Chapter 199 Uncle Jay
Trent's POV
"Charlie? Angel? Come back to me," I whisper, shaking her gently. I brush the hair from her face with shaky hands. What the hell just happened?
Maybe I should go into psychiatry instead?
This is not a normal reaction. I know it isn't! I just don't know what the hell happened to make her collapse like this. That way I can steer clear of it or bring it up softly.
She moans in my arms. I watch as her breathing slows and her muscles seem to relax all at once.
"Good girl, Charlie," I mumble, holding her close. I have no idea when I'll get to hold her again, so I'm taking advantage of it while I can. I have been aching to have her in my arms just like this... minus the part where she fainted.
I'm secretly thrilled as she nuzzles her face into my chest, seeking out comfort. I would love to give her more, but I don't know what the hell she needs! I've never been taught how to deal with this.
But I will! I'm going to learn every fucking thing there is to know to take care of Charlotte Turner. Because she's mine. And I'll wait as long as it takes... hopefully it won't take too long.
And then she blinks those beautiful hazel green eyes open. They are not quite focused yet. But they still have me mesmerized.
"Trent?" she whispers, reaching a hand up to touch my face, like she isn't quite sure she can believe her eyes.
I lean into her touch automatically, trying to calm down the excitement racing through me at the fact she initiated contact. I want to lean in a kiss her but now is not the time. Right now, is the time for calm, patience and understanding.
"Yeah, I'm here Angel," I mumble, wanting more than anything to pull her closer until we are a breath away and kiss her. But I won't. Not yet at least.
"What happened?" she gasps, blinking her pretty eyes, trying to focus on my face.
I run my fingers through her dirty blond hair, trying to comfort her in any way I can. "Well, that's what I'd like to know. One minute we were talking to Rick, and the next thing I know you pass out on me," I try to tease, even though I'm still sick at the fact something caused her to have a panic attack.
She blinks her pretty eyes slowly, trying to recall what happened. I can see the gears grinding in that gorgeous head of hers. I can see it as the pieces start to fit back together.
"We were talking... about the contracts," she murmurs, looking up for confirmation.
I nod my head, "Yeah, we were." I could just tell her everything, but that won't help. She needs to remember it all on her own. I can wait an be patient. I don't mind waiting for forever as long as I can hold her like this.
"He said he'd never seen my name in Dean's contracts, but your dad was mentioned," she continues. "He was the officer on my parent's accident report. He had something to do with their death."
I nod my head again. "Yes, he was," I respond wanting to march right to my parent's house and rip is fucking head from his shoulders for doing something so despicable. He taught me to be honest and good, and he's a fucking hypocrite!
"Then he said..." she blinks and gasps. I watch the panic return, only this time it's minimal... I guess because she's still conscious. I'll take that as a good sign.
"Charlie?" I ask softly. This is the part I really need to understand. Where the hell is the panic coming from? And how the fuck do I avoid it?
"I-I can't... I didn't know... Jay had a contract...." she mumbles. "I never checked... Rick never said... I thought it was... I didn't even check!"
What the hell is she rambling about? I need her to slow down and explain to me if we are going to get through this.
"Jay?" I have no clue who the fuck she's talking about. I've never even heard of a Jay! He sure as hell didn't go to school with us.
"Mmmy uncle," she whispers, as she shudders in my arms.
And my stomach sinks, because everything makes a helluva lotta sense. I don't know details, but her uncle did something to my girl... That's why she was so happy to get away when she went to live with Richard and her sister. She was out of his reach.
But I keep my mouth shut. No way in hell am I going to push her to tell me anything right now. Not when it gives her so much anxiety she faints.
I rub soothing circles on her back, trying to calm her panic. She leans into my touch, allowing me to comfort her. That is something. That's progress!
If and when she's ready, she can tell me. But not a second sooner, I promise myself.
I swallow hard. "Okay, Angel," I nod, shutting the subject down. Now I have something else I want to discuss with her. "Uh, I was thinking, we were going to go hiking this weekend, but maybe we can go back home?"
Charlie blinks at me. I can see shock and surprise, and a touch of fear written all over her face. I don't want her to be scared! I want to help her get to the bottom of this!