I ignore Charlie the entire four-hour ride back to Rydeville, much to his obvious dismay. Kai’s words linger in my mind. He was going to tell me something about Charlie, but Charlie interrupted us before he got the chance. What’s abundantly clear is Charlie is up to something, and I can’t trust him. I don’t think he’d hurt me, but his profession of love has clouded his judgment, and that scares me. More than that, it hurts. Because Charlie was one of the few people I genuinely thought I could count on, but I realize I don’t know the real Charlie at all.
I sit upright in my seat as we round the corner toward my house. “Why are we here?” I ask, instantly suspicious. “I thought you said I’d be staying at your place?”
“Your father wants to talk to you, and you need to box up the rest of your stuff. Mrs. Banks has already moved most of your clothes to my house, but I insisted she left your personal possessions for you to sort through.”
“If you’re expecting my gratitude, you’ll be waiting a while.” Bile churns in my gut as we drive up the driveway toward the mausoleum that has never felt like a home. I remove the engagement ring from the box with a heavy heart, pretending I don’t see Charlie’s happy smile as I slide it on my finger.
He parks in front of the house as the security car trailing us continues on to the large garage. Charlie kills the engine and turns to face me. “You’re pissed. I get it. But this was the only way to keep him alive.”
“Don’t do that,” I hiss. “Don’t pretend like you’ve done this for him.”
“I’m not pretending,” he deadpans. “I’ve done this for you.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you, and, for reasons I don’t fully understand, he’s important to you.” He shrugs, appearing indifferent, but his muscles are corded into knots and his jaw clenches. “For now.”
“Didn’t you hear what I said back there?”
“I heard you, but people change. Feelings change. And I know you have feelings for me.”
“Not the feelings you’re suggesting.” I level him with an earnest look. “I don’t love you, Charlie. I love Kaiden. Being kept away from him won’t change that.”
“Well, I guess you must fake it then,” he barks. “Becauseyourlife andhislife depend on your father buying into our engagement.” He sighs, dragging a hand through his dark hair. “Look, I’m not stupid. I know you love one another. But there is no scenario where your father will ever permit it.” He takes my hand, rubbing circles on my skin with his thumb. “He approves of me, and I can take care of you. I’ll give you a good life, and I’ll treat you the way you deserve. In time, you’ll learn to love me.”
He is fucking delusional, but I won’t continue arguing the point. Because a lot of what he has said is true. Kai’s survival means I must be with Charlie. At least until we figure out a way out of this mess. If Charlie wants me to buy into his fantasy, and it’s the best way of safeguarding Kai’s life, then I’ll do it.
“Fine.”
He arches a brow. “Fine?”
“But I’m only doing this for Kai,” I say before getting out of the car.
He comes up behind me, placing his hand on my lower back. I shuck out of his reach, stabbing him with a cautionary look. “I will do what I have to in public, but no touching unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
He raises his palms in a conciliatory gesture. “Whatever you say.” His tone is affable, but I don’t miss the glimmer of determination shining in his eyes.
I inwardly curse as I step foot into my house for the first time in weeks.
Because I’ve just realized I’m in the middle of another battle.
One for my heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“I trust you’ve come to your senses, Abigail?” the bastard says as we enter the formal living room over on the west wing of the house.
Charlie slides his arm around my waist, and I lean into him as we walk across the patterned rug toward the blazing fire. On the outside, Charlie is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected, but his body is wired tight, every muscle straining in anticipation, and danger radiates from him with every step we take toward my father.
I’ve sensed this about him before—this lethal calm that hides the feral beast caged within.
Provided it’s used in my favor, I’ve zero issue with him unleashing it. However, I’m not some naïve little princess. I know his idea of acting in my best interests isn’t the same interpretation I’d apply. Charlie has the potential to be a formidable enemy, and if I don’t play the game the right way, that’s exactly what he’ll end up being.
“You say that like I wanted to get kidnapped?” I coolly reply while taking a seat beside Charlie on the hard leather couch across from my father.
He’s sitting comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, with the prerequisite whiskey in hand. “Don’t be facetious.” He sips his drink, eyeing me over the rim of the glass. “We both know you loved being back with that delinquent.”
“If he’s a delinquent, it’s your fault for ripping his life apart,” I snap, letting anger get the better of me. Charlie squeezes my side, but I ignore him. “You know, by murdering his mother, stealing everything from his father, and leaving them to rot in poverty planning their vengeance.”
