EPILOGUE
F our Months Later...
Charlie
Hayden, if you mess this up, I will never forgive you.
Im not going to.
I feel like you already are!
I stare at my domino tower, sinking my teeth into my fingernail as he moves to place yet another piece on top. I told him that it would topple under any more weight.
But Hayden doesnt listen.
Just as hes about to drop it, the doorbell rings, and he freezes. I release my breath, only to get stuck in my throat as I realize whos behind that door.
Hayden glances at me, leaning over to press a firm kiss against my forehead.
I clasp my hands in front of my lap, shifting onto one leg and then another as the front door opens.
Do you know how long its been since weve spent time one on one?
Jareds voice floats through the room. My hands tighten around each other as his footsteps grow so close that I can see his shadow.
I keep eyeing the back door in the kitchen, the voices in my head telling me to bolt.
But I cant. I need to do this. Im so tired of sneaking around with Haydenof hiding what we have because Jared may be a little butt hurt.
The truth is were all adults; I can date whoever I want.
Hayden appears first, and Jared right after. He pauses when he sees me, and I raise my chin.
Charlie . . . he drawls, slowly shoving his hands in his pockets. I thought Hayden wrapped up the last of his new business venture?
He did, I nod, rocking on my heel.
Okay . . . so whatre you doing here?
My eyes fall to Hayden and then back to Jared. Jared does the same, but his awkward smile slowly begins to dwindle.
Charlie? He repeats. My heart is pounding so loudly that it physically hurts, and blood rushes in my ear. Hayden comes to stand next to me, intertwining his hands with mine.
You have one chance to beat me up; Im not giving any more free passes after this, Hayden says. Im grateful for his presence because I needed comfort under Jareds quickly growing glare.
I . . . I know this must be a lot to take in, I breathe, pursing my lips together. But were all adults, Jared. I love Hayden. I always have. And you dont have to protect me anymore; Im a grown woman. Im sorry for lying to you, but I just . . . I wasnt ready for how youd react.
Jared places his hands on his hips, his eyes never leaving Haydens.
And you? Whats your excuse?
No excuse, man; Charlie wasnt comfortable with you knowing, and Id never do anything to go against her. But I apologize as wellits been hectic for all of us.
Jareds gaze is unwaveringa blend between neutrality and confusion. I have not a single clue what hes thinking, in all honesty. He drops his gaze to the floor, and my hands tighten around Haydens.
When he finally raises it, he begins walking toward us and I hear Haydens sharp intake of breath. My lips part, ready to stop him from whatever chaos he planned to unleash, but he just raises a palm toward Hayden.
Surprised, Hayden slowly takes his hand, shaking lightly.
I will beat you to a fucking pulp if you hurt her, he warns. I wont even need the free pass.
Haydens lips raise at the corner. Ill still extend it.
Youre. . . youre okay with it? I ask, my voice high-pitched with disbelief.
You said it yourself; the two of you are adults, he sighs, shrugging his shoulders. Theres not much I can do but be okay with it. Its your life. I just wished you couldve told me sooner, but hey, I get it. Big brother Jared is scary. He smirks.
Jared begins flexing his muscles, and I roll my eyes. The pit of my stomach settles over, no longer filled with unease, and I can finally release that breath.
I shouldve figured it out, though. All the excuses when Id catch you walking over there, all the late hoursis there even a business venture?
Oh yeah, there is, I turn to Hayden with a smile. Hes taking over Sentry. Itll take a lot of resources after what Reed did, but itll be worth it.
Hayden
I see Jareds eyes flash a look at me at the mention of my deceased father, and a frown shows up on his face.
Images from that night play through my head
I say nothing as the gun finally aligns with his chin, and with a final glance into those wicked eyes, I close my fingers around the trigger.
The deafening sound echoes through the room. Blood droplets splatter across my face, at the same time that brain matter litters the wall, the floor, and the sheets.
His body grows limp instantly. His life drained from his eyes without a lingering second . . .
Uh yeah, thats right I say, quickly averting my eyes.
It was no surprise and frankly, a relief when Charlie found out that my father had been involved in too many illegal activities to count and that he had fled the cityand vanished. It had been all over the news for weeks , painting Sentry Technologies as this rogue company.
Well, dude, I hope youre up for the challenge; thats a pretty big undertaking; do you think you can manage it all by yourself?
A challenge. Yesdefinitely. Im up for that challenge .
Memories flash into my mind
Get up, Hayden, the voice bounces off the wall, raw and rough, grating against my ears like chalk on a board. Be a man. The sooner you fight back, the sooner you can leave. Isnt that what you want? You dont want to be stuck here forever, do you?
He opens his mouth to speak again, but before he can, in a swift motion, I stab the shard of dull glass against his neck with enough force for it to get stuck. His eyes widen as his grin quickly fades, and I watch him tumble onto his ass, my palmsmy entire body burning with fury.
Rebuilding the companys trustworthiness will be difficult. But now, with my father out of the picture and Charlies unwavering support and Jareds help, I can finally move the company in the direction I want and rebuild the brand.
Sentry Technologies isnt just a weapons company; it offers protection, security, and everything new wealthy homeowners are looking for . . .
Everything .
I also still need to protect both Charlie and her family from my fathers underworld connections. I know these people; they may detour, but they always come back around, and I have to be ready for that. But I still have all my old contacts, including Mateos, should the need arise.
Im hoping to pick your brain as much as I can, Jared. I know we work so well together now! I smirk, giving him a friendly shove, remembering his always unwavering support
If youre going to get yourself into trouble, he begins, then I might as well be here to bail you out.
Relief floods my system, although I hate to admit it. Theres no one I trust more than Jared, and having to put such personal, incriminating business in someone elses hands would likely be a death wish for them soon after.
In fact, theres no one else Id rather work with. Period.
Charlie
Dont worry, it will all work out. I tuck myself under Haydens arm. Wherever Reed is, I hope hes trying to be a better person. Hayden and I will pick up the pieces from here.
Hayden presses another kiss on my forehead. I love you.
My cheeks flush bright red, and I avoid Jareds eyes as I say, I love you too.
Oh my g I think Id rather sit next to my parents while they watch an X-rated movie, he groans, walking away from us and into the kitchen.
Hayden and I continue to embrace each other, laughing like naughty children scheming for the cookie jar while Jared raids his alcohol cabinet.
We did it, I whisper, the grin on my face uncontainable.
Were home free, Princess. Everyone is about to find out that youre all mine.
I like the sound of that.
Get a fucking room shit! Jared yells. I preferred it when the two of you were lying to me, so lets just go back to that.