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Chapter Twenty-Five
Charlotte
I’ve dropped Phoenix off at the childminder’s for the night, but then got a call from the bar asking if I can change my shift. It’s rare for me to end up with an evening to myself, and I’m unsure how to spend it.
I’m just making myself a drink when my phone buzzes with a text from Rebel.
Are you free tonight?
Yeah, wanna come over and watch a film?
Netflix and chill?
Just Netflix.
We can negotiate the chill ;)
Be there in an hour?
Lol. No chance.
But the rest sounds perfect.
Maybe we can talk about...stuff
Bring Thai?
You’re perfect. I’m on it x
I put my phone down and smile, glad to have some company this evening. Grabbing some plates, cutlery and glasses, I lay them out on the counter, and then head out of the kitchen to take a quick shower.
When I’m rinsing my hair I think I hear a dull thud, but I don’t think too closely on it. Houses of this size always make strange sounds, and the neighbours aren’t too quiet either. If Phoenix had been at home, a bang like that would have me racing from the shower and flying to check on her, but because I know I’m alone, I dismiss it as nothing.
Done, I step out and dry off, wrapping myself in my robe to blow dry my hair. Despite the length, it doesn’t take too long, so then I’m left contemplating what to wear…and then I scold myself for being so silly. I’m not about to dress up for Rebel. I pull on yoga pants and a top. I know some people have issue with athletic wear being worn outside of the gym, but I don’t care because it’s comfy as fuck. I pull an oversized fluffy jumper on over the top and grab some cabin socks too. Perfect.
I head back down to the kitchen and pause when I can’t find my phone. I was sure I left it by the plates. Something about the scene in front of me just doesn’t look right. I frown, trying to work out what’s different.
Then it hits me; the glasses. I left two empty glasses out and now there’s only one, and it’s filled with white wine. Condensation beads on the side and slips tantalisingly down the side.
“Hello? Reb?” I call out, picking up the glass he’d left for me and wandering through to the lounge in search of him. I take a sip and savour the riot of fruity freshness that explodes on my tongue. Damn, that tastes good. I’m not usually one for wine, but Rebel’s certainly got good taste.
I frown again when I realise I don’t have my phone on me; I want to check the time. I’m sure I wasn’t in the shower an hour. And how would Rebel have got in anyway?
Then I dismiss that thought, because of course he has a key! It’s his house. I sip my wine and wonder where he is. Maybe he came in, poured the drinks, and went to the toilet.
“Hello, Charlotte.” The low voice behind me has me jumping out of my skin. I spin around, and to my dismay, it’s not Rebel sitting on the sofa.
“How did you get in here, Charlie?” I ask warily, eyes wide in shock and darting around, frantically searching for my phone.
“For such a posh house, you don’t have very good security, Charlotte. Or would you prefer me to call you Raven?”
“Charlotte please,” I whisper. I don’t want the name Raven tainted by him.
“I agree, much more refined. More fitting for someone of your breeding and connections.” The way he says ‘breeding’ makes me feel sick.
“You know who I am?” I ask, stalling. I sink down onto the other sofa, keeping a healthy distance between us.
I’m trying to work out how to get out of here, how much danger I am in, but my mind’s gone blank. I have a skill set that’s never failed me before, but I’ve not had to use it in so long. Think.
