Page 12 of New Resolutions

He walks me to the elevator but instead of going down so he can escort me to the door, he hits the button for the top floor.

“What…?” I reach over and hit the stop button. “Look, I know what’s about to happen. Wouldn’t it be easier just to let me leave the building?”

He reaches over and starts it back again so that we are going up once more. “I have orders, Ms. Charity. He wants you brought to his office.”

Instead of kicking and screaming and taking it out on him, I fall silent. It’s not his fault. He slowly walks me to large double doors once we reach the top. A man is out front busily typing and doesn’t even look up. Javi gives a brief knock before he pushes one of the doors open and steps back.

He doesn’t follow me in and instead shuts the door behind me, I whirl around only to find myself trapped inside with the consequences of my actions. I want to run to the door and beg to be let out but instead, I take a deep breath and square myshoulders. I’m certainly not going to show him how much he hurt me.

It takes me a minute to realize the room is mostly dark, lit by a single lamp, and the chair behind the large impressive desk is turned towards the wall at the back of the room which has opaque glass covering it, letting him look out but no one look in. Kind of like his heart. What a metaphor!

The chair slowly turns and sitting in it is the man I expected to find when I heard his name -Barrett Cane. His suit is impeccable and probably costs more than most cars. His eyes are glacier blue, but I'm aware of what they look like when they’re on fire. The intensity of the memory is much harsher than anything he could say or do.

“Hello, Charity.”

Where did the man I was with all Christmas go? Who is the person with me now? It’s not the same man. I would have never gotten so close to this man, never would have trusted him with my heart. Thank God, we didn’t go all the way. I would have been destroyed. More than I am now.

“Mr. Cane.”

“So formal. I think we’re past the need for last names. Don’t you?”

I lift my chin, “No.” I won’t be intimidated by him. Even if I am slowly dying inside.

“Come now, angel. After what we’ve done to one another’s bodies. I think the time for niceties are well over.”

“I don’t. I don’t know you.”

His eyes narrow. He stands and comes towards me. For the first time, I can tell he hasn't shaved in a day or two.

“Really?” He comes to circle around me like a shark. “Because I think if two people know how each other tastes they are well past the titles and fake pleasantries.”

“I would have thought that too, but it turns out being intimate with someone doesn’t mean you know who that person is. Does it, Barrett?” I turn my head so I can meet his cold eyes. The way I say his name is an outlet for all the dark venom I have built up in my soul since leaving.

“You’re the one who left, angel.” He says the nickname the same way I said his name.

“You’re the one who lied.”

“I never lied to you, Charity. I just didn’t tell you…”

“Who you really are? I know. I found out on my own.” I interrupt even as I spot a flicker of the fire deep in his eyes. I bite back the words I want to ask him. How many have there been? Why did you do it? Why did you have to choose me? “If you’re going to fire me, do it so I can find another job.”

“Fire you? Is that what you think I’m going to do to you?” A flicker of fear ignites deep inside of me. “Oh, no, angel. I have no plans to let you simply fly away like you did before.”

Oh, crap!

I think I just entered the devil’s den…and he’s not done playing with me.

Chapter Twelve

Rhett

I take in my angels every detail. Every breath. Every flicker that flashes across those eyes. She’s hurt. I hurt her by not telling her who I was.

“Why am I here?”

“Because” I choose my words carefully, “we aren’t finished.”

Her eyes fly to mine with something like surprise and distaste but also anger.

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