He didn’t realize how his words stung. She knew she didn’t make a good wife, but having it pointed out to her hurt. Trying to ignore the twinge of pain, she acquiesced to the cooking lesson. Doing as he instructed, she deposited the milk and eggs on the counter.
“We’ll keep it simple and do a variation on your morning staple.” He pulled what looked like cinnamon from the cabinet. “For French toast, we’re going to need butter and a frying pan.”
By the time she had the butter and the pan, Thayer had pulled out a shallow dish and a loaf of bread. She looked at their pile of ingredients and tools with curiosity.
“Do you really know what you’re doing?”
“Who’s the one that only knows how to make toast and sandwiches?” He smirked when she didn’t respond. “Start melting some butter in the pan.”
Biting back a retort, Charlie turned the heat up on the stove and plopped a chunk of cold butter onto the bottom. From the corner of her eye, she watched Thayer. He cracked an egg into the dish, whisking it with a little milk and cinnamon. He still hadn’t put a shirt on. The muscles straining under his skin as he moved made her stomach flutter with excitement.
She didn’t pull her eyes away from him until she noticed he’d stopped whisking. Her gaze traveled up to his face. He’d been watching her just like she’d watched him. The light smile he’d worn moments ago disappeared. Now, his eyes smoldered.
Heat rushed to her cheeks, suddenly conscious of how awful she must look. She’d spent the night on the couch and hadn’t brushed her teeth or her hair. Not to mention the sad sight her face must be. But, despite it all, he looked her up and down, seeming to savor every inch of her.
She swallowed, hard. “What next?”
Her voice startled him out of whatever trance he’d been in. “Come here.” He reached out a hand.
She hesitated for an instant. The intensity in his eyes had lessened, but she still detected a trace. It drew her in. Relenting, she moved to stand by his side.
Without breaking eye contact, he moved a step closer until their arms were a breath away. “Dip the bread in the egg.” He waited until she followed his instruction. “Now put it in the pan.”
Charlie returned to the stove. The bread sizzled as she set it down. Glancing back, she watched Thayer put another slice in the egg mixture and swirl it around.
She marveled again at how comfortable he seemed. Her whole life, people had done everything for her. They never gave her the chance to learn the things that Thayer seemed to just know. It amazed her how little she knew about real life. An irrational and overpowering sense of misery tugged at her.
It occurred to Charlie then. She’d been primed since childhood to be helpless. It became more apparent after the Determining. The more she thought about it, the harder it became to deny. She was useless. Stunted. It was no wonder that she’s felt like a helpless child since moving in with Thayer.
“You’re staring at me,” Thayer said, startling her.
She turned back to the stove. “I was thinking.” Using a spatula, she struggled to flip the bread, almost tossed it out of the pan in her attempt. Frustrated, she clenched her jaw.
“About?” Taking the spatula from her, he fixed the toast before adding two more slices to the pan. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
“Nothing.” She moved back, but he grabbed her wrist before she escaped beyond his reach.
“Don’t do that.” His eyes burned again.
Twisting her wrist did nothing to loosen his grip. “Do what?” she asked, still trying to pull away.
“Don’t push me away. Not after last night.” The intensity in his voice sent chills rushing across her skin.
“I’m not pushing you away, but I don’t have to share every thought that pops into my head.” She glowered at him.
He released her. “No, but for the first time I could read your expression, and whatever you were thinking, it wasn’t good.”
She shrugged, staring past him.
Reaching out, he turned her face toward him. “Look at me.” He waited until she met his gaze. “Don’t undo last night.”
“I just … I hate this.” Charlie stepped away, turning her back to him. Her hopelessness gave way to self-deprecating anger. “I can’t do any of this.” She waved toward the stove.
“Cook?” Thayer asked with confusion.
Charlie huffed. It all seemed so ridiculous when she tried to put it into words. “Yes, but it’s not just that. My entire life … I don’t know how to function on my own. I’m useless.”
“That’s not true.”
She whirled around, rage burning inside her. “Yes, it is. I can’t even feed myself. Do you know what I’ve been living on when you don’t cook for me?” she demanded.
“Toast and sandwiches?” he offered quietly.
“Yes!” Charlie could see him fighting back a smile. “It’s not funny.” Even as she said it, a smile spread across her own face.
Thayer took a hesitant step closer. “Charlotte, you aren’t useless. I think about the things you’ve done, how hard you’ve fough,t and I can’t help being in awe of you. You don’t know how to do some of the little things, but you excel where it counts.” The tender look on his face melted some of her doubts.
Her breath hitched. “Don’t tease me.”
Thayer opened his mouth to speak, but then his expression changed from pleased to panicked. “Shit.” He pushed past her to the stove. He grabbed the frying pan, removing it from the heat.
Until that moment, Charlie hadn’t noticed the burning smell emanating from the pan. She moved closer, looking down at their breakfast. Burnt. To a crisp.
He looked down at her with a grave expression. “I guess I can’t cook, either.”
Charlie couldn’t help it. The heightened emotions of the past few days combined with the serious look on Thayer’s face sent her over the edge. Laughter bubbled from deep inside her, making her ribs ache in protest. Tears streamed from her eyes. They were as much from pain as from joy, but once she started, she couldn’t stop. Soon, Thayer joined in. They laughed together until they were breathless, only stopping when the doorbell interrupted them.
Thayer disappeared, shoulders still shaking. Charlie used the moment’s reprieve to collect herself, taking a few deep breaths. She’d just composed herself when Thayer reappeared with Cornelia in tow.
Cornelia wrinkled her nose as the smell of burnt bread hit her. She glanced around the kitchen. “What have you two been doing?”
Thayer and Charlie exchanged a look and burst into laughter.
Cornelia looked on in confusion. “I missed something.”
“Just breakfast,” Thayer managed between chuckles.
Cornelia walked over to the stove, eyeing the charred remains of what used to be French toast. “I thought I taught you better than that, Thayer,” she tisked, her eyes playful.
Charlie eyed Cornelia, remembering the story Thayer shared with her the night before. With that in the back of her mind, Charlie couldn’t help seeing Cornelia with different eyes. She’d become human, with flaws and pain, just like everyone else. It made Charlie like her more.
“Did you want something to eat or some coffee?” Thayer offered.
“From the smell of it, I’d be safer sticking to coffee,” Cornelia teased with a bold wink.
Thayer filled three mugs while Charlie grabbed the cream and sugar. All three settled into the tall stools.
“What brings you over so early?” Thayer asked the question that was nagging Charlie.
“I had a break from the theater today, so I thought I’d stop by and see Charlotte.” Cornelia laughed. “I know I sleep in because of the late nights with the company, but even I wouldn’t consider noon to be early in the morning.”
Charlie glanced at the clock on the stove, surprised to see a confirmation of the late hour. After so many sleepless nights, it was understandable that she’d slept the morning away.
“How are the pre
parations for the show going?” Charlie asked, sipping her coffee.
“Things are just as crazy as I expected them to be. It’s worth it, though.” Cornelia gave a satisfied sigh. “Live theater is the one place you can share true human emotions with total strangers.” She smiled at Charlie. “I can’t wait for you to experience it. It’s amazing.”
Charlie didn’t think that sounded amazing, but she didn’t say anything.
“Did you catch up with all your class work?” Cornelia inquired.
Charlie nodded. “I sent out my last assignment yesterday. If all goes well, I can return to classes on Monday.” She glanced at Thayer, gauging his reaction.
He didn’t say a word, but Charlie could tell he wasn’t happy to hear this. One of his hands tightened into a fist. The smile that seemed so natural seconds before turned hard and forced. Charlie expected him to be relieved to have her out from underfoot. This reaction confused her. Before she could question it, Cornelia spoke.
“You must be excited to get out of the apartment. Even if it means going back to classes.”
“I’m ready for a change of scenery.” Charlie replied, still watching Thayer. He lifted his mug, finishing the drink in one gulp.
“I need to get dressed. Excuse me.” The mug clanged against the table as he set it down with more force than necessary. Charlie half expected it to crack, but it remained in one piece.
“How long until you finish your degree?” Cornelia smiled, ignoring Thayer’s strange behavior.
“A few more months.” Charlie fought to keep the frown off her face as she watched him stalk off. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked when he’d disappeared.
Cornelia shook her head. “Don’t worry about him. He gets this way sometimes.” Charlie didn’t believe it. In the week she’d spent with him, Thayer proved to be one of the most level-headed people she’d ever met. Watching him go from laughing one moment to sullen and moody the next didn’t fit. The only reason she could think of to explain it was her eagerness to leave the apartment. Had she offended him? It seemed uncharacteristically childish of him to stomp off if that were the case.
“I have a question.” Cornelia spoke in a low conspiratorial tone. Charlie leaned closer, eager to hear. “Do you realize that Thayer is falling in love with you?”
“What?” Charlie straightened so quickly, she almost fell backward off the stool. Once she regained her balance, she declared, “He isn’t. He can’t be.”
Mischief filled Cornelia’s eyes. “Believe me, Charlotte. I’ve known Thayer for years and I can tell. What I want to know is, do you love him, too?”
Charlie blushed. “Cornelia, I assume you’re aware of how Thayer and I came to be married.”
“I know it’s a marriage of convenience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t love one another.”
“I’ve known him a week,” Charlie insisted.
Cornelia smirked. “It’s okay if you don’t love him yet. You will.”
“We don’t get to fall in love.” Charlie echoed Thayer’s own words.
“You don’t believe me and that’s fine. I just wanted you to know.” The light left Cornelia’s eyes, replaced by something dark and protective. “Don’t toy with him.”
“I’m not—” Charlie stopped speaking as Thayer appeared in the doorway. He looked calmer now. He’d changed out of his plaid pants and put on a shirt, to her disappointment.
“Don’t let me interrupt.” The smile he flashed at Charlie sent her heart racing. She found herself searching for a sign, something to prove that what Cornelia said could be true.
Cornelia piped up. “We were just discussing plans for next month’s premiere. I wondered if you two wanted to join me and a few company members for dinner after the performance.”
Thayer looked at Charlie. “What do you think, Charlotte?”
Charlie glanced at Cornelia who wore a bright grin that clearly said, You see? She glared at Cornelia before addressing Thayer. “It sounds like it might be fun.”
“Great!” Cornelia exclaimed.
For the rest of the day, Charlie found herself watching Thayer. She searched for signs that Cornelia had been telling the truth, earning herself a few curious looks from him as she did. Every time he caught her staring at him, Charlie looked away and silently cursed Cornelia.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Richard glared at the pristine high rise. The longer he stared, the angrier he became. Grabbing his flask, he downed a gulp of whisky. The liquor burned as it traveled down his throat.
That’s right. Drink away your responsibility.
Richard growled, “Are you sure she hasn’t left the apartment?”
All our hard work, everything we’ve sacrificed. Gone.
“She’s remained inside since her arrival,” James replied from the front seat of the black SUV.
“She couldn’t have left through a back exit?”
“I have men watching all the exits, Councilman,” James reassured him.
Richard looked out the tinted window, catching his own reflection in the glass. He examined his face with a scowl. Not a trace of the black eye or fat lip he’d sported last week. His doctor had done well. But nothing could get rid of the pure rage pulsing through him whenever he thought about Charlotte. The voice hissed its own fury. Richard watched his reflection twitch at the sound.
He took another swig, letting out a heavy breath as the burn hit. “I need her, James,” he spat, working his jaw back and forth until the muscles ached.
“We have to wait her out, sir. I can’t send my men storming into the apartment,” James deadpanned.
“I don’t care how you do it!” Richard bellowed. “Get. Her.”
“With all due respect, sir. At this point, waiting is our best option. She has to leave some time.”
That’s right, Richard. Because of you, our plans are at a standstill.
“Fuck!” Richard punched the seat in front of him.
He glared back at the apartment. Images of her looking down at him and laughing taunted him. The sudden urge to beat her until she begged for his forgiveness almost had him storming into the apartment.
He pictured her kneeling as her blood pooled at his feet. The thought made his pulse pound with excitement. He could almost feel her warm blood on his hands; hear her whimpering and begging for forgiveness. He wouldn’t grant it. Not until she’d passed out from the beating. A malicious grin spread across his face. He had to stop himself from laughing.
“Sir?” James’ voice snapped Richard back into reality. Realizing that his vengeance had been a mere daydream made his fists clench.
“I want her. Now,” he growled.
James glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “Yes, sir.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlie paced in her room, waiting to leave for Cornelia’s premiere. Her heels clacked against the wood floor as she walked back and forth, back and forth. The excitement had been building all day and she didn’t think she could contain it anymore.
She’d spent the afternoon picking out a dress, applying makeup to hide her bruises, and curling her hair. A few of her fingers showed telltale red marks from the curling iron, but the end result was worth the burns. She’d accentuated her naturally wavy hair until it framed her face. But it seemed like hours since she’d finished getting ready.
A knock interrupted her mid step. She hurried to the door, throwing it open. Thayer stood on the other side. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. The stunned look on his face sent a rush of pleasure through her. She couldn’t keep the pleased smile from pulling at her lips.
“You look beautiful,” he said voice breathlessly.
Charlie blushed, admiring the sight of Thayer in a suit. He looked just like he had at her party. “You clean up nice yourself.”
His brows rose, not used to her being so forthcoming with her thoughts. He recovered quickly, extending a hand to her. “Ready?”
She nodded, placing her hand in hi
s. Disappointment flooded through her when she didn’t experience the tingling sensation she’d expected. Her face fell.
“What’s wrong?” Thayer asked, guiding her toward the stairs.
“Nothing.” She shook her head. “I’m excited for tonight.”
“I know. I could hear your heels wearing a path in the floor.” He smirked at her.
Charlie shot him an annoyed glance. “I wasn’t that bad.”
He chuckled, leading her toward the door. Reaching for the handle, he paused.
“What?”
“I forgot something upstairs. The driver should be here if you want to head down.” He turned back to the stairs. “I’ll meet you in a minute.”
“Okay,” she called after him as he vanished up the steps.
She pulled her coat on. Checking that she had her phone and lipstick in her clutch, she opened the door. A wave of nerves washed over her but she dismissed them. Stepping out, the door closed behind her with a definite click.
She’d taken a few steps down the hall when movement in the shadows caught her attention. Turning, her heart stopped. Richard stood a few feet away, eyes blazing with rage and bloodlust. A chilling leer split his face.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Charlotte.” His voice sounded like it had in her dreams, a sinister hiss.
Her heart thudded, slow at first but picking up speed until it beat so hard she thought her chest would explode from the pain. A cold sweat broke out across her body. She stepped back, praying the movement wouldn’t provoke him.
“What do you want?” Her voice cracked.
Richard moved toward her, stalking her like prey. “You know what I want, you disobedient slut. If you get on your knees and beg forgiveness, I might allow you to marry Novack with your body still intact.” He spat the words at her, all the while moving closer.
Charlie saw the red rimming his eyes and smelled the whisky seeping from his pores. Under normal circumstances, Richard could be cruel. Under the influence, his actions were calculated and malicious. Alone with him, she was helpless. But Thayer would be here any second. He could help her.
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