50

I raised an eyebrow and dropped my hands to my side and clenched my fist.
Like hell you are, I hissed out.
I couldn’t argue with her about Lea not being a distraction, because she had been. I had allowed her to be. But that was something that I had planned on remedying today by immersing myself into finishing my work.
I kept my voice steady, fighting my already heightened emotions. Do you seriously think that after you executed my father, that I would allow her to go anywhere with you. You must think that I am a blind fool, someone who is unable to see the hatred that you have for her rolling off of you.
You don’t really have a say in the matter Carter. Mother pushed back her chair and stood. I have already sent for her. And if you dare try to stop me, well, I can make no promises that she’ll come back to you in one piece. Mother took a step around the desk and leaned against it as she continued, Do I make myself clear Carter ?
I stared in disbelief at the matriarch of our organization and reluctantly nodded, knowing that Mother would make good on her threat.
I forced out my agreement, Fine, but Lynx and Miller will be accompanying her.
Sending your own personal guards to stand watch over a girl who still only sees you as a cold blooded killer. Priceless.
Mother tusked and walked around the desk, stopping directly in front of me. She laid a hand on my check and narrowed her cold steel blue eyes.
She must be one good lay if you’re willing to leave yourself wide open like that, especially with a mole in the house. Her tone was taunting.
I stiffened at Mother’s words but refused to flinch as she drew her hand back and patted my cheek harder than necessary. As she turned to leave I grabbed her by her upper arm. She looked down where my fingers wrapped tightly around her flesh and slowly looked up to my face, her eyes dancing with sick amusement.
Lea is not some lay, Mother. My voice was deadly calm as I spoke, And if you so much as put one hand on her, I will personally take care of you. Do I make myself clear ?
I would like to see you try, Son. Mother gave a small smile as she pulled out of my hold. Oh, and Carter, she looked over her shoulder at me as she pulled the door open. Don’t wait up, we’ll be out very late.
Mother walked out the door without another word. As the door closed behind her, I picked up the lamp that sat on the corner of my desk, ripping the cord out of the socket, and threw it across the room. As it crashed against the far wall, I shoved everything off my desk, letting out a long cry of frustration as papers floated through the air and landed on the floor. I flipped over the leather side chair and sent it flying across the room with a deadly front kick, the splintering of the wood sounding through the room.
I spun around and ran a hand through my hair as Darrell, Lynx, and Miller barged through the doors, their weapons drawn.
Holy shit, Boss. Miller looked around the room, lowering his forty-five as his eyes landed on me.
I nodded between Miller and Lynx, my voice tight, You two are going to accompany Mother and Lea today. Keep your eyes on her, if she tries anything with Lea, you better not hesitate to stop her. Understand ?
Apprehension took over both men. Boss, Lynx started.
I held up a hand, If she harms Lea in any manner whatsoever, I am holding you two personally responsible. Got it ?
Both men visibly gulped as they looked around my office once more, Yes, Boss.
I walked to the front of the desk and unlocked one of the drawers. I pulled out a velvet box and then reached over and tore a sheet of paper out of the one file that had managed to stay on the desk during my rampage. I quickly wrote down a number and folded the paper before walking back around and giving the two items to Lynx, Make sure Lea gets these. In fact, find her before you leave and make sure she puts the pendant on. Let her know that if she needs me, all she has to do is press the middle diamond and I’ll know exactly where she is.
Lynx looked at the box before he tucked it and the paper into his pocket. What’s really going on Boss ?
Mother wants to get to know Lea.
But you don’t believe her. Darrell finally spoke up.
I shook my head, No.
A knock sounded at the office door and Lewis slowly slid into the room sideways, his back toward the door and his face twisted in fear. If I hadn’t have been pissed with the entire situation, I might would have found his actions quite comical.
Lewis, what the hell is your problem ? I asked sharply.
Mrs. Stephens, Boss.
What about her ?
The three men standing in front of me turned and smirked at Lewis’ terrified face as I spoke tightly.
Lewis threw his hand toward the hall, Are you seriously going to allow her to take Lea from the house.
Lynx and Miller will be with her.
But Boss, Lewis started again.
It’s settled Lewis. I have enough to deal with without you whining like a two year old child.
But Boss, Lewis tried again.
I reached behind my back and pulled out my Glock, cocking it and aiming it straight at Lewis’ head, I. Said. It’s. Settled.
Lewis’ face paled and all three guards went still as Darrell stepped in front of me, Carter, put it down. Now.
I turned my hardened eyes onto the man I considered my brother.
Darrell put his hands in the air. He is only worrying about the girl you love Carter. Just as we all are. Darrell’s voice was quiet and his eyes held a softness to them that I hadn’t seen since Trish died.
As I registered his words, my hands started to shake. Darrell reached up and unclasped my fingers from my weapon and took it from my hand. He tucked the Glock in his waistband as he kept his eyes on me and addressed the men in the room.
Lynx, Miller, find Lea and stay as close to her as possible. If Mrs. Stephens tries anything, let me know immediately and we will go from there. Lewis, go find Leon. You two take the day off, no arguments.
A chorus of Yes, Boss sounded as the men all turned to leave.
Darrell’s words hit me again and I stumbled backwards and sank onto the edge of the desk, running my hands repeatedly over my face and through my hair.
Did I love Lea ? Was it even possible for a man like me to feel that emotion ? How would I even know what love felt like ?
You need to pull yourself together Carter. I know yesterday morning was hard on you. Hell, I’m not even as close to her as you are and I felt helpless as shit witnessing what she was going through. I don’t quite know what you are feeling right now, but if you don’t get control over your emotions where Lea is concerned, you are only going to get yourself or her killed.
How ? I whispered the word.
How what ?
How do you know if you love someone ? I looked up at Darrell, a small smile lighting his face.
I think you already know the answer to that Carter.
Love wasn’t a concept I was familiar with. All my life, I had been taught that feelings were unnatural. That they made a person weak. That they caused the best of men to succumb to their deaths. Maybe Mother had been right all along. Maybe I shouldn’t feel, ever.
I shook my head, my voice barely audible as I spoke. No. I don’t.
Darrell stood in front of me, his clear blue eyes meeting my blood shot ones, Tell me something Carter, how did you feel the other night at the club, when you held Lea’s hand, or she held yours, and she played with your fingers ?
I shook my head, not sure where his line of questioning was going to go. I don’t know.
Yes you do Carter. Now, answer the damn question. How did you feel ?