“Bitch,” she hissed, her words hitting me like a physical slap. “You came on to my husband. I knew you wanted him. He always said how jealous of me you were of me, but I can’tbelieve you’d stoop this low or that you’d try to leave like nothing happened.”
Charlie’s hand tightened in mine as I moved to sidestep her, not wanting to argue, knowing I’d never get through to her, but as I did, my dad’s voice boomed out from behind me.
“Fern Richards, what is the meaning of this? You don’t get to embarrass yourself like you did last night and then just walk away. Come and sit down immediately.”
Without turning, I spoke. “And what did I do to embarrass myself, Dad? Please, enlighten me?”
“You sneaked down to the kitchen wearing barely anything, and you tried to make a pass at James,” he spat out.
I laughed. The sound was hollow, and it made my head hurt.
“This nonsense has to stop. I demand it. You’ll quit that stupid job, get rid of this low life, and move home. Your mother and I will find someone who will take you. I’m sure I could pull some strings.”
“Take me?”
“Yes, I mean, James told us what you’ve been doing in London. How promiscuous you’ve been. No man will willingly choose you now, but I’m sure I can broker a deal.”
My body went rigid and Charlie and Jarrid both moved at the same time, but I shook my head, wanting to do this myself. Looking down, I was glad I’d worn the outfit I had because I felt like me and I refused to apologize for who I was. High wasted, light denim jeans, a black V-necked sweater with short, capped sleeves that showed off the bruises that decorated my arm, and the highest heels I’d brought with me.
Holding on tight to Charlie, I turned slowly to face my dad, finding James standing silently beside him, looking like the snake he was. He had a huge purple bruise on his throat that made me smile inwardly, but to my family, my face remained emotionless.
“Last night I was in the kitchen getting some food when James walked in and assaulted me. He hit me, verbally abused me, bent me over the counter, and tried to force himself on me,” I said calmly. “You see these?” I held out my arm. “These are from where he gripped onto me so I couldn’t move. And this,” I pointed to my eye. “Is where he hit me because he’d heard me with Charlie and told me I was a whore.”
“Fucker,” Charlie mumbled, and I ran my thumb over his knuckles to calm his anger, because I didn’t want him to feel like any of this was on him.
“I have bruises on my back where he trapped me against the fridge while he pulled up my top and groped me and on my thighs, where I tried to keep him from forcing them open.”
Elise gasped, her eyes dropping to the floor.
“Charlie found James with his pants around his ankles, trying to force his dick into me. So, I’m not sure why you believeIcame onto him, but hey, I won’t stand here trying to convince you. But let me get one thing straight.” My eyes flicked between my sister, dad, and then James before I continued. “He, that man there, tried to rape me. I was so scared, I had to get bodyguards to come and escort me out of here… armed bodyguards in case you’d not noticed.” Just to reinforce my words, Jarrid pulled his gun from his holster, holding it down beside his thigh, making James' eyes flare with what I hoped was fear.
“I’ve taken pictures of my injuries and they’ve been sent to my solicitor. If any of you come near Charlie or me, then I will send them to the police. You might be hotshot lawyers, but I have a lot of clout myself these days, so I won’t just sit back and let you abuse or hurt me or anyone around me.” I sucked in a deep breath. “I’m not weak. I’m not a whore or damaged goods and I don’t need to be married off like a piece of meat. I love you all, but I don’t want to be a part of this messed up world you’ve created.”
“This is ridiculous, Fern,” James screamed, lurching forward, but Jarrid was too fast, stepping between us, lifting his gun.
“No one will believe you,” he let out with less vigor. “Your boyfriend probably did that to you. I’ve heard you like it rough. No one will think I did that.”
“Let’s see, shall we? We’re leaving. Goodbye.”
“Fern,” Dad yelled. “If you leave, then you’re not welcome back in this house. You’re not welcome as part of this family. I will not let you embarrass me.”
I smiled. “Don’t worry, Dad. I don’t want to be a part of it. I have a family. One I chose. One who will protect me, no matter what.”
“Your trust fund,” he boomed. “I’ll cut you off. You can’t just walk away.”
This time, the laugh that left my lips was real. “Haven’t you noticed that I’ve not touched a penny of that money? You can keep it all.”
And with that, I left the house, climbed into the car, and burst into tears.
Chapter 11
Charlie
Fern sobbed until she’d spilled all her tears and then she straightened her back, wiped her face, and took a deep breath. “Fuck, these were not the best traveling clothes,” she groaned, kicking off her heels and undoing the buttons on her jeans. She looked worried for a moment, glancing down at the sliver of exposed skin on her stomach and then at me.
“Hey, I’m not him. You could be buck naked and dancing in the back of this car and I would never do anything you didn’t want me to do. I meant it when I said you’re safe with me.”
She nodded, offering me a small smile.
