“What the hell am I supposed to do?” He asks, matching my tone, “I’m trying to keep my cover. Charlie understands that.” I shake my head in disgust.
“How could you stand there and let them do that!”
“Carter, leave him alone.” Charlie says from the couch. I look over and see him struggling to sit up. Jackson gets up and helps him.
“Jackson is right. I didn’t want him to draw suspicion to him as well. If something were to happen to me, he could protect you. Besides, it wasn’t like he beat on me.” Then he painfully laughs, “At least not that time.”
“So, did he just let you go?” I ask, doubtful.
“Well, yes, technically. I guess he believed me, but I have raised his suspicions. He will be watching me closely.”
“Were you followed?” I ask, starting to freak out. “We have to get out of here!” I start for the hall. I must get Julia and Logan.
“Carter, stop!” I pause at Jackson’s command. I look at him and he is sitting there calmly. Then it dawns on me.
“You were the one assigned to follow him.” I say, feeling relief. He nods with a smile. I take a huge relieved breath.
“I almost had a heart attack.” I say with my hand on my chest. Jackson’s smile slowly falters.
“What’s wrong?”
“We were lucky it was me that was assigned. It still doesn’t change the fact that your uncle suspects Charlie. He will be extra careful now. We have a security mission set up for tonight and he took Charlie off of it. Kilson knows there is a mole in the organization. He needs to find him, and Charlie is the most likely suspect.”
“Well, we just need to hand him the mole over.” I say, receiving eyebrow rises from both guys. I smile at their reactions.
“Uh, you want to turn me in?” Charlie asks, unsure of where I’m going with this.
“Of course not, we just need to put suspicion on someone else. I have the perfect person in mind.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
After Jackson leaves, without any explanation from me, I sit with Charlie going over the details of the mission tonight.
“So why do you not want Jackson to know about tonight?” Charlie asks.
“He will tell me not to do it and it isn’t worth the risk. LALALA!” I explain and then change the subject. I don’t want to talk about Jackson. “Anyways, we have two missions tonight. We need to ruin my uncle’s security business and get the mole.”
“Okay, I’m not following. I mean, I know about the Kilson part, but what about the mole? Who is the mole?”
“You concentrate on resting today. We know the plans for the abduction, but the other part, leave it to me.”
I get up to leave, but Charlie grabs my hand. I look down at him, confused.
“I heard you with Jackson.” He says and my stomach drops as I look into sorrow filled eyes.
“It’s okay. I understand. I have loved the same girl for years. I may never stop loving her. I care about you though and I hoped you would be the one to make me forget.” I squeeze his hand.
“That’s what I thought about you too.” We smile at each other, both coming to the same conclusion.
“Friends?” I say, with a sad smile.
“Yeah, friends.” He says with an answering smile. I leave him on the couch to rest. I’m almost to the hallway when I hear him call my name.
“Carter.”
“Yeah.”
“Maybe in the future? You might give me a chance?”
“Definitely.” I say and head upstairs, a little heartbroken. It isn’t like the devastation of Jackson, but it still hurts to lose Charlie in that way. But we both have grieving hearts and to jump into something will only lead to one or both of us hurt.
In my room, I go over my own plans. More than one person will pay for what they did to my parents.
I am laying out my outfit for tonight, when there is a knock on my door. I open it and Logan is standing there. I move out of the way to let him in.
“So, are you ready for tonight?”
“As ready as I will ever be.” I say, going into the closet and pulling out my favorite chunky boots.
“I really appreciate you talking to Julia. I love her so much, but we all have a job to do.”
“Damn, right we do and that’s why I’m coming too.” Julia announces as she pushes into my room. She is wearing a sparkly pink halter top with a black mini skirt. Her legs look long in her strappy stilettos. Her hair is pulled up on the sides and the rest is flowing down her back. She is wearing some funky hot pink earrings that match her top. Her makeup is darker then she usually wears it. She looks stunning and looking at Logan, I would say he agrees. His jaw has fallen open and Julia and I exchange amused glances.
Suddenly, he snaps out of it and yells, “Oh no way in hell are you going with us!” The anger in Julia’s eyes indicates a new blow up coming on. I step in quickly.
“She can come.” I say. Logan turns on me, glaring.
“Are you crazy?” He asks.
“Somewhat.” I answer back with a smile and then I give him a break.
“She can help you. While you distract the birthday girl, Julia can give her the sedative.” I calmly explain. Julia’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. Logan’s look, not so much.
“It makes sense, Logan. Julia is a trained professional; you have to face that. You can’t keep her in a bubble. Plus, she can see exactly what is going on without any doubts.” I say with a roll of my eyes. I do feel a twinge of jealousy, though. It would be wonderful
for a guy to go all cave man on me once. And I mean, only once. I don’t like to be told what to do. Of course, Jackson doesn’t know about my plans for tonight, but I can safely assume he would react the same way. That makes me feel better.
Logan throws his hands up in defeat. “Fine, but we do this my way.” He says to Julia. Julia smiles and meekly nods. She winks at me as soon as Logan turns back around to me.
“Okay, let’s go over this again.”
“Simple, I go in, let the press have at me. I get chummy with the birthday girl and tell her that there is someone she just has to meet. I bring her to the designated spot where you distract her, and Julia does her thing. You guys take her to the spa. I use my ninja skills to escape. Done.” I explain with confidence. I know there is a lot that can go wrong with this plan. Just like every plan, but I can’t let them know I’m scared shitless. They both just stare at me.
“What?”
“How are you getting out?” Logan asks.
“Trust me, I have my ways.” I say, “I’ll call you when I’m safe and you can pick me up.”
“It’s Max, isn’t it?” My eyes fly to Logan.
“You are going to make Max the mole.” He says. I search his face, but I don’t see any judgment.
“Yes.” I say, daring him to disapprove me. He just nods.
“Okay, then.” He says.
“He had it coming.” Julia says, supporting me.
“You do realize you are signing his death sentence.” Charlie says from the doorway. I see he looks a little better. There is a pregnant pause.
“Yes.” I whisper, looking down. Charlie walks over to me and places a hand under my chin. He tilts my head up so I look him in the eyes.
“Are you really ready for that?” I see the concern on his face. I know what he means. I will live the rest of my life knowing that I was the cause of one of my former friend’s death. I stare directly in his eyes without flinching.
“Yes, he killed my parents. He is no friend of mine. He betrayed me.” Charlie lets go with a sigh.
“Okay, kids. We need to get going.”
“We?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m going too. I’m off this mission. I’m going to be the getaway car.”
“I need you here to keep us connected.”
“Baby, there is something called wireless.”
“Fine, just stay out of sight.” He gives me a cocky look.
“I mean
it, you are already under suspicion. If they see you, we are done for. I don’t care if I’m captured, you stay out of it.” I can tell by the look he is giving me, that he won’t listen to me.
“I will stay out of sight, but if you are in trouble, I’ll be there, Sweet Cheeks.”
I throw my hands up, exasperated.
“Okay, everyone, go get ready. We leave in thirty minutes.” I command.
“Someone’s bossy.” Charlie remarks. I’m glad to see him back to his normal annoying self. I give him a glare and he just chuckles like normal. Yep, he is fine.
“Alright, get out. I gotta get ready.” I say. Everyone leaves, but Julia. She helps me put on my outfit. I pair my boots with fishnets. I’m wearing a pair of sequin black shorts and a sheer one shoulder black top. Underneath, I have on a sequined black bra. I put on huge black hoops and pull my hair up in a high ponytail. I let Julia darken my makeup. When I look in the mirror, I see an edgy, but hot girl staring back at me. I like it!
“Whoa, momma, you look great!” Julia says.
“So, do you! I love the makeup. Thanks so much!”
“No problem. Are you really ready?” She asks, concerned.
“Yep, I have no choice. Everything will be fine.” I don’t know who I’m trying to convince, myself or her. Hiding my knives in my boots and bra, I prepare myself for the challenge ahead. I do not feel comfortable without taking a gun, so I stick it in the back of my shorts. The gun is black so I’m hoping it will blend in with my shorts. I look in the mirror again and face the girl. I feel so much older now. I know I’m not older, but I have lost the innocence I didn’t realize I had. I always liked to think of myself as mature for my age and worldly. It is just another thing to blame on my uncle.
“Let’s go, Carter!” I hear Logan yell.
I watch the girl in the mirror take a deep breath. Here we go. I meet the team downstairs and give them the brief run down again. I can tell they are anxious to get in and get out.
“Alright, guys. Remember, save yourselves. I’m the one he wants, so try not to bring too much attention to you. If you feel like you are in danger, leave. I can handle it.” I say, but my team just looks at me and I can tell they are going to do no such thing. I throw my hands up.
“Fine, let’s go.”
“Carter.” Charlie says, pulling me back from the other two.
“Please, be careful. You don’t understand how brutal they can be. If you get caught, I will do everything I can to get you out.” He swallows hard. “I’m sure Jackson will too.”
“I’ll be fine. I got this!” I say with a cocky smile. He smiles back and pulls me into a hug. I can feel his heartbeat next to mine. Why can’t love be simple? He releases me and we follow Julia and Logan. They drop me off at my father’s private garage and I pick out a fancy cherry red convertible. It’s a shame; I have to abandon it.
As I drive to the party, with my team following me, I send a quick prayer up to my parents, please keep my team safe and let this go smoothly.
You never know we might get lucky.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The party is in full swing when I arrive. The paparazzi are waiting outside the club, knowing there will be some wealthy socialites and politician’s kids. They love getting juicy gossip on us. They live for throwing a picture of a politician’s kid doing something bad when election time comes around. I’m hoping it goes unnoticed that I may have or may not have been invited to this party. I do know Alexis and have partied with her when she has been in town. So, I would say I was most likely invited. Of course, the invitation would be at my estate. As I drive right up to the front door, the car door is opened by the valet and I give him my keys. The flashes from the cameras meet me immediately as well as my name being shouted.
“Carter!! Do you have a comment about what your uncle said?”
“Which part?” I ask, laughing.
“Your mental stability.”
“Let me assure you, I am completely sane.” I say with a big smile and laugh about it like it is a joke. I keep walking into the club, ignoring the questions and lights. As soon as I walk through the door, the music pumps through my veins. I know that the team Kilson has sent has their eyes on me. I walk in with confidence and make my way to the VIP section. The birthday girl is sitting in the middle of admirers, preening like a queen. I walk up the stairs and I am stopped by Boots.
“Hey there, miss me?” He says quietly, but gently holding me hostage.
“You know it.” I say with a wink. He gives me a smirk.
“Carter!!! OMG! Where have you been?” Alexis Johnson screeches. Alexis is a buxom, fake big haired blond that wears a ton of makeup and pink. My eyes find her and right behind her are icicles. I mean Jackson. He is giving me a death glare.
“You there, let her in! Her name is on the list.” She demands Boots. He gives me another wink and lets me through. Alexis jumps up and gives me an excited hug.
“I was worried when I didn’t hear from you. I’m so sorry about your parents. I hope they find the bastard who did it.” She says, I return her hug, meeting Max’s eyes. He looks away from me in shame. I swallow down those feelings for now. I mumble thanks as I inhale her strong fruity perfume. She lets go and gestures for me to sit in the chair across from her. I have a direct visual of Jackson above her head. She is chattering on and all I can do is stare at Jackson. He looks so good in his issued suit. His eyes are so intense. I want to run my hands through his dark hair and kiss those lips.
“Carter?” Alexis asks, trying to get my attention. Jackson gives me an amused smirk. I notice Max staring at Jackson. Oh, no, I better rein my attraction in. Max moves over to Jackson and whispers something to him. I can tell he is asking if they should restrain me. Jackson shakes his head back at Max. I can tell from his motions; he is explaining that it would be too obvious at this moment.
“Sorry, birthday girl. You want a drink? It’s on me!” I say with my party girl attitude.
“Hell yes!” She yells and the others cheer with her. Damn, I’m jealous of how easy it is for them. They get to party without a care in the world and I’m fighting for my life. Jackson is staring at me, trying to figure out what my plan is. I just wink at him.
“Hey you!” I yell at Boots. He turns to me.
“Get us some shots, would ya?” I say in a snotty voice. I see the amused look on his face. I wonder if Boots is on our side. He had my back at the apartment. He nods and moves from his position. Max replaces him at the top of the stairs. It is so hard not to just push him down them.
“Alexis, who are these guys?” I ask. She rolls her eyes.
“Daddy hired bodyguards for me. It’s so stupid. I can’t go anywhere without them and they cock block me. Any guy that wants to talk to me has to go through them.” She says, getting more pissed by the moment. Perfect!
“Although, they are hot, especially that one.” She says, smiling and gesturing behind her. I clench my teeth. I am not jealous.
“He looks familiar, don’t you think?” She says and I look at him. He glances away from me.
“No, never saw him before.” I’m surprised Alexis hasn’t recognized Jackson sooner. Jackson doesn’t go clubbing or anything, but he is still in the limelight a lot. When Boots
returns with our drinks, I quickly switch the one he hands me with another girl. Can’t be too careful. I can’t afford to be drugged. Boots gives me an amused look. We all take the tequila shot.
Looking down from the VIP section, I search the dancers for Julia or Logan. I spot Logan and I give him the signal. I reach up and act like I’m messing with my ponytail, but I’m making a peace sign. I notice immediately that it was a mistake. I forgot that Max was there. Max immediately focuses on the dance floor searching for our teammates. How could I be so stupid? Max knows all our signals. Oh, well, I look back and see Logan is gone. Max is still searching. I catch his eye and I see the regret in his eyes. Too late, asshole. I give him a small smile. He looks confused, but then h
e smiles back. GOTCHA, sucker. I keep flirting with my eyes. I know he is confused, but he wants my forgiveness so bad. I ignore Jackson completely. I can’t let him distract me.
I lean over to Alexis, “I want that one.” I say in a whisper, pointing to Max. Her eyes light up. She loves gossip, drama, or anything scandalous. She nods and gestures for Max.
“You, come here.” She says, pointing at Max. Max comes over to us and waits.
“Dance with her.” She commands. Max starts to object, but I jump up from the group and run my fingers over his chest.
“Oh, come on, don’t be a party pooper! Just one dance.” I say. The group laughs and Max looks at Jackson, confused. Jackson looks at me and I can see the question, what are you doing? I ignore him. Jackson must have said it was okay because Max looks back at me.
“Okay.” I know he probably thinks he will capture me. I whisper something to Alexis. She grins and nods. Plan A has begun. I hear Charlie in my ear.
“What are you doing?” He asks.
“Trust me.” I whisper to him.
I drag Max down the stairs, passing a confused Boots. We are finally on the dance floor surrounded by people.
“Carter, what are you doing?” He asks. I look into the eyes of my former friend and murderer of my parents.
“I’m forgiving you.” NOT!
“Really?” I hear the hope in his voice, and I feel a twinge of guilt.
“You were just doing your job.” God, it kills me to say that.
“Plus, I can’t get you out of my head. I love you, Max and I always have.” I hope I’m not coming on to strong. I see the excitement on his face. A face I want to punch.
“Oh Carter, I don’t know what to say… you know how I feel about you. I am so sorry….” He says, pulling me closer. “But what about Jackson?”
“I was stupid. It was an infatuation. I thought he was the one I wanted, but it’s always been you. I don’t blame you for any of this.”
“So, you will turn yourself in? I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. Your uncle promised me, you wouldn’t be hurt. He just wants to take care of you.” Max says and I see that he truly believes it. Oh, Max, how stupid can you be? I harden myself against him. I don’t forgive him for pulling the trigger, but it is so hard when you are talking to someone that was once one of your best friends.
No Regrets Page 20
