Page 71 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I’m so proud of you,” he mumbled into her hair before tipping her head back and claiming her mouth with his.

“Well, that was not what I expected,” Isabella said, glad Victoria had remained anonymous.

This needed to be put to bed. It would do nobody any good raking it all up again.

“It’s not over yet. They will still want blood. It just won’t be yours. There’ll be a lot of questions asked. I’m just sorry you had no one in your life to stand up for you. I wish I’d been there,” Christian added.

Isabella cupped his face in her hands. “You’re here for me now, and that’s all I could ask. On air, I said I have a fantastic life. Those were not lies. It has turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened to me. If it hadn’t happened, I’d probably be in an unhappy marriage, attending lunches. Instead, I’ve travelled the world and been allowed to find myself. How many people get the chance to do that?”

“You really are something special, Isabella King,” he said, smiling down at her before dropping a kiss on her nose.

“That’s Lady Ringwood, to you,” Isabella said, grinning before taking his hand. “Let’s get Andrew and get out of here. I’m starving, and he told me he’s taken the morning off work. If he’s not due at the hospital, then the least we can do is treat theheart doctorto a greasy fry-up.”

“I’m in,” came a voice behind them. “Let’s get out of here.”

Chapter Thirty-two

Christian

Christian saw the success of Isabella’s interview as both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because he saw the return of the carefree woman he’d met in Thailand, who was quick to laugh and full of mischief. The black cloud had lifted, and he was thankful. It was a curse because he knew it was only a matter of time before she packed her bags and left.

The press was still hounding for more interviews. The marketing department, which also housed the media team, filtered all requests. A switch occurred with people interested in discussing her life in Thailand. It was not every day a multi-millionaire gave it all up, walked away and set up a yoga retreat in another country. That was now the news. Isabella knew it would be good for business, but she did not want what she and May had worked so hard to produce to become a sideshow for news-hungry tourists rather than genuine guests.

“What have you decided?” Seb asked, dropping himself into the chair opposite Christian.

Christian scowled at him. It seemed to be his favourite place at the moment.

“Decided?” Christian said.

“You and Isabella. Are you going to ask her to stay?”

Sebastian was never one to beat around the bush.

Christian ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t do that.”

“Why not? I’ve never seen you this happy, at least not since Lily... Isabella makes you happy. Don’t let that go... at least, not without a fight,” Seb said, leaning forward.

“It’s not an option, so just drop it.”

What could he offer her? Isabella was a free spirit, who’d given up this life and created a much better one for herself. She’d shone when he’d first seen her. A beacon calling to him. The positive energy she exuded was addictive. Christian knew he could never ask her to give it up. It would destroy him to watch her learn to resent him, become smothered under the corporate umbrella of his life. He worked long hours, and played hard when he had the time, but that was it. When he wasn’t working, he devoted all his energy to Skylar. He had nothing left to offer anyone else. Isabella did not deserve to be an afterthought. He’d already destroyed one woman’s life. He would not risk doing it to someone else.

“You’re a fool, my friend,” Seb said, frowning. “You get one chance. When happiness comes your way, you need to grasp it with both hands and take it.”

“Say’s the playboy,” Christian said, looking at his friend. “This is like a cannibal offering advice on vegan food. You’ve never been with a woman and wanted to keep her. You love them and leave them. I’m not sure you’re the best person to offer me advice.”

A pained expression passed over Seb’s face, making Christian want to take back his words. Was he wrong? Had his friend?... no, he would have known if his friend had met someone.

Seb sighed and looked away. “Sometimes we make mistakes we live to regret. I don’t want you to fall into that trap. Anyone can see you have powerful feelings for Isabella. Don’t throw it away without at least talking to her.”

Seb got up, his hand resting on the back of the chair.

“Seb?” Christian asked, perplexed at his friend’s speech.

Seb turned, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

“I’d better get back to some work, and so had you. You have someone to get home to, and I’ve got ahotdate tonight.”

With that, Seb left the office. Christian wondered if he knew everything there was to know about his friend. Had he been in love, and Christian missed it? No, that was impossible, but then Christian thought back to all the things he’d overlooked in the past eight years as he focused his attention on rebuilding The Dupree Group. But that had been his life, was his life. After Lily had died and he had signed Skylar over to Star, The Dupree Group had been all he had left. If that had gone under, it would have all been for nothing. Even Scarlett had gone. He’d sent her away for her own protection. Seb knew that. He’d been the one to take her to America. The only person he trusted with his sister’s safety.

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