We’re standing with our luggage at the front of the house, watching the same black car approaching that transported us here a week ago. Comical, really. My life could be a TV show with how it's been going lately.
I swallow at seeing Hugo step out. I haven’t asked questions. It’s not the time and it certainly isn’t the place. His grin is wide, a crocodile smile in full effect. I don’t like him, and I certainly don’t trust him.
“I assume your stay went well.” He looks at Sutton and shakes his hand.
“It did. Thank you. If you ever need anything…”
“I will call. Expect it,” he says quickly, and I see Sutton’s jaw clench.
“The car will take you to the private airstrip a few miles away. There are two jets there, one for you and one for her.”
“Thanks, Hugo. I appreciate it, really,” Sutton says gratefully, speaking for all of us. I’m not sure what we would’ve done otherwise.
The sprinklers come on, taking my attention, and I frown.
“You know, you really should swap your irrigation for a slow drip system. It’ll probably save about fifty percent of your water consumption year-round. You’ll have less runoff and reduce fungal disease of the plants.” I look back at Hugo before my eyes widen in shock at what I just said to him. Sutton coughs, in disbelief and humor at my antics.
His stare burns as I wet my lips and try to swallow. “It’s just an idea.” I can barely breathe. I sure would hate to ever be on his bad side.
Eyes narrowing slightly, he says, “I’ll tell my gardener.”
He turns then, his body facing me entirely, and I feel Sutton’s grip on my hand tighten.
“You’re not like your father at all, are you, Charlotte?” My blood turns to ice. I’m not sure why I thought he would have no idea who I was. He’s clearly a powerful man.
“No. Not at all,” I answer, voice steady. Even on my worst day, that’s one fact I’m confident in.
“Good.” He nods before slapping Sutton on the shoulder and walking past him, into the house with his men as our luggage is placed in the trunk. My breath whooshes from my lungs, feeling like I just passed a test.
Only a minute later, Preston, Sutton, and I are climbing into the car, and we’re on our way.
The drive is quiet, the pain in my chest at being away from Sutton heavy, and before we know it, we’re at the airstrip. My palm is sweaty where I’ve squeezed Sutton’s hand so tight, I think I cut off his circulation. As the car pulls up on the tarmac, I see the two jets Hugo mentioned.
“Preston. I love you. Take care of your sister for me.” Sutton pulls Preston into a tight hug, and my eyes start to water.
My brother nods, grabbing his bag and stepping out of the car. “Thanks, Sutton. I love you too. And I promise I’ll take care of Charlotte.”
Sutton looks at me with teary eyes, cups my jaw with his hands, and presses his forehead to mine. I release a trembling breath, feeling his warmth surrounding me, nervous about what’s to come.
“I’m sorry for all this. I hate that I have to leave you. I love you. I fucking love you, and I’ll be back for you.” He kisses me, here in the back seat of a mob car, in the middle of a private airstrip in Provence, and that's when more tears fall.
If I had any subconscious doubts of his love for me, they disappear with this goodbye kiss.
And it’s the hardest goodbye I’ve ever had to make.
41
Sutton
I lifted my head in Paris.
I had a friend give a tip-off to the local media, which led to a frenzy of cameras on the far side of the small private airport where I deplaned from Hugo’s jet and reboarded my own jet for the next flight. Even though the large fence kept them out, I still saw their long lenses. Fucking piranhas.
Sawyer sent our jet from Whispers, so of course it was followed online. The gossip is already all over the internet, with my flight path, the type of aircraft I’m in, and a lot of talk about me being alone. They’re right. I feel lonely for the first time ever. Not because no one is here with me. But because she isn’t.
I left Charlotte hours ago, and I'm already aching to see her again. Now, as the LA skyline comes into view, I look at my cell, seeing the text she sent.
Landed.
