Chapter 038

Rebuilding Trust

Carlos came out of the bedroom, sleekly neat once more. He advanced on her warily, as if she might whirl and flee if he took any sudden moves.

"Thanks for coming," he said, his voice low and full of relief and trepidation.

This penthouse suite of the luxurious Belmont Hotel stood in marked contrast to the dingy police station where Isabelle had last seen Carlos. Soft light glowed over the opulent furnishings, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of exotic flowers from the balcony. Isabelle stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her reflection ghostly against the glittering cityscape beyond.

She turned to him, her hand rising instinctively to cradle her swollen belly. "I'm here because I need answers, Carlos. Real ones this time."

Carlos nodded toward the plush sofa and they both sat down, careful to keep some space between them. He turned to her then, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I know that you have every right to doubt me," he began, "but everything I've done, eve