Saving Dallas 2 Making the Cut(77)

It was too weird that Charlie knew so much about me. The clothing was removed of all the tags, freshly laundered and looked like it would fit me perfectly. He even had makeup and shoes purchased that resembled the things that I owned back home. Well, that I used to own. Maddie had them now. The thought of Maddie, safe, at home with Logan, made me smile. A soft tap on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Charlie didn’t barge through the door or wait for me to answer. It’s like he knew that I was already awake and going through the things he had bought for me.

“Good Morning, Dallas. You will find everything you need in the bags in front of you. When you are dressed, I have breakfast waiting.” If he was waiting on an answer, he would be waiting a while. I didn’t feel like talking right now. I almost faked an illness, so I could stay in my room all day, but I was afraid he would send Madeline to give me a sponge bath or some other shit and I really didn’t want that.

There were no jogging pants in these bags; no shorts or jeans and not even a pair of flip flops. There were only skirts and blouses and dresses. Things I would wear to work. The shoes were all heels and in boring colors, which made me smile. He didn’t know as much about me as he thought. I chose a black, three quarter sleeved sheath dress that stopped just above my knees and a pair of black heels. I fixed my hair, letting it fall in its natural waves down my back. I kept my makeup light, and rolled my eyes at the perfume that I pulled from the bag of cosmetics. In no way would I wear perfume for this man. The awful smelling rose scented lotion still clung to my skin and I hoped it was as repulsive to Charlie as it was to me.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes landing on the diamond motorcycle charm that dangled from the gold chain around my neck. I brought it to my lips and kissed it, closing my eyes, wishing Luke had something of mine to remember me by. I was sure that he would find something when he went to my house, but it would have meant so much more to him if I had given it to him, personally. Luke would find happiness again one day. I was certain that in time, I would become a memory. My heart clenched at the thought of him spending the rest of his life with another woman. All I could hope for was that she was good to him. I knew Red wouldn’t let him settle for just anyone. I could trust her in that department. If anyone wanted into Luke’s heart, they would have to go through her. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I couldn’t believe I was actually standing here, thinking about him with someone else. It was me that he belonged with. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about Charlie anymore. I would make sure that everyone knew it was me that took his life so that the club wouldn’t suffer. I didn’t know who would take over Charlie’s place when he died, but I was sure a man with an empire like his, had to have a ranking army behind him. I gave the charm a final kiss and tucked it inside my dress; I would take a little piece of Luke with me everywhere I went.

“You look absolutely radiant this morning, Dallas. Please, join me.” I smiled at Charlie as he pulled my chair out for me at the dining room table. “What would you like to eat this morning? I have a little of everything.”

Without meaning to, my mind drifted back to the time when Regg had ordered room service for me and Lindsey after a drunken night in a bar. He and a PROSPECT had taken us to a nearby hotel on their motorcycles. He had gone all out and ordered everything on the menu for us. That was another time that I had pushed Luke away. I had been so stupid.

“Dallas?”

Charlie had been talking to me, and I wasn’t even listening. Shit. I did not want to piss him off this early in the day. I would be working for months trying to make up for my actions from last night.

“I’m sorry. My mind is just a little fuzzy. This is all very new to me.” I smiled apologetically and that seemed to be enough to satisfy him.

“It’s fine. You will become accustomed. I can assure you of that.” His comment made me wonder how many other people he had done this to. I took a deep breath in an attempt to clear my head of thoughts of Luke. I had done a pretty good job so far at keeping thoughts of him at bay. It hurt too much, and right now, I had something I needed to do.

“I would like some oatmeal, please. If you have it.”

He passed me a white ceramic bowl filled with oatmeal, apples and walnuts. My favorite.

“I took the liberty of asking Luke about things that you liked and enjoyed.” The mention of Luke’s name out of his mouth almost made me drop the bowl that I was holding. “I thought I could prevent another outburst from you, if you knew that Luke was aware of your well-being. It also helps to ensure him that I have kept my word, once again. He was more than willing to tell me your clothing size, the type of makeup you wore, and even what you preferred for breakfast.”