Page 57 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I’ve put your bag upstairs,” Scarlett said. “Who wants a coffee?”

Christian, took Isabella’s hand and led her into the kitchen, pulling out two stools for them. He watched as his sister made herself at home, switching on and using his coffee machine like a pro. After a few minutes, she had three steaming hot lattes on the counter before them.

Scarlett groaned in delight as she sipped her drink. “I need one of these. My next Christmas present, brother dearest,” she added. “The best hangover cure,” she said, adding some caramel syrup she’d found in the cupboard.

Isabella grinned at Scarlett before holding out her cup.

“How much did you two have to drink?” he asked, wishing he’d been a fly on the wall.

Had they discussed him? As if sensing where his mind had gone, Isabella squeezed his thigh, sending darts of lust straight through him.

“It’s fine. Your prowess is safe. There was no way we were discussing you,” Scarlett said. “Ew!” Her nose wrinkled at the sheer thought. “Our conversation was a catch-up. I could fill Isabella in on all my sexploits, but as her love life has been as barren as the Sahara until you... then no offence, dear brother, but I did not want to hear anything about what you’re like in bed.”

Christian groaned. His sister had never been one to beat around the bush. Isabella blushed beautifully next to him. She did not want to discuss their sex life. He lent down, his lips brushing her ear. Isabella’s eyes fluttered shut before she remembered where she was. They flew open in horror as she became aware of being lost in the moment. The look on Scarlett’s face was one Christian wished he could frame.

“Ew, stop! She was my friend first. Leave her alone,” Scarlett growled at him. “Or at least in my presence. When I’m gone, you can do what you like.” Then she pulled a face when she realised what she’d given them permission to do. She waved her hands around as if trying to remove the visual.

Isabella laughed. Christian watched as some of the stress left her shoulders.

“So,” Christian said, pulling her into his side. “Have you decided what you want to do?”

Isabella pulled away, which Christian did not like, but he couldn’t force her to remain attached to him. Her eyes flicked between them.

“I’ve decided to give an interview,” she said, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I spoke to the doctor at the rehab centre. He’ll go on record to say there were no drugs found in my body when I was admitted. It was within a timescale where any drugs other than GHB or something similar would have shown up.” Isabella took another deep breath. “I’m happy to share with the world the journey I’ve been on. I spoke to May. I can talk about The Retreat and how yoga and our wellness program have helped me find myself... It will be hard, but I want to talk about the loss of both my parents and how that affected my mental health.”

Scarlett moved around the island and pulled Isabella into a hug. A burning sensation started up in his chest as he realised they’d clearly discussed this. Not that he could blame Isabella. Scarlett was her best friend. She’d chosen to stay with her and not him.

“You need to control the narrative. They’re going to ask some tough questions. There was a lot of photographic evidence that will dispute what you’re saying.”

Christian had already spoken to his publicist about this, especially as it had impacted him.

“Christian!” his sister barked, her eyes shooting him daggers.

“No, Scarlett, Christian is right. There’s no point going into this blind. I spent too much time being naïve, and this is how I ended up here. My only option is to tell my side of events. People will either believe me or they won’t. Sadly, I can’t prove they drugged me that night. I can only prove I’m not the addict they accused me of being.”

Scarlett looked at Isabella, her face a mask of sympathy, a half smile on her lips. “I’m with you,” she said, pulling Isabella in for another hug before turning to Christian. “Have you spoken to Andrew? Maybe he could arrange for someone to interview Isabella? The breakfast show would be the perfect platform.”

Christian smiled at his sister. “Interesting you should say that. I’ve invited him round tonight with Ana, his girlfriend. He called earlier.” Christian turned to Isabella. “The final decision is yours, Izzy, but the studio will not want to irritate Andrew, and he’s always advocated that they’re good people. They’re thorough in what they do and the stories they tell.”

Isabella looked between the two of them. “I’m in. In many respects, I’d rather do something on television. That way, people hear my words and not whatever spin the journalist decides will sell.”

“That’s settled then,” Scarlett said. “I’m going to head back to my place. Tell the vultures to get lost, if they haven’t already. You have my number if you need me. Don’t let this big bully get away with anything,” she said, shooting him her serious look before turning back to Isabella and pulling her in for another hug. “Sorry, I can’t seem to leave you alone. My body is telling me I can hug the stress out of you. It’s the industry I’m in. Everyone hugs and kisses, even if they can’t stand one another.”

Isabella laughed at Scarlett’s verbal tirade.

“Okay, I’m out of here,” she said, snatching up her bag and dropping a kiss on Christian’s cheek. “Look after my girl.”

“Is there ever any doubt? Stuart or Ian will drop you home. They should be in the office in the lobby,” Christian said, loving his sister but wanting some space to breathe and check on Isabella without her input.

Christian saw Scarlett out and returned to find Isabella out on the balcony, looking out over The Thames.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, not turning around.

“It was the reason I chose it,” Christian replied, coming up behind her, his arms encircling her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder.

“I can see why.” Isabella turned and stepped out of his arms, making Christian stand and face her. Her hand rose, and she cupped his cheek, her face filled with regret. “I can’t do this,” she murmured, biting her lip, her eyes so forlorn Christian wanted to scoop her up and carry her upstairs... But he could see that was what she was working against.

He turned his head, kissing her palm before taking her hand in his and squeezing it.

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