Page 52 of Saved from Deception

Cole nods somberly. “I get it. But if she does come, she’ll have plenty of protection. I know Leo and Nora are going, plus Dante, if you and I go, there’ll be the five of us keeping an eye on her.”

“It might be good for her,” Cole adds. “Something to get her mind off things.” He pauses. “How is she doing?”

“She’s doing okay. I mean, as best as she can be, considering what she learned a few days ago.” My jaw clenches at the memory. My wonderful Charlie, crushed, asking why her family didn’t want her.

I’m still so angry; it’s like a volcano waiting to erupt inside of me. But then there’s the pain—Charlie’s pain—that takes precedence over everything. Charlie doesn’t need a raging boyfriend, she needs a patient and comforting one.

“Maya said their girls’ night went well.” Cole grins. “She came back more than a little tipsy.”

Last night, all the other women—Maya, Georgia, and Elle—converged on Charlie’s apartment with wine and snacks and movies. When Charlie texted me after midnight, asking if I’d come down to spend the night with her, she was giggling and happy. And as she snuggled next to me in bed, definitely not sober, she said, “I like them. I wish they were my sisters instead.”

Which makes me mad all over again. But. If things keep going this well between us, maybe Charlie will end up being a part of this unconventional family.

“Charlie had a good time,” I agree. “She needs stuff like that. After everything she’s been through… How did you help Maya through it?”

After being viciously attacked by her ex-boyfriend’s brother, Maya had a long recovery, and a lot of trauma to work through. Even though Charlie’s experience has been different, and thankfully not as violent, she’s still been traumatized, too.

Cole’s face clouds, his features going stony, and he takes a deep breath before answering. “It was hard. But I tried to be patient. To let her know that however she was feeling, it was okay. That she didn’t have to be strong all on her own.”

I can do those things. I lift my chin at Cole. “Thanks.”

“You really like her.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“Yeah. Charlie is… she’s special. I wasn’t expecting it, but…”

“Sometimes it just happens.” His pocket buzzes, and Cole pulls his phone out to glance at the screen. “And speaking of Maya, she says she’s going to eat all the bacon if I don’t get upstairs. So—”

“You should go, then. You don’t want to miss out on bacon.”

“Definitely not.” Cole laughs and heads for the door. “See you later.”

I should have done a short workout today.

I knew it as soon as I woke up this morning. And again when I said it to Cole.

But once I got going, it was more the principle of it. I bet Cole didn’t shorten his workout because of the weather. Or Leo. Or any of my teammates. And if they’re giving one hundred percent, so should I.

So I did my thirty minutes on the treadmill, a complete circuit of the weight machines, fifty reps on each, the ropes, free weights, plus a round with the punching bag. And now my back and knee are really hurting.

My original plan was to shower down here, then head upstairs to wake up Charlie, slide back into bed with her, kiss her all over, and make love to her all morning. But now my damn knee is throbbing and I’m in a terrible mood. Like this, I’m better off going back to my own place and staying there until the painkillers kick in.

I told Charlie I’d be back after the gym, but I’m sure she’ll understand if I say I have work to do. It’s not even a lie—I have some final reports to submit for Charlie’s case, plus some files to go over for a job coming up next week. I can go to my apartment, work on my laptop while I ice my knee, and head over to see Charlie after lunch.

It’s a decent plan, though I still feel a little dishonest about it.

Or, it was a plan.

Until Charlie walks into the gym and sees me on the mat, stretching my knee and grimacing.

She rushes over, kneeling on the mat beside me. “Ry. Are you okay?” Her expression is pure concern, eyes big and worried. “Did you pull something? Do you need me to get Cole?”

Shit. I’m all sweaty and I feel like crap and this is not how I want Charlie to see me.

“I’m fine,” I bite out, sharper than necessary. Shoving myself up from the floor, I take a couple of steps and of course, my damn knee wobbles.

Charlie jumps to her feet and comes toward me. Concern bleeds through her words. “You’re hurt. Sit down, I’ll go get Cole.”

Dammit. She’s so fresh and pretty and perfect and here I am, limping when I’m supposed to be her protector. Frustration and irritation bubble out of me and I snap, “I’m fine. I don’t need help.”

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