Chapter 50 A damsel in distress
I returned to the hospital hours later; my men were back at the site guarding Celeste and making sure she didn't escape.
I had gone back home first to change into a pair of black pants and a black sweater; the smell of expensive cologne was a contrast to the smell of sweat and blood on me earlier.
I held a bouquet of flowers in my hand as I walked into Charlotte’s bedroom. She lay peacefully on the bed; she still hadn't woken up.
I shut the door behind me and moved to place the flowers on a desk.
The room smelled of lavender and a hint of antiseptic.
I dragged a seat closer to Charlotte and sat beside her. I held her hand and placed my head on the bed, tired and exhausted.
I didn't remember falling asleep, but I woke up immediately when I felt a hand brushing my hair. My head snapped up, and I saw her awake.
“I didn't mean to wake you.”
She smiled at me. “I'm so glad you are here.”
I placed my hand against her stomach. “Are you hurt anywhere?”
She shook her head. “I'm not; I'm just happy to see you.” Her hand moved to my face; immediately her warm hands touched me, and I leaned in even more.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
She blinked. “For what?”
“Being here, alive.”
She smiled back. “How's Ezera? Did you save her?”
I clenched my fists. “I didn't go; I rushed to you when you called.”
“Do you know if she's alright?"
I paused.
“You didn't call?” Her tone raised.
I lifted her blanket and slid into bed beside her. “That can wait.” I wrapped my hands around her. “You are more important.” I caressed the side of her face with the back of my fingers.
She exhaled sharply, pressed her hand against my chest, and drew closer. Suddenly, the door pulled open, and Charlotte and I lifted our heads to see who it was.
Alexander stood before the door, his gaze fixed on us.
“Alexander,” she said in shock.
“I saw you walk toward here.” His gaze fell on Charlotte. “Is she sick?” he asked as he shut the door behind him and walked in.
I slid out of the bed. “She got poisoned by Celeste.”
His gaze moved away from her to me. "Ezera is safe; unfortunately, she beat her. She's downstairs, wrapped in bandages." His knuckles turned white as he spoke, his eyes filled with anger.
“I'm so sorry.” Charlotte's voice was soft.
He gazed at Charlotte and shook his head. "I wish I could make her pay, but I shot her." His jaw tightened even more; you would think it would break. “Maybe I shouldn't have; I want to make her suffer.”
I squeezed my hands in my pockets. What would he do if he knew the truth—that Celeste was alive? Maybe it was best not to tell him.
“Yeah, too bad she's gone.”
Alexander turned and headed to the door. He stopped halfway and turned to me. “I should be with Ezera.”
I nodded. Of course.
As he stepped out, I walked back to Charlotte, but as I drew closer, my phone suddenly rang. I reached into my pocket and slipped it out. It was one of my soldiers. My gaze swept up at Charlotte, who was staring intently at me, and then back at the phone. I swiped across the screen and pressed it against my ear.
“Speak, quick.” My tone was low and serious.
“She's dead. Celeste is dead.”
I clenched my jaw. “Shit,” I mumbled as I slowly moved away, just enough for her to not hear me. “What do you mean by ‘she’s dead?”
“Is there a problem?” Charlotte asked.
I turned and smiled. “How could there be?”
“She bled to death, sir,” the soldier's voice came through.
I grabbed the television remote and increased the volume so that she couldn't hear me. “I said call a doctor; that was a simple instruction.”
“I'm sorry, boss.”
I sighed. I wasn't done torturing her. “Get rid of her body,” I said, struggling to subdue my rage.
“Yes, boss.” The phone beeped as the line cut instantly.
I slipped the phone in my pocket and walked back to her. Her body was pale, and she seemed to lack energy. I sat beside her again and squeezed her hand tightly. “Do you need anything?”
She shook her head, but her gaze scanned me like she was reading a book. “Did you do something bad?”
My brow raised. “What?”
“You are acting weird.”
I forced a smile and shook my head; even though she knew all the things I did, I still couldn't tell her. “I'm fine, love.” I kissed her hand gently.
FOUR DAYS LATER
Charlotte had finally gotten better. As we walked back into the house, my brows furrowed as I saw her in front of one of the guest rooms: Becky, the girl who had kissed me in front of Charlotte. She had on one of my robes, and her blond hair had rollers in it. She leaned against the door with a glass of wine in her hand.
I had forgotten about her visit. Who wouldn't? With all the chaos going on, I could have forgotten my name.
I heard Charlotte suck in a deep breath; her face reddened, and her grip tightened around my arm. “That's my husband’s robe.”
Becky raised an eyebrow, and her lips formed an O shape as she pretended to be shocked. “It is?” Her voice rose a pitch. “I'm kidding, I know.” She shrugged her shoulders. “That is why I'm wearing it.”
“Becky, what are you really doing here?”
“Well, Sergey sent me.”
Sergey was one of my allies. He was an older man who had saved my life years ago; I owed him my life.
“He sent you for what?”
“His daughter, Anastasia, has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafia. You are his only Mafia friend, and he believes you are the only one who can help him.”
I stepped forward. “Why would the Russian Mafia take her? She's not important.”
Becky sucked her teeth. “Harsh.”
“You know that is not what I meant.”
“She was dating a son of an enemy, and they targeted her to get vengeance on him. Worse? The boy had stolen a hard drive from them that they needed back. Guess where he hid it.”
“Where?”
She tilted her head to the side. “I said guess.”
“Fuck, Becky, this is important.”
“Fine. He intentionally hid it in her food and let her swallow it.”
“That sick bastard. Sergey must be devastated.”
“Do we have to go to Russia?” Charlotte asked. She blinked as she looked up at me.
Becky shot Charlotte a mocking gaze. “You don't have to; it's not as if you know anything about...”
“My wife goes wherever I go,” I cut in.
Becky grew pissed, but she tried to hold it in. “Of course. I'll advise that we go as fast as possible.” Her gaze shifted to Charlotte.
“Stupid whore,” Becky rolled her eyes and hissed in Russian as she went into her room and shut the door with a loud thud.
“Watch your mouth when you speak about my wife, Becky!” I barked in anger.
“What did she say?” Charlotte moved to stand in front of me.
I adjusted her jacket. “We are going to Russia.”