Page 28 of Charlotte
“We would never hurt you Charlotte. You know us. Why have you let this man manipulate you? Has he brain washed you?” Dr Jones questions as he stands and takes a tentative step toward us.
“I would advise you to not go there.” Hawk growls. He is tense and I can feel his anger brewing under the surface. I lean back into him. Place a kiss on his jaw and run my hand over his other cheek.
“Oh my God! Is that an engagement ring?” JoAnn exclaims. All eyes in the room turn on us. Dr. Jones has a look of hurt, disappointment, and confusion on his face.
“Yes, it is. Hawk and I are getting married.” I pause before continuing. “Dr Jones, no one has manipulated me. Hawk saved my life. No one was even looking for me. If him and his men had not raided the camp that day, I would still be in Columbia. I was beaten every day. I was violated.” Dr. Jones looks horror stricken. “Lopez wants to take me back there. The fewer people who know where I am and where I am going the better. I don’t think you would intentionally lead them to me, but if something slips… I can’t go back there. I won’t. I wouldn’t live through it again.” I am trembling. Hawk pulls me to him and rubs his hand up and down my back. With my head on his shoulder, I soak up his strength, his love.
“I don’t want to be difficult, but you all need to leave. Charlotte is in no condition to be upset like this. I won’t stand for it.” Hawk says heatedly.
“What condition?” Lisa asks with concern. “Are you ill or still suffering from your injuries?” War is raging in my heart. I can’t lie to my friend, but should I reveal my pregnancy? Justin decides for me.
“Mom’s expecting.” Justin informs the room. Several loud gasps are heard before Justin stands and gestures for everyone to head toward the door. Lisa stands and walks slowly toward us. Once she is close enough, I stand, and she reaches out to hug me. We cling to each other for a moment. I whisper to her I will call her and bring her up to speed. Dr Jones and JoAnn stand and slowly begin to make their way toward the door. I can’t even look at them as they leave. Before they reach the door, JoAnn stops and turns. Hawk rises to his feet behind me, wrapping his arms protectively around my waist.
“How long will you be in town, Charlotte? I was hoping we could spend some time catching up while you are home. I seriously doubt the drug lord is even interested in you.” JoAnn looks at me in anticipation.
“We aren’t giving you our itinerary. It puts Charlotte in danger. So, stop asking.” Hawk growls. He is livid. His arms are trembling around me. His posture is stiff, and his jaw is ticking rapidly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. It’s really unnecessary for you to be so dramatic.” JoAnn says sarcastically. “It’s fine, just call me sometime, ok?”
“Sure.” I say. I just want them to leave. I never realized how rude JoAnn was before. Or maybe I did, and I just chose to ignore her. With a sigh I lean on the man that will keep me safe against all cost. He pulls his phone out and sends off a text. After the guests have left, Hawk declares that we cannot stay here any longer. He goes up stairs and packs what little we have used since arriving. He comes back down with all our belongings. Justin and Sara look on in shock. I am a little stunned also.
“What? Where are you going?” Justin demands as Hawk takes my hand to lead me to the door.
“I am sorry Justin. We can’t stay here knowing that other people might know. I will not put your mother’s life, or our babies lives in danger.” Hawk says as he turns toward the door. “We will be back in a few days. Once I am sure that there is no longer any danger to Charlotte or the twins.”
Hawk leads me out the door. I am not sure where we are going, but when we emerge there is a large SUV sitting in the driveway. Hawk leads me to the passenger side and settles me in the back seat, buckling my seat belt as he sides in beside me.
“I have contacted your parents for you, Hawk. No one knows where we are going.” The man driving says once we are in our seats and the door is shut. He is already backing out of the driveway. I have no idea where we are going, but as long as I am with Hawk, I am not afraid.
Chapter 25
I cannot believethis is really happening. Her stupid friends are going to get her fucking killed if I am not careful. I must keep Charlotte safe at all costs. It’s not only the fact that she is carrying my children. It’s that I need her in my life. She has in a short amount of time become my life, my everything. I can’t live one day of my life without her in it.
I want to kick her so called friends asses. They are so naive that they don’t see the danger she is in at the hands of the madman. If I didn’t know any better, I would think one of them wanted something to happen to her. I don’t like the way that Dr Jones looks at her. I know that look. It’s the same one I see in the mirror when I think about Charlotte. The way she looks soaked in sweat with her lips swollen from our love making. She is glorious and I love this woman. He has feelings for her, too, but she doesn’t feel the same about him. If he tries to do anything to come between us, he will regret it.
Charlotte is so astounding under these circumstances. My heart is full of pride in her and her strength. She didn’t complain or resist when I packed our bags and walked us out of her house and away from her kids. It makes my dick hard thinking about how much she trusts me. I have never had a woman to trust me so completely. She has been taking care of herself for the last five years, but she is willing to let go of some of that control to let me care for her. It’s as if she knows how much I need to take care of her.
After a very long drive we reach my parent’s house. My son, Brian is already here. He stalks out of the house with a scowl on his face. I open the door and slide out of the hummer as I reach in to get Charlotte. I help her to the ground, by letting her body slide down mine. I place a kiss to her forehead as her feet settle on the ground. She is so damn cute. She looks divine. Her hair is a mess where I have been running my fingers through it.
“Hello, son.” I say as he rounds the front of the SUV. He comes up to me and hugs me hard slapping my back. He makes me proud. He is really growing into a strong young man. He is my height now. He is getting strong broad shoulders. His black hair is getting wavy. He has let it get longer than I would like for it to be.
“Dad! I am glad you are here.” Brian declares, smiling broadly as he pulls back from me. “This your lady friend?”
“Brian, I would like you to meet Charlotte Williams.”
“Hello, Charlotte. It’s nice to finally meet you in person. It’s just not the same on Facetime. You are more beautiful in person.” Brian extends his hand out to take Charlotte’s. Pride blooms in my chest as he places a kiss on the back of her hand. I have taught him well. He is going to be a good man someday soon.
“Hi, Brian. I’m glad to meet you, too.” Charlotte says as she reaches out tentatively to pull Brian into a hug. He hugs her back. This makes me happy to see them together and getting along. Brian knew that I was asking Charlotte to marry me, but not about the news of the twins. That’s a topic for after we eat. Besides I only want to tell it once. It’s better to wait until we are with Mom and Dad, too.
“I want to see the ring. Dad sent me a picture, but I want to see it in person.” Brian says as he reaches to grab her left hand. Brian oohs and awes over the ring. He can always make me smile even when I am stressed and worried. “So, have you set a date yet?”
“Not yet. How about we head inside? No need to be hanging out in the driveway.” I say and begin to lead Charlotte to the house. Scanning our surroundings there is no sign that anyone is about or watching us.
The house is a nice 2-story log cabin nestled in a copse of trees about 2 miles off the main road. Deadeye and the rest of the team will be here by mid-night. As soon as I knew about the breach in Charlotte’s security, I called Captain Olson while I packed our things. He had the guys rounded up and heading this way even before I hung up the phone.
Charlotte steps up onto the large wrap around porch and into the foyer of the house. The foyer has shiny, mahogany wood floors. The steps that lead to the upstairs set off to the right just past the door to the large family room. The family room is littered with furniture, mostly cream-colored couches, recliners, and padded benches. A large flat screen TV hangs on the far wall over the fireplace. Light streaming in the large picture window cast a warm glow on the room. Mom and dad love to entertain family and friends.
The smell of roast, vegetables, and cornbread fills the house. I catch a whiff of cinnamon also. Mom has filled the house with such wonderful smells. We continue on into the house toward the back. I turn Charlotte left and lead her into the dining room. A large cherry formal dining table is already set with plates, glasses, and silverware. Candles are lit on the table and the buffet table along the near wall, is already being laden with food. A large basket of browned rolls, a platter of roast and vegetables, and a plate of cornbread is already sitting on the buffet.
