7. HAYDEN
7
HAYDEN
M y eyes remain fixed on Charlie, afraid she will suddenly disappear if I look away.
An hour must have passed since the branch broke the window, but I cant get rid of the image of her lying on the floor, staring at me with untamed fear riddled in her eyes.
I can still feel the panic that surged through my body, propelling me forward without needing to think.
My mind flashes back to earlier at the station. When that soft, wet whimper left her lips as I held her against the shelves. All I wanted to do was fulfill my threat. To have her pressed against the shelves and test how badly she wanted me.
Its driving me mad that she makes me feel so fucking weak .
I tear my gaze away, my jaw clenching at the unwanted thoughts.
Every inch of this cabin seems to be stained with memories, and I cant escape them, so I prefer to stand by the door and stare out the window. I said all those things, hoping to push her away, because the more time I spend here, the more confused I become.
Being so close to her that we could have kissed, I nearly gave in.
Maybe its because I remember how my touch feels on every inch of her body Ive savored every part of her, and my heart burns with fury at what we could have been.
She wants me to give her something that I no longer have my soul.
Even if she asks for honesty, I know that what shes truly seeking is a reason to absolve all of my sins. I cannot give that to her because that reason doesnt exist.
If Charlie finds out where Ive been all these yearswhat Ive doneshe would look at me with more than just hatred. She would look at me with disgust, and Id rather she see me as an asshole than as the monster that I have become.
Tomorrow morning, as soon as the road is clear, Ill be on my way and leave her to her own devices. This trip is a glimpse into all the chaos and pain I have to offer her life. Ive done it to her once and wont do it to her again.
I lift my head once more, taking her in, gazing at her asleep on the couch. Her soft, brown hair cascades across the cushion, and her pouty, pink lips quiver with every breath. Before I can stop myself, I reach forward and run my hand through her hair just like I remembered . . . as soft as silk.
My eyes pop open, and my entire body aches from the awkward position of the chair. I bring my hand to my eyes and press my thumb and index finger against them, shielding them from the suns rays peeking through the kitchen window.
Reluctantly, I glance at the couch, only to find it empty. I furrow my brow in confusion, listening for Charlies footsteps or any sounds that might indicate shes here.
Nothing.
I stretch my tired limbs, pushing myself up from the chair, and the blanket I pulled over her last night falls at my feet. My fingers curl around the soft material as I pick it up, gently rubbing my fingers over it for just a moment before placing it back onto the couch.
Charlie? I call out into the empty space, peering down the hall and waiting for her response.
Nothing.
I make my way onto the porch, thinking that maybe she went to her car to get something, but she is nowhere in sight. The only things around these parts are fallen branches, giant puddles of water, and mud splattered everywhere. It resembles a battlefield.
My feet crunch against the grass as I walk around the cabin, feeling a slight surge of panic creeping up my spine, but I suppress it.
Shes fine. She just went for a walk.
Charlie! I call out again, but the only response I receive is the sound of birds startled by my voice. I walk back into the cabin, searching for my phone in my pants pocket.
Three notifications appear on my screen as I unlock my phone, including one from Charlie.
I couldnt find a pen and paper. You should be smart enough to know that using your phone is the best thing to do when you wake up. I went for a walk. Maybe Ill stay by the river for a bit. - Charlie.
I roll my eyes but let out a heavy sigh that I dont even know Im holding.
The second message is an emergency alert informing everyone that the road is still blocked and authorities are working on resolving the issue. They need to work faster.
Jareds messages are next. My finger hovers over his chat, but a name pops up at the top of the screen instead. My blood runs cold. I set my jaw, contemplating letting it ring, but I decide against it.
I answer the call against my better judgment, hesitantly placing it against my ear.
Where are you?
My fathers cold, raspy voice causes a chill to whip around me. I lean against the counter, glancing around the cabin.
Im out of town, taking care of some business.
Silence on the other end.
What business?
I curse under my breath, racking my brain. I have to be careful but quick. My father can detect a lie quicker than a police dog sniffs out cocaine.
Do you need something? I ask instead, with a vein throbbing in my temple.
I need you back here as soon as possible, he responds without pressing further. However, I know that this wont be the end of it. I didnt bring you back here for you to just fuck around. Dont let me call you again.
My eye twitches, and before I can respond, the phone call ends. I slam the phone down on the counter with so much force that it cracks. But that is the least of my worries.
I didnt bring you back here for you to fuck around .
You didnt because I fucking escaped! Theres a loud pounding in my ear, so loud that I have to close my eyes, my fingers wrapping around the lip of the counter. My mind is suddenly flooded with memories
The scent of metallic blood fills my nostrils, and I grunt, my stomach churning as darkness engulfs mejust for a moment.
A puddle of blood pools on the floor, seeping between the cracks of the tiles and settling eerily as it spreads. My hands hang limply at my sides, my stomach lurching at the sight, yet I cant move. The man across from me, his voice dripping with venom, stabs a finger into my chest and then points at the lifeless body lying in a pool of crimson-red liquid.
And although he said nothing, I heard everything. You did this.
The moment I come to, I shake my head violently as if thatll stop the thoughts. I decide now to find Charliea walk will do me good.
Water splashes in the distance, and I recognize her frame, clad in a plain white T-shirt two sizes too big and a pair of shorts, once again.
What is her obsession with those cut-off pieces of pants? They serve no purpose; she might as well have just worn panties.
My dick jolts at the thought of those long legs exposed to me . . . and her sweet, sweet flesh buried by nothing but a thin piece of fabric. For fucks sake.
Charlie stands to the side, holding flat stones and tilting her hand to throw them. Despite the crunch of my shoes against the grass, she doesnt move an inch, so lost in thought.
What are you doing out here? Its freezing.
She jumps at the sound of my voice, nearly falling in. I reach out to steady her, but she gasps at the touch of my skin and hastily pulls away.
I pull my hand back to my side and raise an eyebrow at her, awaiting her answer, pretending that my skin doesnt burn from the rejection of my touch.
Skipping stones, she replies, and I flatten my eyebrows. I thought I would take a dip in the cold water, she continues, leaning over to grab another stone. It always feels amazing first thing in the morning. I shouldve known that it wouldve been muddy.
With a determined expression on her face, Charlie skillfully skips another stone across the river. I lean over and find a stone of my own, sending it over at the same time as hers. We continue this back-and-forth a few times before she finally lets out a noise.
Okay, Im not doing this, she says as she raises both hands and drops the stones. She turns around and trails down the river. I follow behind her.
Not doing what?
This! She yells, pausing to motion between us before continuing on her way. Youre hot, and then youre cold. Youre decent, and then youre an utter fucking asshole. Choose a side, stick to it, and stay the hell away from me.
Did Princess Charlie just say a curse word?
Im glad I only bought one package of salted crackers and some Mll be starving today.
Of course, you would only bring childrens snacks that you got from a gas station to a cabin that is almost in the middle of nowhere. I expect nothing less from you.
She stops abruptly, letting out a frustrated grunt. Why dont you just go hunting like the macho man you are, Hayden? And do us both a favor and get lost while youre at it.
She catches us both off guard when she leans over, right into the river, takes a handful of mud, and hurls it at my chest.
We both freeze as mud splatters across my face. Charlies hands fly to cover her mouth. I blink a few times, trying to process what actually happened.
It would have been fine. Maybe I would have just walked away. But instead of even the slightest hint of an apology, Charlie laughs . It starts off as giggles behind her hands, and then she folds like a chair and guffaws uncontrollably. I narrow my eyes at her, reach out and aim for her arm.
But I misjudged my aim, and Charlies happy face turns into one of pure terror. With a loud splash, she tumbles into the muddied river water, and I grimace, rushing to the edge.
Gasping, she emerges from the water, her entire body a singular color. Brown.
Shit, Im sorry, Charlie. I did . . .
A mischievous smile spreads across her face, and she leans forward, grabbing my ankle. I try to steady myself, but its no use. Im too close to the edge.
I plunge into the cold water, feeling the weight of the mud pour over my body, and I let out a growl as I resurface. Shes back to her chortling ways, gasping for breath as she fights to release the laughter. I admit that its a little funny to watch her covered in mud while she laughs. I lunge for her, and her scream fills the air as we wrestle in the mud; the tension that was once in the air has now dissipated.
We both crawl out of the water, collapsing at the riverside as we struggle to catch our breath.
Charlie lies back on the rocks, spreading her arms and legs like a snow angel, and closes her eyes.
With each passing moment of silence, I find myself gazing out at the river, pondering how the hell we got here.
You know, I didnt want to be COO, she blurts, her eyes still closed. I glance at her. I wanted to be a part of the company, yes. But just . . . a part. Behind the scenesmaybe.
Why behind the scenes? Youre clearly good at what you do.
Youd think so, she says. My dad thinks soJared thinks so. But its always uncomfortable when Im around the other investors. Its like . . . its like I think they feel like the only reason Im here in the first place is because of my father.
I hum. Thats true, isnt it?
Charlies eyes pop open as she glares at me.
If Vincent Caddel wasnt the CEO and just a random employer, you wouldnt have been the COO. Thats a no-brainer, I shrug. But . . . that doesnt mean you didnt work your ass off to get there. Jared told me how hard you worked to be appointedand you know your dadyou wouldve gotten the position even if you only worked half as hard as you did.
But you pushed yourself beyond your limits, Charlie. Two graduate schools, training abroad, mentorships, coaching, and then two years of unpaid trainingand you give a fuck about what some old cocks think about you?
Charlie lifts herself up on her arms, her eyes twinkling. Jared told you all of that?
Yup, when I first arrived, I asked how you were doing. I was so fucking proud when he told me about what you were up to, Charlie. I always knew you would succeed in this life, no matter what.
Charlie grows quiet, her gaze fixed on my eyes, and her expression softensmy heart pounds in my chest.
Thank you, Hayden . . .
I nod, turning to face the river again and swallowing hard.
The question hangs in the air. I can already hear it on the tip of her tongue.
We should get back, she says instead, standing up from the rocks. We need to figure out how were going to ration those M
She extends her hand to me, and I briefly glance at it before cautiously intertwining my fingers with hers. And even though I did all of the work, I made her believe that she was the one who picked me up.
Back at the cabin, Charlie and I take turns hosing each other down. The conversation continues, but mostly on her own accord, about things she has learned during college and the countries she has travelled to. As if moments earlier, we werent on the verge of ripping each other apart.
We dry off and dress in our separate rooms, and I can hear her phone and mine both erupt simultaneously.
The roads are clear. I place my phone back onto the dresser, raking a hand through my hair.
I should feel relieved, but I feel almost . . . disappointed.
I step out into the hallway, my gaze locking onto Charlie. She holds up her phone, a sly smirk on her face. Wanna go to the diner?