Saving Dallas 2 Making the Cut(79)

“He did. If I had known something as simple as a sandwich would make you think of him, I would have had something else prepared.”

It scared me that the majority of our time together was spent at this table, and each time he found out a little more about me. I would be taking dinner in my room tonight. I didn’t care if it pissed him off or not.

“There is not much that does not remind me of him. I know you want to erase him from my memory, but that is never going to happen. He is a part of me,” I said, picking my sandwich up and taking a bite, hoping it would be enough to convince him that I was tired of talking.

“What would you do to see him again?”

The question was loaded, and I knew that I had to choose my answer wisely. The word ‘anything’ came to mind, but a man like Charlie took that word to heart. I didn’t want to owe him. I didn’t want Luke to owe him. I would rather spend the rest of my days on Earth with him than know that Luke would constantly have to look over his shoulder.

“I won’t answer that question.”

“Would you kill for him?” he asked, undeterred by my remark. I threw my napkin onto my uneaten plate of food.

“Do you care to elaborate?” I asked, in a bitchy tone. He was getting on my nerves with these mind games.

“It is just a question, Dallas. There is no reason to get so upset. Would you kill for him?” His repeated question struck a nerve with me.

“I would give my life for him, which is exactly what I am doing. That is the ultimate sacrifice,” I snapped.

“No, it is not. Taking the life of someone is a greater sacrifice than giving your own for someone you love. You gave up the life you once had for Maddie, not for Luke.” I stared at his calm, collected posture. This was some kind of test.

“What are you getting at, Charlie?” I asked, completely exasperated. He smiled at me, knowing he had struck a nerve, and enjoying the flicker of hope he saw in my eyes.

“You obviously are not happy here. I think I could change that. As much as I want you here with me, I am a fair man and I am willing to give you a chance to get your old life back. I’m not convinced that Luke deserves you. If there is something you would like to share with me to prove Luke is worthy, now is the time.” I knew he was talking about the shit with Frankie, and Maddie. He might let me go, but there was something in it for him. Before I got my hopes up, I would find out just what that something was.

“Why are you doing this for me? I know you say it is because you are a fair man, but explain to me the bigger picture. A man of your stature and power doesn’t just give second chances to people like Luke.” Even in the dim light of the room I could see his eyes sparkle. He was enjoying this shit.

“I’m not giving a second chance to Luke. I am giving you a second chance. My issues with Luke have been settled. He got Frankie in exchange for you.” I felt like there was a piece of the puzzle missing. I saw Charlie’s smile grow as he watched my confused expression.

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Just sitting here, watching you try and process this does something to me. It is why I do the things that I do. It is the thrill of knowing that I have you now, and although I might lose you, a part of you will always belong to me, just as you said Luke was a part of you.”

I stared at his evil smile, trying to decide if it was better to end this now or just keep my mouth shut. The pleasure of him not getting his way was almost as wonderful as the thought of seeing Luke again. Almost.

“It’s obvious that I don’t follow what you are saying,” I said, leaning back in my chair and crossing my legs, mirroring his posture. “You know I would do just about anything to have Luke in my life. I know that you are offering me a second chance, and I will be forever grateful, but before we go any further, I will not hurt anyone I love just to save myself. I don’t care how easy you make it for me. Tell me what you are offering and I will tell you if I am interested. If so, you can set it up. If not, we can leave for Mexico, as you suggested, as soon as the weather clears.”

Charlie let out a laugh. A big hearty laugh that was full of joy, or some shit. His laugh was just like his voice; it drew you in and I had to fight hard not to laugh or at least smile with him.

“Oh Miss Knox, you really are a shrewd business woman. What I would have given to have met you in a different time, under different circumstances. I believe in another life, we could have been best friends. We are not so different, you and me. It is the thrill of winning that makes us happy. I’m sure the club has changed you somewhat, but you still get that feeling of elation when you know you have won. When you want something, you said you didn’t use force, you simply wrote a check, but how many times have you desired something so much that you have stooped to an inhumane level to acquire it? How many of your six hundred million dollars’ worth of properties have you obtained by convincing someone that it was better for you than it was for them? How many families have you watched walk out of your office after signing over something that serves as a piece of history for them and nothing more than another win for you? This world is a corrupt place, but it is the people like you and me who always come out on top.”