Page 67 of Charlie
“Then why didn’t you wait for him? Why come here late at night and bring up traumatic memories for us? If you had only waited for the tape, you would see that I wasn’t there.”
Kit looked at her father. “He has a fair point, Da. I told ye we should have waited.”
The older man shrugged. “Why wait to do tomorrow what ye can do today? I thought the witness sounded credible and it does no harm to ask questions. I’ve done this for a while, ye see, and in cases like this, it’s usually the husband who is behind the murder.”
Conor squared his shoulders and spoke with a deep authoritarian voice. “You two are out of your mind. Sandra was a depressed and paranoid woman who committed suicide. There was no murder. Please leave my house immediately.”
“As you wish.” The old man moved to the door but the red-haired woman gave me a curious glance as if I might have details from the night Sandra died. Just before the two of them exited the room, she gave me another glance and I thought I saw a small and very satisfied smile on her face. But that couldn’t be, because their investigation was a waste of time and all their accusations that Conor was connected to Sandra’s death had been shot down by him.
“Wow.” I exhaled noisily. “I can’t believe they just came in and insinuated that you killed a woman.”
He moved behind his desk and sat down. “I guarantee that it’s some disgruntled former member who is trying to get back at me for asking them to leave. People get emotional and vindictive when their dreams come crashing down.”
“But to accuse you of murder. That’s just crazy. I can’t believe how calm you are about it.”
“That’s because I know I’m innocent. Now do you see why loyalty means everything to me? Critics, haters, and jealous people will do anything to get you down if you’re successful. With great power come enemies; it’s the way of life.”
“Maybe you should think about hiring security. I’ve never lived in a place that didn’t have armed security before. My grandfather always feared someone would try and rob us, or kidnap one of us to get a ransom.”
“Hmm… I’ll think about it.”
“Okay.” Getting up from my chair, I walked around his table to hug Conor. “Don’t let them get you down. Once they see the video you’ll be cleared.”
“Yes.” He hugged me tight. “Sleep well, my friend.”
“Same to you.” My eyes locked onto his and I gave him a reassuring smile.
CHAPTER 17
Stirring the Pot
Liv
I woke up early and untangled my body from River, who had crawled down from her own bed to sleep with me last night.
Tiptoeing through the house, I entered Charles’ room and whispered his name.
“Charles, wake up. It’s me.”
He was on his side facing the wall, his naked back uncovered and the rim of his briefs visible.
Getting into his queen-sized bed, I snuggled up against him and it made him jerk awake.
“It’s me.” I let my hand slide up his thigh and smiled when he turned around to hug me tight.
“Mmmm, come here, my lovely Saffron.” His voice was hoarse from sleep. “Did you have nice dreams?”
“River, Nathan, and I talked until midnight and then I slept cuddled up with River. That girl is the sweetest.”
“I know. She’s cuteness overload. Too bad about her mom.”
I soaked up the scent of his cologne mixed with his natural smell that worked like a direct link to my libido. My hands drifted up his chest while his hands pulled at my shorts.
“Did I tell you, I’m a big fan of morning sex?”
“No, you didn’t.” I smiled at him. “But it just means we have another thing in common. The only thing I’m not a fan of is kissing with morning breath.”
“All right, then I won’t kiss you on your mouth.” He turned me to face away from him, planting kisses down my neck and shoulder while pulling my butt against his crotch. I almost purred at the feeling of his massive morning wood pressing up against me.
