Trading for Love

6. Convenience

Charlotte POV

There was an immediate uproar from Anthony and Andre which was quickly quelled by one murderous look from the man still caging me in against the wall. Anthonys anger was clearly defined on his face, his jaw ticking as he worked to keep his mouth shut, a vein on his forehead throbbing so hard it was visible even from where I was.

" Vincent, please be reasonable. Charlotte doesn't know what she means," Andre pleaded. So it was Vincent. Nice to have a name to go with that gorgeous face.

" I think she has a pretty good idea. I gave her a choice, and she chose. There is nothing more to it," Vincent said, releasing my hand, taking my gun with him. He tucked the weapon into his waist band beside his own before rounding on Andre.

" Your debt is forgiven so long as you leave Charlotte with me. If you attempt to interfere, you will owe me more than money." His voice dropped as he spoke, his threat hanging heavy in the air as everyone around him registered his intent. Andre immediately paled, stepping back as he grabbed at his stomach, no doubt his previous run in with Vincent playing through his mind.

Vincent turned back to me, his black eyes looking me up and down before motioning for one of his guard to step forward. The man on the right moved, coming to stand by Vincent.

" Mitch, go with Miss Charlotte and gather her things. We are leaving in five minutes." As Vincent spoke, he guided me with him, taking us closer to the stairs. He waved, shooing me up the steps. I stumbled on the first one, stopping long enought to yank my heels off before running the rest of the way. I could hear Mitch on my heels as I went. We ran down the hall, crashing through my bedroom door together. Mitch took one look around before scoffing.

" Tell me you have more stuff stashed somewhere because this is pitiful," he grumbled taking in the few things I had scattered through the room.

" Not here," I grumbled snatching up a pair of jeans and t-shirt before ducking into the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind me. I sank to the floor, taking my first deep breath since Lillian had laced me into the shapewear constricting my body.

I needed this moment to breath and think. I had just agreed to go with a man I had never met before, was more than likely part of the mafia, and was the most stunningly handsome man I had ever met. Every red flag was practically slapping me in the face at this point but all I could think about in this moment was getting away from Anthony. A shiver ran down my spine as the image of Anthony and his leering smile flashed through my mind. I quickly shook it off, refusing to linger on him when I had only a moment left to change.

I yanked the dress over my head, managing to get it past my god aweful hair with only minor pulling. The tiara clattered to the floor, followed by the hair pins I quickly pulled out, my auburn curls falling in a cascade around me. I reached for the shapewear strings, hoping to free myself only to find them knotted so tight I would probably need cut out later. Rather than fight with them I pulled on my shirt and jeans over it, throwing my hair into a ponytail as I yanked the door open again.

My things had been packed, Mitch having managed to squeeze it all back into my duffel he now had slung over his shoulder. He stood by my door, peeking out into the hall and checking his watch as I emerged. I shoved my feet into my boots, before ducking out the door behind him.

Downstairs, the air was so full of tension it was palpable. Andre stood next to Anthony, fidgeting with his tie. Anthony was seething with anger that was coming off him in waves. Vincent stood in the doorway, the other guard standing beside him. Vincent looked at ease, leaning against the door frame, his broad build filling the space around him. I could just barely see the handle of my gun poking out from under his shirt.

Mitch headed for the door, ducking his head to whisper to Vincent when he got closer. I stopped in front of Andre, unsure of what to say to him. He was finally free of the debt he had owed Vincent but it had cost him his daughter. It was going to cost him his daughter if I had married Anthony but that would have been very different. As I was contemplating what to say Andre reached out, pulling me into his embrace. I was shocked to say the least.

" I- Um- I love you Charlotte. I know we never really showed it but I do love you sweetheart. I can only hope you know what you're doing. I know you are doing this for me, but I don't want it all to come at the expense of your happiness." Andre sounded close to tears as he whispered against my hair. This was the most emotion he had shown, ever. I had never seen this man shed a tear or even express his love for me in any other form than the rare one armed hug and here he was bearing his heart to me. I took a deep breath, returning the hug as I whispered back to him.

" I love you too Father. Just know of the two choices, Vincent was the one I felt safest taking. Please consider that when you think of this day."

I pulled away from him, a puzzled look clear on his face. He glanced between Vincent and I before his eyes darted to his right at Anthony. Before he had a chance to ask, I turned on my heel, striding toward Vincent. I grabbed the truck keys from the hook beside the door. As I neared, Vincent moved from the wall, turning sideways to allow me to pass in front of him. A moment later we were all standing in the driveway, the warmth of the sun flooding my body as I took a deep breath. I was freer in that moment than I had been since leaving Gravestone. I felt like my body had been shutting down as my days of being Mrs. Perelli drew closer, now it was like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.

I stepped toward Ty's truck, clicking the fob to unlock it when a large hand covered mine. I followed the arm up to a set of broad shoulders, my breath catching in my throat as I tipped my head back to meet his gaze. In the sunlight, standing this close, I could make out the frown lines at the corner of his eyes, the small wrinkle that appeared on his forehead with his raised eyebrow, and even the heavenly scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and vanilla. I had to stop myself from leaning in to smell him.

" Is that yours?" Vincent asked shooting a look over my shoulder at the blacked out Dodge parked to the side.

" Yes and no, I have to return it to my boss," I said looking away from him, attempting to keep my cool.

" Do you want to take it with you?" I gave a quick nod, taking a step toward it but Vincent held fast to my hand.

" I will drive. You are in no condition to since you look like death warmed over." I wasn't sure if I should be thankful or offended at his offer but I released the keys to him none the less. He took them, guiding me toward the passenger side and opening the door. I only had a moment to consider the fact that Vincent was a gentleman before climbing into the truck. I sank back in the seat, watching as Vincent rounded the front of the truck and climbed in the drivers side.

The engine roared to life and we were moving. My childhood home quickly disappeared in the rearview as Vincent drove. He took the road leading out of the city, the fancy homes and buildings giving way to suburban neighborhoods that gave way to wide open feilds and the tree lines of the woods.

We both sat in silence as Vincent drove, seemingly comfortable behind the wheel. The longer we drove, the heavier my eyes got. I struggled to keep them open as outside the window the scenery blurred together. I felt like I was swimming upstream and losing against the current as I battled against my tired body. Before I knew it, my eyes were drifting close, my exhausted mind and body pushing me over the edge into slumber. It was so peaceful.