AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His frown was reflexive. An instantaneous curving of his lips.
“Stay tonight.”
It wasn’t a denial, just a request for more time. A stay of the executioner’s axe, but only a temporary one. And to what end?
“No, Gabe. It has to be now.”
He swore under his breath. “Why?”
“What are you doing?” She asked with a small, weary laugh. “We both know this is for the best. You don’t have to act as though it’s not what you want. Is it that you’re worried you’ll hurt me if you don’t fight for me to stay? I know exactly how you feel, there’s no need to pretend otherwise.”
He stared at her for several long seconds. “You’re leaving because of how I feel? Or because of your meeting?”
Damn it. She’d said too much and he was too astute to miss it.
“Both, neither. Damn it, Gabe, I have to go.”
“You’re choosing to go.”
She turned on her heel and stalked down the corridor towards the bedroom they’d been sharing. It was heart-wrenching to walk in and see that space, knowing she’d never again lie beside Gabe, never again wake next to him. Even worse to remember how she’d felt that morning, secure in the knowledge of her love for him, excited for the possibility that he may very well love her back.
Her collection of things was on a chair in the corner. She shoved them into the bag then lifted it over her shoulder. “Thanks for letting me shelter at your place.”
Another frown. His eyes were darkened with emotions but she couldn’t understand why. Surely all he felt was relief? After all, he wanted her to go. He couldn’t wait for that, right?
That thought spurred her forward. She stopped right in front of him. “Don’t walk me out; it’s not necessary.”
He didn’t react at first. “I don’t have your phone number.”
She lifted her brows. “You’re not going to call me.”
Several seconds passed; Isabella held her breath.
“I will. For the car, and your suitcase. I’ll need it to arrange the logistics.”
Damn it. She closed her eyes for a second, her hopes for a clean getaway obliterated by the realities of her situation. She should be grateful he was going to take care of those tasks for her – or staff them out to someone who would.
“Right.” She bit down on her lip as he reached for his phone, handing it to her. She pressed into a new contact form, but instead of typing her phone number, she put in an email address, then handed it back to him.
“That’s not your number.”
“No,” she agreed. “Email will be better.” She didn’t think she could hear his voice again. Pain was lashing her now; she needed to get out. “Obviously I’ll pay for any expenses incurred.”
“Di niente. Do not worry about that.”
“It’s not your problem,” she said firmly. “I’m not your problem. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but you can get back to your own life now.”
She spun away from him, hoping, desperately to be able to keep her tears at bay.
To her chagrin, Gabe followed her towards the door.
Of course he did.
“Seriously,” tension flared in her voice. “Go back to your family. I’ve already taken enough of your time.”
“What the hell, cara?”
It was the first time the nickname had bothered her. Dear. Darling. It was a lie. She flinched, paling visibly.
