A muscle clenches in his jaw as he rips the binding from Wyatt’s foot. “Did you fuck him?”
“What?” My eyes blink profusely.
“Did he touch you?”
“Who I fuck is none of your business. I don’t pry into shit you’ve done, and if I had to screw him to escape, I wouldn’t let you make me feel guilty.”
“I don’t want to think of you having to do stuff like that.”
“Have you forgotten the sick world we live in? You know as well as I do, that we do whatever we have to, to survive.”
“I don’t want that for you. You deserve better.”
This is a pointless argument, and we’re wasting time. “Not that I owe you an answer, but I didn’t fuck him. So drop it,” I say, dragging Wyatt’s body down the length of the bed.
He sighs. “Sorry. I… This is a fucked-up situation.”
I harrumph. “Tell me something I don’t know!” I roll my eyes. “We need to get him into the bathroom.”
Charlie nods, lifting Wyatt over his shoulders with a grunt, and I push the bathroom door open for him. He throws him into the tub without ceremony, pulling the shower curtain around him. “Let’s hope your father doesn’t take a piss.”
I scoff. “We need not worry about that. His lordship wouldn’t piss in a place like this. He’d rather give himself an infection holding it in.”
Charlie chuckles, reeling me into his embrace. “Man, I’ve missed you.”
I wriggle out of his hold, refusing to return the sentiment until I know more. “I need answers, Charlie, and until I have them, you’re still on my shit list.”
He runs a hand through his jet-black hair, and a few loose strands fall over his forehead. “That’s fair. Who else is on that list?”
“Who isn’t is an easier question to answer,” I droll, before remembering where we are and what’s about to go down. “Shit. He will be here any minute.”
A surefire way to piss my father off is to appear unpresentable, and I’m a bit of a mess. I yank my top up, tossing it on the floor as I grab the hand towel, mopping the line of sweat trickling down between my boobs and along my spine. Next, I wet under my aching armpits and wash them quickly with soap. I glance at Charlie, and he’s rooted to the spot, his eyes glued to my enlarged chest.
I flick water at him. “Earth to Charlie. Stop ogling my boobs, and grab a new top and pants from my closet. Quickly.” I shove at him, pulling him out of whatever trance he was in. He swings into action, running into my bedroom, as I drag a washcloth over my face and tuck stray strands of hair back into my ponytail.
I’m standing in my underwear when Charlie returns with fresh clothes. “So, what are you supposed to be telling me?” I ask while shimmying into my clothes.
He averts his gaze, staring at the floor. “It’s like I said before. You’re returning to Rydeville, resuming your studies at Rydeville High, living in our place, and, eh, the engagement is back on, and we’re getting married three days after graduation.”
I figured as much, after what the bastard said, and because there’s no other way he would’ve agreed to it. “But it’s only fake, right?” I inquire, pulling the top down over my head. “We’re not going through with it.”
Charlie’s eyes are like laser beams slicing a line through my chest when I poke my head out of the top.
“Seriously?” I shoulder-check him as I push past him into the bedroom. “Can you focus on the important stuff instead of drooling?”
“I’m sorry. I just. Wow. They’ve like doubled in size and…”
“I hate them,” I spit. “So, if you want to piss me off more, keep staring at them.”
The door opens that second, and the bastard stalks into the room with a smug grin on his face. He clamps a hand down on Charlie’s shoulder. “Liking the new and improved version?” he asks, confirming he was eavesdropping from outside. Thank fuck we were in the bathroom for the rest of our discussion so there’s no chance he overheard.
The bastard’s eyes drop to my chest, and he licks his lips.
I think I might puke.
Just when I thought I couldn’t be any more repulsed by him.
A shiver works its way through me, and despair batters me on all sides as I contemplate how things could get worse.
Charlie reels me into his arms, holding me tight to his chest, instinctively knowing I need it. “I love everything about Abby. There isn’t anything that needs improving.”
My father laughs, slapping him on the shoulder again. “You should’ve been an actor, son. You’d clean up on awards night.”
Charlie laughs, but it’s strained, and I know it’s just to appease my father.
“Abigail.” I lift my head, fixing my father with a docile stare. “I presume Charlie has informed you of the plans.” I nod. “I’m only allowing this because the Barrons have agreed to accept responsibility for you and because the reports from the staff here have been glowing. I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.” His eyes flash darkly. “I had a feeling my letter would help with that.”
My reaction is guttural and swift. My body locks up tight. My hands clench at my sides, and my nostrils flare. Rage thunders through me, and my eyes flash with hatred. Charlie tightens his hold on me, and that’s the only reason I’m not lunging for my father. “Stick with the plan,” he whispers in my ear while pressing a kiss to my temple. “Get yourself under control before he notices.”
I count to ten in my head, caging the rage as I eyeball the bastard. “I will do what I’m told,” I lie, almost choking on the words.
“Good.” The bastard pulls a box from his pocket. “This is yours, and I want you wearing it twenty-four seven.”
Charlie takes it, releasing me from his embrace so he can slide the massive diamond on my engagement finger. He tilts my head up, kissing me softly.
A look of amusement dances on the bastard’s face when we break apart. “We need to go, Charles. We can’t be late.”
“I’m ready,” I say, desperate to get out of here. The bastard sends me a derogatory glance. “We have business to attend to. Charles will return on Sunday evening to collect you.”
“But—”
Charlie places his finger to my lips, halting my words. “I know, baby. I hate to leave you too.” His lips pull into an arrogant smile as he addresses my father. “Abby and I never had time to celebrate our engagement.” He waggles his brows, and a sour taste floods my mouth as I get what he’s insinuating. “I can check into my room later and head straight to the meeting.” He checks his watch. “There’s enough time.” He smirks, and I detest that look on him.
The bastard chuckles, clamping a meaty hand on Charlie’s shoulder again. “That’s my boy.” He grins, and it’s downright evil. “Work her over good. She needs a hard fuck to keep her in line. Show her who’s boss.”
“I fully intend to.” Charlie grabs hold of my butt, hauling me into him and squeezing my ass cheeks.
I bite back my retort, but as soon as the bastard is out of the room, I shove Charlie away. “Was that necessary?”