All the blood drains from his face, and in this moment, I almost feel sorry for Charlie.
Almost.
“I don’t know, and I’m wondering why your father didn’t forewarn me about this.”
“He’s been too busy boning his bride-to-be,” Drew deadpans. “But I’m sure he plans to talk to you about it. I’m just giving you a heads-up. You need to have a solution. One that will appease him so he can keep Atticus on board, and one that will keep your mom’s mouth shut.”
“I’ll think of something,” Charlie says, not sounding as confident as he looks.
“What did you say to your mom?” I ask as we make the journey to Chez Manning for Sunday dinner. I’d woken this morning to the sounds of screaming and shouting coming from the vicinity of Elizabeth’s bedroom.
Charlie exhales heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. “I told her Michael had investigated and that Atticus Anderson had not given any order to shoot. That he had specifically warned his men not to fire. I explained how the guard who took the shot did so in error. And that he’s been punished for it.”
I stare at him incredulously. “You expect her to buy that pile of crap?”
“What the fuck else was I supposed to tell her?” he snaps, clearly agitated.
“Maybe you should tell her the truth.”
“You know I can’t do that! Your father would put a bullet in my skull next if I did. And then he’d go after Mom and Lil.” He glances briefly at me. “And you’d probably end up reengaged to Trent.”
I snort. “Over my dead fucking body. Besides, he’s engaged to Shandra.”
“They’ll both be here, by the way.”
Interesting. I hope I get a chance to pull Shandra aside to feel her out. I’m on the fence about her allegiances, and I wouldn’t mind discovering if she’s a friend or a foe. We have always respected one another, but I can’t say we’ve ever been overly friendly.
When we arrive at my family home, Charlie parks the car in the garage, killing the engine. “Do I need to remind you to behave?”
I turn a heated glare on him. “I’m not a fucking child,Charles. And I’m not a fucking idiot either. I know how I need to act.”
He stares at me for a few silent beats.
“What?”
“Is that what you’re doing?”
I frown as my heart starts picking up speed. “I don’t understand,” I lie.
“Is it all an act?” He points between us. “Are you just saying what you think I need to hear?”
“Give me a fucking break, Charlie. Have you forgotten what he’s done to me?” I purposely let my voice crack. “Because I haven’t,” I croak. “And I can’t take any more. I was stupid to think I could win against him, and I don’t want to fight anymore. I’m tired of it. This might not be what I wanted,” I admit, and he stiffens. “But it’s the best-case scenario for me.” I tilt my chin up, peering deep into his eyes as I lie. “I want to love you, Charlie.” I touch his cheek. “Honestly, I do, but you can’t expect miracles, and you’ve got to give me time to adjust to everything. I’m trying my hardest to keep everything together because I don’t want to let you down. But this is all new to me, and I’m still processing, and yes, I’m still forcing some of it.” I cup his face, pressing my lips to his. “But not this.” I stare deep into his eyes, unblinking. “Okay?”
He bundles me in his arms and my cheek is pressed to his chest, his heart beating frantically under my ear. “I’m sorry. I just had to ask.”
“It’s okay. It’s going to take some time for us to trust one another.”
He helps me out of the car, taking my hand as we make our way inside the house.
Everyone is congregated in the formal dining room when we arrive. Sylvia and Christian. Trent and Shandra. Patrice and my father. Drew is in conversation with an unfamiliar man and woman and a stunning girl with long dark wavy hair, whom I’m assuming is his new fiancée, Alessandra Mathers.
I’m inclined to hate her on the spot, just because of my loyalty to Jane, but it’s not fair to take it out on her.
“Aw, here are the newlyweds,” Father says, walking toward us with a fake-ass grin on his face. He pulls me into a hug, and I nearly collapse in shock. “You look beautiful, Abigail. Marriage clearly suits you,” he bellows, ensuring everyone heard him. When his hand wanders to my butt, and he squeezes, I almost throw up all over him. I have my back to the door, and everyone else is in front of us, so the only one who sees is my fake husband.
“Michael.” Charlie yanks me away from my father, and the terse tone of his voice tells me he definitely saw my father groping me. “Thanks for inviting us,” he says through gritted teeth. Drew has turned away from his conversation, watching us with a calm expression but I see the question in his eyes.
I wrap myself around Charlie, fighting a bout of intense shivers. Father has been a little handsy with me lately, and I don’t like what it implies. I’m shaking all over as the magnitude of just how much danger I’m in hits me full force. Bile builds at the back of my throat, and my stomach churns violently.
