Page 34 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

Scorched

Michael's Point of View

Seething with anger, I step out of my car, only to notice James pulling in. My heart tightens as he opens the passenger door, and Claire steps out. A surge of determination courses through me. It's evident they've been together for the past few days, yet I'm determined to win her back. Claire lightly kisses James on the lips, and as she walks toward the building, my gaze catches the hickies on her neck. The sight stirs a rage within me, but I manage to regain control and refrain from acting on my impulses.

There's no time for a catch-up or a few words between us, as we have an important client to deal with. Upon entering the office, we immediately dive into our work, setting aside personal matters for the professional realm. The unresolved tension between us lingers beneath the surface, adding an extra layer of complexity to the tasks at hand. The opportunity for a conversation with Claire eludes us as the pressing workload demands our immediate attention. I initially plan to discuss matters later in the evening, yet my plans are thwarted when I receive a call from another client requiring my urgent attention in a different location.

Rushing out to meet the new client, the day unfolds in a flurry of activities. Regrettably, I find myself unable to return to the office, leaving any potential discussions with Claire hanging in the balance. The day, caught in the whirlwind of professional obligations, slips away without the anticipated opportunity for personal dialogue. Determined to address the unresolved issues with Claire, the following day takes an unexpected turn. Little did I anticipate the unfolding events that would resemble scenes from a comic or a movie.

As we enter the conference room, I notice the client's eyes quickly fixating on Claire. Her beauty and charm seem to have a captivating effect, evoking a mixture of pride and anger within me. While standing by her side, a silent claim to her, I can sense an unusual tension in the air. Claire's greeting to Dev, our client, carries a familiarity that catches me off guard. The exchange between them raises an uneasy feeling within me. I stay silent, observing their interactions. Claire offers to bring Dev a drink, but she disappears, not reappearing until the end of the meeting. The unfolding scene leaves me bewildered, and I brace myself for the revelations that may follow.

Eagerly waiting for Claire to return to her station, I summon her as soon as she appears. Pulling her into my office, I inform the receptionist that I won't be available for a couple of hours. With determination, I usher Claire to the secret room hidden behind the door, ready to address the unresolved matters between us.

She appears startled, but there's a sense that she might have anticipated this confrontation.

"You are cruel!" I express sharply through clenched teeth, causing her to flinch.

"You went away with James for four days without thinking about how this could affect me?" I continue, frustration evident in my tone.

"I don't want to pursue that which I know I can never get. At least with James, I know what I am dealing with. He has loved me before, when I was nothing, and I don't think he has ever given life-changing lies. Unlike you..." She accuses, her words cutting through the air.

"I told you that I can explain that," I respond with a low tone, wrapping my hands around her waist.

"You don't need to. Kendra gave me all the information I need. I just can't get over the fact that we have intimacy the whole night while you make promises to me, knowing all too well that you will be running off to another woman," she complains. For the first time, I am dumbfounded, understanding her perspective, yet my emotions still overpower my rationality.

"What do you mean by you know James?" I inquire curiously.

"Well, what can I hide from you? If you want to, you can get all the information you want," she replies matter-of-factly.

"Humor me," I insist.

"I was once James' fiancée, but I ran away from him. Later met another guy and ran from that one too. James treated me well, but the second guy didn't towards the end. I was afraid that the second one would turn violent, and I didn't want to stick around to find out. I left both of them at the altar. Stay away from me, otherwise, I might do the same to you," she says casually, and I smile with pride.

Of course, I know all the information. I'm aware that for the past couple of weeks, two people have been asking around and digging for her information. One was James' private investigator, and the other was Dev's private investigator. I also knew beforehand about Dev's plans, which is why I agreed to meet him and possibly make a partnership with him. Just as they say, 'keep your enemies closer.'

Chapter Thirty-Four

Blurred lines

Her honesty startles me and draws me closer to her. "You haven't lied to me," I blur out, and she nods, getting ready to leave.

"I guess we are done here then," she says, reaching for the door, but I stop her. I hold her arm and pull her towards me.

"Stay with me tonight. Don't go to that new place you got."

"Michael..." Claire whispers, and the moment those words escape her mouth, my body responds to her call. It's as if I've been ignited afresh. I can feel warmth creeping up my face, blood rushing to my ears. I hold onto Claire tightly, and she stays put, seemingly unsure of what she should do in that moment.

In that intimate moment, I gaze into Claire's eyes, and a mixture of emotions floods through me. Despite the pain and anger that had consumed me earlier, I can't deny the connection that still exists between us. Claire looks back at me with a vulnerability that tugs at my heartstrings.

"Claire," I say, my voice softer now, "I know we have a complicated history, and I've made mistakes, but there's something about you that I can't let go of."

She hesitates for a moment, and I can see the internal struggle on her face. Eventually, she nods. "One night? You know that James is waiting for me at home. I can't be with both of you at the same time." She says but I am determined to have her.

"A few hours then. I missed you so much if allowing you to be with James gives me an opportunity to spend time with you then so be it." I say with an unimaginable pain.

"Just a few hours. I just hope that I won't give you trouble with your new lady." she agrees, her voice carrying a hint of resignation.

As the evening unfolds, we find ourselves caught between the echoes of our shared past and the uncertainty of the present. The night becomes a canvas where unresolved feelings are painted with every exchanged glance and touch. As we navigate the complex dance of emotions, I can't help but wonder if this night will mark a turning point—a chance to mend what's broken or merely another chapter in the intricate story of us.

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