Rebel 1

Hensley , did you forget to bring me inside ? Im your companion for the night .

Jessica , halted at the door , played the part of the wronged woman .

Charles raised an eyebrow , his gaze flicking between her and the door .

Companion ? Let her pass , Doms voice cut through the silence , sharp and commanding .

His eyes swept over Jessica , calculating , as if trying to decide if she was an anomaly or an exception .

He had never seen Charles with a woman like her before .

Was she someone important , or just passing through ? Jessica stepped forward , her heart thundering in her chest .

She walked with poise , every step deliberate .

She forced a smile , though the tension coiled in her stomach .

Hensley Sr.

, its an honor , she said , her voice steady , but the weight of his gaze made her skin prickle .

She turned her head and met Charless eyes cold , unreadable .

Her breath caught in her throat , and she quickly looked away , unsure if she could bear the intensity of his stare .

Is he upset ? Charles , Dom asked , his voice low with suspicion , is this your … companion ? Charles did not respond immediately .

His gaze lingered on Jessica , measuring , weighing .

The air thickened between them , suffocating her , and the silence stretched longer than she could bear .

Her pulse quickened .

The pressure of his eyes pressed into her , making her feel small , exposed .

What if he denies it ? The thought knotted her stomach .

She considered rushing forward , storming into the hotel , but the image of being thrown out like an intruder stopped her .

No , that would be foolish .

She had to stay close to Charles .

She had to keep her place by his side .

With a surge of courage she didnt quite feel , she slipped her arm through his , her smile wide , almost too bright .

Im Jessica Scott .

Hensley asked me to be his companion for the evening .

Her words tumbled out before she could fully grasp the daringness of speaking so openly to Dom .

She looked up , meeting Charless eyes once more .

The coldness in his gaze made her feel vulnerable , exposed in a manner she hadnt expected .

She wasnt sure what would happen next .

If he rejected her , it would be more than embarrassing .

It would feel like a betrayal .

At that moment , Hugh strode into view .

He approached them with a wide grin , but the smile faltered as his eyes fell on Jessica , his gaze shifting back and forth between Charles and her .

Ah , Grandpa , you made it .

And he turned his gaze to Charles , Inevitably , he saw the woman standing with him , Jessica .

His pupils dilated in surprise .

Jessica ? He looked at her hand resting on Charless arm .

A sickening jolt ran through him .

How did she get so close to Uncle Charles ? Uncle Charles , he said , his voice icy , what is she doing here ? Dom , still puzzled , turned toward his grandson , What ? Do you know her ? Shes Charles companion for the night .

His companion ? Hughs voice cracked with disbelief , cutting through the air like a blade .

How could Uncle Charles choose her ? His mind simmered with anger .

He was certain that Jessica , that brazen woman , had used some manipulative trick to capture his uncles attention .

Hugh , Jessicas smile was sharp , and her voice , sweet but laced with venom , slid out like a well placed dagger .

I heard youre celebrating your wedding anniversary tonight .

I wanted to congratulate you .

Her eyes , however , glittered with a colder edge ..

The words of Dr.

Chortleheim rang in her mind .

It was Hugh who ordered the halt to her fathers treatment .

She tightened her grip on Charless arm , her anger simmering beneath her composed exterior .

Charles felt the subtle shift in her .

Her skin had gone taut with fury , a brief flash of it crossing her face .

Suspicion stirred inside him .

Was it just resentment for his nephew , or something more ? Hah … Hugh bit off the words , his jaw clenched tight .

Thanks for the congratulations .

Shall we go inside ? Jessicas voice was calm now , as though nothing had happened .

She leaned into Charles slightly , meeting Hughs gaze with a steady , unwavering stare .

Hughs fists tightened .

Every instinct told -not with his grandfather watch him to lash out , but he knew this wasnt the place for it He shoved the rage down deep and turned to Dom .

Grandpa , let me escort you inside .

As they walked through the doors , Jessica breathed a quiet sigh of relief .

Dom hadnt seemed to question her presence , at least not yet .

But Charles his eyes never left her kept her on edge .

She forced a strained smile .

Hensley , Chapter 11 Charles Companion Pearis Charless eyes narrowed , his voice dropping to a dark , silken murmur , What are you up to , hmm ? With no way out now , Jessicas heart fluttered .

She took a steadying breath , meeting his gaze directly .

Im your nephews ex girlfriend .

Im here just to wish him well .

His stare was sharp , slicing through her , making her feel exposed and fragile .

He doesnt believe me , she thought .

She braced herself , expecting the next words to be an order to throw her out .

Instead , Charless fingers slid beneath her chin , tilting her face toward his .

His gaze locked with hers deep , probing , as though trying to uncover every secret shed ever hidden .

Is that all ? he asked , his lips curling into a smile that held both intrigue and danger .

For a moment , Jessica felt as though he might see straight through her , read her thoughts , unravel her soul .

But she fought the feeling , forcing a smile of her own .

Its that simple .

Charles held her gaze for several long moments , his expression unreadable .

Finally , he spoke , his voice slow , deliberate .

Then I suppose youll be my companion for the evening .

Of course , she answered , her voice steady , though her pulse quickened , betraying her calm exterior .

A flicker of amusement sparked in Charless eyes .

He knew she was lying , but his curiosity got the better of him .

What was she really after ? He allowed her to keep her hold on his arm , guiding her further into the hotel .

Jessica let out a breath she hadnt realized shed been holding .

At least now , she was inside .

Whatever Charles motives , it was better than being caught outside in the cold .

The ballroom was a vision of luxury .

Gold and crystal gleamed , the air thick with perfume and .

the hum of conversation .

Guests , adorned in their finest attire , swirled around like a sea of jewels , celebrating in excess .

Dom , slow down Jane approached Dom with a warm , affectionate smile .

She turned to her son .

Hugh , watch over Rhea .

Shes pregnant , and she needs someone close .

Rhea walked over , her high fashion gown billowing with elegance , radiating an aura of refinement .

As her gaze flicked to Charles , her smile faltered , her steps slowing as her eyes narrowed .

But the real shock hit when she saw the woman at his side .

Jessica ?! Her smile froze , replaced by a look of stunned disbelief .