Page 104 of Charity's Redemption

How would I hide a weapon under this nightgown? Because, let’s be honest, that’s what this is—a sexy piece of lingerie that was made for the bedroom.

I couldn’t even tape my Karambit to my back or thigh. This just became an improvised type of killing.

Maybe Nico can carry my gun…

I flipped the light off in the bathroom, found the pair of heels in Luca’s closet that I’d worn to the auction, and strapped them on.

Memories of that horrific night flashed through my mind as I positioned the last strap in place.

My heart thundered against my chest as Josh’s vacant eyes fucked with my mind. I may be cold and callous, and he may have set out to murder me, but he was still my brother, and one doesn’t just get over that. Or can they?

I wasn’t normal. My emotions ran on a different kind of energy with a damaged brain. Would it be something I overcame, or would my brother’s dead eyes haunt me for all eternity?

Tears welled in my eyes as I fought them back, not wanting to ruin the makeup I’d spent so long perfecting. I took a deep breath as I stayed hunched over, staring at the shoes, unmoving.

“What are you looking at?”

Sharp pain staggered my beating heart as I jerked up and spotted Max standing in the doorway.

“You should know better than to startle me.” I dabbed at the base of my eyes, hoping not to smear the eyeliner and mascara.

“I’m a healthy distance away.” He smiled.

Snorting, I glanced back at my shoes. “That’s what you think.”

“Are you okay?” His humorous tone dissolved into that of worry.

I sniffed and nodded. “Yep, just memories.”

Max glanced down at my shoes, and his eyes widened. “Ah. I see.”

“I’m fine.”

At least, I think so.

If I couldn’t shake myself of these thoughts and emotions, it would put this entire night in jeopardy, which in turn would place Nico in peril, and I couldn’t do that. I’ve had enough of putting them at risk.

“Well, come downstairs when you’re ready. We’re waiting for you.”

I nodded. “Okay.” Adjusting the diamond bracelet on my wrist, I dug my thumb into one of them, letting the pain take over instead of the sadness. Repeating my mantra, I cleared my throat, tossed my wig back from my eyes, then met him at the door.

“Let’s go, partner. This circus can’t start without me.”

I brushed past him, and he followed me down the steps. “Wow, I’m not even sure how you did that,” he said sardonically.

“Did what?”

“Combine cowboy talk and carny in the same sentence.”

I laughed as he lightened the mood, making me feel better by the second. “Well, I’ll tell you, my little Maximilian, it takes something spicy and everything nice.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

I continued walking. “Something dirty and flirty.”

“Stop.”

“Something naughty and shoddy.”

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