Lea’s P. O. V.
How the hell could I have allowed that to happen ?
I had been asking myself that same question for hours as I sat on my bed, fuming over what had taken place this morning. I was so pissed at myself for not fighting Carter off me that I hadn’t even bothered with brunch or with helping Mahalia with dinner preparations.
I had known what he was going to do, from the moment I was forced to step foot into his office, I had known, but I was unable to stop him.
Did you really want to stop him Lea ?
That was the question I was really struggling with. Had I wanted Carter to stop ? My body responded to his touch in ways that it had never responded to..
Don’t go there Lea. He isn’t the same as Kent and you know it.
I pushed off from the bed and headed toward the gardens. Lewis had the honor of being my outside babysitter today and stepped in behind me as I made my way to the secluded nook that had started to become my place of refuge. As I sat down with my back against the arm of the bench and swung my legs up, I pulled my knees to my chest and laid my head on them.
He’s not going to be happy you missed brunch. Lewis spoke quietly as he stood at the edge of the arbor, scanning the area for unseen threats.
I lightly rubbed at the dark and tender area on my neck.
So. I’m not happy that he all but sunk his teeth in my neck as he tried to mark me like he was some kind of freaking Alpha werewolf marking his mate.
Lewis snickered. He did get you pretty good.
I reached out and punched Lewis’ arm. Shut up.
Hey now. I let out a small giggle as Lewis whined and rubbed his arm.
I looked up and tensed as a throat cleared. Carter was leaning against the tree across from Lewis and I, watching in a combination of annoyance and amusement.
What do you want ? I stood and noticed the smirk on his face. If you freaking say that, I’m going to scream bloody murder.
Carter nodded to Lewis, Give us a moment.
I latched onto Lewis’ arm and dug my nails in. I swear to God, if you leave.. I let the unspoken threat hang in the air.
Lewis scrunched his face up as I tightened my grip.
Lea, let him go. Carter continued to look amused as I stood my ground.
No. The last two times we were alone, you pulled that seduction shit on me so he isn’t going anywhere.
Lewis grimaced as I pulled him in front of me. Ma’am, can you take the claws out ?
Only if he agrees that you stay. I kept my eyes on Carter as I spoke.
Lea, for fuck’s sake, let him go. Carter’s eyes started to darken.
Not until it is agreed that he stays. I repeated myself.
Boss ? Lewis hissed.
Carter took a step forward and glared at Lewis, You are trained to get out of situations worse than this Lewis.
I felt Lewis tense under my grip.
And you have a weapon. Carter looked back to me mockingly, What does she have ?
Claws, and an annoying ass attitude that can make the Pope cuss on the most holiest of days, Lewis ground out as I dug my nails farther into his arm.
Carter sighed and started to pace. It was a few seconds before he spoke, Fine. He can stay. But just keep in mind, Lea, Carter’s now very dark steely eyes met mine that you do have to be alone sometime.
I shivered at the underlying promise as I loosened my grip on Lewis’ arm. As he moved to step aside, I tusked and tightened my grip, Oh no you don’t. You stay right here, between him and I, got it ?
Lewis nodded and swallowed hard, Got it Ma’am.
Good. I looked at Carter hard. What do you want ?
You missed brunch.
Yea. So ?
Meals are important here Lea.
I think missing one gathering of sociopaths won’t cause me to die of starvation Carter.
Carter tensed and clenched his jaws and fist. I took a step back and dragged Lewis with me as Carter stalked forward.
You should really find a better use for that tongue of yours Lea. Carter raised an eyebrow as he looked down to my mouth. I have a few ideas.
Lewis shifted uncomfortably in my hold.
Only in your freaking dreams Carter, I hissed over Lewis’ shoulder as he stepped closer.
For now.
Jesus Christ, Lewis spat, would you two get a room already. The fucking sexu… umph.
Lewis doubled over holding his stomach as Carter retracted his fist, his eyes cold and hard.
What the hell was that for ? I screamed as I knelt beside Lewis.
His place is to guard you, not..
I stood and stepped up to Carter. You’re right. His place is to guard me.
I smiled sweetly as I placed my palm gently on his cheek, watching his eyes as an array of emotions flew threw them. I ignored Lewis as he struggled to stand and draw in a deep breathe. I brought my knee up fast and hard to Carter’s midsection.
I stepped back quickly as Carter fell to his knees and reached to grab me with one hand as the other cradled his family jewels, his face twisting in pain. I crouched so that I was eye level with a shocked and angry Carter.
But he can’t do his job if you put him out of commission, even if it is for a few minutes, comprende ?
I stood and walked toward the house, then stopped and looked over my shoulder, You better hurry, Carter. You have forty-five minutes till dinner is ready. Can’t have you missing a meal. After all, they are the most important times of the day.
Lewis fell in step beside me as we reached the stone building and placed his hand on my arm, a small smile on his face, his voice low. Thanks for that.