Page 56 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Ms Dupree?” a powerful male voice called.

Scarlett threw open the door, revealing two giants standing on the doorstep.

“Are you ready to go, mam?” the taller of the two said. “I’m Stuart, and this is Ian. We’re part of Mr Dupree’s security team. He said you’d be expecting us.”

“Yes, thank you, Stuart. We’re ready. We have a couple of bags,” Scarlett said, pointing to the two gym bags she’d thrown together.

Ian stepped forward and snatched them up, both bags looking tiny on his shoulders. Isabella hid her smirk as Scarlett turned and gave her a wide-eyed,that-man-is-sexylook.

“The plan is to get you downstairs and through the group of journalists camped outside. We have two cars. There are more men outside who will create a corridor for us to move through. I would suggest you put up your hood to cover your face. Don’t stop, and don’t answer questions. Once we have you inside the car, we’ll head straight to Mr Dupree’s building and take you to the private underground car park, where you’ll be hidden from view. Any questions?”

Isabella couldn’t help it this time, letting out a little giggle.

“What has my life come to?” she said, relieved when the serious Stuart, instead of scowling, smiled instead.

“Hopefully, this is temporary. Your life will return to normal. We’re just here to help get you somewhere you can regroup. Are you ready?” he answered.

“Let’s do this,” Isabella said, grabbing Scarlett’s hand and giving it a squeeze.

She’d inadvertently drawn her friend into her chaos, not that Scarlett would want to be anywhere else.

As promised, Stuart, Ian, and the rest of the team got them out and into the waiting cars with the minimum of fuss. Isabella stared out of the blacked-out windows as the car sped away, camera lenses pushed against the windows, trying to catch a photograph.

“You’d think I’d committed a murder,” Isabella mumbled, almost to herself.

“You’ve created intrigue, and everyone loves intrigue. You’ve stepped away from the norm and no one can understand that. How a woman with millions can disappear and make a life for herself teaching yoga when she could walk the red carpet and sip champagne every night? You, my dear friend, are an enigma, and that is why you’re interesting.”

Chapter Twenty-six

Christian

Christian made it back from the office in record time. The call he received from Isabella had shaken him up. She couldn’t seem to catch a break. The press were determined to hound her until they got something. Isabella needed to decide what she wanted to do, what her plans were. Maybe she already had one. There were several days in Thailand before Isabella flew to the UK to decide her next steps. He knew she had been protecting May and the business by leaving, but Isabella had no base to hole up in. Her family home still housed her stepmother, and from what he could gather, that was strained, and not somewhere she’d want to end up.

Stuart and Ian delivered Isabella and Scarlett to the door.

“Thank you,” Christian said after the girls had entered his apartment.

“You’re welcome. I’ve stationed men in the lobby and car park should anyone try to breach the building.” Christian had liked Stuart and Ian from the moment he’d met them. They’d been part of his security team for the past two years. “We’ll be going, but if you need anything, call.”

Christian watched as they entered the lift before following Scarlett and Isabella into the apartment. Christian was proud of his home. On one end of the vast space was a well-equipped kitchen, while the other end boasted a large dining and seating area. The floor was hardwood throughout, with a selection of rugs to break up the areas. The front of the building was a wall of glass with a wrap-around balcony overlooking London and The Thames. His soft furnishings were warm and rich in colour, contrasting with the furniture’s stainless steel and cooler colours. A few toys lay scattered about from Skylar’s last sleepover. He found he enjoyed having reminders of his daughter in his living space and had stopped tidying them away after she left. A large staircase led up to the upper level and bedrooms. Off the living area was a corridor that housed his office, home gym, and guest bathroom.

Isabella was standing at the window, her gaze locked on the view. Christian’s gaze flew to Scarlett’s, but his sister was little help. She shrugged and motioned that she was going to go upstairs. Christian moved forward, not sure how to respond. He was navigating unchartered waters, unsure which way to turn for fear of slamming into the rocks. Isabella’s reflection made her look so young and lost. His heart broke a little for her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her back against him. She froze before relaxing against his front, her head tilting back until it rested on his shoulder.

“How did life get so messed up?” she whispered, her voice catching. “This is not where I expected our nights together to lead.”

The warmth of her body against his made Christian feel alive as he planted a kiss on her neck. “Maybe not,” he murmured against her skin, pleased when her eyes fluttered closed, and she relaxed further into his hold. “Sometimes life gives you lemons...”

Isabella’s head shot up, and she turned it to face him. “Are you really going to quote a meme at me?” she asked, her eyes twinkling, giving him hope.

“Well, you could always throw them at the press hounding you, or better still... make lemonade.” He was unsure where this playful side was coming from. His weekend had been less than stellar after his meeting with Star, but Christian wanted more than anything to remove the hollow look from Isabella’s eyes.

Isabella turned in the circle of his arms, her own snaking around his waist. Her forehead dropped to his chest. “Somehow, it doesn’t feel so bad standing here with you. I shouldn’t say that. It’s not fair.”

“You’re not alone. We’re in this together.”

Christian surprised himself by realising he meant it. His life had changed since Isabella appeared. It was richer, had colour. Something he’d all but lost after Lily had died. His life had been about rebuilding the company, making it so that no one could ever take his freedom of choice away again. Skylar had brought some colour, but Isabella had completed the picture, and he found himself not wanting to lose that.

A cough sounded behind them as Scarlett reappeared. Christian felt a surge of happiness when Isabella pressed her lips against his chest, hidden from Scarlett’s view, and remained in his arms.

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