It really was him.

Isabella sat back in her chair. She had been hoping it was a dream, but it wasn't. He really kissed her.

Anthony... No, Charles aroused her without trying hard. After six years he was still that good. Her fingers grazing her lips, she recalled to the last detail how he took her with more intention than he used to when they used to date.

That same day, when she got home and took a look at Gabriel, Isabella realized it had been a while since she felt so strongly aroused. Her husband never took the liberty to make her feel good during sex. All Gabriel ever wanted to do was empty his nut into her.

Feeling sadness set in again, Isabella wondered how life would have been if she had not run away a few minutes before tying the knot with Anthony. She wouldn't be deprived of intense intercourse, certainly. She probably won't have a failing company to be worried about too.

Sighing, Isabella reasoned that it was useless to swim in regret at that stage. If anything, she should be working harder at getting her company out of its ruins.

Isabella's eyes travelled to the card that had been lying on her table. Temptation surrounded it. It was calling Isabella to pick up the hard paper and dial the number on it.

"Isa, there is an issue." Caleb's voice snapped her out of it. As he sat down, Isabella prepared herself for the terrible news that was going to come out of his mouth. Earlier that day, one of their loyal customers had an accident in the bathroom and that caused a dent in the already collapsing state of the hotel.

"I have called every single person that promised to see if they could help us, none, I mean no one is willing to merge. It is just so terrible. It is as though they all had an overnight meeting and decided to not consider us at all. Isa..."

"Caleb. What is going on? Why does everything keep getting worse? Just yesterday..."

Caleb reached for her hand and stopped her lamenting. "Hey Isa, don't do this now. Sulking about the state of this place is not going to help." He tapped her skin gently, in an assuring way before sitting back. "I was thinking, don't you think it is high time you started considering selling this place?"

Isabella sighed and shook a bit as his realistic question reminded her again how things were. "You know..." her voice had turned a shade of remorse as she twirled in her seat. "Before all these crises started happening in this hotel, this whole place was the only thing that made me really happy. Genuinely happy. It makes me happy even now that things are crazy, weirdly. Caleb," her eyes flickered to the attentive man, "I don't want to lose this place. Apart from the fight I put up with my father to win this place, this hotel is..." Isabella shook her head frantically as she searched for the right word.

"This place is the only thing stable in my life. I wake up every day in that damn place I call my husband's home and the next thing I want to do is rush out of there and just spend the whole day here. Selling this place is a good idea, but..." Isabella could feel her heart thumping with fear at the mere thought. "It is not going to be as easy as saying it."

The small, encouraging smile that stayed on Caleb's face made her realize how pitiful she was making herself look. So, she looked away, one hand wiping away the tears at the corner of her eye. "I wish you would explain the reason why it will be so difficult to leave that Gabriel."

"One day, Caleb. Hopefully."

The both of them left the remaining words in their mouths tucked in and they both sat in silence, each man delving into their thoughts.

Moments later, Caleb said, "We still haven't called Mr. Oxford though." Her eyes darted at him sharply. "I checked him yesterday on Google and I must acknowledge, that man is in money. Apart from his father's fortune, he has made himself a ton of money. And their empire? It flourishes daily."

"You think he would be able to help?" Isabella started replaying their moment, she felt hot immediately. It really bothered her. The fact that he came out of nowhere but still, he had as much effect on her as he did years ago.

"He did mention that he was interested in our case."

"Maybe I should go meet him then. Hopefully, he can help." Isabella wanted to slap herself for saying that.

For some reason, Isabella was angry at Anthony and that was stupid because she was the one that ran away before they could get married. She broke his heart, she destroyed a beautiful relationship without giving a single excuse. She did not have it easy either after the whole running away drama.

But to speak the truth, she had no other option. Isabella knew meeting Anthony was the only hope left for her company. If that doesn't work she might as well sell the hotel no matter how painful it could be.

"Do you want me to come along?"

Isabella wanted to meet Anthony alone, so she shook her head in response. As her hands went to tuck beneath her chin, she thought, 'Maybe it is time I explained everything about six years ago to Anthony, I need to clear my conscience.'

~

The house was unusually quiet and that gladdened the brunette who would have killed for some alone time in the house. Kicking off her pumps, Isabella found herself twirling on the smoothness of the tiles before she made her way to the kitchen.

Their bedroom was just a few distances away from the kitchen, so the noise she heard as she downed a gulp from the wine bottle she opened on a certain tiring day, was without mistake from that room. Dropping the bottle on the marbled counter, she grabbed her bag and made for the room.

The sight that greeted her made her knees grow weak. "Gabriel..."

Her voice was so faint and full of pain.

With no care at all, her husband opened his eyes and took off the slender hand on his naked chest. After whispering something to the three ladies that immediately rushed out of the room giggling, with no clothes on, he finally faced Isabella.

"Why did you interrupt my fun?"

"Your..." She scoffed. "Gabriel, why on earth would you decide to bring hookers into our home?"

"Why? Are you jealous that they are getting all my attention?" He moved closer. "You know what you have to do to get it."

"Get what? Your attention? Oh please. If there is any getting to be considered, it will be getting out of here."

"How dare you?" He was glowering at her, his breath kept fanning her mercilessly. "How dare you talk to me that way? In case you are forgetting something, your father is the one who gets to suffer if you try anything funny."

His huge, rough hand grabbed her by the hair and tugged so hard, that she had to give a loud cry.

"Gabriel..." she reached for his hand which kept tightening his hold. "Please... Stop."

He glared at her, his offensive smell hitting her nose even more. "I need you to understand that a wrong move from you means that it is all over for your father. You don't want to be the reason your father loses everything do you?"

She could not respond as she was trying so hard to ease her hair from his painful hold.

But her silence offended the irritated man who grabbed her roughly from behind and dug his fingers into her buttock.

"Do you understand?"

"Y-yes." Isabella nodded quickly.

"Good. Now, I need you to do something," he finally released her. "Take off your clothes and get on the bed."

"Uh?" Isabella was screaming in her head. His sleeping with her meant more pain and not just physical.

"Get. On. The. Bed." He growled at her.

"I- I am on my period."

"What? You are of no use then. Get out," he mumbled as he made his way to the bed with a short frown.

Her hands stylishly massaging her head, Isabella walked in to get a small bag she tucked just behind the door. As she made for the entrance again, her mind still in disarray, she faced Gabriel who was playing with his groin.

"I have to go to the office." That place was more like a home compared to the hell she got married into.

"Get some groceries on your way back," he instructed without looking her way. "And, call those beauties back in. I am getting bored."

Isabella let out a shaky sigh which could have led to her breaking down into tears had she not held herself together with the last string of sanity and patience within her.

As she made her way into the kitchen to get some food, Isabella made an inner cry for the miracle she had been wishing for.

She needed it at that moment.

There was definitely something off with her, Charles thought as he landed his buttocks on the softness of the chair behind him.

After settling, his thoughts continued.

It was as though Isabella was lacking something or maybe she wanted something so bad.

Whatever it was, Charles wondered what it could be.

Sitting back into the leather chair he had specifically constructed to his taste, he wondered when she exactly was going to walk into that room and ask what his proposition was with attitude.

He smirked to himself.

She sure acted like she did not break his heart six years ago. And he knew her so well, it was certain that she would keep up with that attitude for a while until he decides to break it.

Smiling more, he could picture the defiant look on her face once he does kill that attitude.

That would be quite a sight. Seeing the woman that broke his heart wear that look would be something that would please him.

Suddenly, Charles groaned inwardly, his hands almost pulling at his hair.

She was driving him crazy.

So, so crazy.

And, that was wrong to him. He should be the one making her feel regretful. He was meant to be driving her crazy. All she had to do was show up, Charles was sure he would do that perfectly.

Almost absent-mindedly, he checked his watch.

Something was telling him that the woman he was waiting impatiently for was nearby.

And, he hoped his guts were right.

"Sir?"

Charles turned his attention to the men seated opposite him.

"What?" His response sounded rough even though it was not his intention.

"We asked if you are okay with the plan," the man clothed in a grey suit carefully said, his low bangs bobbing as he peered at his boss who had suddenly arranged for his and his colleague's arrival in the States for certain business issues.

Charles adjusted his silk robe which he hadn't bothered to change out of since he was in his residence. "I gave a response, didn't I?"

"Uh... no sir. You just smirked... smiled actually." Even the man was surprised at what he just said. But his one-second expression of shock soon turned into a serious look as though he feared getting lashed at.

"I did?" Charles's famous stone look was back in a jiffy.

"Uh... sir? The plan?"

Charles's ringtone filled the anxious air.

"Excuse me." He majestically crossed his legs which were clothed in matching blue silk pants.

" Yes?" He prompted Miss Kane to talk without wasting his precious time.

"Isabella Shade is here to see you, sir," the woman on the other side informed.

Charles wanted to smirk again, well, his face wished to wear a grin, but a look at the gentlemen in front of him, caused him to keep it in. And he disguised his slight happiness with a low throat-clearing sound.

"Let her in." As he spoke, Charles hoped he was doing a good job of hiding how much his chest was beating, just like he hid his smile.

"But you are in a meeting, sir," Miss Kane responded, the tone of her voice seemingly complaining.

"Did I stutter, Miss Kane?"

"I'll let her in right away."

"Mr. Wade, Mr. Blunt..." Charles faced the men who quickly gave their full attention to him. "I like the plan, but I want to know more about this business. Have the owners properly prepare a presentation and..."

"Good evening." His knees felt instantly weak so much so that his legs had to disentangle. Her voice did that much to him. Charles didn't like how that was the reality, but it was.

But like the strong man he was, he was quick to regain composure.

"Miss Shade. Have a seat." Charles pointed at the seat that was close to his huge, neatly dressed bed. As he watched her take a seat, he suddenly wished that the chair was not there. Seeing her on his bed was a sight he missed. And a sight he would love to see again and again.

"Sir... you were saying something."

"Yeah... Have them prepare a presentation and meet me sometime next week. I want to know more." Charles also wanted to know what had Isabella glued to her phone. His eyes couldn't stop staring at her slender, cute, and quite sexy hands as they slid over the device in her hold.

Slowly, as he half-listened to what Mr. Wade was saying, he traced her entire body. From her slightly opened lips that she hardly adorned with lipstick, to her sleek hair that kept calling him to run his hands through them, he noticed every single thing. That look he saw on her face at the party, the one he could not decipher was present too.

"Mr. Oxford?"

Charles realized he had zoned them out once again. And that was a very unusual thing for a man of focus like him to do. He was sure the men would be so confused since they were seeing him act that way.

"Just let me know how everything goes."

"Okay, sir."

After they had packed their stuff and left, Charles just had to let out that smirk he had been hiding. "Miss Shade."

Her head came up finally and their eyes met. "Mr. Oxford."

Charles's smile widened. She was trying to act professionally. The next few minutes sure were going to be fun. He got up and made for where she was seated.

"It is good that you showed up." She gave a short shrug as her eyes followed him- as they should. But as his robe came off suddenly, her eyes which bore a grim look suddenly widened.

"I was starting to think you had given up on your suffering company." His pants came off next as he made for his small wardrobe, and her eyes swiftly darted elsewhere.

"You said you have a proposition," Isabella said, her neck trying not to turn. Charles wondered how much her body reacted to him at that moment.

Years ago, that sexy body of hers melted on just seeing him.

"I don't start my meetings that way, Miss Shade." He walked back into the room, fully clothed in a casual tee shirt and sweatpants. "Why exactly are you here, Miss Shade?" His legs crossed again after he has his seat on his chair.

"My company is in a lot of debt." It was ridiculous that she was seated so far from him, but he wasn't going to stress about that. She definitely would move closer to him at a point.

"So I gathered when I did my research."

Isabella scoffed. "I see you are still nosy."

"It is a habit. So, what do you want me to do?"

Her eyes became a shade of pity, it was like she was sorry for herself. "I would actually appreciate it if we could reach an agreement that will benefit you and pull me out of the debts."

"Hmm." Charles sat back. "Well, like I said when we met, I have a proposition that would benefit you extremely."

"What is that?"

Charles smirked as he knew what he was about to say would force her to move closer to him.

"All you have to do is marry me."

"Are you joking right now?" As Isabella asked that question Charles felt impressed. He wasn't sure why- it might partly because she still maintained a cool look as the inquiry slipped off her lips- but he was.

"You heard me, Miss Shade. Marry me and your debts will disappear, I assure you."

Isabella let out a bitter chuckle as she got up. "You must be joking."

"I am most certainly not," Charles replied calmly.

"So, you just want me to marry you." She moved dangerously yet graciously towards Charles.

"Be my wife and that's all you need to do."

Then, after her hand briskly ran through her hair, she asked, "Did you hit your head? Or don't you know that it is stupid to tell a married woman such nonsense?"

Charles's eyes narrowed as he thought confusedly, 'She is married?'

He checked her ring finger on both hands but there was no sign of her being married. He wondered if she was lying. The man who had her situation checked didn't mention anything about a husband and truthfully, even if the man had told him about her married state, he wouldn't have believed him just as he wasn't trusting Isabella's words at that moment.

"You know I am not joking, so you can cut out the attitude," Charles finally said, his voice sterner than he intended it to be.

"Attitude? You think I am giving you attitude?" she asked unbelievably as she moved even closer. "I am married, Anthony. If your research didn't tell you that much, I am letting you know the reality of the situation. So, now you know, you can shove your proposition back into where it came from."

Charles was dazzled.

If she was really married, she just made the game way fun. Getting up, he maintained this smirk that showed how eager he was to put the woman in her place.

When he stood a few inches away from her, he stopped and his hand immediately went into his pocket.

"You know..." His eyes scanned the walls of the room which were plastered with a spiral design of black and white wallpapers before they looked down at hers which looked like they were eager to tear him apart.

"For someone who is in a lot of debt, you are being too rude." Her pupils dilated. "You are being so rude that you look stupid especially, if I recall correctly, that about six years ago you left me standing at the altar waiting for you hopelessly."

Isabella's legs gave away almost immediately but Charles caught her and sat her down on a nearby cushioned chair, her scent briefly tickling his nose.

"Listen to me carefully Isabella..." His ringtone interrupted him, but he ignored it. " I don't care if you are married or not. I am going to get back at you for what you did. But, no, I am not going to harm you. All you need to do is marry me and have your debts cleared and I will get what I want, simple."

"I can't be married to two men at the same time!" Isabella seemed to have found her voice.

"Well it doesn't look like your marriage is doing you that much good, so a divorce is an approachable option."

"What the hell do you think you are doing? You think I am going to leave my husband?" Charles found it silly of her to be putting up such an attitude. She was making a fool of herself.

His eyes roamed her again as he thought that even when a bit foolish, she looked beautiful.

Damn... there it was again.

The desire that coursed his veins...

That will to pin her between his legs and kiss the hell out of her... That desire to fuck her senselessly as he did in the past... 

Those feelings came back and Charles realized that he was doomed around the woman.

But he soon caught himself.

And, he continued speaking.

"If you want your company's debt to be cleared, you will have to do as I want." Isabella huffed for the umpteenth time. "And yes, you owe me a lot for not marrying me earlier."

"Are you blackmailing me?"

Charles shrugged as he took a few steps back. "If that is what you want to term it, fine. I am just going to remind you that my proposition is simple, just marry me."

Isabella got up angrily and looked him straight in the eye and said, "Never."

Charles sighed and picked up a half-empty bottle of whiskey lying on a low stool. "I guess I will have to ask you again at a more convenient location." His head swung in the direction of the furious woman. "Will your house be okay?"

"I am not going to marry you and that is final." Isabella did not even wait to capture the smug look on Charles's face before storming out.

~

Christina Kane was angry. And that was evident in the manner with which she pressured the almost empty wine glass with her fingers.

And, why was she angry?

She had just heard the most stupid reply come out of the mouth of the non-fashionable woman that just stormed out of her boss's room.

Christina just found it intensely insane, she found it absurd that the woman just boldly rejected Charles's proposal. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she caught the part where Charles had asked the lady to marry him and the part where the woman said she wasn't going to before angrily storming out of his room.

Her manicured, white-painted fingers caused a crack as she thought more and more about it. As Christina spared the glass and set it down, she thought of how foolish the Isabella woman was. Charles Oxford was not a man you can say no easily to.

His glare was enough to drive reluctance out and leave you with nothing but want for him. His body, without being exposed looked so yummy. Even, his beautiful, beautiful face was not left out.

Christina had been crazy about him way before she got a job at the company he specifically headed. Before she became his secretary almost two years back, she worked in a position where she was very invisible.

So, all she did was admire the gorgeous man from afar and hope that he would one day jam into her and offer her a smile as he apologized. And then, he might just ask her to go out.

But that was just pure wishful thinking.

But heavens smiled on her when a spot for his secretary was thrown open. And for the six months used to carefully select a candidate, Christina did more than her best. She drove herself to a point she never would have thought she could have reached.

And, that certainly paid off.

And, that left her with just one problem- making him her man.

Christina's face lit up as reason approached her. If Charles was looking for a wife, maybe she finally had a chance to be with him.

That brought a smile to the sexy blonde's face. Grabbing her phone, she knew she just had to play her cards right. And she knew how exactly she was going to do that.