The distant roar and vibrations of motorcycles pulled me from my thoughts. As I listened to the sound grow closer, I looked at the clock on the nightstand, three-thirty am. I knew with every fiber of being that I had in my body that Carter would be by to check in on me. But, I didn’t want to face him, not yet. I slipped down into the soft mattress and pretended to be asleep as heavy footsteps grew closer to my door.
Boss, Paul and Samuel acknowledged Carter.
I take it Darrell spoke with her ? His voice was low and barely audible.
Yes, Sir.
How did she take it ?
Better than what someone else in her place might have. Paul spoke quietly. But, she is less than thrilled about the entire situation.
I would expect nothing less. Anything else ?
I could feel the awkwardness as Samuel spoke up. She has made the connections between why you couldn’t kill her, Boss.
And ?
I quietly slipped out of bed and made my way to the door as silence lingered a few seconds too long.
And ? Carter drew out again.
No disrespect, Boss, but I think that this would be a conversation you would want to have with Darrell.
If I wanted to have this conversation with Darrell I would, Carter hissed quietly. Now, I’m asking you, what else was said ?
I pulled the makeshift door back and met Carter’s steel blue eyes, I said, I’m not interested and to leave me the hell alone. I grabbed the silken curtain as I turned to leave but stopped and looked back at Carter, And since I now have to be babysat, I want my freaking door back.
I let the curtain fall as I made my way back to the bed as Paul and Samuel grumbled about being my guards and not babysitters.
As the sound of angry footsteps echoed down the hall, I could picture Paul shaking his head in disbelief, as he spoke, Damn, that girl has some balls.
Carter’s P. O. V.
I had expected Lea’s rejection. I had even prepared myself for it on the ride back tonight. But all that self preservation psychology bullshit had not prepared me for the pure, raw, angry hurt that was coursing through me at Lea actually voicing her desire to want nothing to do with me.
I was pissed beyond pissed at the feelings she had unknowingly awoke within me. Instead of going to my room, I turned and headed toward the gym as I left Lea with Paul and Samuel.
I needed to work off some steam but it was to late to go to the range. Hell, even if it wasn’t, it would just be a waste of time and ammo. That girl knew exactly how to get to me, how to get under my skin, and wasting bullets on non-living targets wasn’t going to help the matter at hand.
I stalked into the state of the art facilities and headed for the locker room. I shrugged out of my riding jacket and tore off my shirt, throwing my boots across the open space as I cursed the feelings that were threatening to explode within me.
Who the hell did she think she was, talking to me like that in front of my men ?
The woman you couldn’t kill because you were stupid enough to fall for her my subconscious answered for me.
I pulled my sweats and gym shoes on and made my way to the punching bag. I took up stance and proceeded to jab, punch, and kick.
I take it you talked to Paul and Samuel ?
I didn’t acknowledge Darrell as he walked over and steadied the bag.
She just needs some time Carter.
I landed a hard spinning back kick.
You know what she asked ?
I threw a front kick and followed through with a knife-hand.
She wanted to know why you couldn’t have just introduced yourself, why you couldn’t let her know that she intrigued you, or why you couldn’t have just ask her dinner.
I executed a sidekick, backhand, and uppercut combo.
She’s scared and confused Carter. This is the second time she has had her life turned upside down within the last five years.
I grabbed the bag and kneed it ; left, right, right, left.
Dammit Carter, would you fucking stop.
My hands were poised to throw a punch combination. As Darrell spoke, I dropped my hands to my side and stepped to where I could fully see my second in command.
What. Did. You. Just. Say ?
You heard me.
Darrell didn’t back down as I tensed and took a step in his direction.
Talk to her.
She’s made it perfectly clear she wants nothing to do with me. I clenched my jaw and picked up a jump rope. She only sees me as a cold blooded killer.
I started jumping, building speed as another wave of anger washed through me.
Then you show her you are more than what she sees.
I stopped jumping and threw the rope aside. I started pacing as I voiced my main concern.
And how the hell am I suppose to do that and keep her safe with a damn mole in the house ? Seth as already heard the rumors and he’s seven hours out. It’s only a matter of time before Miguel or Scarbrough’s people get wind of what is being said. If they get their hands her, she won’t stand a chance against them.
I took a seat on one of the benches that lined the walls and dropped my head into my hands. I felt Darrell’s hand on my shoulder and looked up. This is all my fault.
Yes it is. But now that she is here, it is our responsibility to keep her safe. Don’t give up on her just yet, if you do, then she is nothing more than a liability that will have to be dealt with.