The glare of a new sunlit day enters my room with force from the window behind my new bed. I stretch my arms out to my side and take in a deep breath, realizing this may be the best sleep I have had in months. This is something I can get used to.
Just as the reality of my decisions over the past twenty-four hours begin to rush back into my head, a gentle tap comes from the other side of my door. I pull the blankets to my chin and apprehensively answer the knock. “Come in.”
Carl shuffles into the room holding a tray. It is piled with fluffy eggs, peppered bacon, a bowl of perfectly ripe fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee. “Good morning, Charlotte.” He smiles.
“Morning.” I scoot to the top of the bed, letting my back rest against the headboard.
“Are you ready for today? Lucas is already waiting for you to join him in the gym.”
“Oh yeah? Well, he can wait a little longer. I want to shower after I eat.”
Carl sets the tray across my lap. “I wouldn’t keep him waiting too long. These boys here have a temper.” He laughs.
I shove a forkful of eggs into my mouth. “Even the quiet one?”
“Most definitely the quiet one.” His smile melts away with his remark.
I nod, wanting to change the subject, but only for now. “Did you make this?” I motion my hand toward all the food.
“I had some help. No milk and three sugars in the coffee too.” His smile is back.
I shouldn’t be surprised that he knows how I like my coffee. They all seem to know everything about me while I still know nothing about them.
I don’t reply. I just push the food around the plate. It appears Carl can read my mind, because before I can say anything else, he swiftly exits the room.
I hurry and eat the rest of my meal, then push the tray to the empty side of my bed. With my coffee in hand, I walk to the closet.
I dig in the small drawers under the hanging clothes and pull out a pair of panties, socks, leggings, and a tank. If I’m training, I need to be able to move. On my way out, I snag a pair of Nike sneakers, clean ones unlike mine, from the floor of the closet.
With coffee in one hand and clothes in the other, I slide into the bathroom and let my clothes tumble to the floor. I place my mug onto the counter. It’s granite and of high quality. I turn toward the shower and open the glass door. The faucet is impeccable and appears to be of a high-grade brass. I turn it all the way to the right, making sure it’s scalding before I ease it gently back to the left. I strip from my dirty clothes and take every pin from my hair, setting them on the counter with my comb before stepping in.
I wash my face, then move to my hair and body. I don’t take my time like I usually do. I want to get to the gym and see Lucas. I have questions and I want answers.
Stepping from the shower, I pull a plush white towel hanging from a hook on the wall and wrap it around me, tucking the end piece in between my boobs. I pick my mug back up, take a big gulp, then set it back on its place on the counter.
The soft carpet warms my feet as I step back into my room.
“You will wear this today.” A deep voice startles me from beside the door.
I whip my head around, clutching my towel. “What the fuck are you doing in here?” I practically scream.
“I am making sure you’re prepared for today.”
Teddy is dressed in dark slacks, a button-down shirt, and suspenders. He turns and picks up a plain white bag from the floor. With his back almost completely to me, I notice the straps of a dark leather holster. As my eyes follow them, they make way to a Glock tucked neatly against his side. My heart beats faster, and my face grows hot.
Teddy turns back to me and tosses the bag to my feet. With my eyes on him, I reach down and grab it, rustling through its contents all while watching him the best I can.
“I can’t do anything in this dress,” I remark, pulling a long black gown and four-inch Louboutins out.
“That’s the point. When you go out with me, you will dress for the occasion. You need to train in the proper attire so I know you’re capable of not only concealing weapons but protecting yourself too.”
“Myself? I thought I am here to protect you.” I squint my eyes at him.
“That’s what I said,” he says nonchalantly.
“It isn’t.” I put the dress and shoes back into the bag, then test my luck by stepping closer to him. The look on his face is almost as if I’m circling a caged animal. On the outside he seems calm and collected, but his eyes shine dark.
“Why am I here, Teddy?” I question.