My heart races with each step as my mind runs through dozens of options of what to say. Before I can chicken out I reach for the knob but freeze as his voice reaches me through the closed door.

"Short version?" Jonathan asks, taking on a serious tone. "I can't do this anymore."

My stomach drops and I recoil at his words. It feels like someone has pulled the rug out from under me and there's no floor beneath it. I slink back from the door, silently cursing myself for thinking this was a good idea.

How could he ever care about someone as screwed up as I am?!

I stand frozen in the hallway at a loss of what to do. I can't stay here, and I can't keep working for him, not knowing how unhappy he is. I should have known that it was all just a favour to Anne. My stomach churns as the pieces fall into place in my mind.

I have to leave.

In a trance-like state I retrace my steps, grabbing my purse and jacket and pull out my cell, calling a cab. With a final deep breath, pulling my game face on I head back out to the bar to say goodbye. My nerves start to get the better of me so I just lie and tell Jack that Jonathan was busy and that I didn't feel well so he told me to go home and rest.

Thankfully the cab is waiting for me when I step outside and sets off for home. The nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach only grows the closer I get. It's not home, it's a lie, one I was too stupid to see.

How could I be so stupid and gullible?!

"Anything else Miss?" The cab driver asks as he parks in the driveway. I shake my head no and pay my fare before silently slipping out to the house.

My feet feel like lead as I trudge my way up the stairs across the porch to the front door. Once I'm inside I know what I have to do. I take my keys and leave them in the dish by the front door, I won't be needing them any more and I don't want the reminder of my mistake.

Once I'm upstairs I pull out my duffle bag and suitcases and start prioritizing my stuff. I won't be able to bring the four boxes worth with me but that held mostly bedding and odds and ends. I'm halfway through packing when my cell goes off. Jonathan's name flashes across the screen and it's like a knife to my gut.

Why even bother?

I turn my cell off and focus on packing the last of my things and turn my phone on only long enough to call another cab. I haul the duffle bag and two overfilled suitcases down stairs and give the place I've called home one final look. My heart aches, not wanting to leave but knowing I can't stay.

A honk signals the cabs arrival and I drag my stuff out onto the porch and shut the door behind me. Leo steps out of the cab and walks up to the porch with a warm smile on his face.

"Taking a trip?" he asks, grabbing the first bag. When I reach for the next one he waves me off. "Let me, you're my first call all night I was dying of boredom!"

I fight against the tightness in my chest, trying to keep my emotions from spilling over. Leo on the other hand is in high spirits humming away as he loads my luggage.

"Must be a pretty long trip with all this?" He asks, trying to make small talk.

"You could say that..." I reply, struggling to keep my voice even.

"Everything ok Izabella?" he asks, genuine concern written across his face. I can't lie again tonight and the tightness in my chest has reached a painful level so I just shake my head and avert my gaze.

"Hey, I know you don't know me or anything, but I'm a great listener," he offers, taking a step towards me.

"I just need to go," I finally choke out. "Can we go?"

"Anything you say, just tell me where?" He affirms.

"Bus station please," I mumble and he leads the way over to the cab, opening my door. As if Karma is out to get me I hear Jonathan's car speeding down the winding driveway.

No, no, no, please not yet! I just needed five more minutes!

My pleas fall on deaf ears as Jonathan races up to the house and slams on the breaks, trapping the cab in place. My heart hammers and mind races as he throws the SUV in park and gets out not even bothering to turn it off. Gone is the kind and gentle man I have gotten to know, in his place is a powerful and angry man.

He stalks forward, powerful predatory strides as he takes in his surroundings. Jonathan looks Leo over and locks eyes with him, an angry scowl contorting his regularly handsome features. After a moment his eyes shift to me, frozen in place, half in the cab before looking behind me at the open trunk with my luggage.

Oh shit!

"Sir, if you could move your car, I'll be out of your way in a moment," Leo says, breaking the awkward silence.

"No," Jonathan dismisses him, keeping his attention solely on me as he walks to the trunk to confirm his suspicions. "Just like that, you were just going to take off without a word?"

His accusation is a sucker punch to my gut, not only because he's right but also because of the hurt in his voice. I didn't mean it to come across like that but I just can't stomach the thought of staying somewhere I'm not wanted.

"Nothing to say?" He asks at my continued silence. His voice a mixture of hurt, anger and disbelief.

"With all due respect," Leo cuts in, "If she wants to leave it's her choice."

Jonathan slowly turns to face Leo and fear explodes in me. Not that I think he'd hurt me, but the anger he's directing at Leo looks deadly.

"Jonathan please!" I beg, drawing his attention back to me.

"Give me something, anything Izzy... I thought we had something good here?" He asks, desperation lacing his voice.

"I can't stay where I'm not wanted," I practically whisper. His eyes go wide and he takes a small step back like my words hit him.

"Izzy-"

"No," I breathe, cutting him off, bringing my watery gaze to him. "I heard you and Anne talking...you said you couldn't do this anymore...now you don't have to..."