Mr Spencer(121)

“Where there is smoke, there is fire, Charlotte. He gets attention for all of the wrong reasons.”

“He’s not Penelope. He’s a good man.”

“I’m not saying he isn’t. To be honest, he impressed me last night. I like the way he stood up for himself with Edward. I like the way he had a prenup contract drawn up to protect you, and I like the way he was offended by Edward’s lack of time for you. It showed me he has a backbone and that he genuinely cares.”

I smile, suddenly filled with hope.

He takes my hands in his. “But I cannot, with a clear conscience, let you move in with him just yet.”

I sit back in my seat.

“Charlotte.” He cups my face in his hand. “If you want to move to London, that’s fine, sweetheart. But get your own apartment and make an informed decision about your relationship. When he’s had time to prove himself… to all of us.”

I stare at him and exhale heavily. “Dad.”

“Don’t Dad me. You know I’m making sense. If you show me that you are not being led like a fool, and that you keep your independence, I will happily support anything you do, or any man you choose.”

“What about Edward?” I ask.

“Edward will listen to me, and you must know that your brother acts out of love. He couldn’t stand to see you hurt like William is—it would kill him.” He smiles over at me. “You honestly can’t blame him for being concerned about Spencer when he has that appalling reputation of his.”

I smile softly.

“To be honest, I think he was impressed with Spencer, too, although he would never let on.” He winks. “Nobody will ever be good enough for you in his eyes.”

“I don’t want to be a fool for anyone,” I whisper. “I’m not stupid and I’m not blind.”

He smiles and leans forward to kiss my forehead. “I know, darling, and I know that deep down, you know I’m right. Step back, take your time, and breathe. If he loves you and does the right thing by you, you have my blessing. I hope that he proves Edward and I wrong in every way. I want to see you happy. More than anything, I want you to be happy.”

I smile.

“It isn’t a race, Charlotte. If he loves you, he will wait.”

I nod. “I know.”

His eyes hold mine and I know there’s more.

“What is it?” I ask.

“What have you been doing with your security while I’ve been away?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, have you been clocking them off at night?”

I drop my head.

He puts his finger under my chin and brings my face to his. “What have I told you about that, Charlotte?”

“Well, I don’t need them at night when I’m at home in Nottingham,” I argue.

“Our estate is completely enclosed. We have guards there at all times. They don’t need to stay at your door because they are patrolling the grounds every minute. Nobody can get in. Edward watched the security tapes last night, and Wyatt and Anthony have been at the bar of your hotel on most nights.”

“I told them I didn’t need them anymore. It wasn’t their fault. They stay close.”

“Do you understand how vulnerable you are? Why would you put yourself at risk like that? I trusted you to do the right thing, and here I find out you are dismissing your guards mid-shift so they can go to a bar?”

I roll my eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, young lady. You’ve been very irresponsible.”

“No, Dad, I just fell in love.”

“Love is one thing, Charlotte. Stupidity is another.” He stands. “You are a target because of me. You have four billion dollars in the bank. Take the security threat seriously. I’ve brought four more guards with me to leave with you. You will not be photographed with Spencer Jones at all from now on. They’ve been instructed to take the cameras off of anyone who tries. I will not have you become a trashy tabloid heading… not under any circumstances.”

I exhale heavily, knowing this is non-negotiable. “Okay.”

“Now.” He smiles down at me. “Where on earth is my tea? You really are a terrible host.”





*



It’s just gone six in the evening when Spencer walks in, and my nerves tumble around in my stomach.

I’m in the kitchen cooking dinner. His face lights up when he sees me, and he smiles broadly.

“Hello, my beautiful girl.”

I practically run and jump into his arms and we kiss slowly. “I’ve missed you today,” I whisper.

He holds me tight. “Why are there a load of guards in the hall?”

I roll my eyes. “Long story.” I pour us both a glass of wine. “My father came over today.” I try to sound casual, even though I’m a nervous mess.

“Oh.” He smiles. “And?”

I sip my wine and look into his eyes. “He wants me to get my own apartment.”

His face falls, and then he frowns. “And what did you say?”

“I said that I would.”





20





Charlotte


Spencer’s chin immediately rises in annoyance. I can see he’s clenching his jaw.