Page 14 of New Resolutions

“We going with Plan B, sir?”

“Oh yeah.”

We beat them down by a slim margin and catch them as they come out the door. Javi picks Sarah up and throws her over his shoulder while I pick Charity up and shove her in the back of my town car. I was really hoping not to have to do things this way, but I also always have a backup plan, and I couldn’t risk letting my angel fly away and leave me again.

“What…? What do you think you are doing? Barrett!”

“You and I have too much to talk about and I’m not letting you get away this time.” Even as I say it she’s moving across the seat to the other side of the car.

“You do realize this is kidnapping, don’t you?”

“The least of my sins, angel, I’m sure.” My first one -the most grievous one- is hurting her followed up by letting her get away the first time. There’s also the fact I lied to her; I didn’t tell her she was more important to me than every other thing in the world, and I shouldn’t have fucking left her. I should have stayed in bed with her.

“Where is Sarah? I want to know where she is. This is so stupid. I’m not talking to you about anything. We have nothing to talk about.”

“WE do have things to talk about, angel. You can’t tell me you didn’t want more when you ran away. More of the way I make you feel, more of the way I take care of you…more of me!”

She finally brings her eyes to mine. “You’re right. I did want more…but the price is too high and I’m not willing to pay.”

I narrow my eyes at her. She has no idea what price I’m about to ask of her. No clue what I am willing to pay so my angel can stay with me. Apparently, our talk is going to take a long time.For now, I am content to sit back and look at my angel, content that she is by my side finally.

Chapter Thirteen

Charity

He quickly escorts me into the building and rushes me past his doorman, probably afraid I’ll ask for help or scream or something. I did hit his friend after all. I’ve never hit anyone in my life, but I was just so mad at both of them and the injustice for Sarah who was so happy before. I guess I was taking it out on the guy because I felt the same way she did only to hit rock bottom in a matter of seconds. Just like she did. It doesn’t feel good.

As soon as he has the door open, I have memories assail me like sharp, rusty nails raking over my body. The memory of him between my legs, telling me how beautiful I am, and the feeling of falling in love all flashes before my eyes and makes me want to curl up and cry my eyes out. I realized it would be bad, coming back here, I just didn’t realize how bad it would actually be.

I turn and stare at the man who caused all the pain. The last time both of us were in this room I was dressed in one of his shirts and we were laughing, now neither of us are saying a word and looking grimly at one another.

“Let’s get this over with so I can go home.”

“You are home.”

I try to school my face so he won’t know how much his words shock me. What the hell does that even mean? I am home? I don't think so.

“Agree to disagree. Moving on. Assuming you have something other than that to say.”

His eyes narrow and he walks towards me. Actually, he prowls towards me like a big lion who has just spotted prey. I keep my eyes on his and move with him, every step he takes I match in retreat.

He tilts his chin, and I flicker of caution rises inside of me. He’s changing tactics and I'm not sure I can match whatever he’s about to try.

“Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, angel.”

Oh crap!

“I was your first kiss. I taught you how to make love with your mouth.”

“And how to lie to someone’s face. You were good at that.”

“Not telling you who I was is not a lie. It’s an omission.”

“It’s semantics. When were you going to tell me? After you took my virginity or were you going to keep me around until the end of the year? Find someone new to kiss on New Year’s Eve? Was that your plan? Where you ever going to tell me?”

“Eventually, yes.”

His answer is no comfort to me. In fact, it proves everything I was already thinking to be true.

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