He’d only been going through the motions of surviving for a while now. He just didn’t want to admit it to himself. Now, he had a place to stay, one he liked, and where he felt a little alive in again.
David had invited him to stay for as long as he wanted, and Sera and Liam insisted on it. He initially refused their offer, but after tonight, he'd changed his mind. For the first time in a while, he didn't feel as oddly disconnected, or lonely.
It would be fun staying here, listening to stories, helping with the house, and getting to know Isabelle better. A lot better. He would enjoy taking the time to figure her out, and he would enjoy bedding her.
There was no doubt in his mind he would get her into his bed, he hadn't met a woman yet who refused him, he just didn't know how long it would take. She was very hesitant around him, and for some reason, she seemed to be wary of him. Once he got past those two obstacles, he would be home free. He didn't even consider Jess as a possible obstacle, as far as he was concerned, she was already gone.
A small thud in the kitchen drew his attention. Instantly, he knew who it was, and his pulse accelerated with the thrill traveling through him. Planting his chair back on the ground, he climbed to his feet. Moving noiselessly through the unlit dining room and hallway, he stepped into the doorway of the large kitchen.
Isabelle was standing in front of the refrigerator, silhouetted against its dim light. The light blue nightgown she wore ended at mid-thigh. His mouth went dry, and his dick ached as he savored the sight of her long, shapely legs. The way she bent allowed him a tempting view of a pair of black, lace panties.
He shifted uncomfortably as his cock jumped eagerly in his pants. She was the most tempting thing he’d ever seen. He was certain even the Goddess Venus could not compare to the lovely vision before him.
She slammed the door shut as her back became ramrod straight. "Don't you sleep?" she asked coldly.
Stefan forced himself to take a deep breath before answering her. "I could ask the same of you."
She turned toward him, her violet eyes brilliant in the night. The gold streaks in her hair shimmered and danced in the moonlight, while the chocolate of it blended into the shadows. It caused a startling effect highlighting her enchanting beauty.
"I was hoping they’d returned," she said.
"Hungry?"
Her eyes flashed as she tilted her delicate chin. "Not all of us have a ready supply available," she retorted.
"By all means, enjoy Jess." He nearly snarled the comment, but he couldn't help it. She had him as hard as a rock, and her haughty demeanor infuriated him.
Her exquisite mouth parted as she gaped at him. "What an awful thing to say! Don't you have any respect?"
Stefan shifted as he leaned his hip against the large counter dividing the kitchen from the tiled entryway. "I wouldn't want to see you go hungry when there's a ready supply available."
It took her a minute to realize he was mocking her. When she did, her hands fisted at her sides. "Are you always such an ass?" she demanded.
He grinned cockily at her; his white teeth flashing in the dark, and his onyx eyes gleamed with the hunger she was becoming uncomfortably familiar with. Hunger that evoked the strange tingling sensation in her no matter how much she tried to fight against it.
"Most women find me charming," he said.
"I find you infuriating."
"So I've noticed, and trust me, the feeling is mutual."
She blinked at him in astonishment. Was it possible she affected him in the same odd way he affected her? She shook the thought away. He looked too unperturbed by her presence to be feeling any amount of the desire burning through her. Even standing a good ten feet away from him, she could feel the heat of his presence, the force of his power. It burned through her, made her heart hammer, and caused her legs to tremble no matter how much she tried to fight it. She didn't want this; she didn't want any of this.
Her eyes darted toward the opening. All she wanted was to run from the kitchen and back to the safety of her room. However, she would be within inches of him if she left, and she didn't want to be so close to him, ever.
She'd been so certain he would be in his bed by now, with Jess, and it would be safe to come out again. She kicked herself in the ass for her stupidity. After her earlier reaction to him, she should have realized there was never a safe time to come out of her room as long as he was around.
"So, what is it you don't like about me, Isabelle?"
His husky voice sent shivers down her spine. Suddenly she was seized by the insane urge to cry. She had locked herself away to avoid this, and he’d walked right into her yard, right into her home! And the absolute worst part of it was, he didn't feel anything like she felt. She’d seen the craving for her in his eyes a few times, but he didn't seem at all upset by her presence right now, not like she was by his.
Maybe she was wrong, she thought hopefully. Maybe he wasn't her soul mate. If he was, then surely he would feel something too. Her parents couldn't keep their hands off each other, and both had told her there was an instant connection, even if they hadn't realized it at first. If Stefan wasn't feeling anything, then maybe he was simply
