Chapter 15
fifteen
Charlie
It feels incredibly freeing to lay it all out for Cole.
To confide in someone so capable and simply share the burden.
When I saw that poor animal lying lifeless on my front step, I almost fell to my knees in despair.
I’ve put on a brave face in a feeble attempt to become someone else.
Someone independent and resilient. Someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
The day I left my abusive relationship, I swore I’d never let a man intimidate or control me again, and I was slowly but surely turning into someone I could be proud of.
It took me months to get to where I am now.
Losing the daughter I’d come to love so much almost broke me.
That, combined with the ever-present fear of Jason finding my location and punishing me for escaping his iron rule, was almost too much to bear.
But the more time passed, the more I let my guard down.
A tentative hope began to bloom that I may actually have done it.
That I was finally able to live my life the way I saw fit, free of the monster in my past, determined to control my every move.
I should’ve known better. Jason isn’t the type of man who gives up easily.
He wouldn’t let someone embarrass him in front of his precious club the way I had, and not respond.
And to him, my running for the hills and leaving him without a doting old lady was exactly that.
An embarrassment. Jason lives and breathes club life, and retaliation is a big part of who they are.
I’d heard the word thrown around over and over whenever he discussed club matters with his second in command.
Jason may have started out as a reluctant participant, but once the MC got their claws into him, he thrived on the power.
By the time his dad died, and Jason took over as club president, there was no saving him.
Week by week, he became meaner and more violent, and soon enough, his club persona spilled over into our private life.
After he shoved me down the stairs, killing our unborn child—my precious baby girl—in the process, I knew it was only a matter of time before he’d kill me.
I had no choice but to sever all ties to my old life and run.
I’d seen too much. Heard too much, and you don’t simply leave the president of a notorious MC and live to tell the tale.
Jason never bothered keeping things on the down-low around me.
He didn’t take his phone calls in private for fear of my overhearing his shady dealings or making me leave the room when one of the prospects came to our apartment to report to him.
He wasn’t worried. He knew I’d keep my mouth shut.
And if I ever so much as hinted at going to the cops about any of it, he’d have murdered me in cold blood without a moment’s hesitation.
Jason didn’t love me. I was his property and nothing more.
A shiny toy he kept to amuse himself with.
A warm body to shove his cock into whenever the need arose, whether I was willing or not.
The mere thought of him dragging me back there, so he can continue taking things from me that I’m no longer willing to give, is enough to make me want to scream.
Once I’m done spilling the sordid details of my past to my stoic companion, I wipe my face free of tears and chance a glance at him.
He’s studying me intently, a pinched expression sitting on his hard features.
Eyebrows knitted together. Lips pressed into a thin line.
The tension in his shoulders is palpable, body coiled tight, like it takes everything in him to remain seated and not go after my asshole of an ex.
He looks furious, plain and simple, but I’m not afraid.
Unlike Jason’s, I know his anger isn’t directed at me.
“You should’ve told me sooner,” he grits out, while his gun rests comfortably on the tabletop beside him. The fact that he was most likely armed every time we’ve been together should alarm me. Instead, it only makes me feel safer.
“I never lied to you. I told you I had a relationship go sour.”
“Having a relationship go sour and being the target of a dangerous stalker are two very different animals, and you should’ve provided me with that information right from the start.”
“Right. And when would you have liked me to bring up that delightful little tidbit?” I ask, feeling my temper flare in the face of his indignation.
“The second you stepped into the front office? Hi there, I’m Charlie,” I say in my best customer service voice.
“If you need anything at all while you’re residing with us, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Full disclosure, and I don’t think it’s something you need to be worried about, but I am currently on the run from my psychotic ex, who may or may not show up at some point to either drag me back to the city at gunpoint or kill me on the spot.
Both options have equal possibility, so if you happen to notice anyone lurking about, I’d appreciate the heads up.
Here are your keys. Enjoy your stay.” I roll my eyes, letting him know exactly what I think of his ridiculous request, and ignore the glower he pins me with.
He’s obviously not happy that it took next to no time for my snark to return, but that’s not my problem. So I get cranky when my life is being threatened. Sue me.
“Not sure if you’ve noticed, but years of physical abuse are not something you casually slip into a conversation with someone you barely know.
Besides, it’s not like you’re exactly a well of information yourself.
You keep your cards so close to your chest they may as well be glued to it, and honestly, my past is none of your business. ”
“None of my business?” he barks, looking at me like I suddenly sprouted a second head. “And who do you think has to deal with your psycho ex now that he’s found you?”
“Look, I’m sorry you got sucked into my drama, but I didn’t ask you to be here.
It just so happened that you were with me when I found his distasteful message.
Doesn’t mean you need to stick around and play the knight to my damsel.
This is my mess, and I’ll figure it out.
I’ve gotten away from him once and can do it again. ”
“Right,” Cole scoffs, shaking his head at my bluster.
“So, what is your grand plan here? Grab your to-go bag and disappear into the night? Sell this place at a loss—because no one is crazy enough to buy this shithole unless they get it at a steal—keep moving from place to place for the rest of your life, always looking over your shoulder and wondering when the next carcass might show up on your front step?”
“If that’s what it takes to stay alive, then yes,” I shout, really getting fired up now.
He has no idea the hell I’ve been through.
How dare he sit there all high and mighty and ridicule me for the choices I’m forced to make?
“I’m not your responsibility. I don’t know if you realize this, but we’re not a couple, and you’re under no obligation to protect me. ”
“Good, because I never volunteered to be your fucking boyfriend, and considering the intel you’ve failed to provide me with when we first met, I don’t think I’m even remotely interested anymore.”
“Aw shucks,” I drawl, pressing a hand to my chest in mock disappointment.
“How will I ever get over your blatant rejection? I mean, you’re such a great catch, with your sparkling personality and that perma-frown that never fails to light up the room.
I would be so lucky to tie myself to such an easy-going dude for the rest of my life.
What an absolute blast our marriage would be. ”
Cole glares at me through narrowed eyes before his lip curls into a cocky little smirk.
“Joke’s actually on you, because I’ve been told I’m an exceptional husband.”
“Says who?” I ask, barking out a laugh and feeling a million times better than I did just a few seconds ago.
The truth is, having him here with me—even if we’re going at it like a couple of rabid raccoons—puts me at ease, and I have to physically fight the urge to launch myself at him and beg him to stick around.
“My wife,” he finally supplies as all the air gets sucked out of the room. His wife? That son of a bitch. No wonder the thought of having slept with me freaked him out so much. He’s freaking married.
“Weeeell,” I sing, once I recover from his revelation. “I won’t believe it until I hear it from her.”
“Weeeell,” he mocks, mimicking me and making me want to throat-punch him just to see him choke. “You’re gonna be waiting a long damn time.”
“And why’s that?” I sneer, lifting my chin in a silent challenge.
“Because she’s dead,” he supplies in a flat tone, before he swipes his firearm off the table and pushes to his feet.
“Lock the door behind me. I’ll get rid of the cat, do another sweep, and grab a few things from my cabin.
I’m staying with you tonight. I don’t think he’s still hanging around, and he probably won’t be back for a while.
Motherfucker is toying with you, and he seems like the type of asshole who’d enjoy watching a woman squirm.
He’ll most likely torment you for a bit before he makes his move.
Either way, I don’t want you on your own. ”
He doesn’t wait for me to argue, and I wouldn’t have.
I’m relieved I won’t have to spend the night alone in my apartment, flinching at every sound.
Cole gives me a nod and strides out of the kitchen, and for the second time in less than twenty-four hours, he leaves me to stare after him with my mouth hanging open.