Page 45 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Not sure he wanted to know, not when he was here, and she was there... alone.

“I’m sure it will blow over. You’re hot property, and so is Isabella. She’s been off the radar for seven years. How she’s managed it is amazing... She’s scared, Christian. She fears her drug scandal will damage her business if the press rake up her past.”

“Can you get her on a plane out of there?” Christian squeezed his eyes shut, his heart racing. What had he done? He’d single-handedly ruined everything she’d worked for—had spent the past few years building. For what? A night and a weekend of amazing sex. His heart told him it had been more than that, but he didn’t want to unpack it. He couldn’t. How did Isabella feel? He knew she’d wanted to call time on their relationship before he left. He’d talked her out of it. And what about him? He didn’t do relationships. He had Skylar to think about. Oh hell, his daughter was going to be privy to the photos. So was Star...

Christian refocused on Richard’s voice.

“Christian, I’m not sure how Isabella is going to feel about that. Her life is here. I think she’s going to want to stay and wait it out,” Richard said quietly.

“Give her the option.” Christian sighed. “I’ve caused this problem. She can come here. We can fix it together.” The strength returned to his voice as clarity took hold. They could hit this head-on, together. He would not unpack how his heart rate increased at the thought of having Isabella in his space. “Hopefully, if we work together, it will blow over, and her life can return to normal... As it stands, we have a media circus, and they’re out for blood. They will not care what happens in order for them to get it.”

“I’ll speak to her, but I’m not sure she’s going to listen. She’s annoyed and in shock. Have you spoken to her?”

Christian had sent her a message as soon as he landed, but he’d not received a reply. He’d assumed she was teaching until he’d exited the airport into a media storm. Now...

His eyes flashed to Sebastian’s. She must hate him. “I messaged her when I landed.”

“She’s switched off her mobile. Her number was on The Retreat website. They’ve been blowing up her phone. Call my home number. You can reach her there.”

Richard’s answer helped settle his nerves.

“Thank you, Richard. For everything.”

Christian sank into his chair.

“You’re welcome. You take care.”

With that, Richard rang off.

“Welcome back. I take it from the photos you had an enjoyable weekend?” Sebastian said, a small smile gracing his lips.

Christian glared at his friend. “You should... Yes. I did. The best...” he said before picking up the phone and dialling Richard’s home number. It was only when he heard the click of the door he realised Sebastian had let himself out.

Chapter Twenty

Isabella

Aknock on the door had Isabella looking up.

“Come in,” she said.

Annelise popped her head around the door and waved a phone in her direction.

“Christian’s on the phone.”

From the look on her face, she did not know whether that was positive or negative.

Isabella smiled at her friend. “Thank you,” she said, taking the phone.

“I hit mute,” Annelise said, pointing to a button before leaving.

The thoughtfulness of her friend warmed her heart.

“Hi,” she said, after hitting the button Annelise had pointed out, as she dropped back onto the bed.

“Hey, how are you?” Christian asked quietly.

“I’ve had better days,” she replied, trying to lighten the mood.

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