She places her hand over mine but doesn’t say another word. None are needed. The way my arms wrap around hers and the way her body molds into mine say enough.
“It’s hard,” she mutters after a while.
“I know,” I say, burying my face in the crook of her neck. “But we’ll get there.”
“I feel so bad,” she adds.
I snort. “Ignore it.”
“How?” she asks, her eyes tearing up.
I lean up and grab her chin to softly turn her head. “Don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it,” she says. “It’s just that … this is all wrong. You’re the bad guy. You took me against my will.”
“I know.” I grab her hand. “And I’m sorry that I did.”
She averts her eyes and sighs. “Sorry doesn’t change what happened. Sorry doesn’t fix this conflicted heart of mine.”
I lie back down and hold her. Because that’s all I can do in this situation. I can’t change her mind, and I don’t want to manipulate her anymore. I’m done playing those games. I want her to be mine, and I’ll be happy with that.
“This is all because of my father. Why does life have to be so difficult?”
“It’s not, and your father no longer matters,” I say.
“You did this all to get revenge on him,” she says, brushing away a single tear.
“I don’t need it anymore,” I whisper.
She briefly glances at me from over her shoulder. “What?”
“I’m done punishing your father. I’ve already ruined him. And I have you. That’s all I ever wanted.” I bite my lip. “I only want you to be happy.”
“After all this? All this fighting, these games … you’re done?” she mutters. “How do I know you’re speaking the truth? This could all just be more manipulation.”
“It’s not.” I press a kiss to her shoulder. “I’m done. I promise.”
She glares at the wall in front of her, and I wonder what she’s thinking about.
If she hates me for putting her through all this when all I wanted was her heart.
I didn’t even know what I truly wanted until it ran away from me—until it was no longer in my grasp—and it fucking hurt. I can only imagine what she’s going through right now as her heart desires one thing, but her brain knows I’m not right for her.
Is it so bad to need something that’s wrong for you?
“We had sex,” she murmurs. “I felt you come inside me.”
“Did it feel good?” I ask, caressing her arm.
She nods. “But I don’t feel any different.”
I raise a brow. “Did you think you would?”
She pauses. “I don’t know. There should be blood, right?”
I laugh. “That’s an old wives’ tale. Not all women bleed.” I get up from the bed.
“How do you know?” She sits up too now. “You’ve fucked many?”
I run my fingers through my hair. I guess this question had to come sooner or later, but it is fast. “A few.” I turn my head to look at her beautiful naked body, and a devious, proud smile spreads on my lips. “But none compare to you.”
She tries to hide her smile by biting her lips, but I still spot it. After all this tugging and fighting and underneath all that façade of independence, she’s still the insecure princess she always was. All because her father taught her that she was worthless. But I’ll prove her wrong.
“There is no one I’d rather be married to than you,” I say. “And that’s the truth.”
She folds her arms, her tits becoming all perky, which almost gives me another boner. “Really?”
I narrow my eyes. “You have to stop thinking everything I say is a lie.”
“Sorry, it takes time to get used to this new you,” she retorts.
I shrug and shake my head as I put my pants back on. “Take all the time you need.”
“For what it’s worth”—she sighs—“I want you to know that I’m sorry about your father.”
I glance at her over my shoulder. “Why would you bring that up?”
“I don’t know.” She tucks her hair behind her ear. “I guess I just feel a little bit guilty. If it wasn’t for my father, yours would still be alive.”
I put my shirt on and tighten my tie. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“But you were mad about it,” she says.
“I was, but I’ve moved past that.” I press a kiss to her forehead while she continues to stare at me as though she’s seen a ghost.
“You’ve changed a lot,” she says.
I shrug. “Maybe.”
I grab a drink from the table in the corner and pour myself a rum. Then I check my phone.
Several missed text messages pique my attention. I open it up and check them out. The hairs on the back of my neck all stand. They’re all from her father.
Davis: You’re never satisfied. I know that now.
Davis: I don’t fucking believe you when you say she won’t run away.
Davis: If she isn’t with you, my life will never be safe.
Davis: Any man who’s been by her side is a threat.
Davis: If you won’t take this seriously, I will take matters into my own hands to secure my own life now. I fucking hope you’ll be happy.
That last message was sent an hour ago.
Fuck.
This could go south very quickly. I have to act fast, but what do I do? How do you beat a man who has nothing to lose at his own game?
Easton Van Buren: Come to my house now. I’ll end this myself.
I tuck my phone into my pocket and rush toward the door.
“What’s going on?” Charlotte asks.
“Get dressed,” I say, and I immediately walk out and slam the door shut behind me before bolting down the stairs.
I don’t even call my driver. Instead, I head straight to my car and jump behind the wheel. No time to waste. I have to get there before he does. I have to …
Or else it’ll all have been for nothing.
Chapter 23
Charlotte
It takes me a while to get out of bed and get dressed. The way Easton just left me after his huge emotional reveal has me stunned. I can’t help but stare at the door, wondering if he meant what he said. If he actually loves me. If he even knows what that word means.
My hand instinctively reaches for my chest. Only as my hand touches my skin do I remember that I’m naked underneath this blanket … and that I’m in his bed in a room I’ve never been in before. A room decorated in black and red with a comfortable sofa in the corner, ceiling-high windows, and a cabinet probably filled with even more toys than what hangs on the wall.
The sight of them on full display makes me swallow as my pussy thumps.
I’m still trying to come down from the high that I was on while we were having sex.
It all happened so fast that I can’t form proper thoughts.
All I know is that he got what he wanted all along … my virginity.
And I gave it to him freely.
I take a deep breath. I don’t regret it. I gave my body to the only man who ever fought for it. The one man who wanted me more than anything and would sell his soul to make me his.
There is no shame in that.
I throw the blanket off and get out of bed too. When I pass a full-length mirror, I gaze at myself. I don’t look any different, but it feels different. As though something happened in my body that I can’t explain, something that makes me glow and sweat.
Something … that creates dimples in my face as I place my hands on my face to try to hide the grin.
God, I’m so silly. It’s as if I’m a teenager all over again. Being with Easton reminds me of what it’s like to live life on the edge. And I have to admit that I like it.
I put on a red skirt and a white crop top along with flats before checking out the room. I open the curtains and gaze at the beautiful pink sky from the sun going down. Then I open his drawers and check the contents. There’s underwe
ar, ties, belts, and pins … but the drawer underneath is what draws me in the most. It’s filled with dildos, vibrators, paddles, clasps, lube, and other things I’ve never seen before. And it makes both my stomach drop and my heart beat out of my chest. I can’t wait to try them out.
Is that so wrong of me to admit? That I love the excitement and the thrill of how Easton might use these toys? If it is, sue me. I don’t care anymore. He was right when he said I was a vixen. I just had to find out for myself first before I believed him.
Touching the walls, I walk into the bathroom and stand in awe at the entrance. There’s a huge waterfall showerhead in the ceiling, one that could fit multiple people. Without any walls or doors surrounding it, it’s the perfect oasis for a day at a spa. Only right here in his home, complete with a bay window used to store the most luxurious brands of shampoo and bodywash.
I can’t believe he hid this place from me. I mean, I love the tub in my room, but nothing beats a rain showerhead like this. He’s got some explaining to do … plus a tour.
With a smirk on my face, I walk out the door and down into the empty hallways. When we got here, no one was around, which I assume is because of Easton’s request, but how long will everyone stay away? And does that mean I can go wherever I want to?
Easton didn’t say anything when he left. He didn’t give me any commands or state any rules, so I assume I can go outside.
I put on my coat and push open the doors, taking in the smell of fresh air. It’s so much better this time around since I’m no longer wearing this cloak of captivity. All my burdens have dropped off my shoulders. And this fountain where we both touched the water? This was where Easton determined he was going to let me decide.
That I was the one who should choose my own fate, my own needs …
And it turned out to be him all along.
One look at the water makes me smile with glee.
A creaking noise perks my ears up. The gates far ahead have opened, and a car drives onto the property with another one following. Is that Easton? He’s back fast. Where did he go, and what did he do?
My heart races as the cars park out front, and I clench the fountain rim with one hand. The moment my father steps out of the first car, I become unhinged as though the fountain stones will cave underneath me.
What is he doing here?
I stay put as he walks toward me and opens his arms, leaning in. But I lean back and avert my gaze, ignoring him completely. After a few deadly seconds, he gets the deal and moves away again.
“Well, nice to see you too, Charlotte.” He clears his throat and turns around, heading straight for the door.
There’s no way he’s shown up here without permission. Easton would kill him.
But why would Easton invite my father here?
The next car drives up to the other one, and Easton immediately jumps out.
Along with Deion and Ashanti.
My eyes widen, and I almost choke on my breath.
“Oh my God, Deion!” I say, and I rush to them for a hug. “What are you two doing here? We just saw each other.”
“I don’t know exactly why.” He swallows away a lump in his throat, which disturbs me. “But Easton said it was a matter of life and death that we came.”
Easton approaches us, and says, “Go inside, Charlotte.”
I frown. “Why? What’s going on, Easton?”
He doesn’t answer me as he closes the car doors, so I grab his arm, and say, “Tell me what’s happening.”
“You’ll see soon enough,” he says.
But no matter how hard I try to make him see me, he won’t even grant me a single glance. It’s as if he’s trying his best to ignore me and treat me like I’m less. Like how he used to before he professed his love.
Was it all a lie?
I release him from my grip and step back as he marches past me with Deion and Ashanti following. Deion glances at me over his shoulder, shrugging, while I’m left feeling as though I’m the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on.
Before they disappear from sight, I follow them into the mansion. I have to know what’s happening, and if Easton won’t tell me, I’ll find out for myself. Easton directs them to go into his study, but when I attempt to go in too, Nick stops me at the door while Easton closes it behind him and gives Nick the key.
“Let. Me. In,” I growl at Nick while Easton walks off into the dining room.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I can’t do that.”
“On whose orders? Those are my friends, and I demand to see them,” I say.
“Mr. Van Buren told me explicitly that you are not to enter this room.”
I make a face. I know Nick is only following orders, but I really, really wish I could slap the shit out of him right now. “Why?”
He sighs. “I can’t answer that for you, ma’am.”
I get up in his face and throw in a grunt, but it doesn’t faze him. “I’m a Van Buren too. This is my domain too now.”
“Ma’am, I cannot deviate from my orders.”
Why would Easton keep me away from them when he let me see them only hours ago? It doesn’t make any sense.
“Grr …” They’ll regret doing this. I’ll make sure of it.
I stampede into the dining room where my father and Easton are drinking coffee and eating a cookie at opposite ends of the table. I stare at the both of them, wondering which one of them will talk, but both of them remain silent.
My gaze lands on Easton. “Explain to me why Deion and Ashanti and my father are here.”
His nostrils flare as he gazes at my father instead. “Davis, explain it to her.”
My father clears his throat as I set my eagle eyes on him. “You’ve been nothing but difficult ever since you came here, fleeing without a single thought when you know the deal we made is permanent.”
“You mean the deal you made that I had no part in. The deal where you exchanged me for something you did,” I snap.
“You know, Easton, you should be glad I was able to come all this way on such short notice,” my father says, completely ignoring me. “And that I was even in the country. I only have one establishment here.”
“He doesn’t care and neither do I. What are you doing here?” I bark.
He only smirks. Nothing more, nothing less. God, I hate that man. I dare say I hate him more than I ever hated Easton.
“Get the hell out of this house,” I growl.
“Charlotte. Sit. Down.” How dare he speak to me like that? This isn’t his home. My father’s stern eyes make me question everything I thought I knew about him … and Easton. Why doesn’t Easton intervene? Why doesn’t he stop my father and berate him?
“You hate my father, and now you invite him into our home?” I ask Easton.
“It’s a tough situation,” Easton says, “but your father is right.”
“About what?” I yell.
“Sit down, and we’ll explain,” Easton says, eyeing me as if to say “don’t try me.”
My lip twitches as I contemplate storming out, but that won’t help Deion and Ashanti. They’re stuck in that study for God knows what reason. Whatever the hell is going on, I have to fix this.
“You’ve acted like a stubborn brat. Ran away from his home. Endangered my life,” my father says.
“I don’t give a damn!” I retort.
He smacks the table with his fist, and I jolt in place from fright. “Enough! I’ve had it with your talking back. It’s time you learned your actions have consequences.”
“As if you have any say in this,” I quip. “This is Easton’s home. He’s accepted me back. None of this is your business.”
“It is when my life is on the line. As long as you continue to attempt to escape, I won’t ever be safe,” my father says, throwing a heavy look at Easton before continuing. “And I am not interested in chasing after your idiotic whims.”
“What are you talking about?” I shout.
“That man and that girl … you�
��ll keep going back to them,” my father says.
My eyes widen, but there’s no time to respond. As my lips part, Nick brings in two people … both of them with burlap hoods tied to their necks and with stuffed mouths so they can’t do anything but groan.
But they’re wearing Deion and Ashanti’s clothes.
I shriek and cover my mouth while Nick brings them toward the table.
A gun is pulled out.
But it isn’t my father holding the gun.
It’s Easton.
“What are you doing?” I scream. “Get them out of here!”
“Don’t get close.” Easton’s voice is low, gravelly … the last time it sounded like that was when he murdered those two men behind his home.
No.
“Stop!” I shriek, and I run toward them.
Easton points the gun at me instead. “Don’t. Move.”
“Easton. Please, stop this madness,” I beg, but he doesn’t say a word or move an inch from his spot. “What’s wrong with you?”
His face is marred with shadows, the look in his eyes not that of a lover but of a man consumed by his own wrath. This isn’t the man I fell for. This is the devil I feared.
“You know this needs to happen. One way or another, you will stay here,” my father says with a chilling voice.
I clutch my own arms as the gun in Easton’s hand is steady and still aimed at the two people I can’t let go. He can’t kill them. He just can’t.
“Please … don’t do this,” I say, tears welling up in my eyes.
This has to be one big joke. There’s no way Easton would just shoot them. Not after taking me to them and letting me spend the entire afternoon with them. It wasn’t some kind of last supper; I refuse to believe that.
“I need them! Don’t do it!” I scream at him. “You promised me you’d leave them alone!”
Easton cocks his head, guilt lacing his face. “I’m sorry, Charlotte.”
BANG.
Chapter 24
Charlotte
My eyes snap shut, and my body trembles.
I don’t dare open them.
I can’t … but I must.
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