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She spun to face me, peering up into my eyes, questioning,“And now what?”
I placed a soothing peck on her forehead as I eased her closer to me.“I'm fucking crazy about you, Isabelle.”
17 Shedding Light
The minute that sentence left his mouth, I began to blush, but this time it was not the way he had made me blush before. I could not contain my emotions any longer. I know I had cried several times during all of this, but this was different. I completely broke down, crumbling to the floor. Everything seemed to have built up over time and came crashing down on me. I do not know what triggered it. The entire situation was so puzzling to me.
Valentino was genuinely nice, caring, charming, and protective. The problem I had now, was that though he was such a seemingly great guy, what we had between us was all built on lies and deceit. I felt betrayed in so many ways. Why the heck would a very wealthy man choose to take money to watch me? Why did he need someone's money at all?
He lived in a castle, owned a penthouse with a secret access door, a helicopter pad, and possibly more. In my world, that stuff only existed in films. He was very well-known. Again, why me? I was no one compared to him.As I began to replay all this and more in my head, he knelt next to me, placing his hand on the back of my shoulder.
“Isabelle,” he sighed.
“Don't,” I squeaked through my flowing tears.
“I just--.”
“Not right now,” I sobbed, “I need some time alone.”
I managed to finish my thought before I stood, trudging into the bathroom. I closed and locked the door behind me. Leaning my back against the door, I slowly sank down, coming to a halt on the cold, tile floor. I lifted my knees to my chest, burying my face in my hands.
I wish Tanya had just come clean and told me what she had done. My life had drastically changed because of her and Valentino; not to mention that fact that she and William had broken up and it felt like it was my fault. William blamed me. I felt so bad. I caused trouble and did not even know anything about it.
She had just slammed the bathroom door and I heard the lock click. I placed my arm on the door frame above my head, leaning my forehead against the door. The sound of her muffled sobs broke my heart. I did not want her hurting. The truth, was the only thing I felt would fix this. Now, she was questioning my character. Everything I had done was for her. I never meant her any harm whatsoever.
“Bella, please,” I pleaded.
There was no reply, still only crying. I felt frustrated, but I was not angry at anyone except myself.I should have been honest from the beginning, but I could not take that choice back now. The only reason I never told her, was to protect her.
I knew everything was finally hitting her. I could not blame her one bit for this. Tanya showing up would hopefully help and not damage matters more. At this point, it could go either way. All I knew was that I needed to make this right before it got worse. I stood still for a few moments until I heard the bath water turn on. Deciding to give her some time to decompress and relax, I went to find my security team.
I strode to the kitchen to pour myself a drink then found everyone crowded around the living room, eagerly awaiting details. I leaned on the wall next to the fireplace, crossing one foot over the other. Taking a sip of my whiskey, I searched the room for any sign that one of them would start the conversation. Joseph, not too shy to cut the thick atmosphere, spoke up.
“For your safety,” he began before pausing, pinching the bridge of his nose, “for everyone's safety,” he crossed his arms, “I need specifics.”
I sighed, nodding.
“Every detail you know about this situation,” he alluded. “We cannot hide or stay in London forever.”
I sluggishly sipped my drink, rolling my eyes as he continued to lecture me. I knew he was right, but I did not like being addressed this way. Still, Joseph only meant well and was my head of security.
I stared out the large windows, starting to wonder if Isabelle was okay. Seeing her cry in front of me was one thing but listening to her whimper behind a closed door was somehow more haunting to me. I wanted to go back and check on her.
Joseph brought me back to the conversation when he interrupted my thoughts. “Isabelle could die!”
It felt as if an electric current flowed through my body as I jolted back to life, almost losing my grip on my glass as I glowered at him.
“Welcome back!”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes once again while taking the final gulp of my liquid. Placing my glass on the mantle next to me, I crossed my arms over my chest. I peered around the room, studying the faces of each man, thinking. Everyone in this room could be dead soon and it would be my fault.
Sighing, I focused all my attention on Joseph, “So what do we do?”
He lifted his hand to his chin and began to slowly pace the living room in deep thought. All our eyes followed him as he chewed on his bottom lip, staring at nothing. He stopped on the other side of the room, turning to us.
“If you are here,” he explained, gesturing to the penthouse, “you will bring the danger here.”
I nodded in agreement.
