[Charlotte] My hands are still shaking when I make it to what I assume is McAllister’s private jet, as it is the only plane on the tarmac. He must be very powerful and very rich to make himself such a high priority. My suspicion is confirmed when one of his plain-clad security detail comes down the stairs to greet me. “Mrs. Slate.” “It’s Ms. Monroe now,” I try to smile. “My divorce was final about an hour ago.” “Ms. Monroe,” he corrects himself without missing a beat. He doesn’t say another word as he holds out a hand to help me navigate the steep jet steps. As soon as my eyes adjust, I can make out McAllister in the back of the jet, surrounded by his associates. He waves me to him as he shuts his cell phone. Standing, he takes my hand in his. “May I be the first to congratulate you on your divorce,” he gives me a wide, genuine grin. “Andy is a snake. You deserve better, Ms Monroe.” “Than..Thank you,” I sputter, surprised. “Now if you could take a seat,” he motions to the ch
[Micah]I wake with a gasp to the sound of machines beeping and the whirling of an overhead fan. I am in the warehouse, which means that Charlotte did as I asked. She didn’t take me to a hospital but got Roger instead. “Where is she,” I croak, not sure if anyone can hear me, or even if anyone is nearby. “Oh good. You’re awake,” Violetta’s heels make a smart clicking sound as she approaches my bed. I turn my head with effort as every part of me burns with the pain of whatever poison I ingest as it makes its way out of my body. She places a straw near my lips and I take a long drink of water. “Where is she?” I repeat, wishing I could look around. My head is pounding too much for me to make any sudden movements. “Where is Charlotte?”“Mistress Kane left about two hours ago. She should be in Portland by now.” I smile at the name “Mistress Kane,” wondering if she had given herself that moniker or had it forced upon her. Knowing My Angel, she probably wasn’t the one to suggest it. “Why
[Charlotte]It isn’t hard to pretend to have fun speaking with McAllister for the plane ride to Portland. He is intelligent, sophisticated, and very charming. Had I met him instead of Micah all those months ago when Andy broke my heart, I might be on the other side of this battle between McAllister and McKane.Too bad he is also the lying, scheming, backstabbing bastard who almost killed my fiance with some kind of well-placed poison. If it weren’t for that unfortunate detail we might even be friends. “It’s too late to take you back to headquarters,” McAllister announces. “And I’m sure you must be exhausted. I’ll have Gregorio here to arrange temporary lodgings for you during your stay here with us. “That’s very generous of you,” I smile sincerely. “But I won’t be staying long. I need to get back to my family and…”“Oh, yes, of course,” he nods. “Your daughters. Rose and Raine? Well, I’m sure they’ll be fine with their nanny for a day or two.” I bristle at his dismissal of my daught
[Charlotte] This room is not a guest suite that was just secured by his security staff. This is a premeditated prison. I don't want to deal with these games. It is late and I am exhausted. Between the party and watching Micah fall, to taking on this role as a Mafia don's wife and queen, every part of me feels heavy with both strain and sorrow. Micah. We should have been on our way to our secret location right now. This morning was supposed to be our wedding day. Did McAllister know of our plans and go out of his way to wreck them? I wouldn't put it past him. In more illicit circles they call him "The Weasel" and the name suits him just fine. I will not cry. I will not let this bastard make me feel weak. I will stay strong for my family. Squaring my shoulders I take a deep breath, placing my hands on a tall table near the door. I know that Violetta is listening. She said she'd monitor everything personally to keep me safe. I trust her to keep her word, but just in case I want he
[Charlotte] “Come on Charlie, live a little!” Juni puts a drink in my hand. It’s large and pink and smells like fruity gasoline. “I don’t drink!” I scream back at her over the booming music, my eyes burning from the flashing club lights. “Your cheating bastard husband just fucked his mistress in front of you! In front of your kids! For fuck’s sake, you deserve a drink!” Juniper tosses her shot of tequila with a single gulp, shivering as the burn makes its way down her throat. “Hot damn!" she exclaims in appreciation before slamming her glass on the bar. "Come on, sis, woman up! Just one drink and you’ll feel better, I promise!” Taking a sip I almost gag. It tastes worse than it smells. I have so little tolerance for alcohol that the buzz hits my head almost immediately. “See…” Juni purrs. ‘Better right?” “No,” I feel my eyes start to water. “What’s in this?” “Not sure,” she shrugs. “Does it matter?” “I guess not,” I take another drink. Juni sets a kiss on my cheek as she hop
[Charlotte]Kissing this man is a drug, a dangerous powerful elixir giving me life while also stealing my breath.Our bodies are locked together for the entire ride as we sample one another, our hands tentatively exploring, enjoying the first taste of what the night promises.The car stops outside one of the most expensive hotels in the city. Once his driver opens the door, my devil helps smooth my dress down as he gently rocks me forward, pulling me out of the back seat. He drapes his jacket across my shoulders, shielding my body from the view of others in a way that feels both possessive and protective.“Welcome home, Sir,” the door attendant tips his hat to us as he opens the door for us.Hand in hand he leads me to the elevator. As soon as the doors close behind us, he walks me into the wall of the elevator, kissing me gently at first, and then more passionately. His hand reaches down to cup my bottom and feeling bold I lean against him, hooking my right leg to his hip so that he
[Charlotte] It’s been 62 days. 62 days since Andy broke my heart and I fell into the arms of an incredible stranger. A man too amazing to be real. The only one who knows about that night is Juni. Nobody else can know. If they did, it could ruin everything. My soon-to-be-ex husband will make sure of it. Thankfully, San Francisco is a large city and the odds of us crossing paths again are very slim. Even if my mystery man did find me, I’m sure that if he saw me he’d either walk right past without recognizing me. Because without makeup and Juni’s designer dresses, I’m just…me. And right now I am filthy, covered in sweat as I head home from my day job to eat dinner with my daughters. From there I’ll be heading out to my new night job. A job I never wanted to take. But after being a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, I didn’t have the right kind of experience on my resume to secure steady, good-paying work in a city as competitive as San Francisco. The only jobs that I can find that are
[Charlotte] Dear Ms. Bellarina, I am impressed with your dancing and natural grace. You have an incredible talent and I would love to cultivate it. Can we meet to discuss an opportunity that could be mutually advantageous? When you are ready to hear my offer, please call me at the number below. I eagerly await your response, Kane (415) XXX - XXXX This note was waiting for me backstage last night with a single white rose in a fine crystal vase. When I asked the assistant stage manager who had left it for me, she didn’t have a clue. She just shook her graying sandy curls and looked over me in that way that she does when she thinks one of us is acting foolish. "Do you really want to know?" she had asked. "Why not just let it remain a mystery?" None of the other girls knew who had left it either. Maybe it was a ghost, a phantom fan leaving love notes and flowers for unsuspecting women. I guess if I want to know, there is a simple way I can find out. I can just