Page 41 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Christian...” she said.

They’d half discussed this over the weekend. Because of commitments, he didn’t know when he’d be able to fly back, and she couldn’t visit the UK without risking her current life.

“I...”

“I know... I haven’t felt like this in a long time, Izzy. I can’t just walk away,” he said, using her childhood nickname.

“I’m Izzy now, huh?” she said, absently stroking his chest with her fingers. “This is one of those hopeless affairs. You’re there, I’m here. I can’t go back, and you can’t give it all up. I have my life here. You have a daughter and a company. Your life is in the spotlight... somewhere I cannot face being again.”

Christian ran a hand down her face, his thumb resting on her lips. “Can we just see where this goes? No promises? I’ll try to get back over more regularly.”

Isabella dropped her forehead to his chest, unable to look at him. Her heart exploded with hope... she wanted to beg him to do this, but her logical brain told her she was simply prolonging the pain. While Christian was still in her life, she would never look at another man, fall in love, or have her own family. There would only ever be him.

But instead of saying what she knew she must, she dropped a kiss above his heart.

“Okay, let’s see what happens.”

Christian didn’t wait for her to say any more. Instead, he pulled her up, his lips crashing against hers as he showed her again what she did to him and how wonderful they were together.

∞∞∞

Isabella choked back tears as they said goodbye. She’d made a speedy escape after their first night of passion. This time, she’d stayed. After a weekend of fun, laughter, and lovemaking, the thought of him leaving again was tearing a hole in her chest, the pain suffocating.

They’d agreed to say goodbye at the villa in case any press were hanging around. Christian grabbed his bag and headed for the door. He stepped outside before turning back to face her. Isabella was still in a hotel robe when he opened his arms. She ran to him, throwing herself into his embrace, her tears finally escaping.

“I promised myself I would not cry,” she mumbled against his neck.

Christian captured her face in his hands, looking down at her. She looked up and saw her own pain reflected back. Christian blinked and lowered his mouth to hers, stealing her breath with the passion of his goodbye.

“This is not the end... I promise, Izzy,” he said eventually, his forehead against hers. “I’m coming back.”

“I know, but it hurts,” Isabella admitted, taking his hand and placing it over her heart. “I’m not sure what you’ve done to me, Christian, but our time together will not be something I forget easily.”

Christian tilted his head. “Good,” he said, his finger tapping the end of her nose. “I don’t want you to forget me. This isn’t over, Isabella. I’ll organise another trip as soon as I get home. I’m going to come back.”

Isabella broke his gaze, resting the top of her head on his chest as his hands massaged her shoulders. She wanted to believe him, but she knew the life billionaire Christian Dupree lived. The meetings, the business travel, his family commitments. It may not be now, but she knew in six or twelve months, it would become too much. But for now, she’d accept their relationship and enjoy it while she had him.

“I’ll wait for your dates,” she said, reaching up and kissing him, silencing his promises.

“I have to go,” Christian said, reluctantly pulling back before pulling her in for one last kiss. They were standing outside his villa in the gardens, the setting beautiful... perfect. A memory she would cherish.

“Safe travels.”

Isabella stood and watched Christian leave before reentering the villa and gathering her bits and pieces. She had plenty of memories to sustain her until the next time. She rubbed the ache that had become a permanent fixture in the centre of her chest. Staring out at the pool and daybed where the dream had begun. She knew she needed to fortify the walls around her heart. Otherwise, the pain Edward caused her would be a mere scratch in comparison.

∞∞∞

Twenty hours later, chaos hit.

“Lady King... a few words. Is this where you’ve been hiding for the past seven years? Is it true you’re in a relationship with Christian Dupree?”

The questions went on and on. Isabella held up her hand, shielding her face from the cameras that continued to snap pictures of her. She knew better than to run, so instead, she walked towards her and May’s office before unlocking the door and walking in.

“No comment,” Isabella said, closing the door and pulling down the blinds. She sank into her chair, dropping her head in her hands. “Shit!”

Isabella picked up her phone and dialled May’s number. She was covering for her today, and the last thing Isabella needed or wanted was May walking into this chaos. Her friend and business partner did not deserve it, and the last thing Isabella wanted was for Kalaya to become distressed.

May answered on the third ring.

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