Page 26 of Her Beastly Billionaire Rock Star
“There’s a silent auction charity a month from now. It’s for a group that trains service animals.” Octavia paused. “It’ll be a good outing for you two because the press will be limited. By then, the public will be salivating for more information. Plus, it’ll give me a chance to test your ability to pull off being in crowds…since you have…episodes.”
Visions of passing out flooded Charlotte. Just the thought made her heart race.
“Are you listening to me?” Octavia asked.
“I’m listening.”
“Good. This charity will be your first official public outing. It will need to be perfect. You’ll need to be perfect.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I’ll make sure it is.”
Octavia took a deep breath. “One last thing. Keep your phone nearby. The next time I call, you had better pick up.”
The line went dead, and Charlotte sank to the floor, palming her forehead. Just a little longer. Maybe with some help, Charlotte could finally get away from Octavia.
Chapter 12
Malakai stood just inside the house by the garage door, waiting for Jasper to pick up the phone. He’d had an idea while Charlotte was talking to Octavia. He wasn’t delusional enough to think that woman cared one whit about him, and he couldn’t handle the way she spoke to Charlotte. It made him angry for her and broke his heart.
“Mal! Need some drone action?”
“Maybe. Can you get in trouble for flying that thing?” Before Malakai asked for anything else, he wanted to make sure Jasper was safe.
Jasper laughed. “Wow. You’ve never asked me that.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I should have.” Malakai dragged his hand through his hair. “I’ve been realizing a lot of things lately.” Mostly because of his current houseguest.
“That’s great, man. You sound good, too.”
Malakai blinked. “Did I sound bad last time?”
The pause drew out to the point where he was a little nervous to hear the answer. Finally, Jasper cleared his throat. “Uh, well, yeah. You’ve always been pretty gruff…and worse when you were using, but it’s different today.”
He’d been like that from the beginning? How had he not realized that? “Really? It wasn’t on purpose.”
“I know, and I think that’s the reason everyone put up with it. Well, that, and your voice is amazing. Someone with less talent would have been tossed in the street.”
Malakai had to admit it hurt to hear what Jasper was saying. “Wow.”
“I’m sorry, man. I don’t mean to make you mad.”
“I’m not,” Malakai replied. “I’m glad you told me. Uh, I guess I’ll let you go.”
“Nah, man, we’re square. Did you need food flown in?”
Malakai took a deep breath, amazed at the grace he’d been given. Something he was positive he didn’t deserve. “Will you get in trouble?”
Jasper chuckled. “No, I’d only get in trouble if you rat me out.”
“Well, I won’t be doing that, so yeah. I’d like stuff for a picnic.” Malakai wanted to do something for Charlotte. She’d said she wasn’t sick to her stomach, and there was a spot on the property he thought she’d love.
“A pic…” The word trailed off. “I thought those rags were grasping at straws, but…you like her.”
“I don’t know what I am. I just…I hurt her last night, and I want to try to make up for it.” He paused. “Do you think you can do it?”
Whistling, Jasper took a deep breath. “I don’t know. I mean, a pizza is about a pound or so, and the drone I have can carry—at max—a little over a pound. That’s why the pizzas had to come over one at a time.”
“Is there one that can do it?” Malakai asked.
