Chapter 33
33
ROWAN
“ I ’d like to say that our first event went well, Charlotte,” Thomas said. “All the art was sold and the money is waiting to be moved, you will see the correct amount is available minus the cut of the artist.”
“And did everyone play nice?” She asked cautiously. “I couldn't be there, but I heard something about weapons being drawn.”
“Just a schoolyard my cock is bigger than yours , nothing to worry about; I took care of it.” Thomas sighed.
For the first time, I didn't fully believe him, there was something off about his tone, and I could tell by looking at Lottie she felt the same. We were all in a high stress situation right now so it was understandable. And knowing her, she would push it later.
“Thank you for letting me know, anything else?” She looked around the room when Charlie’s voice rose.
“The lacing of the contraband has been aborted, and with your orders all families of the deceased have been fully compensated. It won’t give them back what they lost, but you did a good thing.”
She nodded his way curtly.
“Where's Arthur? “She asked.
“A few of his guys hit a snag so he is tying up?—”
At that moment the doors flew open, and I made eye contact with Arthur who nodded before looking at Lottie. Don’t do it.
“Congrats guys, sorry I missed the announcement.” He looked around the room and was met with confused glances that shifted back to Charlotte.
“I’m sorry,” Thomas interjected. “What news? And why wasn’t I aware?”
I could tell she was having a hard time, I wouldn't be offended if she wanted to wait, we were used to keeping things under wraps. I stood from my leaned position on the bookshelf?and walked over, taking her hand gently in mine, giving her reassurance if she wanted it.
“I’m sorry Arthur, but there was no announcement, we were going to wait until after the meeting at the docks.” She looked at me nervously and I gave her an approving nod. She is going to do it.
“Rowan and I…well…Rowan proposed. And before anyone asks, no plans have not been made, while we are taking a big step, we have bigger fish to fry right now.”
I looked around the room at a whole load of mixed emotions. But some glances worried me, the envious ones. I wouldn't want people to think I got where I am because I was with the boss. Most of them had no idea of our complete history, or what we had been through to get here.
“For the meeting today at the docks, after being awake most of the night, Rowan and I may have found Walker's angle. It won't matter to most of you, the rest will understand. Rowan can you please grab the folders and circulate them?” She urged on.
Personally, I didn't want anyone in my business, but privacy was a rare thing within these walls, and the more information these kids knew, the better. Running my thumb along Charlotte's hand in an attempt to calm my own anxiety I watched closely, falling on those whose files and the atrocities done to their families sat right in their hands. Charlie took one look at the file before slamming it down.
“I'm sorry, I just need to step away for a minute.”
He sped toward the door, closing it behind him. And Charlotte spoke, her assertive and confident voice filling the room.
“We think that Josh might be trying to get us all in the area to ambush us, and wipe us out, but we don’t know; it’s just a possible angle.” She said, “So, today I need each and every one of you on high alert. Before I dismiss everyone today, I have one more piece of business.”
Slipping my hand from hers, I took the small basket she handed me and set it in the middle of the table, before slipping my ring off and tossing it in.
“Please follow Rowan's suit and place your rings in the basket. While Bennett is the family name, a name we are all loyal to, without each and every one of you we would have never risen from the ashes. With that being said, we will be known as the Cardinals going forward. It is a bird that is close to my family; it stands for renewal and transformation, among others.”
Her lips formed a tight line, maybe she was thinking about her father, nonetheless she was stunning right now. Charlotte faced hell, yet, here she stood flawless, taking her role, and crushing it. Her confidence radiated and I couldn't be prouder. My eyes grew wet at the sight of her this way. She's perfect.
“The rings will be for those of a higher status and ranks will be established soon. Others will be expected to get a tattoo symbolizing this. I don't care how big it is or if it's on your dick. But you will have it. Everyone is dismissed, and I will see some of you at the docks.”
Walking toward her I immediately took her into my arms and kissed her head softly. I knew she was nervous, in some form we all are.
“You did amazing today, Princess. I’m so proud of you”
“Thank you, I have to speak with Nikki before we go. Wait for me?”
I nodded, giving her a peck on the cheek before heading toward the door.
Charlotte
“Are you nervous?” she asked, leaning back in her chair a little.
I was afraid to ask her about going undercover, but maybe she could bring one of her brothers with her, or I would be more than happy to send anyone with her, but she could handle it. Nervous, though, yes and no. Things could go good or bad, either way I was prepared for the outcome and did my best over the course of the last few months, to do the same for my men.
“A little bit, but I have confidence in a lot of them. I have a question for you. How would you feel about an undercover assignment? I just don’t want to push you into something you're not ready for.”
“What's the assignment?” She asked curiously.
“I think you know who the target is.”
I could see the different emotions flicker across her face, I know it was a hard ask, but he needed to be gone; for Rowan’s sake. Slowly she nodded and a wicked smile crossed her face.
“My choice or execution style?”
“Do what you do best, Nicole.”
I stood behind the shipping container as everyone took their places, my hands shaking when a presence grabbed my arms and lightly pressed me into the metal.
“Stop overthinking, Princess, it will be ok; you planned well.” Rowan whispered in my ear.
He reached into his back pocket and took out a gun, motioning me to turn around and stuck it in the back of my pants. “I don’t want it, Rowan, that's why I didn't bring one.”
“It will make me feel better if you have it. Please.”
I rolled my eyes and he shot back a smirk knowing he won. At least, this time he did. I grabbed at his belt pulling him closer until his body was flushed with mine, and he leaned down capturing my lips in his.
I wish we could just go home and forget about all of this, but we were pulled out of it by someone clearing their throat.
“Walker’s here Charlotte,” Charlie said gruffly. “It's time.”
With a deep breath, I held tight to Roe. He wouldn't let go and, in the moment, I needed a comforting touch. His fingers ran through my hair, whispering words of encouragement, before he finally had to let go.
I pulled him in for one last kiss. “That was for luck.”
“I’ll see you on the other side, then you and I have a wedding to plan.” He said lovingly with the always present playful glint in his eye.
I pulled my sunglasses down before approaching the mass before me. Men from both sides shifted as they waited for orders.
“I didn't think you would show.”
“Let’s just finish this, Joshua.”