by L. J. Dee
He didn’t return it, announcing he was going to Scarlett’s as I followed him out of the kitchen, running down the hallway to catch him, grabbing his elbow as he stared down at me with a thunderous look on his face.
“I’m sorry, Charlie, I didn’t want you to find out like that. I wanted to tell you in private,” I said as he shook his head, regarding me with little more than disdain.
“Why, Chas? So you could lie to me again?” he spat as I took a step back, frowning deeply.
“I’ve never lied to you,” I said, confused and hurting and wondering if Turnbull was right after all.
“I’ve got my eye on the prize, I want the whole package,” he sneered sarcastically, throwing his deep voice up at least three octaves, which I guessed was supposed to be an impression of me. “He isn’t the whole fucking package, Chas. Not even close.”
It only served to piss me off, wondering suddenly why I was even bothering trying to justify myself to Charlie. “Off you pop, Charlie, go and see your girlfriend. I thought you were all about casual fun, it must be my mistake,” I snapped angrily as he seared me with a look that made my stomach lurch.
“It’s nothing to do with me who you fuck and vice versa” he said, knocking the breath from my lungs. I wasn’t certain which was worse; that he cared, or that he didn’t, turning and marching back to the kitchen, taking a deep breath. I heard the front door slam behind me and Charlie’s red Lamborghini tearing up the gravel on the drive.
“Anyone else got any comments?” I asked, trying to smile as Tyler laughed.
“You move fast, bro,” he quipped as Roman chuckled in that low, gravelly sound that dripped with sex.
“When I want something I go for it. I’m pretty sure that’s the inscription written on the Hunter coat of arms,” he grinned as Lucas laughed.
“It may as well be,” he smiled, turning his gaze to me.
“Chas, a word in private?” He turned and walked through the door to the lounge before I’d even had a chance to respond. I wasn’t certain what he wanted. It could be about Charlie, or Turnbull, or Jess and there was only one way I’d find out.
He was standing as I walked in and I felt certain this was business.
“What’s your relationship with Turnbull?” he asked before the door had even closed.
“It’s personal,” I replied softly. I had given Mr Turnbull my word that I wouldn’t divulge our little secret to anyone except Patrick. I wanted to gain his permission for my extracurricular activities, but felt certain the last person he’d want to find out was Lucas Hunter.
“I couldn’t give a fuck. You need to tell me, Chas. We’ve just taken over his business in a rather hostile fashion and I won’t risk anything getting back to Turnbull that I’m not comfortable with,” he said seriously as I shook my head.
“I don’t know anything about Hunter Industries, except for the work I do with Jess, and I have no desire to know. You have to believe me when I tell you this is not about business, and I gave my word that no one would ever know.”
“Is it sexual?” he asked as I laughed.
“Jesus, Lucas, are you really going there again? First it was my sister and now me. The man is practically old enough to be my Grandfather, and I happen to be very close to his wife.” He wasn’t moved and I knew I was going to have to give him something.
“Listen, sometimes his wife isn’t well, but she doesn’t want anyone to know. When they’re entertaining I step in and take away the pressure for her. I get the food, prepare the meal, buy in the wine and hide in the kitchen so it looks like she’s done it herself. You must not repeat this to anyone. I mean it, Lucas. It’s a nice little side earner for me, and I care about Monica and Mr Turnbull. He did me a huge favour giving that job to Jess, and you owe him as well. If he hadn’t tried to stick it to you with that contract, she’d have been out of the door before you’d even laid eyes on her,” I said, raising my eyebrows as he smiled.
“You’re right, but never discuss me, Jess, or the business with him, do you understand?” he asked, suddenly serious.
“Of course. Your private life will remain private and I don’t know anything about the business anyway. You do sound a bit paranoid,” I laughed as he raised his eyebrows.
“I’ve been in this game long enough to know that I have enemies lined up who would happily see me fail, and Charlie. Sometimes even the most innocent comments can be enough to sow a seed of doubt or uncertainty in our line of work. As for me and Jess, I don’t want her exposed to the paparazzi, and there’s Dex to consider. The longer we keep this thing under wraps, the better it will be to give everyone a chance to adjust. Not a word, Chas, okay?”
I had never considered the prospect of my sister being hunted down by the tabloid rags, but as the new girlfriend of Lucas Hunter, it was definitely a distinct possibility. I had no idea about what went on at Hunter Industries, but it was clear from Lucas’s reaction that he was aware of the risks much more that I was. The family had become important to me, and the last thing I wanted was to create any problems, publicly or privately. It sounded like they had plenty as it was.
“I’d prefer it if you end the arrangement and I’ll substitute the extra money you earn,” he said as I shook my head. That wasn’t going to happen. I viewed this as more than a job and enjoyed helping them out. They’d been good to me and I wasn’t about to turn my back on them.
“They need me and they trust me. Please do the same,” I said, pulling Lucas Hunter’s usual trick and leaving the room before he had a chance to respond.
I decided to evade the inevitable barrage of questions that would come from my sister and made my way down to the lodge, alone.
I sorted out my hair, brushing through the knots and pulling it back into a high ponytail before changing my grass stained jeans for a cute top and skirt combination. I curled my legs beneath me, lost in my thoughts and sitting quietly by the fire. I needed a bit of space from the Hunter family for a while. I’d go back to the house later, but between Roman, Charlie and Lucas this morning; things had been more than a little intense. Roman walked in an hour later, sitting opposite me and staring into the flames.
“Charlie’s pissed off,” he said without looking up.
“Well he has no right to be, Roman. We’re friends and I don’t dictate who he can and can’t fuck,” I said as he chuckled gently.
“That hardly matters. He’s a guy. I didn’t realise until just now how bad he had it for you,” he said as I shook my head.
“Just in case it’s escaped your notice, Charlie is with Scarlett. That’s his choice. Am I supposed to wait around until he decides he might want to do more than fuck me for one night?” The words were out and sounding completely wrong before I could change them.
Roman looked up at me slowly, piercing me with that incredible gaze as I held my breath. “So I’m second choice?” he grinned as I shook my head.
“Of course not, don’t be ridiculous. There has never been anything but friendship between me and Charlie, and I don’t get why everyone finds that concept so difficult to reconcile,” I huffed as he laughed.
“Don’t get your tits in a twist. You know how he feels about you, and you’re lying if you say you don’t. You have my brother wrapped around your little finger, Chas. His head is all over the place. Guilt drove him back to Scarlett. Now he’s fucked up and he’s in a difficult position. He’s too much of a gentleman to turn his back on her now,” he said as I shook my head.
“I’m not sure that’s true, Roman. From what I hear, Charlie can be a shark,” I said, deliberately using Turnbull’s words and wondering what Roman’s response would be.
“In the boardroom, yes, but with affairs of the heart he’s a lot more sensitive than you think, Chas. He went through a hard time with Scarlett and according to Lucas, it knocked him for six.”
I’d had enough of talking about Charlie. I was supposed to be here helping the brothers through their grief and seemed to be doing nothing but causing more t
rouble. “Have you read the letter?” I asked, wondering if that’s what he’d been doing up at the house. He shook his head, staring at the fire. “Would you like me to read it to you?” I asked as he turned to face me, frowning for a moment, seemingly unsure whether this was too intimate a proposal to share with someone he’d only known for a couple of days.
“I won’t share it with anyone. I owe you, Roman. You saved my life today,” I said as he laughed.
“With what I’ve got planned for you, you might have been better taking your chances with the horny bull,” he grinned as I frowned.
“Don’t even joke about it. Weren’t you scared?” I asked, wondering what make this man tick.
“I didn’t have chance to be scared, Chas. You were screeching like a fucking banshee. To be honest, that was more disconcerting than the bull,” he laughed as I threw a cushion at him.
“It was terrifying. I thought I was going to die.”
“When I was there? You won’t die on my watch, sweetheart,” he winked, warming me with the affectionate smile that followed as I swallowed hard. He’d been a hero today, and a girl could fall for a hero way too easily; particularly one that looked as glorious as Roman and fucked like a God.
I forced my gaze away. “The letter?” I asked as he nodded eventually, pulling it from his shirt pocket and handing it to me. I tentatively opened the thick cream envelope and pulled out two sheets of matching stationary. I took a deep breath, praying that whatever was in here would help Roman put his ghosts with his father to rest, overwhelmed by the enormity of what I was about to do.
“Dear Roman,
If you’re reading this letter then the worst has happened and I have gone before ever having had the chance to make things right with you. Please know, Son, that this is the biggest regret of my life. I acted in rage, grief and anger, wanting to hit out at the world for your mother’s death. What I said and did was absolutely indefensible, and I hope that somewhere in your heart, you will one day find the strength to forgive me.
I want to start by letting you know, that you are my boy in every true sense of the word, and I have loved you since the second you came kicking and screaming into this world. Your brothers came quietly, but you made quite the entrance, and from the moment I set eyes on you, my love was unswerving.
I didn’t always show it and our relationship has been blighted over the years, not because of our differences, but because of our similarities. Your lack of respect for authority, your determination to strike your own path and that dogged independence to do what you want. I can’t remember a time when that wasn’t the case. In that respect, we are more alike than you realise. I should have recognised the pattern, nurtured that determination and encouraged you in your endeavours, but I didn’t. I tried to harness it, control it and guide you like I did your brothers. I should have known that wouldn’t work. No one could control me either.
I tried to mould you, but please understand that it was only because I know the hardship and danger that comes with the path you chose. All I ever wanted was to provide for your mother and give all my boys the upbringing that I never had. However misguided, it was driven by love and a fierce desire to protect you all.
If possible, Roman, don’t tell your brothers about your true parentage. I feel certain that it won’t change how they feel about you, but I know it will hurt Tyler particularly badly. I would rather they didn’t know about your mothers affair, simply because I don’t want to taint her in their eyes as I have done in yours. The affair was entirely my fault and I don’t blame her, I never did. She had Lucas and Charlie and I was never around. I was so busy trying to make it in business that I neglected her badly and looking back, I’m not surprised she sought affection elsewhere. Everett was waiting in the wings. I knew how he felt about her, but he was my best friend and I didn’t ever think he’d act on it. When she confessed, there was no hesitation that I wanted you both. I wanted my family. It gave me the jolt I needed to get my priorities in order and I had never forgotten that until the day I threw you out.
You are my son, you have always been my son and I love you with all my heart. I am trying desperately to find you, but you don’t want to be found. I hope you come back to your brothers, your bond is unbreakable and whatever happens going forward, don’t make the same mistake I did and turn your back on the ones you love. You are stronger as a unit, Roman. Always remember that.
My P.I did find out why you left the Special Forces and I laughed hard at that one. I’m surprised you took orders in the army for as long as you did. I don’t know what you’re doing now, but please be safe, son. The last thing we need is another Hunter going into the ground before their time.
Live hard, love hard and laugh hard. One day we will be reunited and I can throw my arms around you and tell you how much I love you. Until then, take care of your brothers, especially Lucas. He’ll take on everything when I’m gone, it’s just how he is, but help him where you can because he will never ask for it. Charlie has amazing business prowess, but remind him not to make too many enemies, and tell Tyler I’m proud of him. He thinks I don’t know about his career, but of course I know everything; usually before he does. He has a rare talent and I’m proud that he followed his own path.
As for you, Roman, please never doubt my love for you. It runs through my veins every bit as deep as it does for your brothers. I can never take my words back and wish only that I could. I hope you never have to read this letter, and that I will have all the opportunities in the world to sit down and talk with you, explain my behaviour, argue with you, laugh with you and see you find the happiness you’re searching for. I hope it finds you out, and you treasure it as much as I have treasured all of you.
Goodbye, Son.
Dad”
Tears were weaving down my face in silent tracks. Roman said nothing at first, rising from his seat by the fire. “I’m going out on the bike,” he said firmly, taking the letter from my hands and throwing it on the corner of the grate, before he stormed out and the lodge door slammed behind him.
I thought it would be what he wanted to hear. Silus Hunter’s letter had moved me to tears, but Roman had showed no emotion whatsoever. I bent, pulling the letter from the flames that were licking at its edges, stamping out the charred corners on the stone hearth and waiting for it to cool. I’d keep it safe. One day he might want to read it again, when the dust had settled and the hurt had subsided. It wasn’t my decision, but burning it made it irretrievable, and Silus Hunter had been right about one thing. People made terrible choices while lost in the awful grip of overwhelming grief. I heard the roar of the bike on the gravel, tearing down the huge driveway, making my way up to the house to put my sister’s mind at rest that I wasn’t on the back of it.
Chapter Seven
“The boys are coming over, do you want to watch us jam,” Tyler smiled as I nodded excitedly. There was no sign of Jess or Lucas and I assumed Charlie was still with Scarlett.
“Absolutely, Tyler, will you sing Obsession for me?” I asked as he laughed.
“Sure, and I’ve got some lyrics in mind about a girl who has two brothers fighting over her,” he winked as I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t you start,” I huffed as he slung his arm casually around my shoulder, leading me into a room at the back of the house that I hadn’t seen before, soundproofed and filled with instruments. “Nice little set up,” I smiled as he nodded, picking up two drumsticks and hammering on the kit that was standing in one corner.
“We can’t practice in Roman’s apartment, the neighbours would go mental, and this is more relaxed than the studio. We can just piss about without everyone from the record company watching,” he smiled. One thing he’d said had caught my attention.
“Roman’s apartment?”
“Yeah. Don’t tell the others, but it’s been pretty hard to make a living as a musician. Dad flat refused to give me an allowance, but Mum did secretly. Roman wanted to buy a place to invest some money, but he needed to do i
t someone else’s name. He used mine and has let me stay there since I dropped out of University. I got an advance from the record company recently, so money is less of an issue, but it’s pretty tough trying to keep up with billionaire brothers when you’re pulling in £300 a week on the club circuit.”
“I can imagine,” I laughed, wondering if the others realised how much he’d struggled. I doubted it. They’d have helped him out if they did, and Tyler was probably too proud to ask for handouts. “What happened to your allowance when your Mum died?” I asked as he grinned broadly.
“It just continued. The old man never mentioned it and neither did I, but he must have realised that a decent wedge of cash was going into my account every month. It was a point of principle for him. He always said if I dropped out of school; that financially I was on my own. Luckily for me, Mum didn’t see it that way, but he didn’t change it when she died. I guess he wanted to honour her wishes. I was going to talk to him about it the day I came to visit, tell him I didn’t need it anymore, but I never got the chance,” he said sadly as his eyes fell to the floor.
“I’m sorry,” I smiled as he looked up at me. “What will you do now?”
I’ll stay on at Roman’s place. It’s great and he’s never there, but I’ll be buying my own pad soon,” he smiled proudly, opening the back door to let his band mates in. They were obviously used to coming here, taking the opportunity to run their eyes over me as they walked in.
“You got a new bird, Ty?” asked a tall, slim man with long chestnut hair who I recognised from the MTV clip.
“This is Chas, she’s a friend of Roman,” he said as they raised their eyebrows.
“I didn’t think that bad bastard had friends,” he quipped, laughing and staring at my tits for way too long.