ISAAC
Vanessa West was still hugging me.
Her body pressed against mine, warm and trusting. The scent of her hair—something floral and subtle—filled my senses. I kept my arms around her, my hands resting at the small of her back, not pulling her closer but not letting her go either.
This wasn't part of the plan. Or maybe it was the plan evolving.
When I started this—pursuing her involvement in the rogue foundation, offering financial support, buying this building—it had been about Roman Vance. About taking something he valued. About proving I could win where he had failed.
But standing here, with Vanessa in my arms, I realized my motivation had shifted without my permission.
I enjoyed her company. Her passion. Her fierce intelligence that never sacrificed compassion. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about making real change.
"I should..." She started to pull away, a flush spreading across her cheeks.
