43. Chapter 40
T he guys and Cin show up right as Charlie wakes up and joins us in the living room. Taking the seat beside me, she places her hand on my knee. Her way of encouragement, I guess.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Thanks.”
Talon eyes her hand, but she doesn’t move it, and I have to respect her nerve.
“I’m sorry,” I start, and the words aren’t enough. “I’ve been a dick. To all of you for way too long, but mostly these last few weeks.” I look directly at Toby next because he deserves my sincerest apology the most in the present company. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am for hitting you, Toby. If you want a free shot, I’ll give it to you.”
Toby laughs, “Nah, I think you’ve punished yourself enough.”
“The hell he has!” Talon hollers and moves to stand. “If you don’t hit him, I will.”
I nod, standing so I can take the hit like I said I would, but Cin pulls him down, draping her legs over his so he can’t move.
“Let him go, Cin. It won’t make anything I did right, but it will make him feel a little better.”
“Talon’s not the one who needs to feel better,” she says, pointedly staring at him, before turning back to look up at me. “You look like shit, but it’s obvious that you’re trying. I can sense the sincerity in you that wasn’t there a month ago. Welcome back,” she adds with a secret shit-stirring smile that only Cin can deliver.
Sitting back down, I look at Charlie, trying to communicate with her that I’m going to tell them the whole truth. She nods as if she understands.
“Our dads already know, but it’s time I told all of you as well,” I start. “Charlie and I have been faking our relationship.”
Three curious stares blanket me in the silence after my confession.
“Explain,” Tal barks.
“Her father is…” I’m not even sure where to begin or what I should say. “He’s responsible for my Mo–” My voice breaks, and I can’t stop the burning in my nose and the sudden tears filling my eyes, but Charlie saves me.
“My father wanted me to marry into your family so he could destroy it from the inside. He killed my mother, and he’s also the one who murdered Fauna.” Charlie sits up on the edge of the cushion. “And I’m going to kill him for it.”
Cin looks at Talon, who wraps his arm around her and pulls her in close. The mention of killing one’s father brings back her own memories, I’m sure.
“And our dads, they know this? They’re okay with this?” Toby says, leaning forward to put his elbows on his knees.
“They’re going to help.” I say, “We’re all going to help.”
After Charlie and I explained everything to Toby and Talon, we all just sat around processing everything. Our dads came in then, along with Fern and Creed.
“Charlie explained her father’s Christmas gala,” Creed begins. “We’re all going.”
Charlie’s eyes go wide. “All of you?”
“I’ve already spoken to your father,” he nods, “he was enthusiastic to extend an invitation.”
“He’ll have you all in one place. Don’t you think that’s a bit… suicidal?”
He laughs, along with our dads.
“If your father is stupid enough to make a move against all of us in a public setting, then he deserves everything he’s got coming.”
Creed’s delivery is matter of fact, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. Even though I know Charlie thinks she has little feelings about it, this man raised her, and it’s going to take a toll on her if she deals the killing blow.
“You don’t understand,” she shakes her head, “he’s not above playing dirty. Poison, a silent leak, anything to get your family off the board.”
“So we prepare,” Dad’s voice is gravelly compared to hers. “We have almost two months to make a plan that doesn’t involve you getting yourself killed.”
Her hand flinches against where it rests beside my leg.
“Okay.” She relents.
Creed, Nile, Luca, and my father all start in on logistics. They figure out the parts everyone will play and we all listen, throwing out ideas, playing devil’s advocate. We need to be prepared for anything.