Killian rose to his feet the moment Isabella stepped out of the bathroom.
“Umm… Isabella,” he called, his tone uncertain.
She didn’t so much as glance at him and kept walking.
“Bella, listen.” This time, he moved in front of her, blocking her way.
Isabella was shocked to hear him call her Bella, a name only those closest to her ever used. But no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, it sounded different—and strangely beautiful—when it rolled off his lips in that deep, enchanting voice.
“Only the people closest to me can use that name,” she said, her voice soft but edged with steel as she lifted her gaze to meet his. “For you—it’s Isabella.” Her words were calm, yet the quiet defiance in her tone was unmistakable.
His eyes narrowed at her resistance. But then he exhaled slowly, raki
