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CHAPTER SIX
CARMEN
RetributionRebel – The Annalee. Tonight at 10PM.
I take it since he didn’t question my response, he agrees, so I finish the movie with Lydia, then tell her William called me home. After the words we exchanged earlier, I don’t want to tell her the truth. I don’t want to fight.
I step out of her front door, then make a beeline for my car. If I want this dude to take me seriously, I need to look the part. When I start my car, the clock on the screen says eight o’clock. I have exactly two hours to make it home, shower, change, and throw makeup over Stallion’s marks.
I’d prefer if I could meet Retribution-whatever-the-fuck somewhere else, but my dad is out of town, and if I’m lucky, I can skip valet and sneak past anyone who might know me. I’ve never been certain if they report my actions back to my dad, but it’s still a risk I don’t want to take. But I don’t want to piss off the guy by insisting we go somewhere else if he’s agreeing to give me what I want.
As I pull into my drive, I give the clock one last look before I step out. I go to the door and slip inside, then start upstairs. I only make it halfway up before I hear William call behind me.
“Carmen.”
I roll my eyes, then turn around with a fake smile plastered on my face. Now isn’t the time, William, but I don’t say that out loud. “What’s up?”
“I want to talk to you.” He crosses his wrists in front of him as he moves to the bottom of the stairs.
“About what?” I take the steps back down one at a time until I stop on the last one and stand over him.
“About earlier. Your dad.” His eyes tighten.
I throw my head back with an eye roll. I guarantee my dad was peeping the cameras in the house while he’s away and heard our conversation. This is nothing more than him ordering William to clean up the mess. “There is nothing to talk about, William. He doesn’t care, and I don’t care that he doesn’t. It’s life.” I glance to the camera by the front door so if he’s watching, he can see how serious I am.
“He’s doing his best, Carmen.”
I let out a chuckle. “Yeah. That’s evident.”
“I’m serious. You know the only reason I’m here is because he wanted what was best for you.”
Another laugh comes from my throat. “You’re here because he couldn’t keep his dick out of the other nannies.”
He shakes his head. “There is more to it than that.”
I cross my arms over my chest and lean against the banister. “Yeah? Then tell me.”
“Another time. You just need to be more… understanding.”
“Understanding? I’m very understanding. I understand I ruined his life. I understand he doesn’t love me. And I understand that will never change.” It’s the sad truth I can hardly admit out loud. Because saying it out loud just makes it hurt worse.
Pain washes over his face. “Carmen—”
“Don’t. I don’t need pity. I’m perfectly content with how things are. I’m just glad I have you. You treat me the way he should.”
He smiles softly, trying to hide the pain in his features. “I try.”
“I know.” I lean down and give him a quick hug. “I only came back to grab some clothes. I’m going to stay with Lydia tonight. Okay?”
He nods. “Okay. If you need anything, just give me a call. I’ll be in the greenhouse for a while.”
A warm, fuzzy feeling creeps up my spine at the mention of the greenhouse. William set it up when I was younger and taught me all there is to know about plants, insects, and snakes, and as I grew, it turned into my escape for otherthings. He doesn’t need to know that though.
I push the thoughts away because right now William being in the greenhouse isn’t something I want to think about. I don’t want to be reminded of the dad I don’t have that William replaced. Right now, I was to feel free and sexy. I want to push everything else away and dive into the new world I’m building for myself.
I salute him and hurry back up the stairs. “Will do!”
“And Carmen!” he calls behind me. I turn on my heel. “Be careful.”
