Page 19 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I’m understanding its draw,” Christian said, his voice huskier than usual.

Isabella opened her eyes and turned to face him. Christian’s eyes were on her, two glasses of champagne in his hand.

Isabella smiled, taking one off of him and raising it up in a toast.

“To friendship,” she said, clinking her glass to his, before taking a sip and grinning. “Ooh, the proper stuff. It’s been a while.”

Christian returned her smile, his eyes never leaving hers. Isabella turned away when the intensity of his gaze became too much.

Slipping off her shoes, Isabella walked forward and dipped her toe into the pool. She let out a low groan, the water temperature perfect.

“You can take a dip before dinner if you like,” Christian said, coming to stand next to her. “Although it might be better if we order our food now, I can always delay its arrival.”

Isabella smiled at his thoughtfulness.

“It’s fine. Let’s eat and talk,” Isabella said.

She wasn’t sure she could hide her desire if she were to strip down into her swimming costume. Being this close to Christian was playing havoc with her libido.

Returning to the living area, Christian handed Isabella the menu. Once they’d decided, Christian rang it through to the villa’s private butler.

He motioned for her to take a seat on one of the large sofas.

“The Retreat? It was a surprise. I remember your father telling me how well you’d done during your placement year and how much he looked forward to you joining the firm once you graduated.”

Isabella curled her feet under her and grabbed one of the scatter cushions, holding it in her lap. Her heart hurt at the mention of her father, but it didn’t surprise her that Christian wanted to know. His own family firm was his life.

“That was then... sometimes life changes even the best-laid plans. Yes... The Retreat, my sanctuary... and sanity,” Isabella laughed.

“Yoga and meditation seem far removed from socialite, party girl.”

Isabella looked at Christian and drew in a deep breath.

“It is. But it’s been my saving grace. After Dad died... I take it you’re aware of my spectacular fall from grace?” Isabella said, squeezing the cushion she was holding, her eyes never leaving Christian’s.

“I wasn’t. Until last night. I have to admit, I searched you up.”

“Christian Dupree. You, above all, should know better than to believe anything you read in the gossip columns.”

Isabella raised a questioning eyebrow, her heart sinking at what he might’ve uncovered. What would he think of her?

“I admit. I rang Scarlett... but she told me to ask you. It’s your story to tell.”

Isabella’s spirit lifted. Trust her friend. She’d never been a gossip. She hated that part of their life. They both had.

“After Dad died, then the scandal... there was nothing left for me. Who wanted a university dropout, drug addict, with a broken engagement at the helm of a million-pound business? In one night, I’d lost all credibility. Past dreams—died alongside my father. This... this is my new reality. I found an alternative path, a path I never knew I wanted...”

Christian lent forward and refilled her glass.

“Is it enough?” he asked.

Isabella smiled over at him. “Is it where I saw myself at twenty? No.” She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Is it where I see myself now, at twenty-eight and beyond... completely? I’m living a life I never knew I wanted. I live in the most beautiful country, surrounded by wonderful people, doing a job I love. It may be a far cry from running my father’s multi-million-pound empire, but I’m running my own business and proud of everything I’ve achieved... I haven’t strayed too far. I’m still in hospitality... that will always be in my blood. But this... The Retreat, is for me. Would I trade it for my old life? Go back in time? Not in a million years.”

Isabella looked at Christian, who was resting his chin on his steepled fingers, watching her.

“How did you end up here?”

“After rehab, I needed to regroup, get away. I told my stepmother and Pierce I was going travelling. They tried to talk me out of it, but I was adamant. At twenty-one, they couldn’t stop me. Plus, I had my mother’s inheritance to finance it.”

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