Chapter 64
CHARLOTTE
The rest of the evening passed quickly, though it had been somewhat awkward. Despite the
delicious platters prepared by the chefs, I could barely enjoy the food, as my thoughts were
scattered. I had expected our conversation to bring clarity, but instead, each sentence from Thiago
left me more uneasy. I longed to return to the apartment, to be alone with my thoughts.
I needed to be alone with my thoughts and at some point in the conversation, when he added that the penthouse was his way of ensuring I was comfortable throughout my stay in the city and I could
stay for as long as I wanted, I wasn’t sure how to respond to that. While it felt like a great offer, I was
terrified I had walked out of a terrible situation into a volcanic eruption.
Would I be able to sleep with both eyes closed, knowing that I may be attacked as a way to get to the
Moozes? The assailants had gotten away and while Thiago assured me that his men and the
authorities were doing everything possible to find them; I wasn’t convinced this was a favorable
situation for me. After dinner, I called Sonia and informed her that I was ready to leave. Thiago
offered to walk me to the car and as I got into the vehicle, he reminded me that I could refuse the offer if I didn’t feel comfortable with it. I told him I’d sleep on it and get back to him, but I had laid in bed all night, unable to sleep a wink. I stood up and slowly made my way to the living room as I contemplated my actions. Being here seemed like the offer of a lifetime. Rent was off the table. I had Sonia, whose job description seemed to have changed from receptionist to my personal security detail, to keep an eye on me and I also had access to a means of transportation in and out of the city.
I tried to weigh these options against the thought that lingered in my mind; while it appeared that I had everything I’d need at my beck and call, I still had the risks of being a pawn in an elaborate power game to ponder on. I stepped into the living room and my eyes rested on the boxes in the corner. I hadn’t touched them since they were brought to the apartment and I suddenly wondered if everything had been packed or if I’d have to go back to the rubble to search for things that were left behind. I tried to think about the state I had left the room and my things before the incident. They were arranged pretty well, so it’d make sense to expect that everything I brought with me was still there. I walked past the boxes and made my way to the minibar in the corner of the room.
My eyes scanned through the labels on the bottles and rested on one of them. It was the same one I had been staring at when we first arrived in the apartment and this time I instantly remembered where I had seen it. It had been one of Rogerio’s favorites and was often part of the catalyst for his outbursts. When he wasn’t spending time away from the estate, he’d lock himself in the study with a bottle or three, which eventually meant that we’d end the night fighting or waking up in bed. I would be feeling terrible and he’d be unable to recall the events of the previous night. I let my rage propel me as I reached for the bottle, turned around, and headed for the window. I yanked it open with my free hand and angrily tossed the bottle out the window. In split seconds, the bottle hit the ground
Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Ce
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Chapter 64
with a faint thud, and the front lawn was covered with broken glass and wine trickling in different directions. I shut the window, drew the blinds, and walked back to the bar with quick strides to pick up a different bottle.
I walked to the kitchen to find a wine glass and realized that the fridge and pantry had been filled to the brim with enough food, snacks, and beverages to last a while. While the prospect of having my needs met appealed to me, I still felt frustrated and was ready to drown my thoughts or feelings in alcohol. I found the cabinet that held the glasses, picked one, and made my way back to the living room. As I placed the bottle on the table, the sound of the doorbell ringing echoed throughout the house, and I groaned in response. I put the glass on the table and walked towards the door.
“Sonia, I’m sorry about the bottle but…” I started to say as I opened the door but I locked gazes with a different pair of eyes than the ones I had been expecting. “You’re not Sonia,” I added after an awkward silence, my voice barely above a whisper as I lowered my gaze and stared at my feet.
“No, I’m not…” came the reply in an amused tone. I swallowed, raised my head, and locked gazes with Thiago, who was standing at the door with a bouquet, a box of chocolate, and a bottle of wine. His expression was filled with a bit of concern, which left me feeling somewhat uncomfortable. “Hi Charlotte, good morning. Can I come in?”
“Um, yes… I, of course.” I stammered and stepped out of the way. I was suddenly self–conscious as I realized that I was still wearing the dress from last night and my hair was in a messy bun.
“I know you weren’t expecting me, and I’m sorry for showing up unannounced, but last night ended on a… well, I’m not sure what the proper description would be, but it left me with the need to bring a peace offering,” he said, placing the items on his hand on the table as I closed the door behind me.
Chapter 6
Chapter 65
