Page 23 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

We finally pull apart, my face flushed, and I instinctively bite my lower lip. "That is enough to ruin his date. Let's get out of here," James says triumphantly. He pays for the meals, takes my hand, and we leave the restaurant. As we glance back at Michael, a sense of satisfaction fills my heart. Good riddance indeed!

Chapter Twenty

Betrayal 2

As I pour James a glass of wine and settle across from him in the living area, a sense of sincerity fills the air. I gather my thoughts, knowing that the weight of unspoken truths needs to be addressed.

"James, I don't know how to say this. I don't know if you will believe me, but I have to say it since it has been weighing down on me. I am sorry for how I handled things back then," I begin, my words carrying a mixture of regret and vulnerability.

I continue, recounting the internal turmoil that led to my sudden decision. "I don't know what came over me, but one moment I was happy that I was getting married, the next moment, I was having a panic attack. A day before our wedding day, I began having panic attacks about being tied in a marriage. Part of me thought that I'd end up like my mother, who was so in love but ended up being abused and betrayed. I was convinced that you loved me too much, which is not real, and you would eventually get over that phase and abandon me."

Tears threaten to surface as I admit, "Since the death of my mother, no one has ever shown me love the way you did. My father and stepmother just ignored me as soon as my mother was six feet under, and I didn't know who else to turn to. I didn't know how being loved felt until I met you. I messed up everything and lost you in the process. I hope that you will one day find it in your heart to forgive me," I conclude, my gaze searching his eyes for any hint of understanding or reconciliation.

James listens quietly, his expression a mix of contemplation and understanding. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he finally speaks.

"Claire, I appreciate you sharing this with me. I can't pretend it didn't hurt, but I understand that people carry their own fears and past experiences. You've been through a lot, and I can empathize with that," he says, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance.

He continues, "It took time for me to heal, but I've come to realize that harboring resentment won't change the past. We were both in a difficult situation, and decisions were made under different circumstances."

As he speaks, I sense a genuine openness in his words, an acknowledgment of the complexities that unfolded in our shared history. He takes a sip of his wine, and I wait, uncertain of what his response might be.

"I forgave you a long time ago, Claire. Holding onto bitterness doesn't serve anyone well. What matters now is the present, and I'm grateful that we can share this moment, whatever it may lead to," he concludes, his eyes meeting mine with a soft sincerity.

In that instant, a profound sense of relief washes over me, realizing that the weight of past mistakes has lifted, leaving space for a renewed connection and the possibility of forging a different future together. James's words hang in the air, laden with a raw honesty that pierces through the room. His confession, combined with the intensity in his gaze, leaves me momentarily breathless. The vulnerability he exposes lays bare the depth of his emotions, and it's evident that the kiss we shared was a catalyst for the resurgence of feelings he had been grappling with.

"I haven't been able to get you out of my mind," he continues, his sincerity unwavering. "The kiss we just shared has brought back everything I've been trying to fight. I don't want to lie, I want you back, and I will do anything to get you back."

His words linger, creating a charged atmosphere that demands a response. As our eyes lock, the weight of the unspoken desires and the potential for a renewed connection weave a tapestry of possibilities, leaving the future uncertain yet filled with a palpable tension. James's heartfelt confession continues, each word echoing a depth of longing that spans years and continents. The sincerity in his voice resonates with an unwavering determination.

"I have looked for you all over for all these years. Even when I was in Afghanistan, all I could think of was you – if you were okay, who you were with, and if you had even been married. Now that I found you, I am not willing to let you slip through my fingers once more. If I have to fight Michael in order to have you, I will."

His declaration holds a rare sweetness, a testament to the profound impact our shared history has had on him. The commitment in his words, the willingness to confront any obstacle, evokes a mixture of emotions within me. To know that I mean so much to someone, to be pursued with such determination, brings both joy and a renewed sense of possibility. James's words hang in the air, creating a charged silence that begs for a response. As I absorb the depth of his emotions and the unwavering commitment he expresses, I find myself grappling with a cascade of conflicting feelings.

"James, I never expected..." I start, my voice trailing off as I search for the right words. "I never expected to see you again, let alone hear these words. It's a lot to process."

He nods, understanding the weight of the revelation. "I know it's unexpected. I didn't plan for it to happen like this, but finding you again has made me realize what I've been missing all these years."

As I take a moment to gather my thoughts, he continues, "I'm not asking for an immediate answer, Claire. Take the time you need. But know that I'm serious about this. I want to be a part of your life again, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

His sincerity and patience create a space for contemplation, leaving the door open for a potential reconnection. The complexity of emotions swirls as the past collides with the present, and the uncertain future beckons with both challenges and possibilities.

I bite my lower lip and James' scorching eyes intensifies and I can't help but gulp.

"You have never stopped doing that... You know too well what it does to me." James says and moves closer to me. I do nothing to stop him but I bite my lower lip again, absentmindedly.

"Oh Claire, if you don't stop doing that then I won't be able to restrain myself." He says as his expression darkens. I can feel the tension in the air rising and for the first time since he made a second appearance in my life, I miss him and what we used to be. For a moment, I receive flashbacks of our intimate moments together and how he knew pleasure me. My cheeks redden and I bite my lower lip in a bid to provoke him.

"James..." I whisper his name, searching for the right words to say in that moment but I am too late. I look up and notice James walking towards me and pulls me to my feet. At this point, I am sure that there is no stopping the force pulling us together and I am excited. He wraps his large hand around my waist delicately and pushes me into his chest. I gulp loudly, anticipating the inevitable. He uses his thumb to touch my lower lip, his eyes bearing into mine. I feel his masculine scent, coupled with the expensive cologne and I can't help but relish in the moment. I close my eyes and soon enough feel his soft lips onto mine. He slightly pecks the corner of my mouth and pulls away.

"What's wrong " I whisper in confusion.

"If I start this, I will not be able to stop myself. I have never been able to get over you throughout these years and now that you are in my arms, all I want is to touch every inch of your body and burry myself deep into you and never get out. I am so horny...I know you can feel it." He says and pushes me into his hard-on.

"What if I don't want you to stop?" I ask naughtily. His words almost push me closer to the edge and I can already feel my panty sticking to my pussy. I want him too, maybe even more than him. He takes a moment to think it through and I decide to take the next step. I stand on my toes and place my lips onto his. I wrap my hands around his neck and take his lips into mine. I know just how he likes to be kissed and use that to get the upper hand. He moans into my mouth, his hands tightening around my waist. The fact that I still affect him that much fuels me and I begin caressing him.

"Claire... You are drunk." He says as we continue kissing but I ignore him. It is true that we have been drinking but it hasn't been a lot. Just a glass of wine? I get a sense that he is making excuses.

"I don't want you to regret anything tomorrow." He continues and I stop what I am doing. I feel disappointed but I don't show it.

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