Versailles Series Book 8: The Designer [COMPLETED]

PART II: CHAPTER 43

~ philip ~

I was caressing her hair as she slept soundly on my bed. She's the first woman to sleep on my bed here at Versailles. She looked peaceful and content. She looked like she belonged here. I smiled thinking how her scent would surely cling to my sheets and pillows now.

I stayed true to my promise to myself that we wouldn't go beyond making out no matter how much I wanted and crave her body. If there is one thing I can stay true about this whole thing is that I won't make love to her until everything is clear. I want to move forward and leave the past behind. I've never wanted it this much since Grazhiella passed.

I know that keeping everything from Marceline will protect her from unnecessary pain. I don't want her to know the details of the things that my mind made up about her connection with Grazie. Even if she looked fine whenever we talked about Grazie, I should still refrain from bringing my ex-girlfriend up.

I am serious when I say I see her as my future. She made me want to believe in love again. I know in my heart that Marceline was able to crawl through the space I reserved for Grazie. I wished Marceline didn't look like Grazhiella. I wished I didn't have this dilemma even if I brought it upon myself. I would have walked away then and not asked her for a date but I pushed through.

Memories of Grazhiella are starting to become fleeting thoughts unlike then when I could replay it in my mind like it's happening before my eyes. Now, my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Marceline. I wanted to give her everything. God if I can bring her memories back so I don't have to look at her sad and longing eyes again I would do everything in my power.

She's falling for me. I am falling for her in return.

Once I get past this hurdle, I can restart my life with her. I can give her my whole heart and my life without guilt trailing me. I wanted to spend time with her tonight but I had another purpose of bringing her here. I was able to get a sample from her that I'll bring to Winter as soon as I can.

Her mother, Frances Blanchett will come in a few days and I will know if the bracelet she has is the same as the one I gave Grazie. That is if Winter's agent comes through. And if everything fits, I can ask Frances about the circumstances of how she found Marceline and where.

I stared at Marceline when she squirmed. "Are you still awake? Am I snoring?" She mumbled against my chest.

I chuckled. She's so adorable. "You sleep like an angel. I'm about to go to sleep anyway."

She nodded before drifting off to sleep again. I slid myself down and pulled her closer. I closed my eyes and relished the feeling of her body against mine. I can get used to this. I want this.

***

I fixed my tie as I waited for Marceline and Frances at the Greenhouse. I reserved a table for us. I am finally meeting the woman behind the Marseille brand- one of the most well-known fashion brands in the world.

I saw Marceline come in with a lady who exuded regality. Her serious face could easily intimidate anyone. The two women looked like they were torn out of fashion magazines. Like Marceline, Frances can carry attire like a model on the runway. She looked younger than her age especially when she smiled at me.

Marceline smiled at me when she got closer to our table. "Hey."

"Hey." I kissed her temple before shifting my gaze to Frances. "Good evening, Ma'am."

"Good evening. Philip is it?"

"I'm Philip Quintana. A pleasure to meet you." I kissed the back of her hand.