Chapter 199 Ms. Bailey Likes You

Theodore helped Isabella into the passenger seat, and he thoughtfully fastened her seatbelt. But he didn't pull away. Instead, he remained bent over her, his body forming a cage of quiet intimacy. Their faces were inches apart, and their breaths mingled in the stillness. He raised a hand and gently stroked her face. His palm still held the evening's chill, and she couldn't suppress a slight shiver. Isabella turned her head, and her eyes met Theodore's. Her own reflection stared back at her from within them, clear and unmisted. Gone was the usual cool distance he showed others. He had always been gentle with her, and that was exactly why her heart raced with fear. She was terrified of giving everything, only to be betrayed and abandoned. "I missed you." Theodore's voice was low, warm, with a faint roughness that filled the cramped car. Isabella hated how easily he affected her. With just those three words, her breathing grew shallow, as if a deeper breath might shatter this frag