Chapter 4

Her long, silky soft hair lay spread out around her head like a halo, her slim yet curvaceous figure lie crumpled on the floor, broken and bruised. Daniel ran to her but when he thought he was close enough to touch her, a dark figure came out of nowhere, taunting him with his haunting, dark voice, the words written on the note. As much as Daniel tried to touch Charlotte the further away, she became, he struggled and scrambled through the darkness trying to reach her, screaming her name.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Daniel sprung up to the sound of his alarm, sweat beading all over him, tears running down his face and his heart beating uncontrollably. It took a few minutes for him to restore the calm and realise where he was and that he had just had a nightmare nothing more. Taking a deep breath and crawling out of bed he headed for a cold shower hoping that it will shake the memories of his sleep. Heading out of his apartment and into his car he made a promise to himself that he would protect Charlotte whether she liked it or not, he wasn't losing her again and he knew it wouldn't make up for the past but if someone was out to hurt her then he would keep her safe; even if it meant going to the ends of the world to do so. Turning on the engine he sped off down the road towards Charlottes house hoping she was still there unloading and settling in.

As he rolled up the driveway, he didn't see her car, after having a glance around he could tell she wasn't there. He parked up and decided to wait until she returned which thankfully wasn't long. As he looked at her through her windscreen, he noticed something was wrong, she didn't look like her usually bubbly self. As she stepped out of the car his assumptions were proven, her eyes were all red and puffy and her makeup was smudged. She'd been crying, but why?

'Hey, sorry I wanted to make sure you were settling in ok but, obviously not, are you ok? Is there anything I can help with?' Daniel wanted to wrap her in his arms, stroke her hair and tell her everything was going to be ok and that he's here for her, but he couldn't, she had no idea who he was and what they were other than her estate agent.

'Sorry, I didn't realise you were coming over I would have stayed in, and yes I'm ok, thank you, just a stressful day' Charlotte said planting a huge fake smile on her face, the one she used when she didn't want anyone to see what was wrong. 'Ok then, well I’ll be off then; if you’re sure you’re ok?' Daniel said not sure what he should say to her and not wanting to leave. 'Yes, I'm fine, just in need of a strong cuppa. Thank you for coming over though' Charlotte said sounding like herself again. 'No problem, I hope to see you around soon, goodbye' Daniel started off to his car, kicking himself for not being able to do or say more, but he knew deep down that he would and could never bring himself to do or say more to her however much it hurt.

The drive home was a blur, Daniel was on autopilot and it wasn't until he walked into his living room that he really opened his eyes. Another gift and note lay on the glass coffee table in the middle of the room. Daniel's heart sank, and slowly he walked to them, his hand shaking not wanting to read the message, he picked it up and turned over the folded card.

Wakey, Wakey, Rise and shine! Give me your

money or she'll be forever mine!

Opening the lid to the gift box, he found several cupcakes spelling out £50 million in icing across them. He had to hand it to them whoever it was had made an effort, especially when It came to death threats.

Walking to his drink’s cabinet Daniel had no idea what he was going to do. He might be rich but he didn't have that sort of money just lying about, the only way he could get it was through his inheritance and it would be years before that happened. Downing the glass of 30-year-old whiskey he had in his hand hoping it may help shed some light on this tragic situation, Daniel downed his drink and headed off to work to see what he could come up with.

The office seemed eerily quiet when Daniel walked in, only Katherine sat at the desk with a big smirk on her face. Daniel wanted to believe it was because of something else rather than the fact she knew he was about to call her into his office and relieve his tension inside her, but of course, he knew better. As if she could read his thoughts Katherine tapped lightly on the door and walked in. ‘Take it all off and bend over the desk’ Daniel growled. ‘Yes Sir!’ Katherine giggled like a schoolgirl. Undressing quickly and grabbing the side of the desk. Katherine was relishing all of it, loving his lack of willpower and restraint. Grabbing his length and stroking himself, Daniel buried himself inside of her. Groaning with the tightness of her clenching him. Not bothering to give her any time to adjust to him, he started ploughing into her as hard and as fast as he could go. Katherine's moans, screams and the odd mumble of his name echoed in his office but never quite reached his ears. All Daniel could see was Charlotte underneath him, her body, her hair twisted in his hands and her voice screaming his name. Pumping harder into the trembling body beneath him, feeling the tensing and clenching of the muscles around his length.

Daniel couldn't hold on any longer he had to let itgo. With one last stroke, some screaming from Katherine and a grunt from Daniel he poured his hot seed inside of her. Daniel tidied himself up quickly taking a glance over at Katherine as he did so. The smirk was still on her face only this time she looked satisfied like a lioness probably would after a big meat feast. The tension and rage he felt inside hadn't gone, maybe dulled a little from the office antics but not gone and Daniel inwardly kicked himself for doing what he just did. Katherine was dressed and fixing her hair, wiping any trace of what just happened. ‘Get Out!!’ Daniel screamed, he just wanted her out and to keep her highly polished claws away from him. Katherine gasped, blushed and practically ran out of the door fuming. As soon as the door slam shut Daniel slumped into his big leather chair, head in his hands and for some reason cried. He couldn't figure out why he just knew he was hurt and angry. Charlotte meant everything to him and he wanted her back, he wanted to hold her and love her like they used to. He wanted to tell her everything and for her to forgive him for doing what he did. But he just couldn't see how.

Charlotte’s first night in the house was somewhat comforting. After the day's antics of nosey townspeople, the stress of moving and the surprise visit from Daniel, she was thoroughly worn out, the basket of treats sat on the kitchen island made things slightly better. Charlotte figured Daniel must have left them earlier, or at least an assistant. The note had said, 

Welcome to your new house! These are on me’

There wasn't a signature but she was sure it was Daniel and she would make a note to thank him in the morning. Sliding into the big Jacuzzi bathtub, candles lit and the bubbles caressing her body she finally relaxed. The tension of the day being wiped away with every stroke of the flannel. The calm spa music she had playing through the speakers put her into a sleepy trance, where she started to daydream of big blue, mesmerising eyes, the short strapline of stubble lining the beautiful chiselled jaw, the sculpted and toned torso bulging in all the right places, the way the bedsheet slid down his body just covering his manhood. An intoxicating fragrance and the warmth of his body.

RING RING! RING RING! 

Charlotte was startled by the phone, sloshing water everywhere as she jumped out of the bath, slightly heady and flustered. “Hello?” Charlotte managed to say, slightly out of breath. “Hey, how is it? Met anyone interesting yet?” It was her best friend Lucy, excitable as ever. “Woah slow down women! But its good thanks, and I've met a few but I'm guessing you meant men? In which case, only the estate agent Daniel.” Charlotte loved Lucy as a sister but my how she loved her 20 questions. “Ooo the fact that you mentioned him by his first name means he's good looking! I need to come over and see the new house ASAP!” Lucy was near enough screaming with excitement.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle the weight of the day seemed to lift, even more, the excitement was just too contagious. Charlotte and Lucy were on the phone for hours, Lucy did most of the talking and question asking, trying to get as much information out of Charlotte about Daniel as she possibly could. Nearing the end of the conversation Charlotte’s doorbell went, it would have been fine but as it was 10 p.m. she didn't feel so at ease about it.

Keeping Lucy on the phone she went to answer the door. There was no one there. Just another gift laying on the steps. Slowly reaching down Charlotte took off the wrap that was covering it and gasped! “What? What is it? Charlotte is everything ok? Do I need to phone the police?” Lucy said you could feel the anxiety coming through the phone. “No, it’s ok, it's a gift someone left on the front steps. Let me take it indoors so I can read this note.” Charlotte said hurrying to lock the door behind her. “What does it say? What is it? Women you’re giving me a heart attack!” Lucy almost screamed down the phone. “Chill out or you will have a heart attack ha! It's just a really expensive bottle of champagne and lilies.” 

Charlotte could only think of one person it could have come from and well if he was going to buy her a big bottle of champagne and her favourite flowers, although she had no idea how he knew that, then she had a shot with him Charlotte thought. “It's saying… ‘

Thought this would help after today, Drink up! Your adventures have only just begun!’…

Doesn't have a name on it but I'm guessing it might be from Daniel’ Charlotte said with a huge Cheshire grin on her face. “Are you sure? Not just some creepy person?” Lucy said a bit sceptically. “I'm sure, right then I better go I need some sleep and I have to get up tomorrow to finish unpacking, night chick.” “Night chick, be careful ok?” “I will do don't worry” with that Charlotte hung up and headed off to bed thinking of how she could return Daniels generosity. Charlotte fell into a well needed deep sleep. Her mind began to fill with images of Daniel, his chiselled, slightly stubbled jawline, the way his eyes had lit up when she had signed for the house. She dreamt of being in the spacious bath full with bubbles, lilies in beautiful crystal vases dotted around the room, rose petals lay all over the floor, scented candles giving off a delicious perfume and subtle light that hugged the contours of Daniels naked body. The bottle of champagne that had been sent to her earlier that evening was being popped open and causing his muscles to ripple causing heat to build inside her. Even in her sleep, Charlotte couldn't keep that Cheshire grin off her face.

When she awoke Charlotte felt rejuvenated and her mind less foggy. She lay there enjoying the way the sunlight came into the room showing off the beauty of her bedroom, the decor and the quaint characteristics of it. After a moment Charlotte rolled out of bed and got ready for the day, mentally making a to-do list, turning some music up loud and headed downstairs to her new kitchen to make a cup of tea.

After dancing around the whole house unpacking and putting in the final touches Charlotte had finished. It took her all morning but, as she stood back and appreciated the work she took in the beauty of the house. The way the sun hit the big bay window in the front room, sending a multitude of colours across the room, the paintings ordaining the hallway showcasing themselves to everyone that walks through the doors, the vast garden shehad yet to explore, the way every room had its own quaint character. Yet as she relished the beauty her eyes kept floating to the holes where paintings had been, the feeling of familiarity that had been there when she first visited the house, the subtle hint of the perfume across the whole house.Dismissing the unsettling feelings, she decided she needed some fresh air and hoped by going into town she wouldn't be the centre of everyone's hushed conversations or looks.

Jumping into the car and setting off, Charlotte figured she would check out the pub she had seen, hoping they would do some lunchtime food because she was starving.As she walked down the long stretch of the hillside time, this cheered her up because she hated being the centre of attention. Reaching the door of the pub she opened it, walked in and found herself a window table and glancing around to take in her scenery. The bar was a lot bigger than she expected, there were 3 sections of a sort, with varnished dark wood tables and chairs, strong dark timber throughout the decor and structure, almost like an old Victorian house, the bar was large sweeping from the first section by the door round to the backside room of the 3rd section. There was a large fireplace at the heart of the pub with a fine mantelpiece covered with memorabilia and ornaments. A large ornate mirror was hung above it, different paintings hung all over the place, they were of famous people, townsmen, ancestors and some of the scenery, Charlotte figured they were from a local artist. The bar was stocked full and the smell that was coming from the kitchen was to die for. Charlotte took off her jacket and bag and went to order some food. On returning to her seat, a very handsome man walked up to her, he was tall, dark￾haired, olive-skinned and very smartly dressed. She blushed because he was beautiful and somewhat exotic. ‘You must be Ms O'Neill, it's a pleasure to finally have met you' he said in a thick and extremely charming Italian accent. Charlotte nearly fainted. Composing herself as much as she could, she replied, 'yes...yes I am, nice to meet you too and you are?’ 'Stefano Moretti, may I join you?'

"Yes, of course, I've just ordered food though, I hope you don't mind?' She apologised, not feeling an appetite for food. 'Go ahead I have ordered too, we can eat and chat, of course, that is if you don't mind? I figure no point eating alone when a beautiful woman is sitting there alone too' his eyes connected with Charlotte's, she felt as though she couldn't take her eyes away, he was mesmerising her. That burning feeling low inside her started to heat up and she tried shifting in her seat to dampen the ache but it didn't make it any better, only worse. "Thank you, but no, of course, I don't mind, it would be lovely to have someone to talk to"Stefano sat down opposite her, picking up his drink and sipping it, without once taking his eyes off Charlotte. Her cheeks flushed and she pulled her eyes away, desperately trying to find her voice and to say anything;

Anything at all would be great now Charlotte! 

Come on, just something, ANYTHING!

Stefano found her struggle funny as his eyes lit up watching her, with a slight smirk and a tiny chuckle he let her off the hook. 'So, tell me about you, why did you move here?" Charlotte looked at him quizzically before replying, "Errrm, well, to be honest, I don’t know much about me, I have been in a coma for the past 5 years and can't remember a thing, I don’t know who, where or if I have any parents; if I have any kids or maybe even a husband... So, I can't tell you much about me, the only thing I know is my best friend, ha!" Stefano's eyes grew wide for a second, and Charlotte thought she caught a hint of sadness there but his emotion changed so quick she couldn’t tell. "Wow, that must be kind of scary? No? 6 years that’s a very long time! you are all ok now, right? No long-lasting effects?" Charlotte could see the hunger in his eyes for her to be ok, it threw her off slightly being that she'd only just met the guy however, he felt familiar somehow so she explained that everything was fine and that she was recovering well; " just the amnesia to get over now and hopefully things will get back on track" Charlotte explained."yes, fingers crossed" Stefano replied with a longing look on his face and holding up crossed fingers, Charlotte was cut short in trying to figure out the emotion when the food arrives.