“Fuck,” I whisper. I know he witnessed me sending Hudson on his way and nearly dry-fucking Charlie on the dance floor.
“Landon,” my father greets. He jerks his chin toward the patio, silently telling me to follow. I blow out a breath of annoyance and do as requested. Stepping outside, I hear the bugs of the night singing, and the heat instantly makes me sweat. “Why did Hudson leave, and where is Charlie going?” he questions, digging a hand in his pocket.
I swallow hard, not sure if I should tell him the truth.
“I don’t like the way you look at that girl. You know the rules. No sleeping with the girls. She needs to go,” he states sternly.
My head whips in his direction. “That is for me to decide,” I inform him. “And why aren’t we allowed to be with the girls again? Oh, that’s right—”
“This is my estate. I worked hard for it, and I will not watch it burn to the ground over some whore!” he yells, blood vessels protruding on his forehead. I grind my teeth, infuriated that he called Charlie a whore.
“You worked hard for it? What exactly did you do?” I roar back, stepping up to him. He opens his mouth to speak but shuts it quickly.
“You were just given the throne. Your father didn’t even test if you were worthy. Daddy’s little boy,” I sneer.
“Have you been drinking, Landon?” He tries to change the subject.
“But me, what did I do? What did I have to do to show I was worthy?” My hands are clenched with anger.
“I needed to know that—”
“That what? I was as fucked-up as you were?” I interrupt. His eyes go wide, and his chest lifts with a heavy breath.
“What is going on out here? Everyone can hear everything you two are saying,” Roman explains, walking outside, Jayden by his side.
“Party’s over,” I clip, pushing past my father. This, right here, between my father and I, couldn’t have made things clearer for me.
CHARLIE
I lie in bed watching rain splatter against the window as light thunder sounds from above. Huh. It’s the first time I’ve seen it rain since I’ve been here.
My eyes become heavy as I watch the streams of rain cascade down the glass, taking me into a deep sleep.
I hear my door click open and shut, waking me somewhat. I lazily look over my shoulder and see a big, black figure walk toward my bed. The smell of freshness and spice consumes me, telling me it’s Landon.
“Landon?” I mumble, half-asleep.
He pulls back the blanket, revealing me in nothing but a skimpy cami and panties.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
He doesn’t answer me, just swoops his arms under my frame and picks me up, placing me against his bare chest. His skin against mine is hard and warm.
“Where are we going?” I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck and inhaling a large whiff of his scent.
“My room,” he finally responds. I want to go to Landon’s room, I do, but I can’t. I’m not strong enough to keep up with pretend and reality.
“I can’t, Landon,” I admit, but my words don’t stop him. He strides out of my room and down the hall toward his.
“Landon, I said I can’t,” I repeat, looking at his face. He keeps his stare forward, not giving in to my rejections. “Do you hear me?”
He slowly turns his head, pinning me with those hunted eyes. “I heard you, and I’m not listening.” My mouth gapes open, and my heart stammers.
He opens his door, the sound of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” playing. I look around his room but can’t see anything it’s so dark. I see a balcony, curtains drifting in and out of the room with the storm, and a bed in front of that. With the moon hiding behind thick, thunderous clouds, there isn’t even a glow of moonlight to light the way. He shuts the door, slowly plants me on his bed, and places his hands on each side of my hips, his face level with mine.
“Landon, please. I can’t do this anymore,” I whisper, closing my eyes. The proximity of his large frame is already making me doubt the words leaving my mouth.
“Can’t do what?” he questions, his minty breath brushing against my face.
I open my eyes, seeking his in the dark.
“I can’t pretend.”
Landon hangs his head and lets out a heavy breath. To be his one minute but not the next, I can’t do it. I’m not that strong.
“Landon, what do you fear?” I ask, running my fingers along the scruff of his jaw. His head lifts in my palm and tilts to the side. Not containing my urges anymore, I run my nails through his hair, the feel of it sliding between my fingers making my body come alive.
“What is your biggest fear? What do you fear in life, Landon?” I repeat. He doesn’t respond, just stares at me. I take the opportunity to open myself up a little. I shouldn’t, I know that, but what do I have to lose?
“Mine. My fear…” My bottom lip trembles with nerves for what I’m about to say, what I’m going to admit to. I know if he wants to, he could use it against me. “I’m scared of not feeling the things I feel when I’m with you ever again.”