Bound To Fall

I'm Here

Isabelle

I woke up right as the jet landed on the runway. As I opened my eyes and took in my surroundings I felt like I could finally breathe again. I was back home where I belong right by Sterling's side.

While I was held captive I was terrified. Elise had proven she would go as far as she could to get her way, I had no doubt that Jude was going to be the same way. Thankfully for me, he and Mr. King didn't have the chance to actually do anything to me.

Because Sterling came for me this time.

Sterling saved me from whatever hell I was about to endure. Though it was scary to see King's men have their hold on him, I had my faith in him. Sterling has never been one to go down without a fight and I knew this situation would be no different.

"How are you holding up?" Sterling asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

My eyes met those icy blue orbs and I felt a mix of emotions. I'm relieved and grateful for him, hell I love him more than anything.

On the other hand, I'm still processing everything. It happened so fast and it's just taking a moment for me to get my head wrapped around it.

Exhaling a shallow breath, I finally answered his question. "I'm alright. I'm just going to need a little time to let my brain process it all."

"That's understandable." He responded as his concerned eyes watched me carefully. "Is there anything that I can do to help?"

"Just get me home, I could use a hot shower right about now."

He nodded and held my hand tightly in his. His grip remained on me as we both got up from our seats and headed out of the jet. He continued to lead the way to the car waiting for us but before we got inside he turned around to face his dad.

"Thank you for helping me." Sterling spoke to Damon.

"You don't need to thank me. This was all you." Damon replied. "I'm just glad that we were able to get her home as quickly as possible."

Sterling nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Damon proceeded to look over at me and then back at Sterling. "This still isn't completely over yet. I'll keep you updated on any information I get on King."

"I know." Sterling gave my hand a firm squeeze. "I think it's time I get Izzy home, we'll meet tomorrow and move on to the next plan of action."

"Sounds good." Damon focused his attention on me. "I'm glad you're safe. Please let me or Kaydence know if you need anything at all."

"I will." I assured him.

We parted ways from Damon and Sterling opened the back door of the car for me. We climbed inside and he held me close again as the driver headed for the penthouse. As much as I enjoy seeing and living with Noami, I don't feel up to explaining to her what happened and I want to be with Sterling.

He's my safe place.

The ride was quiet and I looked out of the window the entire time. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the parking garage and stopping right where we needed to get out for the elevator.

Sterling and I wasted no time getting out and heading right upstairs. The elevator is filled with the same silence as the car. It's that awkward silence that takes over when neither of you knows what to say to the other. The silence that's filled with a million questions that no one wants to even discuss right now.

Finally, the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Sterling led the way to the door of the penthouse and opened it up. Once we were safely behind the door he locked it up and pulled me into his arms.

I felt myself beginning to crumble, now that we were alone and in private I could no longer keep my emotions in check. Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I let it all out to him. He continued to hold me close through each and every sob.

"It's okay." His voice was calm and soothing. "I'm here Sweetheart. I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt you like this again."

I looked up at him, tears still filling my eyes. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because, I refuse to let you get put in a situation like this again." He responded as he wiped my tears away with his thumb. "I will go after anyone and everyone who I deem as a threat in order to keep you safe. I don't care if it's even as minimal as a negative review of Sweet Escapes, I'll hunt that person down and stuff cupcake after cupcake down their throat until they change their mind."

I couldn't contain the small laugh that escaped from me. "Okay."

"Isabelle." A serious expression had etched into his features. "I want you to move in with me. I want you here by my side every day and every night. In fact, I want more than just for you to move in with me."

I raised a brow. "As in?"

He backed away and knelt down on one knee. "I don't have a fancy ring right now because this is spur of the moment, but I want you to marry me."

"Are you serious?"

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life." His eyes continued to look into mine earnestly. "I have always wanted to be with you. I knew from the first kiss that you were it for me, you have had my heart since I can remember. Please, do me the favor of being my wife."

A smile spread across my lips. "Of course. I would love to marry you."