Acts of Redemption by Eleanor Aldrick
Talk about awkward. Preston and I are stuck in a room the size of a large walk-in closet with two other men. There’s nowhere to escape his penetrating stare.
He’s looking at me as if it’s my fault we’re in this predicament. Please. I roll my eyes, not caring that it will only infuriate him further. What’s he going to do? Hit me in front of my protective detail?
“How much longer are we going to be in here?” Preston growls at one of the men, his nostrils flaring and mouth puckering in obvious displeasure.
“Sir, we have to wait until we’ve received an all-clear. Until then, it’s in your best interest to remain in this room.”
“What’s the matter, Preston, aren’t you enjoying the company?” I give him my sweetest smile, knowing he can’t fault me for playing the role of a loving wife in front of others. I’m the only one who knows how deeply that comment burrows under his skin.
He accuses me of not having the love of my family, yet he’s the one who’s emotionally bankrupt—needing to control everyone around him, forcing them into the farce of adoration.
“My sweet Charlotte, I could never tire of your beautiful face.” His eyes narrow and his lips begin to lift ever so slightly at the corners. Shit. I know that look.
I’ve gone and poked the bear, and he is never one to take things lying down. I only pray that I can find my way out of whatever he’s scheming.
Daniel, the taller of the two men, presses his hand to his ear. No doubt listening to whatever is being radioed to him by Titus.
“Looks like we’ve just received the okay to open the door.”
Preston shoves past Daniel, mumbling under his breath, “Let me guess, they found nothing.” Stopping at the door, he turns and his ice-cold eyes clash with mine. “Charlotte, come with me. I have a surprise for you.”
I practically stumble forward. This is not good.
“Sure, just need to talk to Sandra first. She had my silk blouse steamed.” I wave my hand over the satin dressing gown I’d thrown on when the Titus knocked on our door. “I can’t very well wear this all day, now can I?”
“Be quick about it. I promise, you’ll want to hear about your surprise as soon as possible.” A slight raise of his brows lets me know that this surprise will not be an enjoyable one.
“Right. Of course.” With a quick nod, I’m off and heading in the opposite direction of my bedroom.
I’m about to walk past the laundry room in search of Sandra when a hand reaches out, grabbing my hand and pulling me from the hallway.
I’m met with a pair of amber eyes, glistening with concern. “Charlotte.” Aiden’s left hand anchors me, holding on tightly to my own, while his right hand caresses my face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, but I think Preston is planning something. I’m not sure what, but things got pretty intense earlier and then, in the panic room...” I look away, not really wanting to voice what’s running through my mind.
“Talk to me, principessa.” His voice is barely a whisper, but that term of endearment is enough to make my whole body erupt in goosebumps.
Closing my eyes, I take in a deep breath before answering. “The look in his eyes, Aiden. I think he knows I’ve had enough and if he can’t have his way, then... I’m not sure how far he’s willing to take it.”
Silence lingers between us as we both ponder whether Preston is capable of offing his dear little wife now that she’s not playing by his rules.
“Well, we just won't let it get that far.” Aiden squeezes my hand before continuing. “We’ve set up eyes and ears in all of the dead zones. There’s no way we won’t catch him red handed. As soon as we have what we need, we’ll get you out.” Placing his hand under my chin, he tilts my face upward. “We will get you out, Charlotte. You just need to hang in there.”
My lips roll in and away from Aiden. If we stand like this much longer, I’m not sure I’d be able to keep them away from him.
My whole body comes alive when I’m around him. It’s as if he’s the sun and I’m a thirsty flower trying to catch his rays.
Sensing the tension between us, he releases his hold on me and steps back. Clearing his throat, he extends his hand toward the door. “Better get going, don’t want to give Preston more ammo than necessary.” His lips form into a thin line as if it pains him to say the words.
“Right. Okay then.” I walk past him and toward a brighter future. Unfortunately for me, I’ll have to trudge through a river of darkness before I come out on the other side.
Aiden
Stepping away from her is getting harder and harder. I need to keep physical distance from her from now on.
Placing a hand on my shoulder, Titus squeezes. “You okay, brother?”
It’s no secret I don’t really do emotion, especially after my injury, but admitting what’s really going through my head right now is something entirely different. I’m not even willing to voice it in my own head, let alone fess up my fucked up feelings to one of my best friends.
“Yeah, as right as rain. What are you still doing here? You know I’ve got this.” I give him a salacious grin. “But if you want to stick around for this bust, I don’t mind.”
Titus chuckles, “You know me well. There’s no way I’d pass up on bagging a scum bag with his level of influence. What’s that saying? The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
“Something like that.”
Soft chatter in the bedroom has me zeroing in on their conversation.
“Preston, what are you talking about? I have prior engagements. I can’t just drop everything and go yachting with you.” Charlotte’s voice sounds panicked, and rightfully so. Seems like has sprung a trip on her.
“What’s more important than a little bonding time with your husband? I’d say hanging out on our yacht, enjoying some quality time is a hell of a lot better than being here all day.” I zoom in on the visuals and see that his eyes are narrowed and his face is menacing, despite the sweet undertone of his voice. “Unless there’s another reason you’d like to stay home... is there something you want to tell me, Charlotte? Have you been opening those whore legs of yours to the staff again? Is that why you’d rather stay here than take a short trip with your husband?”
“Preston, stop. Stop accusing me of shit you very well know I haven’t done.” Charlotte slowly steps away from the bastard, no doubt sensing he’s about to pounce on her. “I’ve given my word, that’s all. You don’t want me to break my word to the governor’s wife, do you?” She puts on an encouraging smile, but the warmth doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I say we just reschedule for later in the month. It will be nicer weather anyway.”
“Ah, ah, ahh.” Preston waves his finger back and forth as if admonishing a child. “Where do you think you’re going, my dear wife? Don’t think I don’t notice you inching your whorish legs toward the door.” With two quick strides, he’s reached Charlotte, grabbing hold of her arms and shaking her once. “Have you forgotten, dear? You’re mine. Mine to play with, mine to dress, and only mine to fuck.”
Holding myself back from bursting into the room prematurely, I clench and unclench my fists, needing to call on every ounce of willpower I possess. Apparently, Titus sees right through me because he has both hands on either side of my head, pressing down on my shoulders and keeping me in place.
Charlotte flinches as Preston grabs a hold of her hair, wrapping it around his fist. “How could I forget? You remind me of it every fucking day.”
I go to leave, but Titus holds me back. “We need more, brother. This isn’t enough to really bury him.”
I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, tilting my head back in frustration. I know he’s right. If we want to make this stick, then we need a little more. “We definitely need to get to them before they leave. I do not want them alone on that boat together. Something tells me Preston wouldn’t be keen on having our team on board.”
Titus cringes. “Yea, it’s all a little too suspicious if you ask me. Like he’s planning on ‘handling’ her on the boat, where no one will see.”
My lips press into a thin line. I’d been thinking the same thing but wasn’t ready to voice it out loud.
“If he had those bugs of his planted before his last tussle with Charlotte, then it’s possible he overheard my conversation with her. And if that’s the case, he knows his time is numbered. Unfortunately, we both know that a cornered man is an unpredictable one. I can’t risk him being with her a moment longer than necessary.”
Looking into the closed circuit tv, I mentally will Charlotte to react. Come on, baby. Push that bastard’s buttons.
My stomach churns, either from the tension transpiring in the other room or at the fact that I’ve just called a married woman baby. Unwilling to entertain the internal debate any further, I begin to walk toward their wing of the home. Pointing at the piece in my ear, I turn to Titus “Tell me when it’s time. I want to be right outside their door, swooping in for the kill.”
Titus nods, shooting me a wicked grin. I swear, we all live for the action, but Titus takes a special pleasure in it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d even say it was his driving source.
