Group after returning home, the vulnerability and exhaustion she never showed to outsiders, slowly pouring out tonight, in front of Robert.

Robert just listened quietly, occasionally refilling her glass, his eyes full of tenderness and sympathy.

After drinking who knows how much, Isabella's cheeks were flushed, her eyes becoming hazy.

Looking at this gentle man before her, at the scar on his lip caused by her, the solid defense in her heart gradually crumbled under the dual influence of alcohol and emotion.

As if possessed, she put down her glass and suddenly leaned forward, cupping his face with both hands.

Robert's body stiffened.

"Robert," her voice carried the softness of intoxication, sweet and alluring, "you're so good."

Then she kissed him.

This kiss wasn't like she had imagined before, filled with desire and aggression, but was soft, carrying the mellow fragrance of red wine and a hint of exploration.

Robert was stunned at first, then couldn't help but tremble as he took control, holding the back of her head and gradually deepening the kiss.

It was a long, lingering kiss.

From tentative to deep, the temperature in the air rose sharply, ambiguous feelings fermenting wildly under the dim light.

When they finally separated, both breathless, Isabella had already collapsed into his arms.

She could feel the tense changes in his body and his suppressed, heavy breathing.

Her reason told her she should push him away.

But her emotions made her do the opposite.

Buried in the crook of his neck, her voice barely audible: "I'm... still scared. Sorry."

Those words were like cold water, extinguishing the fire slowly burning in Robert's heart.

But he showed no impatience or disappointment, instead holding her even tighter.

"I know." His voice was extremely hoarse but full of restraint and tenderness. "I know, it's okay, Isabella, we have all the time in the world."