Mr Spencer

by Swan, T L

  His haunted eyes hold mine.

  “I wouldn’t treat a fucking dog the way you’ve treated her. You, of all people, should understand how she feels.” I sneer. “You fell for the hired help, for Christ’s sake.”

  “You leave my mother the fuck out of this,” Edward snaps and throws a punch at my jaw. I stagger back, recover quickly, and then I punch him in the face as hard as I can. We grab each other turning it into a scuffle. Punches are thrown and the table tips over in the foyer. A guard comes rushing in from outside.

  We struggle on the floor until I’m dragged to my feet by my biceps.

  “Get him outside!” Edward yells.

  “You make this right!” I yell at Harold with hot blood trickling from my lip. “Do you hear me? You fix this.”

  I’m pushed out of the front door and down the stairs before I’m thrown into my car by the guards.

  I’m so angry I can’t even see straight.

  I take off and speed out the gates, glaring at the estate behind me disappearing quickly. I wince as I touch my eye, I think it’s already black.

  * * *

  It’s late afternoon and I’m just tidying up for the day. I had to buy a new shirt before I could come into the office. The one I was wearing got ripped this morning in Nottingham. I have no idea how I’m going to explain this black eye and cut lip to Charlotte, either. I’ll think I’ll say it happened in the gym while boxing.

  My phone rings and the name Angel lights up the screen.

  “Hello, my beautiful girl.”

  “Hi,” she breathes, and I can tell that she’s smiling. “Thank you for being so wonderful.”

  I frown, wondering what she means. “How are you feeling?” I ask. Does she know about my little psycho attack in Nottingham this morning?

  She exhales heavily. “Better. You won’t believe it.”

  “What?”

  “My father just called me.”

  I frown. “He did?” I hesitate. Shit. “What did he say?”

  “He wants to repair this rift between us. He wants to start again.”

  My eyebrows rise in surprise. “What?”

  “He invited us to go to dinner with the family in London on Saturday night.”

  “He did?”

  “William is coming home, too, and Dad wants to have dinner with everyone there. I’m so excited, Spence. I was hoping he would come around, and now he has,” she gushes happily.

  I blow air into my cheeks. To be honest, the last thing I want to do is go to dinner with those fucking pricks.

  “That’s okay, isn’t it?” she asks with obvious hope. “You will come with me and try to get along with them, won’t you? Start afresh.” I scratch my head. “Of course. I’ll do anything for you, you know that.”

  “You have no idea what a relief this is to me. I feel like a weight has been lifted, and once they get to know you, I know they’ll love you as much as I do.”

  I roll my eyes. If she only knew what had gone on this morning. Actually, I don’t care. As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters.

  “And you’ll get to meet William and his wife. They’re back from Switzerland. Oh, this is going to be fantastic.”

  “Okay, babe,” I sigh. Fantastic, another brother. I’m already dreading it. “Sounds great,” I lie.

  “I’ll see you soon. I’m leaving work now. Let’s put the tree up tonight.”

  I smirk. “I thought you didn’t want to have Christmas this year?”

  “Christmas is officially back on. I love you.” She smiles.

  “Lucky.” I smirk as I touch my throbbing eye socket. “See you soon.”

  I hang up and exhale heavily, staring at the phone in my hand. I swing my chair from side to side. Maybe my little visit this morning worked, after all.

  Interesting. I’m going to find out exactly what is going on here.

  I dial Harold’s number. He answers on the first ring. “Hello, Spencer.” “What’s the catch?” I ask

  “No catch. I want to move on.”

  “And Edward?”

  “Edward wants his sister to be happy. This dinner will be a starting point.”

  I stay silent on the phone.

  “Thank you for coming to me with your concerns for Charlotte. I appreciate it.”

  “Does she know I came to you?”

  “No, and I don’t want her to.”

  “I only want for her to be happy.”

  “As do we. Charlotte is my only concern. So, will I see you Saturday night?” he asks.

  “Sure, I’ll see you there.”

  * * *

  “Don’t bring up anything about the fight we had.” Charlotte smiles. She’s holding my free hand even though I’m driving, her eyes are on me while I watch the road.

  It’s Saturday night and we’re on our way to meet her family. Charlotte is buzzing. Me? I’m trying my hardest not to roll my eyes.

  “Yes, got it.”

  “And ask William about his job as a doctor. He loves speaking about that. It’ll break the ice.”

  “Okay.”

  “And ask Edward about work. Try to make casual conversation with him, even though he’s quite abrupt at first.”

  No shit.

  “Do you think I look okay?” She straightens out her dress.

  I glance at her and then frown. “You look beautiful.”

  “And just—”

  “Will you stop telling me what to say?” I interrupt. “I am perfectly capable of holding a civilised conversation.”

  “I know,” she sighs. “I just really want this to work out.” She leans over and kisses my cheek as I keep my eyes on the road. “It means so much to me that you’re willing to forgive and forget.”

  I force a smile because it’s kind of cute how excited she is. Honestly, I just want this night over with.

  This is for her.

  We soon arrive at the restaurant, and I can already see four guards at the door. I park the car and take Charlotte’s hand in mine, and then we make our way inside.

  Charlotte spots them quickly and waves happily. I can see Edward, Harold, and another man who I’m assuming is William… and then...

  The blood drains from my face.

  “Who is that woman at the table?” I whisper.

  Charlotte smiles and drags me though the restaurant. “That’s Penelope. William’s wife.”

  I feel the floor move beneath me. No, it can’t be.

  Oh my God.

  I’m the man Penelope fucked behind her husband’s back.

  23

  Spencer

  I stand still, my feet frozen to the spot.

  The air drains from my lungs.

  William glances up and sees me as we approach the table, and his face quickly falls.

  He recognises me.

  “Charlotte,” I whisper, coming to another stop. “I need to talk to you. Outside… now.”

  “This way.” She keeps dragging me to the table.

  “You fucking dog.” William sneers as he stands.

  Penelope’s eyes widen in horror. “Oh my God,” she whispers the second she sees me.

  Charlotte’s face falls in confusion as she looks between us. “William?” she asks.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Get the fuck outside, now!” William growls.

  My jaw feels like it’s on the floor. What are the chances?

  I’m completely speechless. What the fuck do I say to this?

  “You know each other?” Edward asks, confused by our interaction.

  William glares at me. “Oh, we know each other, all right.”

  Charlottes glances between the two of us. “I don’t understand.”

  “Last time I saw him he was in my bed, balls deep inside my wife.” William lunges for me, connecting a fist to my jaw which forces me to fly back.

  “Oh my God!” Penelope yells when the table goes flying.

  I glance over to see Charlotte’s hands are over her mouth as she
connects the dots.

  Harold holds onto the table to stop himself from falling over and, of course, Edward erupts like a madman. “What the fuck?” he yells.

  “No!” Charlotte cries. “That can’t be true.” Her haunted eyes meet mine.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper.

  “No!” she whispers. Her face screws up in pain as she realises it’s true.

  “Charlotte,” I whisper as she begins to cry hysterically. “I didn’t know she was married. I swear to you.”

  Edward grabs me and pushes me towards the door. I see the flash of a camera hit my face.

  “That’s not true!” Penelope yells. “You knew exactly who I was married to, and you were after his money. You pursued me for months until you wore me down.”

  “What?” I cry. “You fucking liar. I didn’t even know you as Penelope. You told me your name was Stephanie.” I’m hit from the side by William again. The whole restaurant is watching, and the guards suddenly seem to come running from every direction.

  Edward drags me towards the door to pull me away from Charlotte.

  “Charlotte,” I cry. “She’s lying, I swear to you.”

  I struggle to break free, but I still see Charlotte crying hysterically in Harold’s arms.

  No!

  This can’t be happening!

  More cameras flash in the distance.

  I grab the doorframe to try and stop them from dragging me away from her. “Charlotte!” I cry. “Charlotte, come here. Listen to me!” I beg.

  Charlotte’s haunted eyes hold mine for just a second before she shakes her head and turns her back on me.

  I dig my heels in to try and stop them dragging me away from her. “Charlotte!”

  “Just leave, Spencer,” she yells into her father’s shoulder. Harold wraps his arms around her, shielding and protecting her from me.

  I’m dragged outside and I struggle to break free. All at once, Charlotte is rushed out of the restaurant, the clicks of cameras flashing everywhere until she is put into the back of the Bentley.

  “Charlotte!” I scream, and the car speeds off into the distance.

  Edward walks up to me, his stare cold and full of hatred. “Are you happy now?”

  “I swear to you, Edward, I didn’t know.” His guards hold me by my arms.

  Edward punches me in the stomach and the wind is knocked from my lungs. I double over and fall to the ground on the cold, grey pavement.

  Blood fills my mouth.

  I hear footsteps, cars, and the flashes of more cameras. And then there’s a cacophony of car tyres screaming in the distance. After a short while, I feel myself being lifted from the ground. I look up to see Anthony and Wyatt.

  They’ve stayed with me.

  The only ones.

  I look around to see everyone else has gone.

  “Come on, let’s get you home,” Wyatt sighs sadly.

  “Charlotte,” I whisper.

  “She’s gone mate,” Anthony says with regret.

  I stammer in a panic. “We… we have to go get her.”

  Wyatt looks at me, his face is sad and full of sympathy. “She doesn’t want to see you, Spence. She told me to keep you away from her.”

  I wince and drop my head.

  This can’t be happening.

  * * *

  I stare at the television on the wall of the bar I’m in.

  Masters and Seb are beside me, staying silent. What is there to say?

  I’ve fucked it. I’ve completely fucked it.

  “She’ll come around.” Masters sips his beer.

  “I don’t think she will,” Seb mutters. “Have you seen the papers today? This scandal is fucking everywhere.”

  “You’re not helping, Seb!” Masters snaps. “Try calling her again.”

  I pass my phone to him. He dials Charlotte’s number and, once again, it goes straight through to voicemail. Her phone has been turned off since dinner last night. She hasn’t been back to our apartment. If I try to drive to Nottingham, they won’t let me see her, anyway.

  I’ll wait here in London for her to come home.

  Please come home.

  “I don’t understand how you didn’t know this.” Masters frowns. “How do you fuck a married woman and never find out who she was married to?”

  “It’s not something I wanted to know, all right? Fuck.”

  Seb smirks and stares down at the table.

  “What?” I say deadpan.

  “You do have to admit, it is a little bit funny. What are the chances?”

  “It’s not funny, Sebastian, you fucking idiot. What will be funny is when I rearrange your ugly face,” I growl.

  Masters chuckles. “Now, that will be funny. I’d pay good money to watch you do that.”

  A text comes in from Bree.

  Spence,

  I can’t get a hold of her.

  I’ll keep trying.

  Bree

  x

  I drag my hand down my face in despair.

  “She’s not seeing anyone or taking any calls. Beth called me this morning, and Charlotte won’t even see her. I don’t know how the fuck I’m supposed to fix this when she won’t even speak to me.”

  We all fall silent.

  “She’ll come home.” Masters sighs. “She’s just in shock.”

  “Join the fucking club,” Seb grumbles. “I’m in shock, too.”

  I glare at him. “I swear to fucking God, your face is so punch-able right now, I can’t even stand it.”

  The both laugh at me.

  “Can you two just fuck off and leave me alone?”

  “Nope,” Masters answers without hesitation. “We’ve been through tougher times than this, and we always stick together.”

  I pinch the bridge of my nose. A memory of Charlotte’s face when she realised I’d slept with Penelope takes over, and my heart hurts.

  I can’t believe I slept with Penelope.

  What have I done?

  Charlotte

  Thirty-seven hours since he held me.

  Thirty- seven hours since I had my heart completely ripped from my chest.

  I’m in my bed, staring at a wall.

  I can’t drink, I can’t eat, I can’t think.

  I wish I couldn’t feel…

  I keep seeing Spencer’s face as they dragged him away from me—the fear in his eyes.

  He knew…he knew then, in that moment, what our future was.

  We aren’t a love story. We’re a tragedy.

  Tears roll down my face. The hysterical tears are over, replaced with numbness—a cold, dead feeling now taking over my heart.

  I’m an empty vessel, broken beyond repair.

  Everything I thought I knew was a lie. The life I planned with him is over.

  Love with him will never be the same.

  The man I fell in love with doesn’t exist.

  In his place there’s a homewrecker, a man who I despise, and everything he stands for.

  A man with different morals than me, and one I couldn’t possibly be in love with.

  The pain is deep, real, and I feel like I’m grieving someone’s death all over again.

  It hurts.

  I hear a car horn in the distance.

  Beep, beep, beeeeeeeeep.

  What’s that?

  Beep, beep, beeeeeeeeep.

  I hear a door bang, and then footsteps as someone runs past my house down the gravel road.

  What on earth is going on out there?

  I drag myself to the window and peer through the sheer curtains only to see Spencer’s car outside the gates. He’s standing next to it, pushing on the horn through his open door.

  Beep, beep, beeeeeeeeep. “Charlotte!” he yells. “Come out here.” Beep, beep. “CHARLOTTE!” he screams.

  I wince and feel more tears fall as I watch him. He’s frantic.

  “Angel, please,” he begs. “I promise you, I didn’t know.”

  I slap my hands over my ears. “Stop it,” I whi
sper. “Leave me alone.”

  “Charlotte?” I turn and see Edward. I crash to his chest as he wraps me in his safe arms. “It’s okay, Lottie, they’re taking him away now.”

  I howl against his chest; this pain unbearable.

  The worst thing is, I know that Spencer will be hurting just as much as I am.

  But what’s done is done.

  He can’t change the past, and this will never be something I’ll be able to live with.

  He slept with my brother’s wife. Penelope.

  I taste bile, imagining him in William’s bed with William’s wife, and I cry harder and harder until I can’t breathe. I can’t see him.

  I don’t ever want to see him again.

  There is nothing he can say that will take away what he’s done or the hurt he’s caused my beloved brother.

  A new rush of pain seeps through another layer in my heart.

  “Spencer,” I cry. “My love. Why?” I howl. “Why did he do this, Edward, why?”

  “Shh.”

  I hear the car horn again and Spencer screams my name. “Charlotte!”

  “Make him go away,” I cry.

  “They’re taking him now. Dad is at the police station taking out a restraining order against him as we speak. He won’t be able to come here at all without being arrested soon.”

  The thought that he can’t legally come here anymore breaks my heart even further, and I cry uncontrollably.

  “I’m sorry I let this happen,” Edward whispers against my hair. “This is all my fault.”

  “Charlotte!” Spencer screams again, and I slap my hands over my ears.

  “Make it stop, Edward, make it stop.”

  “Charlotte, please… I love you,” Spencer yells, his voice breaking. “I love you.”

  The guards begin to shout, and then there’s a commotion. I know that Spencer is struggling with them to try to get to me.

  I pull out of Edward’s arms and roll into a ball on my bed, holding my hands over my ears as I cry hysterically.

  Make.

  The.

  Pain.

  Stop.

  Spencer

  I stare at my computer, looking at pictures of myself outside the restaurant.