Chapter Eight #4
Charlie gasped at Donnie’s low, threatening voice. Just inside the doorway behind Simon, his mouth was a flat line. Anger emanated from him.
“Well, look who it is. The disappearing Navy boy,” Simon said with a sneer, looking over his shoulder.
“Take your hands off her. I won’t tell you again.”
Charlie wanted to die. The last thing she wanted was Donnie seeing this.
“It’s OK, Donnie. Go,” she said quietly.
“You heard her. Fuck off. This is none of your business.”
Simon hadn’t moved. She closed her eyes. In a matter of seconds, she was back at high school, the bullied fat girl, embarrassed and ashamed all over again.
***
DONNIE WAS ABOUT READY to rip Simon's head off. When he’d got to the bar and Charlie wasn't there, Daniel had pulled him aside and told him some guy had turned up and Charlie hadn't looked happy. He’d pointed to the conference room.
The fucking asshole had his hands on her and not in a good way. No man should touch a woman like that. Especially one that was supposed to love her. He had a hand around her throat for fuck’s sake. Maddie had been right. Simon was hurting her, and it would stop now.
“If you don’t take your fucking hands off her, I will break every one of your fingers.”
Donnie forced his voice to stay calm. Charlie’s eyes were closed, and it pained him, knowing she probably hated he was seeing this. She wouldn’t want a scene, so he would do his best to avoid one.
“I’m her fiancé and we’re having a private conversation.” Simon did not move his hands.
“I don’t give a fuck who you are, Simon. Last chance.”
“You won’t touch me. You’re military. I’d see to it that your career would be over.”
“Try me.” Donnie stepped forward, ready to forcibly remove Simon’s hands.
Abruptly, Simon let go, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Satisfied? Now fuck off so I can speak to Charlotte.”
Donnie looked at Charlie. “Do you want me to go?”
“I want you to go. What the fuck are you asking her for? What’s the matter, did I spoil your plans? Were you hoping to get in her pants tonight? Fancied a little extra meat on the bones?”
Donnie wanted to punch the fucker in the face, but that wasn’t going to help Charlie. He kept his eyes on her. She had wrapped her arms around herself and looked... defeated.
“Charlie, what do you want to do?” he asked gently.
She finally turned to look at him, eyes brimming with tears, and his heart squeezed. She did not deserve this. She took a deep breath, blinked back tears, and looked at her fiancé with a look of determination.
“Simon, you assumed the worst. Donnie is a friend. That’s it.” Her voice was shaky, but he admired her for sticking up for herself. It wasn’t something she had ever done in school.
“Yeah, you would think that. He’s thinking he wants to get laid.”
Oh, man. Donnie clenched his fists. Simon was really asking for it. He stepped closer, but Charlie pushed off the wall and got between them.
“How dare you speak to me or Donnie like this. What the hell is wrong with you?” She stood, hands on hips, anger flashing across her beautiful face.
“Charlotte, I flew all the way here just to see you. I wasn't expecting to see you with him.” He faced Donnie.
Donnie met his gaze, folding his arms across his chest. Simon’s eyes were glassy, a little crazed, and he was sweating under his fancy blue suit. He’d seen that look all too often over the years. Simon had not changed. He was using drugs.
“Donnie, I’m fine. If you could give us some privacy, please. I’d like to talk to Simon alone,” Charlie said quietly.
He didn’t want to. He didn't trust this asshole not to put his hands on her again, especially since he was high. But he would not make this more difficult for Charlie. He nodded. “I’ll be in the bar if you need me.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Donnie glanced at Simon. “You lay one finger on her....”
He let the words hang in the air as he walked out and took a seat at the bar.
“Everything alright?” Daniel asked, placing a Corona in front of him.
“Yeah. Thanks for the heads up.”
Daniel nodded. “Anytime.”
Donnie didn’t take his eyes off the conference room door.
Every fiber of him wanted to go back in there, but Simon would be an idiot to touch her now, knowing he was out here waiting.
He understood Charlie not wanting to talk to Simon in front of him.
He just hoped the slimy bastard wasn’t weaving his way back in.
How could he talk to her like that, grab her like that, when he loved her?
Taking a long swig of beer, he tried and failed to relax.
Finally, Simon walked out, face like thunder. He glanced angrily in Donnie’s direction but turned toward the main entrance. Oh, no, he wasn’t getting away that easily. In a few long strides, Donnie was in front of him.
“Get out of my fucking way, asshole,” Simon spat.
“Does she know you’re using?” Donnie said calmly.
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“You’re high. I guess nothing’s changed with you, huh?”
Simon wiped his brow with his hand. “What I do is none of your goddamn business. However, you getting cozy with my fiancé is my business.”
“Charlie and I have known each other since we were kids. You know that. What I don't understand is why a beautiful woman like that is settling for someone like you.”
“What’s the matter. Jealous?” Simon sneered.
Donnie was, but he wasn't going to let Simon see that. “You didn't answer my question. Does she know you’re using?”
“I don't need to answer to you. Get out of my way or I’ll fucking—”
“You'll what?” Donnie growled and stepped closer. He was a good few inches taller than the little shit.
Simon’s face was red, the sweating increasing.
He sidestepped around Donnie and headed for the exit.
Donnie let him go, turning back to the bar, eager to find Charlie and make sure she was OK.
He was headed for the conference room when she appeared in the doorway.
Her eyes searched the bar until she saw him.
He went to her. She didn’t move as he approached and the sadness on her face tugged at his heart.
“What can I do?”
He wanted to hug her. Squeeze her to him and reassure her everything would be OK. But he didn’t want to overstep and break the connection they’d made today.
“I’m sorry you saw that,” she said quietly.
“You have nothing to apologize for. Tell me what you want to do? Do you want to be alone?”
“I... I don’t..” Tears streamed down her face and Donnie stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. Fuck overstepping.
“Ssh. It’s OK. I’ll walk you back to your room.”
Tucking her into his side, he walked them to the elevator.
She kept her head down against him and he stayed quiet as they rode to the twentieth floor and walked to her room.
Only then did she pull away to open her purse to get her keycard.
When the door opened, she stepped inside and turned to face him.
“Thank you for what you did tonight. And for being...well...so kind.”
It killed him to see her this sad. “Can I get you anything?”
“No. Thank you. I just need to be alone.”
“Of course.” He hesitated then said, “Give me your phone.”
She frowned at him, but did as he asked. He quickly entered his number.