He let go of my arm as Carter’s voice filled the air. LEA !
I squealed and ran into my room slamming the patio doors shut and locking them as Lewis chuckled and took up his position outside, making sure my bedroom door was locked before walking into the bathroom.
I grabbed a clean towel from the bath closet and turned the water on, allowing the hot water to sooth my mind and body as I stepped under it. I had my eyes closed as I lathered my hair and scrubbed my scalp. I stopped and listened as a creak sounded from my room. I quickly rinsed the suds from my hair and body and reached down to turn the water off as I continued to listen.
I pulled back the shower curtain and reached for my towel.
Looking for this ?
I screamed as Carter stood against the door, his hard, cold eyes raking over my glistening, bare body, my towel clutched firmly in his hand.
I yanked the milky white shower curtain back around me.
How ? Th, the doors were locked.
Carter pulled a chain and key from around his neck, twirling it between his fingers.
Did you really think I would allow a lock on your door without a key for myself, Lea ? He met my wide eyes, That little stunt you pulled earlier is going to cost you. But for now, your dress has been laid out for you. The emotions I saw earlier were swirling in his eyes. And wear your hair down. You have thirty minutes to get dressed and meet me in the foyer.
Carter let his eyes fall over my silhouette once more before tossing the towel to me and turning, walking out the room and slamming both sets of doors behind him as he left.
Seriously, I growled as I stepped from the tub and wrapped the plush towel around me.
I peeked out the bath doors to see what had been laid out for me and gasped as I took in the floor length gown. It was a beautiful teal color with a sweetheart neckline and a split that would reach mid-thigh with sequins decorating the bodice. The shoes were a matching teal color with straps that crossed at the ankles. Diamond earrings and a simple diamond pendant were laid out beside the dress.
I slipped back in the bath and set to work on drying my hair, styling it in soft waves as it dried around the round brush. I opted for barely there make up, going for soft smoke eyes, natural bronzer for my cheeks, and simple lip gloss a shade darker than my natural color.
I walked out of the bath and looked at the time ; I had five minutes to get into the outfit. I slipped the shoes on first, knowing that once I put the dress on, bending over to secure the heels would be nearly impossible. I stepped into the dress and slid my arms in place. As I tried to reach around to pull the zipper up, I began going around in circles, huffing as I tried to latch onto the tiny piece of metal. I stopped and looked up as the door opened, not saying anything for a few moments before sighing in defeat.
Can you help me with this ? I asked sheepishly.
Carter snapped his roaming eyes to my face and my cheeks reddened at the look of adoration in them. I quickly turned my back to him and moved my hair to the side, holding my breath as goosebumps danced across my skin. Carter’s fingers traced down the back of the open dress and clasped the zipper, slowly pulling it up as his fingers skimmed up my back.
Carter and I reached down for the necklace at the same time. His hand brushed mine and I quickly pulled it back as electricity shot up my arm.
Let me, he spoke softly as he picked up the necklace and clasped it around my neck, his fingers brushing the exposed skin of my shoulder.
I closed my eyes, his touch electrifying my body. I felt strong arms grasp my waist, and as he pressed his lips just under my ear, I began to sway.
What is he doing to you Lea ? I asked myself as I felt his warm breath fan over my chilled skin.
You look absolutely stunning Lea.
I turned and smiled softly as I took a small step out of Carter’s hold, Thank you.
Carter held his hand out to me, Come, we’ll be late.
I placed my hand in Carter’s and walked beside him as we made our way out of the room. We were met with three men that I had not seen before as we entered the foyer.
Lea, Carter looked from me to the three men, this is Miller, Lynx, and Xian. They will be our guards for the night.
I looked around for Lewis and Leon, but as if knowing who I was looking for, Carter spoke up, I gave them the evening off.
Oh. I spoke quietly as I looked back over the three men. My eyes landed on Xian. Do I know you ?
Even with a busted lip and bruised jaw, he looked so familiar, but I couldn’t place where I had seen him.
Carter had been speaking quietly with Miller as Lynx went for the car we were to take and stopped mid sentence. He spun around as I searched the Asian man’s face, his face going blank as he watched the two of us intently.
Xian cut his eyes to Carter and then back to me, bowing his head as Carter walked and stood by my side.
Xian ? Carter’s voice was cold and deadly as he placed his arm around my waist and pulled me protectively into his side.
Xian kept his held bowed. I was hired by her father to find her when she left home three years ago. He had wanted to know that she was safe.
I felt bile rise at the back of my throat at the mentioning of my parents.
Black Cats, I whispered as I remembered where I had seen Xian.
He raised his head and nodded before continuing to speak softly, keeping his eyes on the floor, I did not know she was the one they are coming for when we spoke earlier. He met Carter’s cold stare, If I had, I would have told you.
I sighed, dismissing the implied threat against me as I struggled to control my anger. I shook my head, the song It’s A Small World running through my mind.
If you so much as breathe a word to my parents as to my whereabouts, I swear I will freaking kill you myself. Understand ?
I tried to pull away from Carter only to have him tighten his hold on my waist, his face still blank as he measured Xian’s words.
Xian nodded. Yes Ma’am. He glanced my way before turning back to Carter. Mr. Stephens, I have no reason to lie to you. It would dishonor both our fathers. Xian turned back to me, I will not tell your parents where you are, that is not my reasoning for being here. I am here because I swore that I would protect you with my life. Xian bowed as he finished speaking.
Carter was quiet for a moment longer before releasing me and stepping chest to chest with Xian.
When we return home, I want full disclosure. Am I making myself clear ?
Yes Sir. Xian bowed his head once more, keeping his eyes in the floor.
Good. Lea.
Carter held his left hand out for me as Miller opened the door. Carter and I walked out as the dark gray Navigator pulled up and Lynx stepped out, opening the back driver door for the two of us.
I slid in as Xian opened the front passenger and Miller the rear passenger, both men sliding in as Carter slipped in beside me. Lynx closed the door behind Carter and took the driver’s seat.
I let out a small chuckle as I thought back to the last time I was in the vehicle. This seems familiar.
Carter shook his head bemusedly and looked at his watch. I watched quietly as he frowned and pulled a phone from his suit pocket and typed in a number.