Page 48 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Chapter Twenty-one

Christian

Christian left the penthouse, using Sebastian’s car, and headed to Star and Damian’s house. He wanted to see them face-to-face and try to explain. The last thing he needed was to invite trouble to their door or that of his daughter. He had spent years working hard to prevent that, but it had blown up in his face this time. Star was super protective of Skylar. She would let nothing happen to her, even if that came from him.

Star opened the door as soon as his car pulled into the drive. The look she shot him, telling him she was about to rake him over the coals. Not that he didn’t deserve it. He should’ve known better, been more cautious. His life wasn’t his own, and he had forgotten that as he’d become caught up in the moment.

“Christian,” she said, leaning up and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Come in.”

“Thank you,” he said, stepping around her and into the hallway.

The house was private, surrounded by a high wall and fence, electric gates keeping out nosy neighbours and the press. The house was a modern building. They’d bought a rundown bungalow and levelled it, building instead a beautiful home that met their specifications. Specifications that were about to change.

“How are you feeling?” Christian asked, following a pregnant Star into their open-plan kitchen.

“I’m good. This little monkey isn’t keeping me awake all night yet, but I don’t think it will be long. Then again, I still have three months to go. There’s time.” She turned to face Christian. “What can I get you?”

“Daddy!” a yell came from behind, and he turned just in time to catch the flying tornado heading straight for him. He let out a grunt as her head connected with his stomach, her arms wrapping themselves tightly around him. “I’ve missed you,” she said, looking up at him.

Christian bent down and pulled her into his arms, hugging her back. He needed this. “Not as much as I’ve missed you, Princess.”

Skylar pulled back and stared at him. “Who were you kissing in the paper? Tommy, in my class, said his dad said she was hot or that it looked hot. I can’t remember which.”

Christian groaned internally. Great, his daughter’s friends were talking about almost x-rated photos of him and Isabella together. Not what a father wanted.

“Isabella is a friend,” Christian said.

“Is that her name, Isabella? That’s really pretty. Will I get to meet her?” Skylar asked.

Christian’s brain was in a spin as he tried to keep up. He glanced up at Star, pleading with his eyes.

“I don’t know. Would you like to meet her?” Christian asked, not wanting to guess either way.

Star coughed. “Skylar, honey. Why don’t you get your project? Then you can show Daddy. I’m sure he’d love to see what you’ve done with all the photos and information you gathered together.”

Skylar jumped back, her smile blinding. “Oh yes. The photos were amazing. Thank you for getting them printed, Daddy. Daddy Damian has been helping me stick them into my scrapbook. He’s really good at that.” Then she gave him her most conspiratorial look. “I think he likes scrapbooking. I’m going to suggest we create a scrapbook for my baby brother or sister when they arrive. We can keep all their information there. Like the one I created.”

Christian rested his hand on her head, thankful his daughter had Star and Damian in her life. If Star hadn’t agreed to adopt Skylar, she’d have been lost to him forever. He could not go there.

“I think that would be a fabulous idea. I also know you’re going to be the best big sister ever.”

Christian watched his daughter’s chest puff out with pride before turning on her heels and heading off to collect her scrapbook.

Christian turned to face Star.

“Is it wise?” she asked.

“What wise?” Christian replied, confused.

“For her to meet Isabella? I don’t want her to meet a string of different women, Christian. I know that hasn’t happened to date. You’ve abided by my wishes and kept her protected. But this is bigger than anything before. Isabella is big news. It’s bad enough Skylar came home having heard Tommy’s father’s comments. I’m thankful it’s nearly the weekend, and half term next week. There haven’t yet been comments about Isabella’s shady past... Drugs, drink, and sex. Did you know about this when you got involved?”

Christian’s heckles rose. Star didn’t know Isabella, but he couldn’t blame her for wanting to protect Skylar. She was making assumptions. Assumptions based on what she’d read in a newspaper.

“You of all people should know not to believe everything you read in the press,” Christian said, trying to keep his voice calm.

“I remember the original scandal. I saw the photos. It was the same time Lily... died,” Star said, her hand moving to her stomach, rubbing soothing circles.

“It was,” Christian said. “I’ve known Isabella for most of my life. She’s one of Scarlett’s best friends. Our mothers were close until Isabella’s passed away.”

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