A Hidden Queen

Chapter 90

The ruggedly handsome man sways slightly as he walks towards the hill-top cabin. He pulls at the hem of his olive-green shirt, untucking it from his pants as he scratches at an invisible itch on his side. The only word to describe his wellbeing was contentment, a warm satisfaction that ran over him.

Charlie had been dubious of the evening's affairs. The whole queen thing had thrown both him and Josephine off. He had wanted a quiet evening to discuss it over and see what was plaguing her mind. Josephine, however, had other ideas. It was not long after the conversation had ended that she shoved all the men out, wanting the evening to herself to relax in a hot tub and mull over what she had been told.

Albert had grumbled and fussed about being shoved out of his own home, while Charlie had gripped about not being able to stay and watch over her as her husband. Her only response to either complaint was to shut the door with an audible lock. The whole thing had left Charlie sulky, turning more into male frustration as John suggested going down to the pub for a hot meal and drink. Despite his outward mood, Charlie had to admit that the evening had gone well. The four men had chatted idly, coming to a better understanding of one another over a hot meal and drinks.

In spite of the calmness settling, Charlie was still eager to get back to Joe and get her true thoughts on the whole matter. So, after a full meal and about half-way through his third drink, he had excused himself, wandering happily up to the cabin.

The silver eyes stare vacantly at the wooden door, wondering if he was still banished from the abode. To his surprise, the knob twisted easily in his hands. He poked his head around the frame, expecting fully to be shooed away by some flying object, but being met only with silence. Charlie slithers his bulk through the small opening, noting the interior was very quiet and a lot darker than he had remembered from previous nights. He examines the kitchen area, noting the white sheet hanging from the door frame leading into the sitting area.

Charlie rubs the fabric between his fingers, glancing up at the spikes pinning the haphazard sheet to the wooden frame. He grinches as he thinks of the caterwauling Albert will spew when he finds out about this little tacking job of Josephines.

He shakes his head lightly, spelling the doomsday imagery from his mind and carefully pulling back the side. The heat from the crackling fire blasted him in the face, sending a chill down his spine and filling his nostrils with the earthy smoke. A warm smile quickly spreads across his face as he gazes into the warmly lite room.

Joe sat in a steaming tub, shadows dancing upon her skin and her red tinted hair aglow with the fire. Her long hair was damp, hanging over her shoulders and floating lazily in the water around her breasts. The old leather book was clutched tightly in her hands; her reddish brows furrowing as she read over the contents.

Charlie slips past the sheet, properly fixing it back to cover the empty space before moving over to his wife. He lowers himself onto the floor next to the iron tub with an audible grunt, quickly jerking his hand away at the blistering hot edges. The dark brows knit together as he peers into the steaming water.

"How can you even stand that? You look like a lobster." He teases lightly.

Joe rolls her eyes over to him, "Ha-ha. You're so funny, Mr. Austin."

"I think so." He grins, scooting closer. "Seriously what is it with you woman liking things blistering hot. Your skin is almost the color of your hair girl."

Joe scrunches up her nose, splashing a small amount of water towards his face. Charlie takes the frontal assault, chuckling deeply as he comes up to his knees. The young woman eyes him suspiciously as he begins to massage her neck and shoulders. He physically feels her melt at the touch, closing her eyes and lowering her head while allowing her body to move loosely.