Page 293 of The Grand Duel
“I think so,” I say quietly. “When the night ended earlier than expected, I sent the sitter home.”
He nods his head in understanding. “Thank you for getting the children out of the way so quickly earlier. I’m still not sure how you managed it. I turned around and you were already on your way out of the tent.”
I shrug as if it’s nothing. Because they’re just little kids whose innocence should be protected. Always. “Ave is pretty clueless, but Ellis and Willow will likely never forget it. Ellis went to bed thinking it’s the greatest thing to ever happen.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, he’s pretty mad on WWE at the minute.”
“That makes sense.” I smile.
He looks down at Charlie and then back at me. “I’ll leave you to get some sleep.” He steps around me. “Good night.”
“Mason,” I say, waiting for him to turn. My hands twist at my front as I contemplate my question. “Is…is he okay?” I swallow around the lump in my throat. “I didn’t give him a chance to talk tonight and then he was drinking a lot. I’m…stupidly—horribly—stubborn at times. But I hate to see him like this.” I look down at the beautiful man in the bed, my heart aching at the sight of him. “Is he okay?” I whisper, and look back towards Mason. “I needed to know he’s okay tonight.”
Mason stares at me before his gaze falls to his friend, his face growing softer than I’ve ever seen it at whatever thought passes through his mind. “Yeah.” He nods reassuringly at me. “He’s alright, Lissie.”
He leaves, and I turn back to the bed where the dogs are now stood atop of it, tails wagging as they look down at Charlie.
I smile, patting the bottom of the bed for them to come and lie down.
I stayed with the children until Jovie came to bed, telling me that she’d sleep in Ave’s bed with Willow and keep an eye on the other children for the night. When I climbed from the nook in my dress, I had zero intention of going back to my bedroom, knowing there was only one way I wanted my night to end.
With him.
Leaving my dress on, I pull back the covers and climb in beside him, slipping my hand under my head as I settle it on the pillow.
The house is silent around me as I’m reminded how in love I am.
It hurt to see him tonight. To look him in the eye and treat him so coldly. But seeing him now so vulnerable as he sleeps, eyes closed, lips firm, and his brow troubled, I feel like there’s a knife in my chest that’s being twisted.
Charlie might have left me, but I know that he did it with good intentions. That regardless of what I told him, he felt he had to protect me. And although I know I should demand better, and I will, I miss him.
I miss him so much it’s killing me inside.
Reaching out, I run my fingers over his jaw, desperately needing the physical touch.
My eyes drift closed as he rouses, letting out a little “Mmm.”
His hand covers mine on his face, and I let him, opening my eyes. He’s asleep still, his frown deeper than before.
I lie with my heart in my throat, just watching him. The feel of his hand on top of mine and warmth of his face against my palm making my body melt into the mattress.
Nothing has ever felt more right than when it’s just him and me.
I don’t ever want to be without this man.
The way I love him isn’t normal.
It can’t be.
“Baby,” he groans in a daze, pulling me to him as he moves across the bed. I panic as his lips part, his nose brushing mine, breath fanning over my mouth as he guides himself closer.
He’s not with it, still half asleep as he takes my lips in a gentle kiss. “My girl,” he whispers.
I rest my forehead against his, simply breathing him in as he kisses and brushes his lips over my mouth and cheek.
I’m weak. My parents never acknowledged or apologised for what they did to me and Jovie, and it’s for that very reason I refuse to let them be a part of my life now. And yet as Charlie’s arms wrap around me, my body one with his, the warmth and safety surrounding me making my eyes flutter closed, I wonder how little acknowledgement it would take from him for me to cave.
To forgive him completely.