Page 78 of The Bitter Rival

“Fuck.” I sigh. I reach into my pocket for my handkerchief and hand it to her. I should offer to clean her up. This is all my doing, but all of the peace that connecting with her usually brings is now shattered by the revelation I could’ve gotten her pregnant. “Come on. I have to lock up. Let’s get you back.”

We both take another look, ensuring we’re dressed and cleaned up before exiting the suite and turning the key.

“I’ve got to go,” I say before walking away.

“Sebastian.” She stops me. “Please. Don’t do this.”

Walking over to her, I lean in and place a kiss on her temple before I turn and walk toward my office.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian,” Kendal says quietly.

“Thanks,” I reply. “I need to go. There are some things I need to take care of,” I mumble as I turn and head for the door.

Walking the distance back to my office, I retrieve my phone. My first inclination is to call Bella. Yet, I recall I still don’t have her number. I think about contacting Nick, but I’m not ready for that conversation. So I do what seems like the next obvious choice.

“Hi. This is Sebastian. I’m glad you’re still in. I need to meet with you.”

“Sure. What’s going on, Sebastian?”

“I’m handing in my resignation.”

I’ve stirred the entire evening. I know this has to be done, but it’s killing me. Out of all of this, why is this where I’m struggling most?

I spent the early evening making arrangements for my departure. I guess the trip to Tulum is coming a little sooner than I’d anticipated. I need this time. It may be selfish, but I have to handle this the right way.

Standing in the dim porch light, I hear soft footsteps pad across the floor. I know she’s checking the peephole because that’s my good girl. She’s smart. She’ll be okay.

“Bas. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you. I know it’s late.”

Isabella is wearing a long pink nightgown under a matching satin robe. Her dark hair tumbles over her shoulders. She looks like an angel.

Stepping into her, I pull her tightly against me.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry things got so tense. I should’ve said something before it went that far.”

I don’t have the heart to correct her. “Is Austin asleep?”

“Yeah. He has a routine. He’s usually down for the night once his light goes off.”

“Can I stay?” I whisper into her hair.

“There’s no morning sex happening, Bas.”

“No, no. I just want to hold you, Bella. It’s been a long day.”

She steps back, allowing me further into her home, and I gaze about the place. Unlike my den, hers is covered in pictures of Austin and who I assume are various family members. She does have some brilliant pieces of artwork hanging. I was too nervous to look at them when I was here for dinner. Walking closer, I inspect the pieces.

“Austin?”

“Yep. We take pictures before we paint over them, and I blow up the ones I love most.”

“He’s incredibly gifted, GG.”

“I think so too. But it’s hard to be objective when it’s your son.” I feel her rub my arm and look down at her. “Is there anything you need? Water?”

“No, I’m good.”

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