*Isabella POV*
"Stop bullshitting me," I finally snapped, my voice sharp enough to cut through the air between us.
"I'm not," Jacob said evenly, maddeningly calm, like I hadn't just called him a liar. "I can't describe these feelings—hell, I don't even want to try. That's something for Damien to do. But I don't think it would be fine—or wise—of me to sleep with you before Damien agrees and… you know… you agree."
"Agree!?" I repeated, my eyebrows shooting up as the pieces clicked in my brain in the ugliest way possible. If my understanding was correct, then this insane, gorgeous man was basically telling me Damien wanted me. And not just Damien—both of them. Both brothers. Sharing me. At the same time.
For a second I just stared at him, then it hit me, and I burst into laughter so sharp it almost hurt. "I'm starting to think you've got some serious problems up there," I said, pointing vaguely at his head, still laughing. "Have you gotten checked?"
Jacob didn't flinch. Didn't even roll his eyes. Just watched me with that same infuriating patience. "Laugh all you want, sweetheart. But that's the truth." His tone was steady, almost gentle, like I was the one who couldn't handle reality. "The offer still stands. Tell me what you decide. I'll be here."
Then he stood, towering over me for just a second before stepping away. "In the meantime, I'll give you space. I'll be at the gym."
And just like that—like he hadn't just upended my entire world—he left.
I sat there, laughter dying on my lips, replaced by the strangest mix of horror, disbelief, and… fuck, something I didn't want to name.
*Monday*
I woke up with a groan, trying like hell to shove the weekend into some dusty corner of my brain where it couldn't torment me anymore. Easier said than done. Jacob's words, his touch, his goddamn hoodie—they lingered like smoke after a fire.
"New week, new me," I muttered, dragging myself into the shower. The hot water hit my skin and I closed my eyes, letting it wash away whatever the fuck Saturday night was supposed to be.
By the time I stepped out, I was determined. I wasn't going to let Jacob, Damien, or whatever bizarre twin-bonded bullshit get in the way of my week.
I slipped into a sleek black dress that hugged my curves in just the right way—professional but still sharp enough to make people notice. Over it, a grey blazer to tone things down, and finally a pair of black heels that made me feel confident.
My makeup was light but deliberate. I studied my reflection in the mirror. Satisfied. I looked like someone in control. Someone who wasn't unraveling inside.
"Fake it till you make it," I muttered at my reflection, grabbing my bag. I headed out, heels clicking against the floor like a battle drum.
Jacob drove us to work in this thick, suffocating silence that felt like a fucking elephant sitting in the backseat. My head was still spinning from his weekend revelation—the twin shit, the "we both share girls" crap, and sitting next to him now, I could practically feel the tension crackling in the air.
As the office buildings came into view, I finally broke. "Leave me around the corner. I'll walk," I snapped, staring out the window.
"Why?" he shot back, tone flat, like he already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it. I turned to him with a glare. "Why do you always pretend to be stupid? So people won't see us coming together, obviously." He shook his head with this smug little smile. "Isabella, really. No one gives a shit."
"Excuse me?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck. "People live to gossip. Especially in this fucking office. I'd rather not fuel the fire, thanks. Just leave me here."
"I'm not leaving you in the middle of the road," he said dryly, hands tightening on the wheel like he was holding back a lecture.
"Oh, aren't you a gentleman now?" I shot back, dripping sarcasm.
"What do you mean? I'm always a gentleman," he countered, running his hand through his hair in that cocky way that usually made me melt but right now just pissed me off. "That's the problem," I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes again. "What?" he asked sharply.
"Nothing," I lied, shifting in my seat.
We drove another block before he spoke again, his voice almost hesitant. "Are we good? I barely saw you yesterday." I barked a laugh, bitter and sharp. "Maybe I didn't want to see you." He flinched, just slightly, before nodding. "I understand."
"You understand shit," I spat, my temper finally snapping.
"Language, Isabella," he teased, grinning like the devil. "So fiery."
"Oh, shut up or I'll shove my heels up your—"
"So romantic," he cut me off, chuckling under his breath. "You just can't contain yourself, can you?"
"God, you're insufferable," I muttered, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me, twitching like I might actually laugh if I wasn't so pissed.
The office was buzzing the way it always did on Monday mornings. I sat across from Jacob, reading his schedule for the day while he sprawled in his chair like he owned the entire damn building.
After a beat of silence, I glanced up from the tablet. "You know your father knows about Phoenix, right?"
Jacob groaned, tilting his head back against the leather chair like I'd just dropped the weight of the world on him. "That's why he was calling me like crazy on Friday," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
"He called me too," I admitted, lowering my voice. "Apparently Phoenix called him, said the deal was off. I'm afraid he called Damien too."
Jacob just shrugged, like it was a fucking weather report. "And? He'll find out eventually."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I know, but this was his dream. The Phoenix deal—Damien worked his ass off for that."
"And?" Jacob shot back, sitting forward now, his gaze hard. "He'll see the kind of person he was trying to go into business with. Better sooner than later."
I let out a frustrated sigh, gripping the tablet tighter. "I'm not so sure about that. I mean… business is business. There are assholes everywhere. Doesn't mean people walk away."
He barked out a laugh, sharp and mocking. "Are you seriously saying he would've sealed the deal anyway?"
"I don't know. Maybe," I admitted, shrugging but avoiding his eyes.
"Jesus Christ, Isabella," he snapped, shaking his head like I was the dumbest person alive. "You've got some serious issues."
I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. "Yeah, well, welcome to the club."