The Determining (19 page)

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Authors: Rebecca Grous

BOOK: The Determining
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Watching the rag-tag group surrounding him, he felt a sense of camaraderie. These people were his friends and his family. Together they’d made a life in the midst of adversity. He looked on them with pride. Rather than feeling exalted as their leader, these people made him feel as if he belonged.

“Did you hear me?” Viv tapped his arm.

“What?” Nemo pulled his attention back to his own table.

Viv shot him an amused look. “I asked where you need me today.”

“I thought you were working at the coffee shop?” He took a huge bite of bread, following it with a mouthful of coffee.

“It’s my day off.” She leaned forward on her elbows.

The skin around her eyes was sunken and bruised from lack of sleep. Her usually bright cheeks were pale. He shook his head. “You look exhausted. Do something for yourself.”

“Every other person here is just as tired as I am,” she countered, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

“Every other person may be tired, but you’re the only one who happens to be my daughter.” He gave her a serious look. “Take the day for yourself. You’ll do more good for us if you’re rested.”

She sat back in her chair, crossing her arms in a huff. Every time he looked at her, he saw her mother. Both had the same full, dark brown hair and honey eyes. Although she resembled her mother, Viv’s personality mimicked his own. They were both strong and stubborn. She wouldn’t agree to rest so easily.

“And what about you?”

“What about me?” He took another drink from his mug.

A teasing smile crossed her face. “You, our fearless leader, are no picture of health. The circles under your eyes are darker than anyone else’s. You’re not thirty anymore.” Her face sobered. “When are you going to take a day to rest?”

Viv was right. Thirty was over fifteen years behind him and his body felt older every day. “It’s a hazard of being in a position of power. I don’t have the luxury of rest.”

“I’ll rest when you do.” She didn’t give him a chance to argue before she disappeared.

Shaking his head, he stood up from the table and trudged back to the office with a fresh mug of coffee in hand.

“Nemo.” A voice stopped him as he left the kitchen.

“Slater.” Nemo nodded to the short man. “I thought you would have returned home by now.”

“I’m sure you know, I was called on last night to perform a marriage.” He pushed his glasses higher on his nose.

“I did hear something to that effect.”

“I delayed my journey until I could see you.” Slater crossed his arms, glaring. “That marriage was never part of the plan you submitted to the Leaders. And what happened to Miss Grey?”

Guilt griped his stomach. “Extenuating circumstances. Unfortunately there were many variables that I couldn’t and still can’t account for. The marriage became essential.”

Slater accepted the answer reluctantly. “How did she get paired with McLean of all people?”

“You think it’s a poor match?”

“No, rather convenient for us.”

Nemo nodded. “I ensured it. We needed her paired with someone we could trust to keep her safe. He was the best option.”

“I don’t know how he can protect her. If Grey wants her, he’ll get her back.”

“Thayer’s name should give her some protection. She’s not just Grey’s daughter now; she’s also the daughter-in-law of another Councilman. That will afford her a measure of protection. As long as she and McLean remain in the spotlight, there won’t be many opportunities for Grey to make a move.”

“I hope you’re right, for her sake and for ours.” Slater extended his hand. “I’ll back you when you address the Leaders about this matter. Make it soon. They’ll be in an uproar until you do.”

Nemo nodded. “Safe journey home.”

“I’ll be in touch soon.” Slater looked him straight in the eye. “Good luck.”

“Thank you.” He watched Slater’s retreating back. “I’m going to need it.”

Chapter Fifteen

“Less than two weeks since the hostage situation at her coming-out party, Charlotte Grey has, once again, found herself in the limelight. Late last night, an anonymous source sent us this video. Yes, you’re seeing that correctly. Charlotte Grey has tied the knot. But even more shocking than the secret elopement, is the groom.

“In the weeks leading up to her coming-out, Miss Grey was rumored to be engaged to longtime boyfriend, Drew Campbell. After her coming-out, rumors flew that the couple had split. Sources claimed that she and Mason Novack, heir to Novack Enterprises, were planning their nuptials. But Miss Grey has surprised us all by marrying neither of her rumored amours.

“Although coverage of her coming-out was dominated by the hostage situation, some may remember that Miss Grey’s first dance was auctioned off for a record one million credits. Who was the lucky man? None other than her new husband, Thayer McLean. Seems he made quite a first impression.

“Representatives for the couple have refused to comment.”

A grainy shot of Charlie and Thayer filled the screen. It worked. Not only had almost every channel played the video of her wedding, almost every news website she checked that morning featured the story on the home page. For the first time in her life, she’d made her own choice, and the whole Confederacy knew it. The oppressive cloud hanging over her had dissipated and she could breathe again.

“It’s a good thing your back was turned in the video.” Thayer’s voice startled her. “Imagine what they’d be saying if they’d seen what happened to your face.”

She watched him saunter into the living room. He wore a white t-shirt and expensive designer jeans that hung low on his hips. He hadn’t shaved, leaving a shadow that accentuated his jawline.

He settled on the opposite end of the black leather couch. Since coming back to his apartment the night before, he’d been careful to give her a wide berth. After showing her to the guestroom and making sure she had everything she need, he disappeared into his own room. She appreciated the space, but couldn’t deny the fact that, at some point, they needed to get to know one another.

“Yeah. I don’t think I would be able to handle questions about this mess.” She gestured to her face.

Thayer leaned forward, examining her with his piercing eyes. “It looks a lot better today. The swelling has gone down and the bruises faded a little.”

She squirmed under his scrutiny. Looking away, she focused her gaze on the TV playing in the background. “You’re lying, but thank you for saying it anyway.”

He continued to stare. She wanted to know what ran through his head as he watched her so intently. Finally, he broke the silence. “I think it would be best to stay out of the public eye for a while.

She frowned. “With the marriage public, I should be safe.”

Thayer shrugged. “It’s your decision, but I think it would be better to be cautious. At least until you’ve recovered enough that you can hide the damage.” He lifted a hand like he wanted to touch her but stopped himself. “No reason to infuriate your father any further.”

A sigh whooshed past her lips. He was right. A thought struck her. “Are you going to stay here until then?” Anxiety stirred in her stomach, making it turn and clench.

He leaned back, placing his hands behind his head, kicking his feet up on the glass coffee table. “I have business in the city until the end of the week. Most of it I can conduct from the apartment, though I do have a few meetings I can’t miss.” He glanced at her. “I know this is a strange situation, but you don’t need to worry. Like I said yesterday, I’m not planning on taking advantage of you.”

His words did little to comfort her.

After a minute of awkward silence, he spoke again. “Did you eat anything yet?”

Her stomach gave a loud, embarrassing grumble, answering his question. Heat rushed up her neck and warmed her cheeks.

“If you were hungry, you could have made yourself something,” Thayer scolded lightly.

“I didn’t want to go through your kitchen. It seemed rude.”

“Charlotte, look at me.” Reluctantly, she let her eyes rest on him. The morning light played across his face, accentuating his angular features. “I want you to be comfortable here. If you want to go through the kitchen, then do it. Redecorate the whole damn apartment for all I care. We may not have the most conventional relationship, but for better or worse, we’re in this together.”

The kind gesture and intensity in his eyes had her at a loss for words. All she could was nod. She knew he was right, but it would take time for her to feel comfortable in his home, sharing a life with him.

He stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I need coffee. Would you like some?”

A genuine smile pulled at her mouth. “I don’t know how I’ve functioned this far without it.” She stood, sucking in a sharp breath when her ribs throbbed in protest.

He frowned. “Didn’t the doctor give you anything for the pain?”

“Yes, but the bottle says to take it with food.” She gave him a sheepish look.

“Then we better get you something to eat. Come on.” He led the way, staying close by her side.

Unlike Margaret’s white kitchen at home, all cold and untouched, Thayer’s kitchen felt warm and lived in. Dirty dishes filled the stainless steel sink, hot coffee steamed in a pot, and an actual newspaper sat neatly folded on the counter. An island with four tall stools lined up along one side dominated the center of the room.

Thayer helped her to one of the stools before pulling mugs from a nearby cabinet.

“Cream and sugar?” he asked.

“Please.”

She watched him confidently maneuver around the room. He poured coffee into both mugs before grabbing the cream and sugar. He placed a mug in front of her and took long drink from his own.

When he caught her staring at him over the rim of her mug, he raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“I’m surprised you know your way around a kitchen. I assumed you would have a housekeeper to take care of the cooking. Most people do. Especially people like us.”

“Ms. Barton is at home in Texas. When I stay in the apartment, I have to fend for myself. It’s rough, but I manage,” he joked, setting the mug down. “I thought I’d make some eggs.”

“Sounds great.” Charlie poured a little cream into her coffee and stirred in a spoonful of sugar.

“I hope you like your eggs scrambled, because I can’t make them any other way,” he said, retrieving the egg carton from the fridge.

Her eyes followed him as he prepared the eggs before pouring them in a pan coated with melted butter. While they cooked, he found some bread, which he deposited into a toaster. The scent of warm bread drifting across the kitchen made her stomach grumble again. If Thayer noticed the sound, he didn’t comment as he found two forks and plates.

When he placed a full plate in front of her, she had to check herself to keep from shoveling the food into her mouth. Instead, she took small, careful bites.

“Don’t forget your medicine,” Thayer reminded her, taking a huge bite of eggs.

Charlie nodded, feeling like a child. She pulled the white pill from her pocket and swallowed it quickly, returning to her breakfast. The food hitting her empty stomach felt heavenly.

“Why do you have a real newspaper?” She spoke before taking her last bite.

“I guess it's one of my eccentricities,” he explained, his mouth full of toast. “I can afford the cost of real paper, so, why not?”

“I didn’t even know they printed them anymore.” She eyed the newspaper with curiosity. “I thought everything was electronic.”

“You don’t see too many of these in Portestas or the northern states, but back in Texas all the wealthy families have a printed paper delivered daily. I guess we hold to the Old World traditions more tightly than the other states. It’s become a habit for me to have one, even here in the city.” His mouth quirked up into a smile but his eyes hardened.

Feeling confused and uncomfortable at the edge in his expression, Charlie changed the subject. “You don’t have a southern accent.”

“My father doesn’t think the accent sounds professional so he insisted my brother and I learn to speak without it.”

“Do you ever slip up?” Charlie leaned forward, straining to hear any trace of a twang in his reply.

“Only when I return home.” He smirked at her listening to him so intently.

Embarrassed, she straightened up. “Thank you for breakfast.” She slid down from the stool with care but she needn’t have worried; the medicine was already doing its job.

“You’re welcome.” He downed the last of his coffee in one gulp. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a conference call soon. Will you be alright on your own for a while?” The concern in the question sent pleasant shivers tingling down her spine and made the hairs on her arms stand up.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him with a nod, doing her best to ignore the goose bumps on her arms.

“I’m here if you need me.” He shot her one last look before leaving.

Alone, Charlie grabbed their plates, depositing them in the sink with the dirty dishes. She grabbed the dish soap and began the slow process of washing, rinsing, and drying. Soon she picked up a rhythm and lost herself in her thoughts, letting her hands move of their own accord.

Her thoughts landed on her classes. Staying out of the public eye meant she couldn’t go to school, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t keep up with the work. After finishing the dishes, she would email her professors. She couldn’t tell them the truth about why she wouldn’t be in class, but she hoped they would accept the ‘newly wed’ excuse.

Like all graduates of Hartland Prep, Charlie had completed her college prerequisites before graduating and going through the Determining. All that remained were the courses specific to her major. For the hundredth time in the weeks since classes started, she mentally kicked herself for choosing to enroll in the accelerated program. When she’d made the decision, she hadn’t expected her life to turn completely upside down. Now she wasn’t sure she could keep up with the workload. Anxiety ate away at her the more she thought about it.

Her phone rang, startling her from her worried thoughts. She rinsed the soap off her hands, drying them before fishing the phone from her pocket. Margaret’s name and face appeared on the screen. She’d expected this call, but knowing it was coming and having to face it were two very different things. Rather than put off the inevitable argument, she answered.

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