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Xander
The remainder of the week had been the most stressful of my life. A ticking time bomb was counting down and there was nothing I could do to diffuse it until the detonation happened. I knew it would and so did Charlotte. I understood now whymywoman was an award-winning actress. If I didn’t know her as well as I did I’d be questioning the Jekyll and Hyde characteristics that kept appearing at times throughout the week. It was as if she knew that she could let me see the inner her and the panic that she held deep inside. The moment that she stepped out into the public though, the mask fell firmly in place as if her mind was a blank slate and not the mastermind who has a stalker that she’s planning to take down. She was complete perfection and she was mine.
The closer we got to Saturday the higher my nerves became. I was beginning to question if I could keep Charlotte out of this—safe and secure—than head in solo and catch whoever it was without her even needing to be present. Who was I kidding? Charlotte was as stubborn as they came. She was a strong woman with strong morals that even I couldn’t question; ones that I believed wholeheartedly, too. What type of person would that make me if I stomped all over her beliefs and told her that she couldn’t go now? It would make me nothing but a hypocritical, alpha, possessive asshole. l may be possessive. I may even be an asshole at times but all for good reason. I could cope with Charlotte thinking that about me but the hurt she inflicted on me for being a hypocrite ran deeper than anything else.
I had to trust.
I had to believe.
I had to take the fuckers down.
Then take my woman—forever more.
That’s it.
Even my cock fucking her into the mattress wouldn’t stop her from attending this event and that said something.
* * *
“Are you ready?” I asked Charlotte, taking in the bags from Indigo’s boutique that were laid by the front door. Plus the other bags of essentials, she needed. She twisted her hand around the strap of the handle on her handbag nervously as it hung on her wrist. “You know we can still…”
“Xander, you know I can’t do that.” She sighed as I gathered her in my arms, nestling my nose into her hair and breathing in her luscious scent. “I have to put an end to this.”
I nodded as she pulled back, taking in my attire. I wasn’t taking any chances in getting ready when Charlotte did at The Avenue. I had to be ready and waiting as I tapped my sides, counting each weapon I was packing. I would rather be over-prepared than under and I told each of my guys to do the same.
“It’s a pity we have to leave now. You’re looking very hot tonight, my superhero.” She winked before she grabbed me by my tie and after delving her tongue into my mouth, she pushed me back, lifting her brow. “Tonight, when this is all over, I’ll let you have your wicked way with me. If you behave.”
“Oh, there is no chance of that.” I growled, grabbing her bags and opening the door. “Car now. Don’t forget I’ve still saved your birthday present for later.”
“Yes, sir. I still don’t get why I can’t have it now.” She pouted.
“Because I want it to be perfect without anything hanging over our heads.”
I gazed up at the sky outside and tapped my inside pocket twice, feeling for Charlotte’s gift. I didn’t want to jinx anything. It was the first time since I had prayed to God to save Lily and I swore I’d never place my faith in him again, but I did. I prayed for my woman. I prayed for the both of us and for forgiveness because whether I wanted to admit it or not, today would define the rest of my life.
I could feel it deep inside.
The gut-wrenching uncertainty that I couldn’t control.
That for once I was relying on a team rather than just me.
I just hoped that for once, I wasn’t wrong in putting my trust in everyone.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Charlotte
Iwasn’t going to show Xander my nerves. I held them deep inside, just like every time I stepped out onto the red carpet. I couldn’t show weakness because people thrived on the weak and the strong never waned or became bombarded with questions. That was me; strong. I had no other option.
Tonight would end everything. I would have answers.
It was a quarter to six when I rolled up to The Avenue. I wanted to be here earlier and prepared but traffic had put a stop to that plan. Barrett had confirmed on route that the cameras set up in both rooms three and eight were active and waiting to catch the accomplice that Cass was aiding. I’d planned to get ready in between the two dressing rooms, unbeknown to either Cass or Travis that were in room five. That way I knew I was safe.
The moment I slid through the side entrance I kept my head low. I knew I had a couple of hours before I’d need to sneak back out, jump in the car and get the driver to spin around the block a couple times before I stepped out onto the red carpet. I didn’t want anyone catching me yet but I had this strange feeling as I entered the building that I was being watched. I looked around but couldn’t spot anyone.
“Are you okay?” Xander whispered in my ear as he helped me to the main corridor where my room was. “I can…”
“I’m fine,” I said stubbornly, knowing that if Xander thought I saw anything, he’d change his mind in doing what had to be done. I needed him to secure the rest of the building as the party didn’t start until eight pm and time was against us. Some areas of the building Barrett and Memphis couldn’t get to when they previously came and we knew it would need to be sorted now. “It was just everything settling in.”
