“And I want to stay here until the 3rd. I just need a couple more days to get my head straight. But I mean it, if you need to leave, if you want to go, I will totally understand. I know this place isn’t ideal. Your fidgeting is getting worse by the day, so I know you’re not loving being stuck here. ”
He filled the jug and rinsed my hair a couple of times before he replied. “Ignore my fidgeting. That’s just me. I told you, I’m like an over-caffeinated puppy. I want to stay here with you if you’re okay with that. If you’ve had enough of me, I get that too.”
Wrapping my hands around his thighs, I rubbed slowly as he reached for the conditioner. “I’ve not had enough of you. In fact, I’ve not had anywhere near enough, so that brings me to my next thought.” I’d thought a lot during the last bit of my run when I was alone. I liked being around Charlie. I hated the idea of not waking up with him or not turning around and finding him topless, his ripped body ready to hold me or make me scream his name, depending on what I needed in that moment. “Can we take it slow? I mean, I know we haven’t so far, but while things are probably about to get a bit crazy, I don’t want to stop whatever this is between us. I want to see how we work when we go back to our real lives. I mean, you’re in a band, traveling the world, and I’m going to be your boss. You might hate me in a week. You did before.”
Charlie’s hands found my hair again, his touch soothing me. “I’ve never hated you. You were a hard nut to crack, and I didn’t get to know you. That’s my bad and one Fox and Archer will rib me for when they find out about us, but that was more about me than you. I don’t trust easily. I put up walls. I’d rather let people think I’m one thing, even when they’re totally off because it’s easier than letting them see the real me. I like that I can be real with you.”
He leaned down and pressed another kiss to my head. “I can do slow, if you promise to keep talking to me. Don’t shut me out. Even if we’re not a romantic thing, I need to know that the person I shared my deepest secret with is always going to be a friend, at the very least.”
“But you want me?” I asked, feeling as vulnerable as he sounded earlier.
“I do. I like you, Princess. I like you a lot.”
“I like you too, Myth Maker.”
“We need to work on our pet names,” he chuckled.
He poured another jug of the now lukewarm water over my hair before helping me out of the bath, handing me a towel that I wrapped around myself.
Lifting his legs from the water, he spun around, pulling me between his thighs.
I leaned my forehead against his and told him my last decision. “I’m filing a restraining order against James.”
Charlie’s hand found the nape of my neck, filling me with the confidence I was desperate for.
“If I press charges, he will rip me apart and I don’t think I’m strong enough for that. It’s my word against his. He’s had years to create his back story and find ways to make me look like the jealous sister-in-law. This way, I can send a message; if he comes near me—which if I’m honest, I’m terrified about—at least this way, I have a way to protect myself. He knows I’m not the pushover he remembers.”
“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t think he’s the type of man to care about a restraining order.”
“No, I’m not sure about anything, but it feels like a step I can cope with. For now, it will be enough. I have the photos of my injuries and I can talk to the legal team at the label and get their advice, but you’re right, first I need to talk to Addi and Neo.”
“You’re so fucking strong, Princess.”
“Yeah, not sure about that. If I was strong, I would have called the police and reported him. I think he’s hitting my sister. I could try to stand up to him.”
“She’s a grown up and is just as capable as you; right now you need to focus on you while we sort this out. Then you can help Elise.”
“Right, I’m going to get some clothes on and call Jarrid to see if he can arrange a video call. You clean up and I’ll meet you in the kitchen when you’re done. I’m starving, so don’t be long.”
“Yes, boss.”
“You’re gonna wanna remember that name later.” I winked as I left the room, finally feeling like I was taking back control.
Charlie
Stepping out of the bathroom after the quickest bath ever, I found Fern still wrapped in a towel, talking on the phone to Jarrid. She caught my eye and nodded to the counter where there was a smoothie she’d made me, alongside a glass of water and what looked like a shot of tequila. In front of them was a note that readDrink me. So I did, watching as she smiled.
“Thanks Jarrid. If you can be as vague as possible. If they think anything is wrong, they’ll freak out and worry… Great. Eight thirty. I’ll see you then.”
Fern hung up and let out a sigh. “All sorted.”
“And you’re okay?” I asked, moving toward her, desperate to touch her. I was still hating myself for being a vulnerable pussy while we were out running. I should never have asked her about what she wanted once we got home, or whether she saw a future for us. Fuck, I should have kept quiet.
“I’m good. I feel better now I have a plan, so thank you for pushing me.”
We stood, face to face, both dressed in nothing more than a towel. Usually, I would have taken control, but I sensed something in Fern, so I held still.
She loosened her towel, dropping it to the floor. Her body was perfect, and I wanted it in every way she was willing to share it with me. Her face was still bruised but the ones on the rest of her body had virtually faded. She hadn’t worn any make up all week, hadn’t styled her hair, or worn anything fancy, which I think had added to my arousal levels.