Blackmailing His Runaway Bride by Dance-is-me (free biff chip and kipper ebooks .txt) 📕

Mixed feelings among other things, after the news of Gabriel's death, Isabella found something new. 

Something indescribable. 

Perhaps it was relief or better put, the peace she had so much yearned for, she couldn't say.

All Isabella knew was that something had changed within her.

It had been eight months since Gabriel's mysterious death.

 No one knew what happened and nothing could be concluded except for the fact that he was severely roasted and ridiculously, the investigators think he did it to himself.

Thoughts about Gabriel were now foreign to Isabella who took a deep sigh and feasted her eyes on the many headstones and the neat grasses. 

The quietude that came with that area soothed her as well.

In her hand was a piece of paper that contained the most exciting news. 

But Charles, who she wanted to desperately share the news with, was not around when she found her way to their hotel room. 

So, strangely, after realizing how boring it would be to stay in the hotel in anticipation of Charles's arrival, Isabella chose to wander. 

And her reckless legs led her into a cemetery. 

Not that she minded anyway

 She needed the peace and quiet.

And she definitely needed the recklessness. 

Sometimes, carelessly sailing in the wrong direction could be a good thing. One gets to see new things one didn't expect to see. 

Settling into the buttock-soothing grass, Isabella began to think about her life.

There was no doubt that things had changed... They changed for the better.

Her company was finally wearing a new look. Thanks to the pieces of advice from Charles and his new assistant, some concepts were revised and things were gradually picking up for Shades and Cloaks. 

She and Charles relocated to the States. And even though Charles was yet to have the time for house hunting, the hotel they were staying in was already home to Isabella. 

The small smile perched on Isabella's face developed to a larger one when she recalled their efforts so far in trying for a child.

What made her even happier was the fact that Charles continued to be with her just as he stuck with her when they met again. 

Her heart fluttering with great joy, almost insanely, Isabella disturbed the atmosphere with her loud laugh.

She had recalled the moment Charles was seemingly blackmailing her. Or perhaps he was actually blackmailing her, she pondered, her forehead wearing a little crease. 

Regardless of what it was, Isabella was more than glad that Charles didn't back away when he knew about her situation.

 She was glad he stayed. 

Because of him, she found strength again. And she became more than ready to try out the idea of leaving Gabriel again.

And thanks to the man she loved with everything she had, the plan which failed so many times in the past worked out and she finally found that freedom she craved.

Charles indeed was her saviour.

Isabella was about to delve deeper into her gladdening thoughts when she noticed that the gathering clouds were turning a shade darker. She was about to get up and get going when her phone's ringtone raided the peace in the atmosphere. 

On seeing her husband's ID on the screen, Isabella wore a grin and picked up his call.

'Jesus Christ, Isabella, where on earth are you?' his stern voice greeted.

"So, I might have walked around a bit..."

'Walked around?' The sigh he released told Isabella that he was tired and she could tell he was about to give her one of his speeches. 'What did the doctor tell you about stressing yourself? Isabella, this is not the time to be so eager about walking about.'

"I am trying to get pregnant, I am not terminally sick. Anyway Charles..." She cut short whatever retort he might have to give. "I have something to tell you."

'Where are you, Isabella?' the man impatiently asked.

"Well..." Isabella trained her eyes ahead to see if there were any signs or landmarks around. "I am not so sure... I wasn't exactly aware of where I was going."

'Oh, Lord!' Isabella could picture Charles slapping his palm onto his face. 'Just tell me where you are exactly.'

"I'm at the cemetery."

'Where your father is?'

"No. Just a random one." 

Charles sighed again and Isabella felt bad. He was already weary. Having to worry about her would be disadvantageous to his existing stress.

So, she said, "Charles, I'll find my way back, don't worry."

'You don't even know how you got there,' he replied almost dryly. 'Just stay where you are, I'll find you.'

"But-"

'Stay where you are, Bella. Don't move an inch.'

 It was not what he said that made her obey, but the way his voice sounded. 

The huskiness in his tone always aroused something within her and for a second, after she ended the call, she imagined them doing something sensual at that very spot.

Isabella quickly shook off the idea

 It would be nothing but absolute disrespect if something like that happens in the cemetery.

But of course, it could happen in the car, Isabella reasoned even further. 

As she had her seat again, Isabella planted a smile on her face and she chose to temporarily ignore the need between her legs which she had woken up with her thoughts. 

~

A very exhausted Charles who was currently following the red dot on his GPS sighed for the umpteenth time.

 He was not against Isabella taking a walk if she wished to, but he was worried.

 For some reason, he could not shake off the thought that Gabriel could be lurking around, waiting to snatch Isabella from him.

Even though Gabriel Manifold was proven dead... Charles could not help but be scared. 

That thought was what prompted him to gift his wife a simple necklace with a tracker in it.