Lea’s P. O. V.
I woke to the sound of water and the memories of last night’s events and revelations running through my mind. I sat up and pushed myself against the head boards of the bed and crossed my legs Indian style. I played with the hem of my shirt and listened as the water turned off.
So much had happened over the last five years. So much that I was unsure of what my place in life was, where I belonged, and what I should do. My mind kept telling me one thing, and my heart and body, well that was a whole different story. I lifted my fingers to my lips, remembering the way Carter had tenderly kissed me and how his rough lips felt against mine. I was so lost in thought that I hadn’t heard the bath door open.
Good Morning Beautiful.
I shrieked and flew to the opposite side of the bed and under the covers. Deep laughter filled the room and I slowly lowered the blanket.
Carter’s amused and steel blue eyes watched me as he towel dried his hair.
Holy Mother Mary, I muttered as my eyes followed a water drop down Carter’s chest, over his six pack, and to the waist band of of his dark jeans.
He was sculpted to perfection and every muscle flexed as he rubbed the towel through his hair and across his shoulders.
I told you last night, no one could resist this. His voice was husky as he spoke.
Your weren’t freaking kidding. I sighed out.
As I realized what I said, I slapped my hand over my mouth, my face heating to an unbearable degree, and muttered, Shit.
My wide eyes met Carter’s dark ones. I could show you more if you would like, Lea.
I swallowed hard. Nope, I’m good. Good I am. I don’t need to see anymore, not right now. Nope, nope, nope.
I hadn’t meant to say any of that out loud, but it was like something had turned off the filter between my mouth and my brain. Carter shook his head as I fell back onto the bed and covered my face with the pillow and let out an exasperated scream.
I felt the bed dip beside me and the pillow being pulled away from my face. Carter’s fingers trailed over my jawline and across my lips as he spoke quietly. Anytime you would like for me to, all you have to do is say the words, Lea. But for now, you need to get showered and dressed.
Carter stood and crossed the room, disappearing through a set of double doors and then walking back out with a shirt in his left hand, and a pair of pants, a tee, and undergarments in the other. I raised a brow, waiting for an answer to my unasked question.
I had Mahalia bring some of your things in here this morning, he explained, holding the clothes out to me that were in his right hand. Lewis and Leon are already on duty and will escort you to brunch. I have a meeting to attend.
He stopped talking and reached out to brush my hair from my face. I know you already know this, Lea, but make sure you don’t go anywhere without Lewis and Leon. Especially now that we know the mole is someone close to us.
I nodded in understanding, I won’t. I promise.
Carter looked torn as he stood and walked to the doors. I won’t see you until dinner.
What !? The almighty Carter skipping a meal ? I threw my arm against my forehead and mocked Carter to ease the tension.
Ha, Ha, very funny.
Carter reached for the door, but paused as I spoke quietly, Be careful.
A small smile formed on his lips, I will. I promise.
I quickly showered and dressed, not bothering with make up or fussing over my hair, opting to throw it up into a messy bun instead. I looked around for my shoes and found a pair of Converses and socks sitting next to the the door. I slipped them on and opened the door to the room.
Ma’am. Lewis and Leon greeted as I walked out.
Morning. I looked over to the two men. They both looked tired, their eyes were dull and rimmed with dark circles. Did either of you get any sleep last night ?
Leon didn’t answer as Lewis shook his head, Not much.
We walked the rest of the way to the dining room in silence. Leon held the door open as I walked in, him and Lewis following behind me.
I took my seat and looked around, noticing that along with Carter’s seat, Darrell, Darrien, and Tony’s seats were also empty. Lewis and Leon took Darrell and Darrien’s chairs and continuously scanned the room as the rest of the members slowly made their way in for brunch.
I had my hands in my lap, playing with the hem of my shirt as the doors opened.
You have to be shitting me right now. The little bitch can’t go anywhere without you guard dogs up her ass. It’s as if she stays in fucking heat and you all can’t wait to get a piece of her.
I clenched my hands into fist and looked over to see Lewis and Leon’s jaws clenched, their hands mirroring my own.
That’s enough Tara, Leon ground out through gritted teeth.
Tara flipped her hair and settled her burning glare on me. The little mutt needs to go back to whatever dog house Carter dragged her out of.
I took a deep breath, pushed back from the table, and stood to leave. I wasn’t going to sit here and have some over zealous hormonal heifer ruining my good mood. Lewis and Leon stood to follow as I made my way past the members that had taken their seats and were watching in anticipation of what would happen.
I ignored them all as I stood face to face with Tara. Move, I took a deep breath before adding tersely, please.
Tara crossed her arms over her chest.
You know, ever since you came into the house, Carter hasn’t been to see me. Not once. That doesn’t sit well with me.
A flair of jealousy coursed through my body and I bit my lip to keep from lashing out. If he wanted her, he could have her.
Yea right. If that was the case, then why are you full of the green eyed monster ? my mind scoffed.
Tara raked her eyes over me as she smirked and continued, I don’t know what he sees in you. You’re weak and pathetic.
Move. I ground out again as I tried to step around Tara. She mirrored my actions and stepped back in front of me.
Tara, you best watch yourself. You are already walking a thin line around here, Lewis spoke up from behind me.
Tara ignored him as she stepped forward and dropped her arms. Her eyes were a dark and full of hate as she leaned in close to my ear.
From what I hear, you are the reason your sister is dead. I froze at her words. My blood turning icy as she whispered, If you would have just gave in, did what it was you were asked to do like a good little bitch, then she would still be alive.