Page 83 of Point of No Return

“He’s huge. If I so much as make a mistake, he’ll crush me under his boot.”

Skar shrugs, taking another bite. “He could… but he won’t.” Aleks shakes his head. “I’ve heard he’s nicer than me.” Skar smirks, his eyes sliding to mine. I think I probably told him that, but I feign innocence, raising a brow as if to askWhat?

“That’s reassuring.”

I casually suggest, “Maybe Aleks could attend a couple of dinners when we get back. Get to know people, learn how to talk to investors.”

I carefully gauge Skar’s reaction.

He takes the last bite of his food, finishing his plate and letting his arm drop from my chair. “I’m not meeting with clients for the next two months.”

Which means that the dinner with my mother is…what? A ploy to get me angry?

“We’ll figure something out,” Skar continues.

Goddammit.

I let my fork drop, casually wiping my mouth with a napkin as I stand. Pain shoots up my leg when I step on the wrong foot, and I squeeze my eyes shut on an inhale. Smiling at Aleks, I carry my plate over to the kitchen.

“I’m heading to bed. I’m really tired today.”

“Everything okay?” Aleks’ brow creases, and when I see the worried look on his face, I force another smile.

“I’ve had too much wine.” My steps are measured, and I stumble when I hit my foot again. I’m able to play it off: “Just need to sleep.”

“See you first thing tomorrow then?”

I nod, dumping the rest of my food into the trash before depositing my dishes in the sink. The window over the kitchen sink shows just how dark it’s gotten in the last hour. Moonlight reflects off the water, shining brilliantly.

I can watch it later, I tell myself. Turning on my good heel, I twist toward the stairs but freeze when I see Skar entering the room.

His eyes drift downward, landing on my foot. “Let me carry you.”

I wave him off, irritation clear in my voice. “Don’t bother.”

“Charlie,” his voice is gruff.

“Don’t… call me that. I’m fine. I’m glad you’re finally getting along.” His hand closes around my wrist gently, and I immediately rip it away from him.Angry.I’m too angry to be talking to him. “I’m- I’m too tipsy to do this tonight.”

“Do what, Charlotte?”

“Fight with you.”

“Then don’t make this a fight,” his voice is soft, and I’m watching his face for any sign of anger.Nothing.I can’t read anything.

“Get it done,”I hear my mother’s voice in my head and it only frustrates me more.

“I dunno how to do that,” I step around him. “Or not do that. Whatever.”

“Charlotte,” he groans, but he doesn’t follow me as I limp up the stairs to my room and lock the door behind me. I’m breathing hard when I finally slump down.

Tears brim the corner of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Not because of what my mother said or even the conversation at dinner… but because I want Skar to follow me.

And I shouldn’t.

My heart is heavy and beating fast, and my hands ache for something to do. I just want all of this to be over. I don't want any more of my mother's lies or my family's responsibilities.

But I'm left with them anyway.

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