She knew he was watching. Of course she did. Liamβs reputation clung to him like cheap cologne, broken hearts wherever he went, the syndicateβs muscle flexing just to impress her. Isabel tilted her chin, accepting a champagne flute from a waiter without glancing back. She let him watch, let him ache. Across the crowded pavilion, Isabelβs laugh cut through the air, bright and deliberate, aimed just enough in his direction to sting.
She turned away before he could catch her eye, time and time again. Until she didnβt. Her gaze eventually meeting his own, holding it briefly, before averting it once again. The silk of her dress whispering against her fiancΓ©βs tailored sleeve, whilst hugging her every curve. A knowing smirk played upon her glossed lips when the picture perfect couple walked past him - but it was quickly replaced by a gasp upon the unexpected touch on her arm. The sudden pull whisking her away from prying eyes, before she even had a chance to push him away. Or so she told herself.
She knew his reputation, the Riley syndicateβs sharpest blade, charming his way through casinos and bedrooms alike. Yet here she stood, toeing the line between propriety and ruin. Her fatherβs warning echoed in her mind. But Liamβs gaze held hers, molten and reckless, and she felt alive in ways her diamond engagement ring never allowed β not that sheβd ever admit.
Isabel didnβt pull away from his touch. Not yet. The scent of bourbon clung to him, mixing with her Chanel No. 5. She leaned in just slightly, whispering just below a breath. βWhen are you going to stop pining after what you canβt have?β It was something between a warning, a challenge and a dare or maybe all at once. She blinked her lashes at him once. βAnd what kind of life is it that I want according to you, Liam?β
It was all just a game. The same one theyβd been playing for so long. But today, she was going to test just how much bite there was behind all that barking of his. βLetβs let destiny decide. If my horse wins, Iβll celebrate with you. If notβ¦ - take it as a sign and youβll leave me alone. Deal?β