Page 139 of No Fear

Those four words did it. He practically roared as he emptied inside her. Claiming the woman he loved.

***

CHARLIE WAS NERVOUS. Donnie was right next to her in the elevator, holding her hand. Her rock, her love, her everything. They had stayed in Albany for three days, seeing family and Maddie. And talking. Lots of talking. And sex. Lots of sex.

They spoke about Simon, Nate, her job, his job. His job scared her. Having seen up close and personal what he did had been frightening. But she also knew without men like him she would probably be dead. She would learn to handle her fears with the support of her new friends. As for her job, Donnie supported her but admitted he hated her being in some of those countries. She wasn’t too thrilled about going back to some of them yet either. Everything was out in the open and Charlie knew she already trusted this man. He only wanted what was best for her. She might think he was sometimes overprotective and bossy, but it was because he cared.

When they reached Simon’s apartment, she put the key in the lock. At concierge, Stanley had welcomed her warmly. Simon wasn’t home, but Stanley said Simon had left instructions that if she turned up, to let her in, then notify him. Charlie had smiled and said to go ahead and do that, but asked him not to mention she was not alone.

The key turned and the door opened.

“You ready?” Donnie asked softly.

“Yes. Doing this, I will be able to really close the book on this part of my life. I’m glad you’re here with me.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He gave her a wicked grin.

She rolled her eyes at him, and they went inside. Donnie followed her to the bedroom, put the empty case they brought on the bed, and opened it.

“It’s a nice apartment. Has quite the view,” he said.

Charlie was grabbing clothes from the closet and drawers. “It is, but it never felt like home. I mean New York is a great city and cool to visit, but I don’t think I could live here permanently. It’s just so...busy.”

“Do you think you can live in Coronado?” He turned to face her.

“I’ve told you yes. Coronado, even the small bit I saw, looks beautiful. And if your friends are anything to go by, it has some amazing people.” She went to him, kissing him. “I can’t wait to move there, because you are there.”

He kissed her back and the feel of his strong arms tightening around her had her juices flowing in seconds. She loved the attention he gave her. The toe curling, palms sweating, nipples hardening, thighs clenching attention. She shoved at him gently.

“Not here. Let me get this done.” She went back to packing. It didn’t take long. A text from Stanley let her know Simon was on his way up.

“He’s here.” She looked at Donnie, her nerves bubbling again.

“You sure you want to do this? We can just leave right now and not look back. His life is still going to fall apart.”

Charlie shook her head. “I need to do this for me. I want him to see that I’m OK. I want to see his face when he hears what we’ve done.”

“OK, babe. But if he gets nasty, I’m stepping in.”

She smiled. Ever the protector. Her protector. She kind of liked it.

The door opened and there was Simon in his tailored suit and white shirt. He looked different though. His normally perfect hair was mussed up. His skin ashen.

“Charlotte, I’m so glad you’re—” He stopped, staring at Donnie. “What the fuck is he doing here?”

“He’s with me. I asked him to come,” Charlie said calmly. Simon looked between them.

“You’re fucking him. I knew it. You bastard.” Simon moved toward Donnie, his arm raised as if to throw a punch. Donnie raised his arm and, in a movement Charlie didn’t even have a chance to process, Donnie had Simon’s arm twisted behind his back.

“That was not a good idea,” Donnie said. “And that was no way to speak to a lady. Charlie has something to say to you, and you are going to listen. Are we clear?”

Simon was squirming. Good. Charlie didn’t say a word. The bastard deserved it.

“Are we clear?” Donnie repeated.

“Yes,” Simon spat and Donnie released him.

“I don’t understand, Charlotte. You really prefer this thug to me?”