Chapter Seven: A Safe Place

Charlotte wiped her tears quickly, embarrassed by how vulnerable she had allowed herself to be. But James didn't say a word—he just watched her with that same unreadable expression.

Then, without warning, he unbuckled his seatbelt, got out of the car, and walked around to her side. Before she could protest, he opened the door, reached in, and lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

"James—" she gasped, gripping his shoulders.

"You need a change of scenery," he said simply, carrying her as if she weighed nothing. "I'm taking you somewhere special."

Charlotte knew better than to argue when James Clemens had made up his mind.

He carried her back into the car and drove through the quiet streets, leaving behind the glow of the city. The ride was peaceful, the night air crisp as it drifted in through the slightly open window. Charlotte watched as the tall skyscrapers gave way to a more secluded part of town.

After a short drive, James pulled into a private estate—nothing as grand as his mansion, but still breathtaking. It was a cliffside retreat overlooking the ocean, with a sleek modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting the moonlight.

James parked and got out, opening Charlotte's door. "Come on," he said, offering his hand.

She hesitated for only a moment before taking it. His grip was warm, steady, safe.

"This is where you hang out?" she asked as he led her toward the balcony that stretched out toward the water.

He smirked. "One of the few places where no one expects anything from me."

Charlotte stepped forward, her heels clicking against the wooden deck as she took in the view. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, the waves crashing gently against the cliffs below. It was peaceful. Isolated. Almost magical.

James leaned against the railing, watching her. "Whenever I need to clear my head, I come here. No meetings, no expectations. Just silence."

Charlotte looked up at him. "You're always surrounded by people. I never thought you'd need silence."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd be surprised."

They stood there for a while, just watching the waves. Then James turned to her. "You don't have to carry all of this alone, Charlotte."

She bit her lip. "I've been doing it for so long, I don't know any other way."

"Well," James said, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer, "maybe it's time you learned."

Charlotte rested her head against his shoulder, letting herself relax in his embrace. The weight of her past still lingered, but here, in James's safe place, it felt just a little lighter.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged.