Like always, Darrell wanted me to work for my answer.
Contentment.
And when you danced with her ?
I smiled slightly as I remembered the way Lea wrapped her body against mine. Darrell took the small smile as his answer.
And when she asked you to kiss her ?
Breathless.
And how did you feel yesterday morning when you couldn’t get Lea to respond to you, when you begged her to wake up, when you held her for hours, praying that she would open her eyes ?
I took a deep breath and answered truthfully, my voice shaking as it came out, Helpless.
How did you feel as she told you what took place five years ago ?
I growled, he knew how I felt about that, Like I could rip Kent’s throat out with my bare hands.
Darrell nodded and continued, And how did you feel hearing Lea call after you as you walked away, refusing to turn back to her ?
I breathed out, trying to contain the guilt I felt at leaving her crying in my room, Like someone had my heart in their hand, slicing it open.
Darrell took another step toward me, And how do you feel, right now, knowing that Victoria is taking Lea from the house ?
I met Darrell’s knowing eyes, Scared shitless.
Carter, Darrell placed his hand on my shoulder, his voice soft, you already know what love feels like.
I clenched my fist, I’ll kill her if she allows anything to happen to Lea.
I know you will. Come on, I’ll help you get this cleaned up. Then you need to find Lea before they leave.
I nodded and I pushed up from the desk as I surveyed the destruction of the room.
Thanks.
Darrell shook his head and pulled my Glock from his back, handing me my weapon, No problem.
We worked in silence picking up the files and putting them back together. I picked up the broken lamp and the shattered glass as Darrell took the chair out of the room. Mother hadn’t told me what time they would leave, but I figured it would be soon.
I looked around the room and sighed as I walked out. I made my way to the main room and held my breath as Mother and Lea walked in from the bedroom wing, each woman carrying an overnight bag.
I raised my brow and ignored my mother’s smirk as I walked over to Lea, taking her hand in mine, my eyes landing on the diamond pendant.
Can I have a moment ? I asked softly as I forced myself to meet Lea’s eyes.
Lea hesitated before nodding and sitting her bag down, her eyes questioning as I tugged her down the hall and back to my office. I held the door open as she walked in, watching as she stopped just a few steps into the room.
She turned and watched as I closed the door and took a few hesitant steps toward her.
Lea, I’m,
Lea held up her hand.
Don’t Carter. Don’t you dare tell me you’re sorry. Her firm voice was full of hurt as she spoke. I’m sick and tired of people telling me how sorry they are after they walk out on me when I need them the most.
I watched a tear fall down her cheek. The beautiful, strong woman I had fallen for, breaking once again.
I reached for her, Lea.
No. Her glistening eyes bored into mine, her voice small as she said the words that made my heart cringe. I think this will do us some good. She paused as she looked away, Do me some good.
I scoffed, You don’t know what she is like Lea.
Lea took at step back and looked me over as I took a step forward, I think I have a pretty good idea.
Really ? I took another step closer. Tell me then.
The apple usually doesn’t fall far from the tree Carter, she took another step back and wiped angrily at her eyes.
Her words stopped me. It felt like a knife had been plunged into my heart as we stood there, the deafening silence surrounding us.
I have to go.
I stepped aside and lowered my head. I knew that I had hurt Lea by walking out on her, but I hadn’t expected her to still be so angry with me.
As she passed by me, I reached out for her, pulling her into me. I buried my face into her neck and inhaled her calming scent.
I had expected Lea to struggle against my hold, but when she didn’t, I placed a kiss on the spot where her neck and shoulder met and slowly backed her up against the wall. I used my body to pin her there and smiled softly against her skin as I felt her shiver against me.
I kissed up her neck and across her jaw and was rewarded with a soft moan. Lea wrapped her hands around my neck and ran her fingers through my hair. I brushed my rough lips over her soft ones and savored the tenderness of her against me.
I pulled away and brushed back her hair as I looked into her eyes, Fuck, Lea.
I wanted to tell her how I felt, but I could see the battle raging within her once again. I cupped her cheek and took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and nuzzled her face in my palm.
You have the number Lynx gave you ?
Yes.
And if you are unable to call, you’ll activate the tracker ? I asked softly.
Lea’s hand instinctively went to the pendant.
Promise.
I stepped back and held my hand out, hoping that she wouldn’t pull away. Once she placed her hand in mine, I led Lea to the office door and stopped before opening it. She looked up at me and tilted her head to the side as I leaned down and placed another kiss on her forehead.
I stepped back and opened the door, coming face to face with Mother.
Lea, Lynx has your bag. I trust you know your way to the front door. Mother never took her eyes from mine as she spoke, her tone condescending, Or do I need to waste precious manpower on escorting you around like an invalid child ?
I can find my way, Ma’am.
Lea kept her tone even and polite as she pulled her hand out of mine and walked toward the main room. She reached for her pendant as she looked back over her shoulder and disappeared around the corner. I could feel the smugness rolling off Mother as she spun on her heels and followed after Lea.
I turned and headed to the security room. Tony looked up from the monitors and nodded to the empty chair as I entered.
Boss.
I trust that you know that Mother is taking Lea out of the house.
Yes. Tony didn’t looked surprised.
I gave Lea the pendant. You have the information to track it once it’s activated ?