What is he doing up there right now?
I scrunch my eyes together to try and block out the image of him with those handcuffs.
I feel nauseous.
* * *
I stand in the afternoon sun on the front landing of my father’s house. My father and Edward are in their customary expensive suits. Their security staff are buzzing around, and the last of their luggage has been packed into the car. Five men are going with them, while the other five stay here to look after the house and me.
I wish it wasn’t like this. I wish we didn’t even have to have security. My father was, and still is terrified that something is going to happen to me like it did to Mum. He knows now that casinos and gambling are mixed in with the family empire, all bets are off. Security is at an all-time high.
My father’s eyes rise to meet mine. “Will you please reconsider coming with us, Charlotte? Six weeks away would be wonderful for you.”
“Dad,” I sigh. “You two are going to be working the entire time.”
“I’ll have the plane pick you up. Maybe you could come out there for a shorter amount of time,” he offers hopefully.
“No.” I smile as I kiss his cheek and wrap my arms around him. “Have a great time, and I will see you soon. I will call you every day.”
I turn and smile at Edward who is unusually quiet today.
Don’t think about it, don’t think about it, don’t picture it.
Last night’s spying activities have traumatised me. “Have fun, Edward.”
I smile.
He frowns, and I know he’s worried about leaving me. “I can be back here in twelve hours if you need me to be.”
“I’m fine.” I step back from him. For all of Edward’s faults and his overbearing ways, I know he really does mean well and is acting out of love for William and me. “It’s six weeks, for God’s sake.”
“Please be careful, Charlotte. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. Don’t go anywhere without Wyatt and Anthony.”
Anthony is Edward’s normal guard, and he is leaving him here to guard me. “I won’t, I promise. I’m not stupid.” My eyes glance over at Wyatt who drops his eyes to the ground. Okay, fine, maybe I’m a little stupid, but I never will be again. I learnt my lesson, and thankfully Wyatt has kept his promise about keeping Spencer a secret.
Edward and my father get into the Bentley. Eventually, it slowly pulls out of the driveway with the security in the car following on behind them.
I give them a wave and a smile as nerves flutter in my stomach.
I’ve never been alone for this long before.
I angle my face up to the sun and smile broadly, feeling the vitamin D sink in.
“Elizabeth is coming over for the night.” I smile over at the boys.
Anthony’s face lights up. “What time will she be here?”
“Around six.”
“Very well.”
Anthony has had a crush on my beloved friend for years, and to be honest, I think she has a bit of a thing for him, too.
I’m going to set them up on a date one day.
I turn and walk towards my house.
Six weeks all alone. I don’t know whether to be thrilled or petrified.