Page 65 of Sweet Rule
“We have a security detail in tow for Honey. Taylor will fill you in on the logistics of it,” he says with a nod towards Taylor who is still right behind us. “We’re not taking any chances now that I’ve got Honey back.”
My cheeks warm. I know Addie has to have an idea at least of what had happened, just like Taylor, but it still makes me want to apologize to her for dragging her into whatever it is that Zeus has planned for us. Plus, I am embarrassed to have my dirty laundry out there for Law’s employees. But there is no helping that. Not with the circumstances as they are.
“Sorry,” I say quickly with an apologetic smile.
Addie raises an eyebrow at me. “For what?”
“I mean, everything that’s been going on has… ” I clear my voice and swallow hard, “I know that it’s probably made more work for you.” I look at Law. “And it could have been stopped if we’d– if I’d just talked to Law.”
Addie gives me a sympathetic smile. “I don’t know what went on to make you leave, but I do know that I’m happy you’re safe and that you’re back. There’s nothing to say sorry for.” She rounds the desk and surprises me when she gives me a quick hug. “No ones’ perfect and I’ve caused my own fair share of messes that Law cleaned up. I’m happy to help you. We’re family, okay?”
Family. There is that word again. With my mother and Zeus, family is something that controls you. It forces you to your knees from the weight of it, but this is different. The family I have with Law, now Addie. This is the kind you pick. The type that doesn’t break you but strengthens you and welcomes you back with a hug and a smile. It is the kind that will let you up easy when you fuck up. I’ve never had a family like that, but I guess things are changing on that front, just like every other part of my life.
My throat tightens and it is tough to speak past the lump of emotion Addie’s words and hug brings up so I just give her a quick nod. “Okay.”
“And because we’re family, I’ll warn you about the person that’s waiting to meet you.”
“What?” I ask but Law is nodding and placing a hand to the small of my back to guide me to his office.
“Charlaine’s here then?” he asks, not seeming surprised at Addie’s words.
“She totally is and she’s eager. I think she’s got good news,” Addie replies as we walk to the doors leading to Law’s office. I hesitate, not sure who Charlaine is or why she requires a warning.
“Who’s Charlaine?” I ask Law.
He pushes open the door and motions for me to go inside. “She’s the one that’s been helping me get you back. Thought I’d have more time before she showed up but whatever she’s found out has to be big to bring her to the office.”
I perk up. Big is good. Big means something we can use when it comes to getting free of Zeus. I hurry forward, ready to meet Charlaine, but hesitate before I cross the threshold into Law’s office to look back at Addie. She is leaning right into Taylor with a smile on her face as the big man runs a hand through her hair. Their heads are close, Taylor bending low to speak in her ear and when I hear her laugh, I smile.
Guess they did make it up to each other after all.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
LAW
Charlaine is waiting for us when we walk into my office. She’s sitting behind my desk with a shit eating grin on her face that makes my jaw twitch, but I let it slide, because she’s been instrumental in me knowing how to handle Zeus. Even when the information was lacking, I knew it was coming. No one could hide from Charlaine. Not forever. If there’s a trail, she’ll be the one to find it.
She better fucking have an update with the way she’s spinning in my chair.
“Well, well, it’s the woman of the hour.” She grins at Honey and points a finger at her. “I get it now that I see you. You’re even prettier than the pictures.”
Honey stops at my side and glances up at me before she looks back at Charlaine. “Thank you?”
Charline winks at Honey. “Oh, no,thank you, sweetheart. You’ve put more life into this handsome idiot than I’ve seen in years. I’m happy to meet you.”
Honey giggles and beams at Charlaine. “I like you.”
Charlaine looks my way with a smug smile. “You hear that? Your old lady likes me. Now you’re never getting rid of me. Not even when this job is done, which I have to tell you, it’s almost there.”
“Noted.” I move Honey forward, directing her onto the couch to the left. “What’s the news then? A farm?”
Charlaine leans forward, elbows braced on my desk and nods but her eyes are still on Honey. She is studying her, which has me on alert, even though Charlaine is on my side. This is what she does. She catalogs information. Makes note of patterns and files it away for later when she might need it. She is curious, that’s all. But even telling myself that it isn’t easy for me to relax with the calculating way she is watching Honey.
When Charlaine answers me, her eyes are still on Honey. “That’s right. A rose farm, to be precise.”
“A rose farm?” Honey reaches up and catches my hand. “What’s going on?”
“You didn’t tell her?” Charlaine asks, finally looking away from Honey and to me.
