Chapter 12 #2
There’s no way around it; I’m going to have to call Wilder. He needs to know Moretti might flip on him for a payday. Not to mention, he needs to know the men Grim killed are confirmed affiliated with some organization.
Which one?
I have no idea, but Callum’s and Grim’s suspicions have been proven correct after speaking to Moretti. It’s no longer a possibility. Those guys have friends, and they’re pissed.
I’m just making a cup of coffee and browsing the breakfast left on the stove when Charlotte bolts into the kitchen from the back stairs.
Her hair is a tangled mess, and her cheeks are pink.
She’s in a thin sleep shirt and pajama pants.
With the way her chest heaves, I can see not only the outline of her nipples but also the curve of both breasts.
Shit.
She must have woken up, noticed her son was missing, and panicked, running downstairs before she even thought to change out of her pajamas.
“Where is my kid? I woke up and he was gone.” Her tone is frantic as her eyes rake over my face.
Oh yeah, she definitely got lost on her way downstairs.
This place is a maze.
Who the fuck knows why, but I put my coffee down on the counter and step over in front of her.
My fingers brush her cheek as I push her hair behind her ear. “He’s fine. Very well entertained by my little brother and a super-size container of building blocks. They’re the giant ones. No need to worry about him choking. They’re in the living room. How did you sleep?”
“I had some trouble falling asleep. Once I did…” She swallows thickly, shaking her head. “It wasn’t good rest. At least, not until a couple hours ago. I can’t believe I slept so late. Is it really nine-thirty?”
“It is, but you clearly needed the sleep.” Her sweet cherry and lime scent is everywhere, and I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes on hers. She’s stacked with delicious curves, and I’m more than fond of her scent.
She’s also shacked up in our home.
That means she’s going to be around Malachy.
I can only hope that having her pheromones so close will help his condition. I also wouldn’t complain if she could show my brother that there are options outside of Vanessa Chapman. It seems like he’s finally realizing that, but his sense of obligation to our fathers runs deep.
Fuck if I know why.
They failed to honor their marriage vows not once but twice.
What Wilder said in his office stuck with me.
Vanessa doesn’t want this union either.
Marriages are already hard enough when all parties like each other. I don’t even want to think about how miserable life would be if she went out of her way to torment us in retribution for going through with the contract.
“What I need is to plan what I’m doing and where I’m heading after I leave here,” she whispers, grimacing.
I’m not shocked.
I figured she would try to run the second our backs were turned.
“Well, you’re not a prisoner. You can leave at any time, but you also don’t need to rush out the door.
” I give her shoulder a pat, stepping back to offer her some space.
It was probably out of line for me to get that close to her to begin with.
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like, and all of us will feel better if you stay until we’re sure the threat is handled. ”
Her forehead wrinkles, and she takes a step back.
It’s almost like I can see the wheels turning as she contemplates bolting.
It’s what omegas do.
Anytime they’re overwhelmed or faced with stress, they either run or hide. Or I suppose the third option is that they run and then hide.
“If you have any information on the men who might be after your friend, it would help us greatly.” I try to offer her an encouraging smile, but based on her expression, I don’t think it helps. “Look, Charlotte, can I level with you?”
Her head gives a quick shake no, but she corrects herself, bobbing her head up and down.
“Anything you can tell us will be helpful. You might not think it’s relevant, but it’s better to chase a dead end than it is to miss something we didn’t think was important.” I turn and grab my coffee cup.
“I’m really sorry,” she whispers as I take a swig of the much-needed caffeine. “I never saw the guys. I have no idea why they would have attacked Lacey.”
I nod, refocusing on her.
All of that is easy enough to believe.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask about Lucky’s dad and why she was running last night if she didn’t yet know Lacey was accosted. Only, her body language, combined with the way she won’t meet my eyes, says it all.
She’s scared out of her mind.
Not ready to open up.
Not yet, anyway.
I’m a stranger.
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “I just wanted to be thorough. If you think of anything, let me know. Are you hungry? I’m not sure if Lucky has eaten breakfast yet, but there’s plenty for both of you if he hasn’t.”
“I’m not hungry, but I’ll ask him.” She gives a plastic smile and strides toward the sounds of her son playing.
Well, I tried.
I’ll have to level with Wilder and let him know she’s not talking.