“I bet. But soon they’ll realise they fucked with the wrong person. I’ve still got my mate looking into it. If they have a picture of him it won’t be long now. It might take time but we’ll find out who this guy is. And if it’s not him doing this shit, then my guess is it’s someone who is connected to him.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I agree. “Charlotte’s done fuck all to deserve this. She’s innocent. And when I get my hands on the person doing it, I’ll make sure they understand that.”
There’s a shuffle over the phone before I hear Nora. “Tell Charlotte I’ll come visit her library soon.”
I chuckle. “I will. But I will warn you, if she introduces you to a Hayden, run.”
“Why? She a bitch or something because I’ll totally put her in her place.”
Laughing. “No, but she’s just like you and the two of you together might end up with a trip to the police station.”
“This family sounds so cool,” she gushes.
“I’ll speak to you both soon,” I tell them once I spot Faith coming toward me.
“Talk soon, son.”
“Love you, brother.”
“Love you too. Speak later,” I tell them, and then end the call. I face Faith. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Charlotte didn’t know what you’d want to eat so I said I’d come look for you. She needs to eat something healthy. When she stresses, she eats junk food.”
“She’ll get through it,” I assure her, seeing how concerned she seems to be.
“Please don’t hurt her. I don’t want to be another Carter who threatens you. It’s not my intention to. I want her to be happy and if that’s with you, then I’m team you. But please, from one human being to another, don’t hurt her. She might brush a lot off but one day, that will all come to an end and she’ll explode.”
“I’m not going to hurt her. I can’t promise you what will happen in the future. But if that time ever comes, I can promise to do it amicably.”
“That’s all we can ask for,” she murmurs, before her shoulders drop and a sigh escapes. “I guess we should get back.”
“Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
She pauses, curiosity marring her expression. “Oh yeah?”
I run through what I want and why, and her face lights up, a wide smile spreading over her face. “I can do that.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, can we eat because I’ll be surprised if there’s anything left.”
I chuckle. “Let’s go eat.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHARLOTTE
A soft breeze picks up my hair, stirring the strands around my cheeks. I had come outside, needing a little calm with my cup of tea. Last night was spent tossing and turning, images of Scott invading my dreams.
My mind wouldn’t block it out, wouldn’t let me rest, and it’s making me scattered minded. Yesterday, after everyone left the library, I couldn’t find my keys. I had hoped they were here at home but after searching all this morning, I’m giving up hope that I’ll find them.
Two arms wrap around me from behind and I smile, breathing in Drew’s intoxicating scent. “Morning.”
“Have you been up long?”
I glance at the watch on my wrist, grimacing. “I’ve been up a while.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?” he asks, pressing his lips to the corner of my mouth.
Sighing, I lean into the gentle touch. I didn’t want to leave him in bed this morning but I also didn’t want my fears keeping him up.
You didn’t want to scare him away.
I clench my eyes shut at the wave of pain shooting through my chest. My inner conscious is right. I don’t want to scare him away. I know it’s my insecurities talking, but I can’t help it. Sometimes, I fear he’ll take one look at me and wonder what he’s doing with me. My personality isn’t for everyone but add in the issues I’m having and I’m a disaster.
Will he stick through it with me or leave?
“I’m sorry. I wanted to get an early start and try to find my keys. Mum’s spare set don’t have the keys to the safe and back room,” I explain.
He snatches the mug off me, taking a sip before passing it back. “If you can’t find them by the end of the day I’ll have a friend of the family come and change the locks for you.”
I relax back into him. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
He slowly turns me in his arms. With his head bent, he meets my gaze. “Charlotte, if anyone in this scenario is lucky, it’s me.”
Leaning up on my toes, I press a kiss to his lips, humming in my throat when I taste the peppermint on his tongue.
His phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. Taking his phone out of his pocket, his expression becomes wary. He answers, lifting it up to his ear. “Hello? How come? Can’t you book somewhere else?” He pauses, listening to whoever is on the other end. “I’m sorry, Alison.”
“Is everything okay?” I whisper, unable to stop myself from interrupting.
“The girls hen party plans for this weekend have fallen through and Joseph now has to go away for work. He can’t get it off or change plans with the wedding so close.”
An idea comes to mind. “Can I speak to her?”
Surprised, Drew nods. “I’m handing you to Charlotte.”
I take the phone and give Drew my back, already feeling my cheeks heat. “Hey, Alison.”
“Hey, Charlotte. You okay?”
“I’m good, thank you,” I reply before taking a breath. “I know this probably isn’t your scene but there’s a strip club called Tease.”
“I know the place,” she replies.
“Well, I’ve been out there a few times,” I announce, leaving out the part that I went there every Friday. “It’s a really good night out and you don’t need to book. I could even tell my friends you are going and they’ll make sure you have a good night.”
“You are friends with strippers?”
I beam, standing straighter. “I am and they are awesome. You’ll love them. Just don’t go near Trixie. She only wants the tips and then cheats you with the time of a lap dance.”
Drew coughs, and rushes into the kitchen.
I guess the cough is back.
“Um, I, well, that’s something to think about.”
“Think about it. And you never know, you are hot and Dave might not shout at you if you want to try out a pole.”
She bursts out laughing. “I’m not one to strip.”
“I didn’t strip either,” I tell her, pouting. I had courage, but it never stretched that far.
“You know what, I think I might. Can you let them know I’ll be in this weekend and it will be for a table of twelve?”
I squeal. “I’ll tell them. You’ll love it, I promise.”
“You should join us.”
“I’d love to but I have some work to catch up on,” I lie. I don’t want to go back there in fear of Scott turning up. Which right now, doesn’t sound like a bad thing. I want him caught. He has hurt too many people and needs to face the consequence of his actions.