Chapter 9
When that long, passionate kiss finally ended, Isabella felt like she was melting in Vitale's arms.
He slowly released her and took the black silk robe handed to him by his subordinate, casually putting it on and tying the belt loosely around his trim waist.
"Have you had breakfast?" Vitale's voice still carried the hoarseness of fading desire, though his gaze had regained some of its usual sharpness.
Isabella shook her head, her blonde hair swaying slightly in the morning light.
"Not yet, and I should probably get going." She noticed Vitale's jaw instantly tighten and quickly added, "I'm not abandoning you, it's just..."
The words caught in her throat—how should she put this?
She was going to Sonia's wedding, not just using him and leaving. She wasn't that kind of person. She actually liked the feeling of being with him.
But Vitale just nodded knowingly and naturally took her hand, leading her toward the bar.
"I know, but either way, eat something first."
He personally pulled out a bar stool for Isabella, then walked to the counter in the open kitchen.
Isabella watched his back as he skillfully cooked the steak, the collar of his robe falling open slightly with his movements, revealing his solid back muscles.
"Medium rare, with black pepper sauce," he placed the elegant bone china plate in front of her, the steak perfectly cut into even pieces. "I remember you said you liked it this way last night."
Isabella blinked in pleasant surprise. "Thank you, you actually remembered?"
"Don't be formal with me," Vitale leaned against the counter opposite her, his lips curving into a meaningful smile. "I prefer that wild side of you from last night—the little wildcat who grabbed my collar and demanded I seduce her."
Isabella's face instantly flushed red. She quickly forked a piece of steak into her mouth to hide her inner flutter.
"I thought you wouldn't be able to control yourself in the middle of the night," she mumbled quietly. "But you surprised me."
Vitale leaned forward, his chest muscles visible beneath the open collar of his robe.
"I'm a normal man—of course I wanted to devour you completely." His fingertips lightly traced across the back of her hand resting on the counter. "But I keep my promises. I won't cross the line until you're completely ready."
These words made Isabella's heart surge with guilt.
She was the one who teased him first, promising candy to good boys, only to back out at the last moment, and even deceived him with a fake name.
"Vitale, I know this isn't the right thing to say, but..." She put down her knife and fork, gathering courage to meet his gaze.
"No need to explain." Vitale brought a glass of warm milk to her lips, cutting her off at just the right moment. "I understand everything."
Watching her sip the milk in small mouthfuls, a dangerous gleam flashed in his eyes. "But you owe me, and sooner or later, I'll collect."
Isabella coughed lightly, choking on the milk, her cheeks turning even redder. "I don't owe you anything, stop making things up..."
But her body had already betrayed her words—the involuntary throbbing between her legs exposed her true anticipation.
Vitale just smiled meaningfully.
After Isabella finished breakfast, he suddenly came around behind her, hooked one hand behind her head, and kissed her lips again.
This kiss carried the strange mixture of black pepper and milk. His tongue explored every corner of her mouth dominantly until she went limp and clung to his arm before he released her.
"Tastes like milk," Vitale chuckled against her forehead. "Not bad. Alright, I know I should let you go now."
He took her hand and walked toward the door, instructing Torian who was waiting outside, "Prepare the yacht, take Ms. Brown back, and ensure her safety until she arrives at the wedding venue."
Then he turned to Isabella, gently caressing her cheek. "I look forward to seeing you again, baby."
Looking at his affectionate gaze, Isabella suddenly didn't want to leave.
She stood on her tiptoes and, in front of everyone, took the initiative to kiss the corner of his lips.
Just as she was about to pull away, Vitale suddenly gripped the back of her neck, deepening this farewell kiss into another lingering embrace.
The sound of their kiss echoed in the hallway. Torian and the other subordinates immediately turned around tactfully.
When they finally separated, Isabella's lips were already swollen and red, her eyes glistening.
"Vitale," she said softly, her fingertips reluctantly tracing his robe's collar. "I hope next time we meet, I can truly belong to you."
"You will," his thumb brushed across her slightly swollen lower lip. "And I've already prepared a gift for you."
"A gift?" Isabella's eyes widened in surprise.
Vitale just smiled mysteriously, whispering in her ear, "A surprise you'll never forget."
He lifted her hand and pressed a burning kiss on the back of it.
Vitale pointed to the tall man waiting nearby and said to Isabella, "This is Torian, my most capable assistant. He'll escort you to the wedding venue."
Isabella looked at this short-haired man with sharp eyes, and suddenly blinked as if remembering something. "Torian, tell me, does your boss really like cutting out people's tongues?"
A flash of panic crossed Torian's face. He cautiously glanced at Vitale and forced out a smile, but didn't dare respond.
Vitale laughed low and deep, pulling Isabella into his arms. "See? This is what you've caused. Now even my most capable subordinate is afraid of you."
"That's because I'm the only one who dares to tell you the truth." Isabella lifted her chin proudly, her finger playfully drawing circles on his chest. "And you clearly love it."
Vitale caught her restless hand and kissed it lightly. "That's right, only you, Isabella. Everyone else has to be careful even when breathing around me."
"So..." Isabella stood on her tiptoes, whispering in his ear, "I'm the special one?"
Vitale's gaze deepened as he stroked her blonde hair. "You're more special than any woman in my life—specially bold, specially stubborn, and specially good at torturing me."
Torian tactfully stepped back a few paces, pretending to study a painting on the wall.
The other subordinates also discreetly looked away.
"Know why I let you get away with all this?" Vitale asked in a low voice.
"Because you're specially obsessed with me too." Isabella answered confidently.
Vitale didn't deny it, only sealed her lips with a gentle kiss.
When he finally released her, he said softly, "Go now, or I might really break my word."
Isabella walked toward the yacht with a flushed face. As she passed Torian, she suddenly turned back, "Vitale, take care of yourself, and take care of your dick too. Don't let it touch any other women out there. Only I get to comfort it, understand?"
Torian finally couldn't help but laugh, but immediately resumed his serious expression when Vitale looked over.
Vitale watched Isabella's departing figure, murmuring to himself, "More than special—you're my nemesis."
He looked down at his aroused member and slapped his forehead helplessly. "Well, time for another cold shower."