Page 44 of No Fear

Hope you had a good day and didn’t work too hard. Xx

She waited, but the text stayed on delivered but not read. Well, she wasn’t going to stand here and wait for him to reply. She grabbed her purse. It was early, but she could use a glass of wine.

Taking a seat at the bar, she ordered a white wine and took a large sip.

“Donnie joining you?” the bartender asked.

“You know him?” surprise in her voice.

“We met last night. Sorry, I happened to see you guys earlier in the lobby. Was going to tease him about the game today.”

“We were at the game.” She smiled.

“He saw them lose up close. I like it. I’m Daniel. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you. He’ll be here soon, I’m early.” Charlie sipped her wine and Daniel moved to serve someone else.

“Who will be here soon?”

Charlie almost choked at Simon’s voice. She turned to him standing behind her, his expression grim.

“Simon. You scared me. What are you doing here?”

“I came to surprise my fiancé. You didn't answer me. Who are you meeting?”

He looked pissed and Charlie got that all too familiar knot in her stomach.

“Just a friend. I ran into him today.”

Simon glared down at her. “You leave town early, come here, and now I find out you’re meeting another man.” His voice had risen, and Charlie spied Daniel watching warily from behind the bar.

“Why don’t we go somewhere more private to talk?" Charlie left her wine, slid off the stool and walked from the bar, Simon following behind her. One of the conference room doors was open. She stepped inside, finding it empty. At least here, no one would overhear them.

“I flew to Toronto to surprise my fiancé only to find she’s meeting another man. Who is he?” Simon stood inches from her, a scowl on his face. When he stepped forward, she backed up, hitting the wall. He grabbed her upper arms, and she winced. They were still tender from the last time he’d grabbed her there.

“Simon, stop.” She held his gaze, determined to be strong. He looked strange. Cold. Distant.

“Who. Is. He?” His voice was almost a snarl.

“A friend from school. You know him. Donnie.”

His body was rigid, and he still hadn’t loosened his grip. Her stomach tightened and she realized with shock she was scared.

“Your brother’s friend? The one who took off after he died and joined the Navy?”

She squirmed in his grip, but he didn’t let her go.

“Yes. We ran into each other. I haven't seen him since he left. We were just catching up. That’s all.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” His face was inches from hers. He was angry. Really angry.

“There’s nothing to tell. Do you not trust me?”

Simon didn’t answer, his face like thunder. She still held his gaze, determined to be brave, although she was shaking inside.

His eyes roamed over her, and he moved a hand to her throat, squeezing gently. Her eyes widened in shock. What was he doing?

“Take your hands off her.”