Chapter 28

"Charles, wait." Isabella broke the long silence between them and forced a stop to their collective steps as Charles made to open the door to his room. With worry, he asked, "Is something wrong?" "No. Well..." Her fingers played with each other as her eyes wore an uncertain look, her lashes fluttering more than usual. "Maybe." His legs changed position and he was gathering her arms into his hold in no time. "What is it, Isabella?" She sighed. "I am just worried about your mother." "What?" Charles was almost laughing. "I know she is being ridiculous, but I think she is just trying to look out for you. She certainly doesn't want to see you getting hurt." "Isabella..." After a deep sigh, Charles straightened his stance. "Let me ask you a question. And I need your honest answer." Isabella's nod urged him to continue. "Are you ever going to hurt me?" Isabella felt herself go pale on hearing that question. The guilt she had been trying to suppress, the one she had been begging profuse