Page 19 of Unveiled

“You,” I pointed to Lindsay, “prepare a statement as soon as possible.”

“Defend the headline, got it.”

I turned my attention to Joseph. “You know this will bring the crazies out.”

“I’ll make sure we are covered.” Joseph was no stranger to dealing with women for me.

“Good.” Subtly, I bowed my head in agreement. We were all on the same page. “Let’s put on our happy faces and go celebrate Isabelle.” I glanced at myself in the mirror as I adjusted my cuffs. “I feel like forgetting about

all this tonight. The night should be all about her.”

After Isabelle’s party, we were getting undressed in the closet. She was quieter than usual. In only my boxer briefs, I ambled over, placing my hands on her hips. Her naked body instantly relaxed into me, closing the gap between us. Entwining my fingers in her hair, I clenched a fistful and pressed my lips to her neck. Normally, it would have driven her insane, but she seemed to be spacing out.

I took a step back, lowering my hands to my side. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” she muttered, “just want to take a shower, but I appreciate tonight.” Shrugging, she glided out of the room, head held high without so much as another word.

It took a lot to shock me, but it took little to understand something was not right. An hour ago, she was smiling, dancing, and singing along to some songs the jazz band covered. She had also closed the bathroom door behind her, which was another sign something was wrong.

The sound of my phone vibrating at it danced across the nightstand in the bedroom, caught my attention. Speeding over, I yanked it up and glanced at the notifications. Three new texts from Lindsay Baxter:

Mr. Greco, could we meet tomorrow about the pregnancy issue?

I just think we should make sure we are on the same page for this and want to protect your fiancée from stress by not discussing it in front of her.

I know a small café we could meet at where we wouldn’t be bothered by anyone.

Though I still did not entirely trust her, I was trying to protect Isabelle. I did not think meeting with a woman alone was a good idea, even if her intentions were to protect the woman I love. I rolled my eyes, tossing my phone on the bed without replying and sauntered to the bathroom.

As I placed my hand on the doorknob, I heard Isabelle faintly weeping. Though unsure why she was sad, I needed to be there for her and let her speak about it when ready. I turned back toward the bed and marched over, grabbing my phone again.

Lindsay, run whatever it is by Joseph. I’m spending the day with my fiancée tomorrow.

I pressedsendand laid my phone on the nightstand before I went back to the bathroom. Just before entering this time, I slid my boxer briefs down, leaving them in the middle of the floor as I opened the door and strode in.

Her face was under the water, her head bowed. I stepped into the shower, enveloping my arms around her from behind. I remained silently supportive. She did not turn around and continued sobbing under the stream of hot water as I securely held her.

After several moments, I leaned my chin on her shoulder, placing a small kiss on her neck. She unsteadily exhaled as she rotated around, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, and hooking her fingers together behind my neck.

I tilted my head. “Bella, what’s going on?”

She dropped her head, pressing her forehead to my chest. “I’m fine.”

“Look at me.”

She lifted her gaze. Her red eyes peered up with some form of deep desperation, though I could not put my finger on it.

Resting my forehead against hers, I placed a small peck on her nose. “Clearly that’s not the truth.”

She offered a small smile as she sniffled. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“What?” Taking a step back, I lifted my eyebrows. “Why would you say that?”

“I just need to know one thing.” She ran her fingertips up and down her arm, as she always did when she was nervous. “Would you ever lie to me or not tell me something at the risk of upsetting me?”

I creased my forehead. “Isabelle, where is this coming from?”

“I don’t mean thebusinessthings you and your friends handle. I know I can’t know about.” She buried her face in her palms and sank to the floor on her knees.

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