Isla POV

I stood in front of my apartment door, still mortified by the words Mr. Vale had whispered to me.

Did you need a man?

Was I so obvious about my attraction to him? And why was I so attracted to him all of a sudden? This wasn't right. The tension between us had been unbearable – and I hated that a part of me didn't want it to stop. I just hoped the Chairman hadn't noticed anything when he walked into the kitchen.

I finally used my key, tired of my own thoughts, and pushed the door open.

Carmilla was by the counter, eating. She looked calm –...