Freedom

As soon I park my car at Sebastian’s place, I whip out my phone and place a call to Charles, as I unfasten Ava’s seat belt and carry her out of the car. Richard comes over and makes to open the backseat, no doubt so that he can carry my bag out, but I lift a finger to stop him.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I ask before Charles can even get a word out.

“What have I done again?” Is the resigned reply.

“I want you to call off your dog immediately. I’m a grown-ass woman and I should be able to go wherever I want to go by myself.” I say through gritted teeth. The only sign that Richard minds being called a dog is the fleeting clench in his jaw, and then his face returns to its impassive state.

“That’s a very rude thing to say. It is for your own…”

“Protection, I know, but I don’t need you, your guards, or anyone protecting me. I’m very capable of doing so myself. This is getting very ridiculous.”

“Might I remind you that Charlotte is still out there doing god knows what, probably mai