[Charlotte] "You did what?" My eyes widen as he explains that he has given me equal power over his businesses, both legitimate and otherwise. "Why would you do that? I have no experience running a business, never mind running..." my voice grows extra soft as I take a step closer to him, "...a criminal empire." "You are my partner in every way," he explains as he leans in closer, his breath hot on my neck. "Soon, the whole world will know. It only makes sense that my senior employees begin treating you as such." "But Micah," I argue, "I don't want your businesses. I don't know anything about them and even if I did, I am not good enough to be your partner. I'm not as smart as you, I'm not as savvy. Are you sure you can trust me?" I put my hands on my hips. "You're being foolish. Most men with your level of power would have me signing a prenup longer than my arm and you're just giving it half to me like it is nothing. Relationships don't last Mi

[Charlotte] As we carefully untangle and clean up in the spare apartment, he shows me his love in all the small ways he cares for me. It's in the feel of his hands as he lifts my hair out of the way to scrub my back or helps me step out of the shower. It's in his eyes as he watches me move, not with lust but with pure adoration. I am not used to anyone seeing me in this way, wanting me in this way as someone worth loving and cherishing. Andy had only thought of himself and his pleasure. He ignored mine. To him, I was just another thing to use and discard. I don't think I was ever a person to him, not really. I was a challenge, yes, and a prize, but never a person. I was just another something to be won and conquered. After I had the girls and my body changed and my heart turned towards them as any mother would, I became something vile. I was a burden, something tying him down. Andy was my first lover. If I am lucky, Micah will be my last. I never knew how deeply I could love and be

[Micah] Gods, she’s so beautiful. She’s always lovely, but tonight, framed in moonlight, she is a vision. We are riding in the back of a limo tonight. We are showing off a bit tonight, even Roger is in a formal suit rather than his usual khaki pants and jacket. My maman outdid herself with Charlotte's gown. The way the pleated bodice gives way to a fitted skirt with just the right amount of slit to be both dangerously sexy while remaining demure is an art in itself. The silk is hand-beaded and rhinestoned, so when she turns just so, the dress seems to glimmer with pinpricks of light. Her arms are covered with opera-length gloves, a shade of nude only slightly lighter than her skin, that are adorned with small pearls giving her skin the appearance of being naturally bejeweled. Her makeup is impeccably applied, making her eyes appear larger and brighter. Juniper also did an excellent job styling her hair and jewelry. Charlotte's thick black tresses have been tamed and curled, t

[Charlotte] Our heads swing around. Micah gives Andy a scathing look but does not deny his request. Instead of using words, he merely grunts his approval turning his back to the both of us as he heads towards a group of potential investors. "Bring me a champagne cocktail and have last year's profit share numbers ready." he hollers at me over his shoulder. He is making it pretty easy for me to fake hate him. Scowling at Micah's back as he walks across the room, I turn all of my attention to Andy, who is smirking at my discomfort. Thinking of Andy's expression later tonight when he learns that our divorce is final, I turn on my sunniest smile and say, "Good Evening, Andy. Fancy meeting you here." He smiles at my pretense, buying it as truth. Holding out his arm he says "Care to dance with me, Mrs Slate? Then there is someone I'd like you to meet." Taking his hand graciously, I allow him to lead me onto the crowded dance floor. He pulls me in tightly and I try to think of the man

[Charlotte]Andy’s face is almost amusing if it weren’t so pathetic. His eyes are wide with fear while his mouth is drooped open in shock as if he never expected this day to come. The day when Micah McKaine finally got tired of his bullshit. Seeing Micah towering over him is terrifying. Like watching lightning before it strikes. The two blond women who had walked over with him take a step back, giving the two men a wide berth. Just a moment ago they were hanging all over Micah, and now they were slowly backing away.Something about this situation doesn't feel right. "Whaa...wait...why?" Andy stares up at Micah, confused. "What did I do wrong? I was just talking to my wife."Micah lifts his arm and looks like he is about to punch Andy when instead he does something even more shocking and unexpected.Micah claps him on the back like an old buddy and starts laughing. Not a small laugh either. It is a big, long, deep cackle. He leans his entire body weight on Andy, which makes Andy's kn