Heated Desire

Settling In.

(Isabella's POV)

I stared out the window as Victoria’s car drove slowly through the large gates. The iron bars slid open smoothly, and we entered the long driveway that led to the Briggs house.Even though I had been here before, the place still made me feel a little nervous.The Briggs house stood tall and quiet at the end of the driveway. It looked elegant and intimidating at the same time. The walls were bright, the windows large, and the garden outside was perfectly trimmed.Everything looked neat.Everything looked expensive.I was quite nervous This time, I wasn’t just visiting.I was staying here.Living here.Even if it was only temporary.Victoria parked the car in front of the house and turned off the engine.“We’re here,” she said cheerfully.I nodded and stepped out of the car.The evening air was cool, and the house looked even bigger when I stood right in front of it. I walked around the car and reached for my bags in the back seat.“Don’t worry,” Victoria said quickly.She closed the car door and waved her hand dismissively.“Benjamin will get them. They’re quite heavy anyway.”I laughed softly.“It still feels a bit strange,” I admitted.She looked at me with a small smile.“Don’t overthink it,” she said. “You’re welcome here.”She nudged my arm gently.“Mum has been expecting you. Let’s go inside.”We walked toward the front door together. The tall wooden doors opened easily when Victoria pushed them.“Mum, we’re here!” she called out.A few seconds later, Mrs. Briggs appeared.She looked as elegant as always. Her hair was neatly styled, and she carried herself with confidence.“Isabella,” she said warmly.She walked toward me and pulled me into a hug.I felt a little surprised but hugged her back politely.“Good evening, ma,” I said.“Victoria told me everything,” she said kindly. “I’m so sorry about the dorm situation.”I nodded slightly.“It’s alright, ma.”“You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you need,” she continued. “The guest room has been prepared for you.”I felt relief wash over me.“Thank you so much, ma,” I said quickly. “I promise I won’t impose.”She smiled gently.“You’re not a stranger in this house.”Then she turned to Victoria.“Victoria, show her to her room.”“Of course,” Victoria said.She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the staircase.“Come on.”We walked upstairs together.The hallway upstairs was long and quiet with framed pictures placed on the wallsAs we walked past the doors, I noticed Victoria’s room first.Then we passed Alexander’s room.I tried not to look too closely at the door.But I couldn’t help remembering the first time I had come here.I had gotten lost while looking for the restroom.Instead, I had walked straight into Alexander’s room.He had been standing there, bare-chested.The look on his face had been pure shock.And the argument that followed had lasted the entire evening.I still felt embarrassed when I thought about it.Victoria suddenly stopped walking.“This is your room,” she said.She pushed the door open.I stepped inside slowly.The room was beautiful.Much bigger than my dorm room.A queen-sized bed stood neatly in the center of the room, covered with soft blankets and fluffy pillows. The curtains were light and elegant, and the whole room smelled clean and fresh.For a moment, I didn’t know what to say.“It’s perfect,” I muttered.Victoria smiled proudly.“Of course it is,” she said. “I want you to feel at home.”“Thank you,” I said quietly.“I’ll leave you to settle in,” she continued. “Come downstairs when you’re done.”She nodded toward the door.“Benjamin has already brought up your bags.”I turned and noticed my suitcases neatly placed beside the door.He must have brought them up while I was talking to Mrs. Briggs.Victoria smiled once more before leaving the room.The door closed softly behind her.I stood there for a moment, looking around.The room felt peaceful.Very different from the dorm.I walked toward my suitcases and opened the first one.Slowly, I began unpacking.I placed my clothes neatly in the wardrobe. Then I lined up my few pairs of shoes at the bottom shelf.My books went onto the desk near the window.One book I placed beside the bed.Just in case I wanted to read later.When everything was finally arranged, I sat down at the desk.The window overlooked the garden.The grass was neatly trimmed, and a few trees swayed gently in the evening breeze.Everything outside looked calm.But my mind wasn’t.I didn’t like feeling dependent.I had always tried to take care of myself.Working.Studying.Managing everything on my own.But this time I didn’t have a choice.The dorm situation had forced my hand.I reminded myself that this was temporary.Just until graduation.Just a few more months.I took a deep breath and stood up.I had been upstairs long enough.I didn’t want to hide in my room all evening.So I left the room and walked downstairs.The kitchen lights were already on when I walked in.Victoria stood by the counter, eating something.“Finally,” she said when she saw me.“I thought you were going to stay locked up in there.”She held out a cookie.“Mum made them.”I took it.“Thank you.”I took a bite.The cookie was warm and sweet.Immediately, I felt a little more relaxed.I had always loved homemade cookies.Victoria leaned against the counter.“So,” she said. “What do you think of your room?”“It’s really nice,” I admitted.“Told you.”Then I heard footsteps behind me.I didn’t even need to turn around.Alexander walked into the kitchen.He was wearing a black sweatshirt and joggers, looking tall and muscular.He stopped when he saw me.The room felt tense immediately.“Alex,” Victoria said carefully, “Isabella will be staying here for a while.”He didn’t say anything at first.He simply stared at me for a moment.Then he walked past me toward the fridge.He opened it and grabbed a bottle of water.When he turned back, his expression was unreadable.“Surely,” he said coolly, “you know this isn’t a hotel.”Victoria immediately frowned.“Alex,” she snapped, “don’t talk to my friend like that.”“I’m only stating the truth,” he replied calmly.His voice was quiet, but the words were sharp.I felt a small sting of irritation.But I refused to let him see it.“I know that,” I said.“This is temporary. Graduation isn’t far, and I’ll be out of your hair.”His eyes narrowed slightly.“If you’re going to stay here,” he said slowly, “then stay away from me.”I crossed my arms.“I have no business with you.”A small smirk appeared on his face.“We’ll see.”Then he walked out of the kitchen.Victoria groaned loudly.“Just ignore him.”“I plan to,” I said.But as I stood there, one thing was clear.Living in this house was not going to be easy.Not with Alexander and me under the same roof.