Page 70 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

She scoffs and shoots back, "Yes, you practically did."

Our voices blend together as we confront Charlie, each of us expressing our frustrations and fears. Charlie just brushes them off, like none of it matters. I can feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as if we were standing on the precipice of something both beautiful and terrifying.

"I can't believe you did that," Leo continues, her voice trembling with anger. "You could have been killed. We couldn't bear to lose you."

Charlie's eyes flicker with a mix of guilt and defiance as she wipes away the sweat from her brow. "I had to do something," she says softly, her voice laced with determination. "Three lives are more important than one."

I yank her toward me and boom, "Don't you ever say that again. Your life will always be worth more than any of ours."

But Charlie pulls away, a defiant glint in her eyes. "You're overreacting," she scoffs, wiping away a streak of blood from her brow. "I knew what I was doing. This is my job."

A charged silence fills the space between us, tensions rising between Charlie and the three of us, our exchange filled with passion, frustration, and a deep understanding of the risks we've all faced. The room seems to shrink as we confront each other, the air heavy with unspoken words and emotions.

In this moment, I can't help but marvel at the strength and determination that radiates from Charlie. Her eyes hold a fire that burns fiercely despite her battered state. She's always been fearless, willing to put herself on the line for what she believes in. But now, it feels different—more dangerous, more intimate.

As the silence stretches on, I find myself captivated by the intensity radiating from Charlie. Her battered appearance only amplifies her resolve, and it sends a shiver down my spine. There's something about her in this moment, something that makes me realize just how deeply I am entwined in her world.

Leo breaks the silence first, her voice laced with concern. "Charlie, we understand that this is your job, but you can't do it alone. We're here for you, always."

Jackson chimes in, his voice softer than usual. "We're a team, Charlie. We rely on each other. Don't push us away."

Tears glisten in Charlie's eyes as she gazes at each of us in turn. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to scare you or put you at risk. But sometimes, I need to take those risks to protect what's important."

Yet, as I stare into Charlie's eyes, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. The events of the past few days have taken their toll on all of us, physically and emotionally. We've been pushed to our limits, and now, standing here in this moment, it feels as though the fragile thread that holds us together is fraying.

"I understand that this is your job," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it doesn't mean you have to face everything alone. We're here for you, Charlie. We... we love you."

Her tears spill over. "I love you, too."

As Charlie's words hang in the air, a collective sigh of relief sweeps through the room. The tension that had enveloped us dissipates, replaced by a newfound sense of unity and understanding. In this moment, we are not just a team brought together by circumstance; we are a family.

Leo leans forward, his voice filled with warmth. "We've always got your back, Charlie. No matter what."

Jackson nods in agreement, his usual gruff tone softened. "We're in this together, till the end."

A small smile tugs at the corners of Charlie's lips as she reaches out to wipe away her tears. "I'm grateful to have all of you by my side," she admits, her voice choked with emotion.

Without hesitation, I take her into my arms, holding her tightly as if I could shield her from any harm that might come her way. Leo and Jackson join the embrace, creating a bond that feels unbreakable. We stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in the strength of our love.

As the minutes pass, Charlie's tears gradually subside, her breaths steadying against my chest. We pull back slightly, leaving just enough space to look into each other's eyes. And in that gaze, I see a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability.

"I promise," Charlie whispers, her voice quivering with sincerity. "I won't shut you out anymore."

The weight of her confession settles over us like a warm blanket. It's as if time stands still in that moment, and the room is filled with an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and tenderness.

"Good," Jackson murmurs, kissing her forehead before we all take a step back.

I look at the blood caking her shirt. "You're bleeding," I point out.

She looks down, shrugs, and nods. "Yep."

60

CHARLIE

"Welcome home," I coo seductively as my three handsome, successful CEOs pile through the door to the residential facility.

Their eyes widen in surprise as they take in the sight of me in this skimpy, lacey getup.

---