He chuckled. “Don’t start sainting me yet, love.”
“I would never.”
Niall laughed and Charlotte rose to her feet. “I think I should stop at home for a shower and clean clothes. My mom’ll be at work, so the coast will be clear.”
Niall nodded as he stood. “I think you should pack a bag while you’re there.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d like you to stay with me.”
Charlotte bit her lip. “In the hotel?”
“Aye, lass. And my home and our home, obviously, when we’re bound.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to make that leap.”
“Then, how about you just pack enough things that will cover you should you decide to shred your clothes again?”
“Deal.” She grimaced. “I’m really sorry about your shirt.”
“I love you even when you destroy my clothing, love.” He smiled, leaning down to kiss her. “Maybe even more because of it.”
“Good lord, you’re charming.”
“Thank you.” He chuckled. “Shall I have Bruce drop you home and I’ll pick you up in an hour?”
She nodded. “That would be perfect.”
Niall texted Bruce, and Charlotte felt admittedly disappointed when he arrived quite quickly. Niall smiled and kissed her. “One hour.”
She nodded and grabbed her purse, following Bruce from the room.
* * *
Fifty minutes later, Niall knocked on her door. Charlotte pulled open the door and giggled. “What happened to an hour?”
He nodded over his shoulder. “Shall I come back?”
“Don’t you dare.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him inside.
He chuckled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I missed you.”
“Same.” She looped her arms around his neck. “I packed a bag that we can leave at the hotel.”
Niall glanced toward the door. “You went small, I see.”
Charlotte giggled. The suitcase was her largest. “I packed enough to cover several shredding incidents.”
“Good thinking.” He grinned. “Is yer mum home yet?”
She shook her head. “She’s still at work and Vandi’s at school. Although, Van should be getting home soon.”
“So, you haven’t talked?”
“No, babe, but it’ll be fine.”
“Is she worried?”
“Who? My mom?”
He nodded.
“About what?” she asked.
“You. Where you’ve been. Who I am, etcetera.”
Charlotte shook her head. “No. I think she’s still not used to having me home, to be honest. I do keep her updated, so that might help as well. After yesterday, though, I need to make some changes.”
“I agree,” he said. “If you’re not safe here, I may have to make other arrangements for you.”
Charlotte frowned. “I’m perfectly safe. My mother will never hit me again, so I’m not afraid of her.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” She smiled as she stroked his cheek.
He sighed. “What about your father?”
“What about him?”
He raised an eyebrow. “When will I meet him?”
“Soon. Maybe.”
“Charlotte,” he admonished.
“What? I don’t want you to meet him yet. He’s overprotective to a fault, and I’m not ready for him to get all harpy on me.”
“Harpy?”
“Yes. I feel like he’s kind of lost that right,” she said.
“Wasn’t he the one who was lied to?”
She blushed. “Yes, I guess you have a point. But he’s also lied to me for so long.”
“He’s still yer da, love.” He slipped a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “He did raise you.”
She nodded. “I don’t want to argue about Matthew Whitmore today, okay?”
Niall stared at her for a few seconds before nodding. “Come on, then. Let’s have some fun.”
“Good answer.”
He grabbed her suitcase and Charlotte followed him from the house.
* * *
Having acquired everything he needed the day before to feel comfortable behind a drum set foreign to him, Niall took Charlotte to breakfast before heading to church. They arrived fifteen minutes before rehearsals were to begin, and walked into a madhouse. Charlotte shook her head.
“Crap,” she whispered. “It would appear your cover’s been blown.”
“My cover?”
“Davis thought it would be a good idea not to tell folks you were playing, because he knows what our musicians are like.”
“What are they like?” he asked.
“Rabid fans.”
He chuckled. “Are all these people musicians in your church?”
“No. These are the looky-loos who are obviously just fans.” She grimaced. “I’m really sorry, Niall.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry about it, love. This is going to be fun.”
Charlotte led him to the greenroom, where a swarm of people milled around, just outside the room, looking as though they had something to do, but all the while using their “work” as an excuse to get close to Niall. Davis shot Charlotte an apologetic smile as he shook Niall’s hand and ushered him into the greenroom.
Charlotte heard their bandleader, Cameron Shane, outside speaking to the group. “Hey, everyone. It’s awesome to see you guys, but as you know, unless you are a musician serving this weekend, we need to keep this area clear.”
There were a lot of grumbles, but Cameron managed to get everyone to go back to their specific tasks. Cameron walked into the greenroom a few minutes later and pulled Charlotte in for a hug. “How are you, stranger?”
Cameron was about six feet tall, with dark, shaggy hair, and deep blue eyes. He was in his early thirties and one of the nicest men on the planet, in Charlotte’s opinion. It was actually the opinion of a lot of people, including ninety percent of the single women in their church, however, he hadn’t met “the one” yet and avoided dating at all costs.
“I’m good,” Charlotte said. “How about you?”
“You know me... livin’ the dream.”
She giggled. “So very true. Ah, Cam, this is Niall MacMillan.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Cameron said, and shook his hand. “Thanks for bailing us out this weekend.” He smiled at Charlotte. “You too, Charlie. I didn’t want to be stuck up there with just Davis. You know what he’s like.”
“Hey!” Davis said good-naturedly, and made his way over to them. He greeted the couple and then smacked Cameron on the back... hard.
Cameron chuckled. “Wimp.”
Davis laughed. “Did you get a chance to look at the set list?”
Charlotte smiled up at Niall. “We did.”
“Anything you feel uncomfortable with?” Cameron asked Niall.
He shook his head. “No. You just let me know if you want a different feel.”
“Great.” Cameron smiled. “You okay with your stuff, Charlie? You know how I love the powerhouse female songs.”
She chuckled. “I do know that. Why you picked them when I’m on, I have no idea.”
Cameron rolled his eyes. “Yeah, my bad.”
Charlotte giggled. “I’ll show Nye where everything is, okay?”
“That’d be great,” Cameron said. “Thanks. Oh, let me know if you feel up to doing a little fan meet and greet after services. I’m not entirely sure how folks knew you were coming, but the church is buzzing about it. No pressure... just thought I’d ask.”
Niall smiled and glanced at Charlotte in question.
“Hey, I get it. I’m a fan too,” she pointed out. “It’s fine by me.”
Niall smiled. “Then it’s fine by me.”
“Cool. I’ll set it up,” Cameron said, and left the greenroom.
“Where’s your ring, love?” Niall whispered.
She pulled on the chain around her neck, the ring at
tached to it. “I don’t want to share just yet.”
He frowned, but dropped the subject, and she led him behind the stage and to the curtained area where the drums were.
* * *
By the end of the final service late Sunday afternoon, Charlotte thought her legs and her voice might break... six services a weekend was enough to tire anyone out. She sat on one of the reclining sofas in the greenroom while Niall paid court somewhere else to his many admirers.
Are you shattered, love?
Yes. She closed her eyes. I want a hot bath and a bottle of wine.
Will you share?
No. To both.
She felt his chuckle. I’m almost done here, sweetheart.
Charlotte sighed. Good.
She felt soft lips on her cheek and opened her eyes to find Niall standing over her. She realized she’d fallen asleep.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” he said, and smiled. “I’m sorry I left you here for so long. I didn’t gamble on folks going home and returning with albums for me to sign.”
“Like I told you. They’re rabid fans.” She yawned. “What time is it?”
He grasped her hands and pulled her from the sofa. “Time for me to pamper you.”
“Where’s all your stuff?” she asked as she glanced around the room. “I just need to grab my purse.”
“Our stuff’s in the car. Bruce is waiting outside.”
“So I can sleep in the car,” she said, and yawned again.
“Aye, love, you can sleep in the car.”
* * *
Niall wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s waist and guided her out the back door and into the Town Car. Cameron had done as he’d promised and made sure no one else bothered them as they were leaving. If Niall was human, he’d guess his hands would be cramping from all the autographs signed. He’d never seen so many people at a church before. Granted, he’d rarely gone to church, and he’d certainly never been to anything like this one.
He smiled at Charlotte, who had promptly fallen asleep in the car as they drove back to the hotel. He was in awe of his mate and her voice. He couldn’t wait to get her into the studio and sing with her. She was a powerhouse singer, and her countenance changed when she sang. She was even more beautiful, if that was possible.
Charlotte smiled. “I can hear your thoughts.”
He chuckled. “I have nothing to hide.”
She opened her eyes and sat up straighter as she checked her watch. “Holy cow, is it really six?”
“Aye, lass.”
“Two hours of signing autographs is a long time. Are you okay?”
He chuckled. “That’s a slow day, baby.”
“Of course it is, I should have known.” She rolled her eyes. “What’s the plan now?”
He tugged on her necklace. “First you’re going to put this back on...”
She gave him a shy smile and slipped the ring back on her finger.
“Now, I’m going to feed you, and then you’ll take your bubble bath and drink that wine.”
Charlotte grinned. “You know just how to woo me.”
“Yes. Yes, I do.”
* * *
The next morning, Charlotte’s cell phone rang, dragging her from her surprisingly pleasant dream. She ignored it, but it started again and she shifted closer to Niall. She’d fallen asleep curled up next to him, and he currently had his arms wrapped around her and she wasn’t willing to move. Her phone pealed again. She reached for it and saw her mother’s name pop up on the screen. She sent the call to voice mail, but the phone rang again immediately. She sighed. “Mom? Everything okay?”
“No!” she snapped. “Outside of the fact you didn’t come home last night, your sister’s missing.”
Feeling Niall move, Charlotte glanced to see him slide from the mattress and grab his phone. She threw her arm over her eyes. “What? What do you mean, ‘missing’?”
“Missing, gone, vanished, take your pick!” her mother screamed.
Charlotte pulled her phone away from her ear. “Mom. Calm down. How long has she been gone?”
“Two hours... I think.”
Charlotte sat up and checked the time. It was just past ten. “Okay, she’s probably just mad and gone for a walk or something. Don’t overreact. Did you try her cell phone?”
“I found it smashed on the floor, Charlotte. I’m not overreacting!” Her mother groaned. “I just ran to the store for fifteen minutes. When I got home, she was gone.”
“Okay, Mom. Okay.” Charlotte took a deep breath. “Did you call the police?”
“Yes, of course I did. They’re on their way.”
“Good. Did you call Dad?”
“Yes,” she huffed. “He’s on his way too.”
She slid from the bed and looked for Niall. He was in the living room, pacing the floor and rubbing his forehead. “Do you want me and Niall to look for her, or would you rather I come home?” Charlotte asked.
Her mother sobbed in relief. “Would you look for her, please? You know where she likes to go more than me.”
“Of course, Mom. We’ll leave right now.”
“Text me as soon as you know anything.”
“I will. I promise.”
Her mother hung up and Charlotte shoved her phone in her purse. Niall was still on his phone so she headed into the bathroom to change from her pajamas. As she dressed, she tried to listen to his conversation.
“Aye. I’ve sent you photos of her and the number of the man I think she’s with, along with photos of him. Track his phone if you can. Hopefully, he hasn’t disposed of it yet.” He glanced at the clock next to the television. “Aye, we’re going to look for her now.” He sighed. “I’ll no’ promise that, Dalton. Aye. Call me when you have news... or before. Thanks.” He hung up just as Charlotte walked out of the bathroom. “Dalton has notified the local FBI.”
“Who’s Dalton?” she asked.
“He’s Samantha’s brother. Ex-FBI.”
“I really think my mother might be overreacting,” Charlotte said, and pulled on her shoes. “Vandi can be dramatic. I’d hate to take them away from someone who might really need them.”
“You don’t think it’s strange that Vandi’s cell phone was on the floor and broken? Or that she ‘left’ just when yer mum stepped out?” he challenged.
Charlotte shrugged. “She could have been waiting for her to leave.”
“And they could have as well. Don’t minimize this, Charlotte.” He gathered his wallet and keys.
“Don’t get all snippy at me,” she retorted. “I know my sister. You don’t.”
He took a deep breath. “If she has simply run away, she will need to know what that choice has done to her family. And if she hasn’t, every second counts to get her back.”
Charlotte nodded, her mood suddenly somber. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
“Hey,” he said, and kissed her temple as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “We will find her, sweetheart. Okay?”
Charlotte nodded and let him lead her out the door.
MAXIMILIAN MACMILLAN FELT Grace’s nightmare before her startled gasp pulled him completely from sleep. He heard the rustle of sheets as she climbed off the bed and sat up. “Grace?”
He watched her walk toward the hallway and called out a few more times, but she didn’t answer, so he followed her. She padded through their private sitting room and into her walk-in closet, heading straight for her jewelry box.
“Baby?” he whispered.
She still didn’t acknowledge him, so he watched and waited. She pulled out the pearl bracelet Charlotte had given her to wear on their wedding day. Charlotte had an identical one, and Grace often wore it when she was missing her best friend, which was almost every day. Grace closed her eyes as she gently caressed the jewelry. When she opened her eyes, she let out a quiet squeak and dropped the jewelry.
“Baby?”
Grace glanced at Max. “Hi.”
He smiled. “Hi.”
H
er gaze swept the space and she frowned. “What am I doing in my closet?”
“I think you were sleepwalking.”
“Oh.” She bit her lip. “I think something’s wrong.”
Max closed the distance between them, picking up the dropped pearls and handing them to her. “Tell me.”
Grace waved the bracelet in the air. “Charlotte. Something’s wrong with Charlotte. I think. Or maybe something’s really, really right? Damn it, I can’t figure it out. I just... feel... so, ah... something. Maybe I’m just crazy.”
Grace had the gift of physical empathy, which meant she could be drawn to certain objects or places, and could also become emotionally charged when walking into a room or entering a town or a country. The trick was knowing if the emotions were positive or negative.
“I doubt you’re crazy, baby. Perhaps Niall has bound her.”
“Oooh, do you think?” Grace asked hopefully.
“It’s possible. Although, I’d feel it, so it’s probably not that.” Max wrapped his arms around his mate and ran his hands over her back. “Instead of flying home tomorrow, let’s head to the States.”
“But Niall has the plane,” Grace said, and then giggled. “If you’d told me a year ago that complaint would come out of my mouth, I would have smacked you.”
“I’m sure Connall will let me borrow his. And if not, then we’ll fly commercial.”
“You’d do that for me?” Her eyes widened. “Really?”
He chuckled. “Aye, love. It’s not like I’ve never flown commercial.”
She smiled. “Sometimes you amaze me.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re willing to get on a crowded plane in order to make me happy.”
“Haven’t you figured out that I’ll do anything to make you happy?”
She looped her hands around his neck and ran her hands through his hair. “I’m starting to.”
He kissed her. “Besides, I didn’t say it would be crowded, love. Let’s be honest, I’d buy out first class.”
“You would not.” She raised an eyebrow. “That’s such a waste of money.”
“What’s the alternative?”
“Just dealing with it.”
He lifted her off her feet. “I’ve got entirely too much money to have to ‘deal with it.’”
She giggled, leaning down to kiss his nose as she wrapped her legs around his waist. “I keep forgetting about that.”
Bound by Dreams (Cauld Ane Series, #5) Page 15
