Sweet Retribution (Rydeville High Elite #3)(13)

“You misunderstand, Abby. This isn’t a negotiation. You’re my wife. An elite wife. And it’s not becoming to hang around that fucking freak. And Jethro stays, because you will not go near Kaiden Anderson.”

“Do you even hear yourself?” I shout. “What the fuck did my father do to you?”

“He showed me endless possibilities, Abby. And we can make our own rules.” He leans toward me, his eyes earnest and excitable. “No one is touching you or hurting you, and I will cherish you like a queen. All you have to do is follow my rules. It’s not that hard.”

Yeah, it is. Because I don’t love you, you freaking nutjob psycho.

“You hurt me,” I challenge, plastering a fake hurt look on my face.

“I know.” He hangs his head, and I’m wondering who is playing whom.

“And forcing me to follow rules is hurting me too,” I say, really driving the knife in.

He looks up. “It’s for your own protection.”

“Oh, Charlie. How little you know.” I cup his face, shaking my head. “If you want me to come around to the idea of an us, then you can’t clip my wings. It’s as simple as that.” I tap one finger off his temple. “Use the brain I know you still have, and think of all the things you know about me. I don’t respond well to threats, and I hate being forced into doing anything I don’t like.”

“Don’t patronize me, Abigail.” He pushes my hand away. “I’m not someone you can manipulate.”

We’ll see about that.

“I beg to differ.” I smile sweetly at him as I stand. “This is the way it’s going down, Charlie. I will stay away from Kaiden and do everything I can to be a good wife to you. I’ll even consider making this real, but only on my terms.”

He stands, grabbing my hips and pulling me to him. “You don’t hold any cards, darling. You can’t make demands of me.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” My smile is smug in the extreme. “I know Mrs. Rose told you Xavier was here today. It wasn’t just a casual visit.” I purposely drop my smile, adopting a more sinister look. “He has the security footage from the house, and we have evidence of your father’s murder.” I run my hands up his toned abs and onto his broad chest.

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not. But there’s an easy way to find out. Ask my father what happened to the tapes from Christmas Day.” I’m bluffing, and it’s a risky game, but I’ve got to try. “Tell him your new wife is already running rings around you, and see how well that goes down.”

“He expects a rough start. He won’t hold it against me.”

“I do believe your arrogance will be your downfall, Charles,” I say, stretching up and pressing my lips to the underside of his jaw. He shivers, and I smother my sly smile. “He will see you can’t control me, and whatever deal you two have in place will be null and void. But go ahead,” I say, pushing him off me. “Test me.” I down the rest of my drink in one go. “If you breathe a word to my father, I will tell your mother what really happened Christmas Day.” I prod my finger into his chest. “I will show her how it went down, and she will never speak to you again.”

I will never show Elizabeth that tape if we even get our hands on it. Because it would destroy her. But Charlie doesn’t know that. The threat of it should be good enough to win back some control.

I walk off, lingering in the doorway. I cast one last glance over my shoulder at him. “I want Jethro gone by morning, and you’ll tell Mrs. Rose that Xavier is welcome here anytime.”





“That’s good, Abby,” Drew says the following afternoon as we lounge in my bedroom, chatting. “Charlie adores his mom and sister. He won’t risk approaching Father, because he doesn’t want them to find out the truth.”

“I seriously hope Xavier can recover the footage from the tapes, because it’d be nice to know I can substantiate my threat.”

“Xavier and Hunt were working on it for hours last night. No success so far, but between both their nerd brains, I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

“Can you set up a meeting at the house for tonight? I’m not sure what time Charlie will be home from work at, but I’ll text you and tell you what time to get everyone to Lauder’s.”

“Everyone is hanging out there most nights anyway, so it’s not an issue.”

“Is Kai okay?” I whisper although there’s no need. No one is around, and my room is clean.

“Well, his vocal cords are in full working order.” He chuckles. “He’s a fucking rotten patient.” Drew smirks. “He is driving Rick insane with his bitching and moaning. And it’s just as well he’s injured because I doubt any of us would be able to stop him from coming for you. He’s worried out of his mind.”

“I’ll reassure him tonight.”

“He really loves you, Abby.” Drew snakes his arm around my shoulders. “And I can tell you love him too. I’m happy for you, and I’m rooting for you guys.”

I want to tell him so bad, but I want to talk to Kai about it first.

“Thanks, D.” I lean my head on his shoulder. “I need you to do another thing for me. I discovered a way off the property from the rear garden when I was doing some snooping this morning. Can you park my Kawasaki halfway down the alleyway that runs on the other side of the house and message me the coordinates? I can’t risk taking one of their cars in case Charlie notices something.”