Page 88 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I’ll be straight down.”

Christian knew he was going to regret this conversation, but he was out of options. This might be the only way he could ensure Isabella didn’t lose everything she had achieved.

∞∞∞

Christian was exhausted by the time he got home that evening. Henri and Richard had been on the phone regarding issues within the Asia office. One of the suppliers had failed to deliver, and now there was a holdup in production. Not what they needed within the first few months of setting up.

“You look tired,” Isabella said, handing him a chilled glass of wine as he entered the apartment.

“Thank you,” Christian said, taking the glass from her. “We have a few teething problems in Asia. I’ve spent the afternoon on the phone with Henri after spending the morning on the phone with Richard.”

“Dinner is ready,” Isabella said. “Why don’t you go and get out of your suit?”

Christian headed for the stairs. He was bone weary. Between speaking to Richard and Henri, then Toby and Seb, his head was spinning with facts, issues and potential solutions. He needed to stop. He took another sip of wine before heading into his walk-in wardrobe. Grabbing a pair of jogging bottoms and a t-shirt he headed back downstairs to Isabella.

They ate in relative silence. The first time since she had moved in. Usually, they chatted about their days. He told her about the business, and she told him about all the things she had got up to. Today, it was like she sensed he needed to stop thinking. He had so many things he wanted to ask her after his phone conversation with Toby, but he couldn’t create a rational sentence.

“Come with me,” Isabella said, taking his hand. “I know what you need.”

Isabella led him up the stairs and into the bedroom.

“Isabella...” he said.

He wasn’t sure he had the energy to worship her the way she deserved.

Isabella placed a finger on his lips. “Not what you think. I want you to lie down on the bed.”

He raised an eyebrow but did as he was told, his body sinking into the mattress. He swallowed a groan as his muscles cramped before beginning to relax.

“Close your eyes and listen to my voice. I want you to do everything I say.”

Christian closed his eyes and listened, the sound of Isabella’s voice helping to chase away the stress of the day...

∞∞∞

Christian awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. He couldn’t even remember falling asleep. He remembered Isabella talking to him through a breathing technique, and then she had said some other stuff, and that was all he remembered.

He rolled over and realised the bed next to him was empty. Grabbing his phone, Christian saw it was seven-thirty.

What?

He’d slept eleven hours... he never slept eleven hours, five if he was lucky! Throwing himself out of bed, he rushed into the bathroom. Damn, he was going to be late for work.

After his shower, Christian made his way downstairs. Isabella was standing dancing in the kitchen, ear pods sticking out of her ears. Christian watched as she started rocking backwards and forwards, playing her own air guitar. He could not help himself, stopping and watching her, a smile spreading over his face. She had not looked this calm and relaxed in a while. She stopped, her eyes locked on his. A blush spread over her cheeks.

“Don’t stop on my account,” Christian said, stepping forward.

Isabella pulled the ear pods out of her ears and put them on the side.

“Sorry, I didn’t want the music to wake you. You looked so peaceful.”

Christian stepped forward and dropped a kiss on her mouth. “Well, I need to be up and in the office.”

“Er, no, you don’t. I spoke to Lucy. I told her you were sleeping.”

Christian pulled back and stared at her. “What?”

“Christian, last night you were exhausted. Not just physically but mentally. You need to rest. You cannot take on everything. There will be consequences.”

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