Chapter 7 Met the Devil

Isabella’s POV

I didn’t know what to do. My brain was a mess of Enzo’s smirk, Melanie’s fake sweetness, and the lingering heat of their closeness in the kitchen. I couldn’t stop replaying that scene. So, as usual, I did the one thing that had saved me from losing my mind.

I called Tasha.

“Girl, what’s got you sounding like a horror movie extra?” Tasha’s voice came through the phone, bright and slightly dramatic, though less over-the-top than usual.

“Okay, just… listen,” I started, pacing around my room. “It’s Melanie. She’s… ugh, Enzo’s girlfriend, and she wants us... like me and him to go on a double date.”

There was a pause on the other end. “Wait. Hold up. He has a girlfriend? And she wants you to what? A double date? Are you kidding me?”

“How can you go on a double date without a man? You’re manless!” She groaned.

“Yeah, Tash. And before you freak out, I lied. I said I had a boyfriend.” I covered my face, groaning. “I didn’t know what else to say.”

Tasha scoffed. “Of course, only you, Bella. Only you would invent a boyfriend while the drama unfolds.”

“I didn’t have a choice!” I protested. “She was all over him, and I—ugh, I just ” I threw myself onto my bed.

“Alright, alright,” Tasha said, softening. “First, Melanie is officially canceled in my book. I don’t care if I haven’t met her, my gut hates her. Second, we need to get you ready for… well, for your imaginary double date. We can’t have your ‘boyfriend’ looking like a sad, pathetic excuse for a lie.”

She invited me over to her house and said we should FaceTime so she could pick out an outfit for me.

“It’s not today, it’s tomorrow,” I said.

“You need a boyfriend within 24 hours. I can’t let you come to my house in beige sweaters,” she said.

I rolled my eyes.

I groaned again. Tasha, of course, had already raided my closet and rejected almost every outfit I suggested.

“Try this,” she said, pointing to a tiny black crop top with matching sleek pants.

“If I die of embarrassment, it’s on you.”

I rolled my eyes but knew better than to argue. One, Tasha wouldn’t hear it, and two… secretly, I trusted her judgment. I pulled the outfit on, and she clapped like a proud mother. I was painfully aware of how the crop top hugged my boobs. Worst of all, it had a small phrase embroidered: Bad bitch forever.

“You’re welcome. Hot enough to make the sun blush, my dear,” she said as if it were an earthquake.

By the time I left for her apartment, anxiety twisted in my stomach. And, of course… I ran right into the Devil himself.

Enzo.

He was in the kitchen, making a protein shake. Shirtless. Hair damp from a post-gym shower. Muscles flexed with every movement. My breath hitched before I even realized it.

“Sorellina,” he said, voice low and amused. He caught me staring, eyes darting from his six-pack to my boobs, then back to my eyes.

“You like what you see?” he asked, looking at his abs.

I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance.

“Is your boyfriend built like this?” He smirked, trying to act casual, but my pulse raced.

He chuckled, taking a sip of his shake before leaning back against the counter. “My girl would be really angry if she knew you were thinking of me that way.”

I flinched at the teasing, stomach twisting. “I wasn’t thinking of you!” I said, though my words betrayed me.

“Oh, come on,” he said, smirking, voice low and teasing. “You’ve been sneaking glances since you walked in. Admit it.”

I tried to look away, but my eyes kept finding him. “I hate you,” I muttered under my breath.

“Love you too,” he said, grinning.

I felt sparks in all my nerve endings. Control yourself, Bella, he’s just playing around.

“You’re impossible. You try so hard to act tough, but it’s cute how flustered you get.”

I rolled my eyes, biting back a retort. He leaned forward, closer, the scent of him—sweat, cologne, something intoxicating making it impossible to think clearly.

“So,” he said casually, “this boyfriend of yours, does he have a body like mine?”

“Hotter,” I said quickly, inwardly groaning at how ridiculous I sounded.

He raised an eyebrow, smirk widening. “Jason, huh? Can’t wait to meet him. Let’s see if he can measure up to me.” His gaze lingered on mine, teasing, taunting.

I snorted, forcing a laugh. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe. But you love it,” he replied, stepping back and sipping his protein shake.

I shook my head, trying to focus on my phone. “You are impossible,” I muttered.

“And you,” he countered, “are irresistible. Every. Single. Time.”

My ears burned. I looked away, fiddling with the hem of the crop top. He noticed, of course, and tilted his head. “Cute outfit,” he said casually, but I heard the tease.

“Thanks,” I muttered, brushing past him.

My heart stuttered. Oh God, did he mean… was he referring to my boobs? I scrambled for a witty response, but before I could, he chuckled, leaning back.

“Relax,” he said, grin widening. “Bad bitch forever. That’s what I call you.”

I swallowed hard, muttering something incoherent. The way he said it, casual and teasing, made my blood boil.

“Thanks. I have a boyfriend I have to meet,” I said, turning to leave. He grabbed my hand, firm yet gentle. The hairs rose at the back of my neck, and I quickly yanked my hand free.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I can drive you, you know.”

“No,” I said immediately, holding my bag tighter. “I’m good.”

He raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. “Are you sure? I could make sure you get there safely.”

I wanted to say yes, but pride and irritation won out. “Positive. Tasha’s waiting.”

“Alright, Sorellina,” he said with mock exasperation, the nickname sending a twinge through me. “Have fun.”

I rolled my eyes, muttering under my breath as I walked to the door. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re addictive,” he called after me, smirk in his voice.

By the time I reached Tasha’s apartment, I was still reeling. She opened the door before I could knock, eyes wide, dramatic but noticeably toned down.

“So? Spill. Did he notice? Did he flirt? Did he—oh God, tell me he said something scandalous!”

I sank onto her couch. “He’s impossible.”

Tasha raised an eyebrow. “Impossible how?”

“Flirted. Teased. Called me ‘bad bitch forever.’ Almost made me die from embarrassment in my crop top. Offered me a ride I refused. And called me Sorellina.”

Tasha gasped. “Oh… my… God. That is… wow. You’re lucky I’m here to process it with you.”

I groaned. “Tash, it’s ridiculous. I hate him. And yet… I can’t stop thinking about him.”

She smirked, tapping my shoulder. “Of course you can’t. I’ve already messaged that one guy who’s had a crush on you forever. Wealthy, good-looking, and not a walking heart attack waiting in your kitchen.”

“Zane?” I almost yelled.

“Now, we need to get you ready,” she said, holding up a silk blouse and pencil skirt. “Sexy, sophisticated… something that will make him question every decision he’s ever made.”

I laughed softly. “We’re going to need therapy after tomorrow.”

Tasha winked. “Honey, tomorrow is just the beginning.”