"My brother is off-limits. And you're really not the type to break promises." Those were the words Sienna gave me the day I moved in. But she didn't know how hard it would be when I walked into the house to find her older brother, Zayne Bellandi, dark, dangerous, and annoyingly attractive, waiting for me. Not just in my new home... but in every corner of my life. And let's not forget how my last relationship ended: watching the guy I thought I loved marry someone else. But here I am, falling into the one thing I promised I'd never touch.
Isla's POV
Click.
The rhythm of my camera shutter had become the sound of the evening. The scent of white roses, scented candles, and too much perfume filled the air. My assistant, Ava, hurried toward me through the crowd, clutching a clipboard like her life depended on it.
"Okay, boss, we've got fifteen minutes before the bride makes her entrance," she said, slightly breathless.
"Perfect," I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I scanned the ballroom again. "Let's make sure the secondary lights are steady near the dance floor, and I want someone stationed by the cake table."
"Yes, ma'am." Ava grinned and jogged off.
This was the biggest job I'd ever gotten - a high-profile wedding with guests whose jewelry alone could fund my entire studio. And I wouldn't even have been here if not for Silas.
Silas, my boyfriend, he'd called in a favor a month ago to land me this gig, told me I deserved to be seen. And here I was, trying to prove him right.
I adjusted the lens and captured a fleeting moment - the bride's father laughing, her veil shimmering under the light. I was in my element, camera steady, heart calm... until I realized I'd lost sight of my team.
"Where the hell did everyone go?" I muttered, scanning the hall as I walked out of it.
Ava had disappeared toward the buffet, and the rest of the crew were scattered. I turned down a side corridor, hoping to find them, but instead, I found silence. The music faded. The sound of conversation dimmed.
And then - a hand.
It gripped my wrist, strong and familiar, pulling me through a half-open door before I could even gasp. My back hit a wall softly, and the scent hit me next - tobacco, cedar and spice.
"Silas-?" I breathed, startled.
He was already there, inches away, his breath warm against my ear. His tie was loosened, white shirt perfectly pressed, sleeves rolled just enough to expose his veins. He smiled - that same boyish, dangerous curve that usually undo me.
"Missed you," he murmured.
My heart stumbled as I adjusted my glasses. "You scared me. What are you-"
He cut me off by pressing me gently back against the wall, his hand braced beside my face before pressing a kiss to my lips. "Wanted to see how my favorite photographer's doing."
I exhaled a nervous laugh, eyes flicking over him. "You came all the way here just to check up on me?"
He tilted his head. "Maybe I needed a break from my own meeting. Maybe I just wanted to look at you."
He said it easily, as if words like that didn't always make the air between us too tight.
"Silas, I'm working," I whispered, even as my fingers betrayed me - brushing his sleeve, tracing the edge of his cuff. "You shouldn't be here."
"I shouldn't," he said, low and amused. "But I couldn't stay away."
The corridor lights were dim, golden reflections bouncing off the tiles. I could see the reflection of us in the mirror across the hall - his body angled toward mine, my breath visibly shallow.
He leaned closer, close enough that I could see the faint stubble on his jaw. "How's the gig?"
"Good," I managed. "Crowded. Busy. I think I'm finally-"
My phone buzzed sharply in my pocket. I pulled back, fumbling for it.
"Ava?"
"Where are you?" she said, voice panicked. "They're calling for the photographers. You need to be front stage."
"On my way." I hung up, glancing back at Silas. "I've gotta go."
His expression shifted, a teasing smile, but his eyes held something heavier. "So you won't give me a minute?"
"Silas."
"Come on, Isla," he said softly, brushing a stray curl behind my ear. "You've been working nonstop. Just a moment, it won't take long."
I tried to hold firm, but his tone, that low, persuasive whisper - had always been my weakness.
"I'll make it up to you tonight," I said, voice dropping unconsciously.
He hummed, leaning in so close I felt his breath. "Tonight," he repeated, like it was a promise and a test. "What if I told you I might be home late?"
"Then I'd tell you I'll wait up."
He smiled, sharp this time, half teasing, half something else. "Can I get it one last time before you go?"
I blinked. "One last time? What's that supposed to mean?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing. I'm just... built up, that's all. Long day."
"Mm-hmm," I said, half laughing now, half studying him. His shirt was crisp, his hair perfectly styled, like he was headed somewhere more than just a check-in visit.
"Where are you going, Silas?"
He hesitated a beat too long. "Just business, babe."
I arched my brow, but before I could push further, the music from the ballroom swelled, laughter and applause echoing down the hall.
"Duty calls," I said softly, brushing past him.
He caught my wrist again, gently this time. "I love you," he murmured. "And you're incredible, you know that?"
I smiled sheepishly at him.
"I'll see you later," I said, more quietly than I meant to.
His gaze followed me as I stepped out, the corridor lights catching his reflection in the mirror - unreadable, and tense.
Chapter 1 The wedding job
04/11/2025
Chapter 2 Through the lens
04/11/2025
Chapter 3 Alleyway guardian
04/11/2025
Chapter 4 Back at dustfield
04/11/2025
Chapter 5 The stranger at the door
04/11/2025
Chapter 6 The familiar scent
04/11/2025
Chapter 7 The rain between us
04/11/2025
Chapter 8 Receipts and reckoning
04/11/2025
Chapter 9 The aftermath
04/11/2025
Chapter 10 Too late for that
04/11/2025
Chapter 11 Strings
04/11/2025
Chapter 12 The collateral
04/11/2025
Chapter 13 Remnants
21/11/2025
Chapter 14 Dr Pierce
21/11/2025
Chapter 15 The Gig
22/11/2025
Chapter 16 Booked and busy
22/11/2025
Chapter 17 The dark between
24/11/2025
Chapter 18 The blackout
24/11/2025
Chapter 19 What were you thinking, isla
24/11/2025
Chapter 20 The heat
24/11/2025
Chapter 21 What's wrong with Zayne!
26/11/2025
Chapter 22 Zayne, please.
26/11/2025
Chapter 23 I hate myself for this
27/11/2025
Chapter 24 Is staring hobby of yours
27/11/2025
Chapter 25 Landed in Michigan
28/11/2025
Chapter 26 He's mad at his parents, for what
28/11/2025
Chapter 27 That wasn't so attractive, Zayne.
29/11/2025
Chapter 28 Enjoying the quiet
29/11/2025
Chapter 29 Something about you
01/12/2025
Chapter 30 I don't kink shame
01/12/2025
Chapter 31 I'm doomed
02/12/2025
Chapter 32 Did I just lie to Sienna
02/12/2025
Chapter 33 The truth that breaks
03/12/2025
Chapter 34 I will make her mine
03/12/2025
Chapter 35 Isn't he Italian too
04/12/2025
Chapter 36 What are we dealing with
04/12/2025
Chapter 37 Arrivals
05/12/2025
Chapter 38 Italian heat
05/12/2025
Chapter 39 He's really getting on my last nerves
08/12/2025
Chapter 40 Oh, hell nah!
08/12/2025
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