Sweet Retribution (Rydeville High Elite #3)(59)

“If you two lovebirds are done,” Rick says, his deep voice tickling my ear. “You better get this show on the road. Charlie is getting an ear bashing from your father over why you aren’t down here already.”

“We’re on our way,” I say. “See you in a few minutes.”

I loop my arm through Drew’s, watching as he taps out a message to Charlie, telling him our ETA. He guides me out of the room, closing it behind me. “Ready?” he inquires.

I pick my head up, thrust my shoulders back, and plant my game face on before eyeballing my twin. “Let’s do this.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO


The trek from my bedroom to the underground dungeon takes longer than usual, thanks to my voluminous dress. But eventually, we reach the end of the dark passageway, stopping in front of the last door. Noise permeates through the wood, confirming the party is in full swing on the other side.

“You sure about this?” Drew asks me again.

“I’m sure.” I hold onto his arm tighter, ignoring the wild fluttering in my chest. “Let’s do this.”

He opens the door, and Charlie is there, standing in front of the black curtain, which is the last barrier to breach. Heavy pulsing beats reverberate in the air, joined by the loud chorus of voices laughing and talking.

Shock splays across Charlie’s face as he stares at me. His jaw is slack. His eyes widen, as he rakes his gaze over me from head to toe. “Abby,” he whispers, stumbling as he takes a step forward. “You look … incredibly beautiful. I … I seriously have no words.”

“You’re not disappointed?” I coyly ask, swirling the dress around my hips as I look at him through hooded eyes.

“Disappointed?” he chokes, recovering and walking toward me with confidence. “I will be the envy of every man out there.” Before I can say a word, he sweeps me into his arms, dips me down low, and kisses me until I see stars.

Fuck.

I hate when he does that.

Because his lips are the wrong lips.

And I don’t want them touching me.

It’s going to be a freaking long night.

“You’ll ruin her makeup,” Drew deadpans, effectively breaking Charlie out of whatever lust-fueled fantasy he’s in.

Charlie straightens us up, pulling his lips from mine. “Fuck.” He stares at my lips, and I’m guessing my red lipstick is smeared halfway across my face. Taking my purse from Drew, I open my mirror and do a quick repair job.

“We can’t let any of them near her,” Charlie says, his voice laced with concern.

I close my compact, sealing it in my purse.

“Agreed.” Drew nods. His plan to worm his way back into Charlie’s good books hasn’t happened because Charlie is always working and there has been little opportunity for them to spend time together. Drew has purposely hung around the house after visiting me, to catch Charlie for a few minutes, but things are still strained between them. Except when it comes to my safety, where they are always on the same page.

Drew looks down at me. “You stay with me or Charlie at all times.”

“I understand the situation I’m walking into. I’ll behave.” Charlie looks skeptical, and I can’t blame him with my track record. I lace my fingers through his. “I don’t want any of those assholes touching me, so trust me, I’ll be sticking to your side like glue.”

He leans down, pressing a feather-soft kiss to my lips. “Thank you, darling. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.” He gently pulls me to him, careful to keep my face away from his chest so he doesn’t ruin my repair job.

Drew watches us, locking eyes with me, and I can tell what he’s thinking. He sees how much Charlie loves me. How it’s not even a hint of a lie. I swallow back bile, reminding myself of the things he’s done. It’s the only way I can hold the guilt at bay.

Chad pokes his head through the curtain. “Your father is about to lose his shit.” His eyes pop wide. “Holy fuck, Ab—”

“What the hell is the hold up?” my father hisses from somewhere behind Chad.

“Get rid of him,” I plead, because I want him to see me for the first time out in the room.

“They are ready, sir,” Chad says. “You can tell the orchestra to start.”

“He’s gone,” Chad whispers a second later. “See you out there.” He waggles his brows at me. “Fucking love the dress. You own it, girl.”

I blow him a kiss.

“He’s going to freak,” Charlie whispers in my ear. “But I’m guessing you already know that.”

“He wants me to be a part of this world, Charlie,” I say, peering up at him. “So, this is what he gets.”

“I respect you so much, Abby,” he says, and I barely manage to hide my snort of derision.

Yeah, he respects me so much he fucked someone else the night of our wedding.

What a load of bull.

Sad thing is, Charlie believes his own press.

“I’m sorry your mom isn’t here,” I say, squeezing his hand.

“I’m not.” A muscle clenches in his jaw. “She’s far too fragile, and I don’t want her surrounded by vultures.” He hurriedly composes himself as the music starts. “It’s better she’s not here.”