37

I swallowed down the bile that rose in the back of my throat and let go of the last remaining bit of self restraint I had.
I grabbed a handful of Tara’s hair, catching her off guard and let out a primal scream as I spun her sideways and slammed her head into the thick wooden dining table. I could hear a surprised squeak leaving her as well as the members in the dining room as I picked her head back up and slammed it down again.
I felt strong arms wrap around me from behind, but the pure rage I felt flowing through my body allowed me to easily get out of Lewis’ hold.
Someone get Carter here, now.
I barely registered Leon barking the order as I clasped my hands together and brought them down over Tara’s back. I could hear the air rushing out of her body as I brought a knee up and into her stomach.
Tears were flowing steadily down my face as Lewis wrapped me in his arms a second time.
Lea stop, he whispered against my ear.
I struggled against his hold, breaking free once more as Tara struggled to stand. I wanted her to feel helpless. I wanted her to feel my pain. I wanted her to pay for the accusation she made.
I rushed back toward Tara. Balling my hand into a fist, I swung and connected with her jaw, a sickening crack sounding through the room. I raised my fist back once more, but was stopped by a different set of arms circling my waist and dragging me backwards.
Enough Lea. The rough command caused me to collapse against Carter’s chest, my body convulsing as my strength suddenly disappeared.
Enough, he whispered softly as he lifted me and carried me out of the room. I was beyond hysterical, Tara’s words playing over and over in my mind.
My fault, all my fault, I whispered as I cried and clutched Carter’s shirt, soaking it with my tears.
What’s your fault, Lea ? Carter questioned softly as I felt myself being laid down.
Cece. My fault, all my fault.
I couldn’t stop the violent shivers that ran through my body at the vivid memories of what had happened five years ago.
I felt my hair being pushed back and rough lips press gently against my forehead as calloused fingers slid up my arm and pushed back my sleeve.
I’m sorry, Lea. This is for the best. I felt a slight pinch and sting, then coolness flow down my arm, Rest.
* * * * * * * * *
I jerked awake my mind foggy, my throat dry, my lips cracked, and a dull ache in my arm.
I pushed myself up on the bed, hissing in pain as my knuckles made contact with the mattress.
Easy there Tiger.
I slowly turned my throbbing head in the direction of the familiar voice. Carter stood from the corner armchair and walked over to the bed, reaching for a glass of water as he sat beside me and pressed the glass to my mouth. Here, drink.
I parted my lips and let the cool liquid slide down my parched throat. I drank greedily and sighed as he removed the glass. Carter cupped my chin and wiped away a drop off water with his thumb.
You freaking drugged me. My voice was hoarse as I spoke.
No, I sedated you. Carter countered as he took my hands in his. It was the only way I could calm you down.
It’s the same damn difference, I hissed as his fingers ran over my knuckles.
No, Lea, it isn’t. He searched my eyes. Do you want to tell me why you put my best baiter out of commission for the next month ?
No. I replied flatly.
Carter continued to search my face. Lea, I know you well enough to know that you don’t just go all bat shit crazy for no reason. What did she say to you ?
I sighed and resigned myself to telling Carter what Tara had said, his eyes growing darker with each word I spoke. After I had finished, I took a deep breath and asked the one question that had been bothering me since she spoke those words to me.
How does she know about Cecily ? She wasn’t on the plane when Tony looked up the report.
Carter shook his head. I don’t know, but I will find out. In the mean time, we are taking you to the medical wing and having your hands x-rayed. With the amount of swelling there is, and the fact that you broke Tara’s jaw, I would be surprised if you didn’t break your hand as well.
Carter helped me into a standing position and I immediately covered my mouth with my hand and staggered to bathroom.
Oh God, I think I’m going to be sick.
I hugged the toilet as I dry heaved. I had nothing in my stomach to throw up.
It’s a side affect of the sedative. I felt my hair being moved to the side and a cool rag being pressed against the back of my neck. You didn’t eat, did you ?
I sat back on my knees and hung my head as another wave of nausea washed over me. No.
Carter tusked from behind me. Lea. You know how I feel about meals.
Yea well, it wasn’t my freaking fault she started her crap.
No, but you still have to eat. Let’s go. Carter slipped his arms under mine and hauled me upwards.
I started to protest but stopped as his warm breath fanned my ear, No arguing.
* * * * * * * * *
I glared at the soft brace that wrapped around my right hand and wrist. Luckily nothing was broken, just badly bruised. However, Carter had insisted on the doctor wrapping it as a precaution, so that I wouldn’t cause further injury to myself.
He had waited in the hallway with Lewis and Leon as the doc finished her assessment and gave me instructions on how to treat the swelling. I had heard him ask both men what had happened and why they had allowed things to escalate as they did. I sighed heavily as Lewis tried to explain to Carter that I had mad skills, emphasis on mad.
She a damn Hellion when she’s pissed Boss. Not to mention, strong as a damn ox. Lewis was finishing his explanation as I stepped out into the hall and looked the three men over.
What ? I growled as all three men looked my way and then nodded between themselves.
Where did you learn those moves ? Leon asked accusingly.
Carter had leaned against the wall, watching me carefully as he crossed his hands in front of himself.
No where. Why ? I was curious as to why he was asking.
First you put Boss out of commission the other day, I cut my eyes to Carter as Lewis spoke, then you take Tara out today.
So ? She shouldn’t have said what she did. I crossed my arms over my chest and returned Lewis’ intense gaze.
Lea, answer the question. Carter’s voice was calm, but held an undertone of something I couldn’t quite place.
Fear my mind stated quietly.
I dismissed the thought and looked from Lewis to Carter, holding his steely blue eyes as I spoke, I didn’t learn them anywhere.
Carter pushed from the wall and stood directly in front of me as he cupped my chin and continued to hold my now angry glare, Don’t lie to me, Lea. Where did you learn those moves ?