Un-Break my Heart: Book 2 (The Heart Trilogy) (12 page)

“I think we’ll look at heading home soon though…there’s only so much time I can manage in the presence of Felicity” Just over his shoulder I spotted Felicity appear, her hand on the arm of the young man called Daniel.

She must have felt my gaze as she turned in our direction and smiled sweetly, it was only the hard look in her eyes that belied her true feelings. As Mitchell and Charlie finished to a round of applause I watched as she joined in and then headed towards them. James noticed this too and started to head in the same direction too. I held him back.

“She can’t do anything with so many people around” I breathed “My girl can look after herself” I could feel the tension surging beneath his smooth skin. We headed a little closer and waited.

“Oh Mitchell, what a lovely dance” Felicity said, reaching out to pull him closer. I could see the hatred clearly on Charlie’s face at the sight of her, but she quickly hid this beneath a smile.

“Thanks Mum, since you missed it at the competition” he said, pulling back to bring Charlie closer to him.

“Charlott
e
so nice to see you again and looking so pretty too” she exclaimed “It takes some nerve showing up to a party in a high street brand"

I saw Charlie flinch and Mitchell felt it too as he held her closer and a warning look passed between them.

“You look lovely too, the money obviously helps to highlight your true colours” Charlie replied, feeling smug at her barbed reply. The smile on Felicity’s face broadened as she reached out to place her hand on Charlie’s arm and she leant closer, dropping her voice so those around would not hear.

“I know who you are now, don’t mess with me as I always win” she whispered.

“So Mitchell how about a dance with your old Mum” she asked, dropping her hand away sharply. Finishing with a tight squeeze she smiled at the red mark she had left on the skin. Charlie caught Mitch roll his eyes but he still led her off to the dance floor.

Charlie turned and watched the evil cow and then she felt a soft hand on her shoulder.

“Would you like to dance” Daniel asked, timidly.

“Sure
”
Charlott
e
replied, taking his offered hand, this was sure to wind Felicity up as he led her to take a position next to them. Smiling across at Mitchell she hoped this was going to be ok with him, after the way he had glared at Daniel last time they were here. As other couples returned to the dance floor I reached for James hand.

“I think we should” I said. The anxiety we both felt at the situation meant that our attempts to move in time with the music seemed clumsy and strained. I hated that she might have noticed this as she swayed seamlessly along in Mitchell’s arms. Charlie was now quietly regretting saying yes as she felt Daniel’s arm slowly slip deliberately down her back to rest on her bum. He kept trying to pull her closer but she tried to stay rigid but at the same time like she was enjoying his attention. This was a dangerous game to play she realised as Mitch scowled over at them and his Mum noticed and smiled even more brightly, like she was proving something to him.

Before the song finished she whispered something in his ear and Charlie noticed him flinch and look across at her again. She smiled back, trying to tell him without words that she only wanted him. Charlie was so absorbed in trying to read Felicity’s lips that she didn’t notice Daniel’s mouth heading towards her until their lips touched. She sprang out of his arms and slapped him across the face. The music died as Felicity strode across and slappe
d
Charlott
e
too, the sting on her cheek bone left her reeling in shocked surprise.

“How dare you make a pass at my fiancé” Felicity shouted.

“I didn’t he made a pass at me” Charlie hurled back, as out of the corner of her eye she saw Mitch just to the side of his Mum, heading in the direction of Daniel.

I was pleased to see James step in front of Mitchell and stop his advance on the young man. Charlie flew at Felicity and managed to grab her arm, this time she dug her nails in as the fury for the pain she had caused their family boiled over.

“I hate you so much, you are an evil bitch and because of you I almost wasn’t even born” Charlie yelled. The room around us was deadly quiet; no one moved or even breathed at the accusation of my daughter. I walked towards the scene, un-sure what I was going to do to stop this. Felicity shook her off and stood back. Blood snaked down her arm where my daughter had left her mark.

“Oh and what could I have possibly done to hurt you” she said, acting mocked surprise with great clarity. Her eyes found me heading in her direction and Charlie turned and saw me too.

I could see her green eyes burning with hatred and I trembled as she turned back to Felicity and stood her ground.

“My Mum was James’ true love and you split them up by getting pregnant with Darren” Charlie said, wanting to stop but enjoying the scene this was causing for Felicity’s perfect party. The entire crowd turned and found Darren and Sophie standing stock still in shock.

“Yes and then if that wasn’t enough you sent my heartbroken Mum an invitation to your wedding and my Mum tried to kill herself” As Charlie uttered those final words she turned and with tears streaming down her face pushed past me and out into the night. Mitch shrugged off his Dad’s hold and raced after her. Then things went a little dark and the noise around me erupted and died as I fainted.

Chapter 20

Charlott
e
ran as fast as she could, slipping out of her shoes and leaving them where they landed. She knew she had just ruined a wonderful engagement party for Darren and Sophie but the anger inside her had felt like a raging dragon, the flames unstoppable when Felicity had slapped her and released it. She saw a small summer house ahead and once there she slumped onto the bench and held her head in her hands. She knew that what she had done was wrong.

As the tears fell she didn’t hear the approaching steps until she wiped her eyes and saw green eyes staring up at her.

“You fucking idiot” Mitch said, the words were true but his tone was soft and gentle.

“I know, I’m so sorry” Charlie sobbed, reaching out her arms to him.

“I couldn’t contain it any longer after all her little digs today and when I first met her” she continued, the tears falling across the hot shame painted on her cheeks.

“Shit, my Mum’s going to kill me” Charlie finished, the tears finally starting to fade “And your brother and Sophie…and your Dad”

Kneeling in front of her Mitch reached for her hands and held them tight.

“Well if I understand then they all will” Mitch said, his fingers stroked her hand and then slid up her arms that were still shaking.

“Fucking hope so otherwise my life is over” she said “Grounded forever”

She moved her hands so they rested on his shoulders and pulled him close.

“I didn’t mean to upset you, I just thought that by dancing with Daniel I would make Felicity jealous but she probably primed him to make that move” Charlie admitted.

“I’m afraid that the one thing I have learned about my Mum over the years is that she always gets her own way and its best just to let her unless you want an enemy for life”

He moved to sit next to her on the bench; the moon appeared from behind a passing cloud and illuminated them and the garden. The band had started to play again and Mitchell hoped that things had died down. Charlie turned to him and slid closer into his embrace.

“Can you forgive me” she murmured, softly. She planted small kisses over his face and neck.

“Yes, but you’re going to have to learn to control your temper when you’re around my Mother at least” He placed his hands either side of her face and pulled her mouth to meet his as they kissed long, hard and deep. The longing and desire between them palpable as they gave into the feelings.

Eventually they pulled apart and stared into each other’s eyes.

“I love you” Charlie breathed.

“I love you too even though you are crazy”

“Crazy in love with you” she said, thinking of the Beyonce song. Mitch laughed and then they got to their feet.

“Time to face the music” he said.

“Ok, enjoy my freedom as I think I’m going to be locked up for a while” Charlie replied, a look of panic flitted across her face. Mitchell put his arm over her shoulders.

“Don’t worry I’ll break you out” On the way back to the marquee Charlie straightened her dress and found her shoes to slip back into. Inside they found the party continuing as they searched the crowds for their family.

Charlott
e
hurried over to Darren and Sophie

“I’m so sorry for ruining your party but I’m afraid that your Mum got me so angry I couldn’t help myself” she said “Please forgive me”

Darren stood silent but Sophie said.

“It’s ok she makes me feel that way too. James came and explained the situation to us and I really don’t blame you” Darren nodded, although he still looked shocked at the outburst. Sophie reached out and pulled Charlie close and whispered.

“We need to stick together as Felicity is a scary woman”

Charlie nodded and then Sophie smiled and took Darren’s hand.

“How about another dance with your wife to be” she said, his face lit up and they headed back through the crowds.

With Mitchell beside her they headed into the main house and easily spotted James and Stephanie alongside Pam and Peter. Her Mum was so pale that even her sugar pink lipstick stood out, Charlie rushed to kneel next to me.

“Oh Mum, I’m so sorry I said what I said and did what I did” Charlie sobbed. I reached out and took her hand in mine.

“It’s not what I really wanted from tonight but what’s done is done and I think we need to go home” I said. James looked down at Charlie and although he was still livid the sight of her tear streaked face was enough to soften him.

“Let’s go, before anyone says anything else that they shouldn’t” he said.

I nodded, the pill had helped to stave off the worst of my blackness but I just needed to sleep, to escape.

Mitchell turned to his Dad

“I think I’d best just say goodbye to Mum” he said “Charlie apologised to Darren and Sophie so I think I’d better go and make peace”

Charlie noticed how pale he looked.
”I’ll come too” she said “After all it was me that made all the accusations”

She looked up into Mitchell’s green eyes and trembled.

“Best not” he said “I’ll be out to the car as quickly as possible” I saw James touch his shoulder as he walked by and headed to the conservatory where Felicity was. Walking in Daniel met him and was about to say something when Felicity interrupted.

“Well, well, well, where is she” Felicity asked.

“Charlie wanted to come with me to apologise but I thought you’d just prefer to hear it from me” Mitch said “I’m sorry we ruined your big party for Darren and Sophie”

Felicity stood up and headed towards Mitchell.

“Look what she did to me” she hissed, showing him the huge scratch on her arm, left by Charlie’s fingernails.

“She is sorry but then you did provoke her with some of your comments” Mitch said, slowly backing away from the fearsome sight of his Mother enraged.

“She will be sorry, just you wait and see. Thanks for the apology but it’s not accepted” she said “Just don’t bring her here again and if you know what’s good for you you’ll finish with that little tart before she breaks your heart. Believe me I’ve seen her type before and she is trouble. I have plenty of friends with beautiful daughters I could introduce you too” Her voice suddenly softened.

“I’m your Mum Mitchell, please listen to me. See what her Mum has done to your Dad already he slapped me earlier” she whimpered. A tear trickled carefully down her cheek as if on cue “I only told him that I was sorry for what happened in the past and that I still cared for him” she paused; dramatically letting her words sink in.

Mitchell could hardly believe what she was telling him, was this really the truth? His Dad had always told him that you should never hit a woman whatever happened. Looking into her eyes he spotted more tears lacing her lashes and as she held out her arms he stepped into them.

“Sorry Mum” he muttered, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

“Apology accepted” she said “Do you have to leave so soon”

“Yes Mum” Mitch said. As he left he passed Daniel in the corridor.

“Leav
e
Charlott
e
alone” he warned. He didn’t stop to hear a reply just strode back to the car. His head was a mess of what he had seen, what he knew his Mum to be capable off and what she had said to him about Dad.

Sliding into the backseat next to Charlie, she reached for him and curling her body tight to his. The heat of her skin permeated his and the scent of her filled his senses. He leaned his head on hers and as the rhythm of the car engine weaved its way through their bodies he closed his eyes. In the front seat I slipped my hand across to rest it on James’ knee. His body still shook with the anger he felt at the scene caused by my daughter.

“I’m sorry” I whispered “Perhaps Charlie and I shouldn’t have joined this family celebration”

“Don’t be stupid, you are family now and you always should have been if I had not been fooled by her” James said. His hand covered mine and he squeezed it lightly.

Closing my eyes the soft music on the stereo lulled and calmed me in equal measure. Once we were in the driveway I looked at Charlie curled up next to Mitchell on the backseat.

“She’s asleep” he murmured. James opened the door and Mitch was able to come round and carry her up to bed. Stepping inside Jester bounded over and stuck his nose into my outstretched hand.

“I should have stayed here with you” I said to him, watching his quizzical look trying to decipher my words into meaning.

“Hot Chocolate or something stronger” James asked.

“Whatever you think” I replied. I watched him pour us both a Baileys and then we headed into the lounge.

The black edge of my fear had started to disperse as he pulled me into his arms and I cuddled up.

“Well, hopefully no more big family gatherings until Darren and Sophie decide to get married” James said.

I nodded in agreement and finished the last of my drink.

“I think I need to head up now” I said. He nodded and taking my hand in his we ascended the stairs and pulled our clothes off. His fingertips stroked up and down my body and their gentleness soothed me off to a dreamless sleep.

I woke alone the next morning and smiled to see a glass of orange juice on the bedside table. Sitting up I realised that I could hear the faint sound of music from downstairs so I grabbed James’ dressing gown.

“Morning Steph” James said. I walked over and straight into his awaiting arms.

“Morning James” I replied, loving the way it sounded on my lips.

“I thought I do some bacon sandwiches for breakfast” he said “Mitchell is up already and dancing”

“He’s very dedicated”

“He has been ever since he realised that diving could be translated into spectacular dance moves” James said, proudly.

“He must have had a good teacher” I replied, dropping a kiss on James’ lips. We continued to kiss until we heard steps on the stairs and Charlie appeared also wearing an oversized dressing gown.

She hesitated slightly in the doorway, wondering what else was going to be said about last night’s outburst.

“Morning Mum, James….I’m really sorry about last night. I know I shouldn’t have said those things in public” Charlie said. I could see from her face that she was truly mortified as she headed across to where we stood.

I held out my arms to my daughter and hugged her tight.

“It could have been worse” I replied, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

“Where’s Mitch” she asked.

“In the studio” James replied, as he handed her a mug. She nodded and smiled shyly at him before heading through the door.

Alone in the kitchen once more I turned to James.

“Do you want any help?”

“Come here and I’ll see” he replied, as his hands slipped between the edges of his dressing gown and found my warm skin. Melting into his embrace I returned his kisses and then before we got too carried away I pulled back.

“This is not going to get the food cooked is it?” I said. James shook his hand and reluctantly took his hands off my nipples.

“I think we may have to finish this after breakfast” he murmured.

When Charlie entered the studio she heard the music of Justin Timberlake and she stopped to watch Mitchell fill the floor with his dancing. Just the sight of his muscles stretched and taut made her inhale sharply as desire tugged at her body. Putting the cup down she untied the dressing gown and it dropped to the floor so that she had the freedom to shadow Mitchell as he danced. Mitch realised that she was there and he moved so that he held her in his arms. He had been awake early as the night had been a long one filled with all the comments that his Mum had made. Dancing helped him to clear his mind and suddenly findin
g
Charlott
e
beside him was an added bonus, especially as she was naked.

The music flowed between them and their bodies as the passion ignited and he pushed her up against the wall. Charlie hardly felt the coldness of the mirror behind her as she wrapped her legs around him and he managed to slide his shorts to the floor.

“See what you do to me” he gasped, as he pushed into her wetness.

“You’re addictive” Charlie sighed as she clung to his body. Rock your body by Justin Timberlake spoke to them both.

             
“See it appears to me

              You like the way I move

              I tell you what I’m gonna do

              Pull you close and share my groove”

Charlie loved the way he moved her as she came powerfully, impaled on him completely. Mitchell felt her shudder and flood as he joined her too and they sank to the floor as the music played on. Resting her head on his shoulders she whispered to him.