Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

I slowly shake my head.

“Charlie was thirteen when there was a shooting attempt at him.”

My jaw drops open, but no words make it out.

“In the end, we found out that it was the head of Hawthorne Security. That’s why Charles is so paranoid about his security team. Even with Steve and Dave, who are highly trained and have Charles’ complete trust, they have to undergo regular physical and psychological examinations.”

I knew Charles was neurotic about his safety, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve made a joke about it.

But he has a real freaking reason for it.

“Was he…hurt?” I ask, my heart thundering against my chest.

“Not physically,” Kristy replies. “But someone who’s close to our family was. And those months changed him forever. My sweet boy finally realized what it meant to be a Hawthorne. Until then, he had only seen the perks and benefits, but that day, he learned the darker side of being famous. And since then, he’s avoided crowds, public events, and closed himself off. I used to worry all the time that he would never open up his heart to anyone again. But now, when I see him with you, I’m so relieved.”

With a satisfied smile, Kristy holds my hands in between hers, but my mind is running a mile a minute.

How did I not know this?

During my initial months working for him, I did extensive research on Charles, scouring the internet, searching for anything and everything about him that would help me become the perfect assistant.

“Was this not covered by the news?” I ask, and Kristy shakes her head.

“Since it happened in London, we were able to keep it under wraps. We don’t talk about it, but I know Charles can never forget that time. And it’s why he’s so paranoid about the safety of the people he loves.”

My mind races back to the day Charles found me at Vincent’s construction site. His patient voice, his affectionate words, and his worried face.

He left one of the most important meetings that day without a thought because I was in danger.

But Kristy said he’s paranoid about the safety of the people he loves.

Does that mean he…?

No, Daisy. Don’t you dare fucking go there.

“Was everything okay tonight?” Charles asks as we step out of the car and take the stone sidewalk leading up to his house. “If you’re still upset about what Grandma said, I can—”

“Charles, no! Your family is amazing. And I’m not upset about anything.”

“Then why are you so quiet?”

“I’m just tired.” And confused. And guilty for every joke I cracked in the past about your security.

As we step into the elevator, I catch a glimpse of the lights shimmering on the giant swimming pool just before the doors slide shut. Tonight, I admire Charles’ estate in a different light. He’s made sure he never has to leave his sanctuary and has brought everything to him. The huge pool rivals a lake with its size. The best-in-class gym on the first floor. In addition to his living area on the second floor, he has a huge library upstairs. And let’s not forget the helipad on the estate grounds.

I slide the key card into the electronic lock, but before I can take another step in, Charles tugs on my arm.

My gaze moves from his face to the doorframe. “I don’t see a mistletoe here.”

A lazy smile spreads on his face, swiping away the furrow lines on his forehead. “If I knew you liked kissing me so much, I’d have asked Mrs. Kowalski to place one at every corner of the house.”

Oh, if only you knew, my dear husband.

“Very funny.” I turn to walk in, but he once again tugs me back.

“I have something for you. A surprise.” His words and the hesitation in his voice suddenly have my full attention.

“Like, a good surprise?”