I could feel Carter hesitate before answering, Fine. The keys are in my left jacket pocket, but I’m warning you all now, you wreck my car, the outcome won’t be pretty. I could hear a hint of teasing under his threat.
Darrell’s smirk was evident in his reply, Oh ye of little faith, when are you going to learn to trust me ?
Carter was silent as he placed a feather light kiss on my forehead and started for Insomniac’s exit. He continued to hold me close as he slid into the backseat and thanked Lynx for opening and then closing the door. I smiled inwardly as I remembered the time not too long ago when he would have only barked and growled out orders or said nothing at all.
I giggled out at the thought as sleep slowly took me back under.
* * * * * * * * *
I woke a little while later, laying in the seat of the Navigator and my head resting in Carter’s lap. He was running his hands through my hair and had his head tilted back and eyes closed. I stifled a yawn and uncurled from the ball I was currently in, stretching my legs out slowly and carefully.
Lynx looked back through the mirror and spoke quietly as I sat up, Have a good nap ?
I nodded and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Yea, actually I did. I leaned forward and propped my elbow over the passenger seat, How much longer ?
Lynx glanced around, looking for a marker and then at the Rolex on his wrist, About thirty minutes or so.
Carter’s eyes snapped open, his steel orbs wild and frantic until they found me. He reached over and wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me back and into his side.
Humph, I let out a surprised breath. What in the hell was that for ?
I looked up and saw the fear in his eyes. I could see Lynx out of the corner of my eye shake his head and smile as he turned his attention back to the road.
Don’t ever leave me again. Carter’s voice was quiet and pleading as he spoke.
I laid a hand on Carter’s cheek and held his gaze as I spoke softly, I’m not going anywhere.
Carter covered my hand with his, I thought I lost you.
I thought back briefly to being in that field, growing weak from bleeding out as Emilio turned his gun toward me and fired. My heart was pounding as the raw emotions built within me, For a moment, I thought you had too.
Carter moved his free hand to my face, May I ?
My breath hitched as I realized that he was asking me the same question he had the night at the opera. Yes, I whispered as I held his gaze.
As Carter leaned forward, my eyes fluttered closed and as his rough, yet gentle lips pressed into mine, I realized that I loved him. I loved him with every ounce of my being.
He pulled away and ran his thumb under my eyes, Why are you crying Lea ?
I shook my head, the emotion slamming into me over and over.
UM, Boss ? Lynx glanced to the backseat and then quickly diverted his eyes.
Carter let out a small sigh as he looked forward, Yes ?
We’re home.
In all my life, those two words had never hit me as hard as they did at this moment.
We’re home.
I was home.
I was somewhere where I belonged and with people who accepted me for me. I was with people who cared for me, people who had put their lives on the line for me, and people who I would now always and forever consider family and friends.
Lynx opened pulled the Navigator’s door open and held it as Carter stepped out, and like so many time before, he held his hand out to me, Come Lea.
I didn’t hesitate as I reached out and placed my hand in Carter’s. As I slid out of the seat, Carter lifted me bridal style and as the purr of the R8 and the thundering of the motorcycles filled the air, I looked around the garage and smiled. One by one, the men I had learned to trust walked up and formed a protective circle around Carter and I.
I raised a brow and sighed, I’m guessing some things will never change ?
Carter glanced around before his eyes settled back on mine, No. Even though we have now become a legitimate and legal corporation, we expect to have some residual effects from our past transactions. We started walking into the house as Carter continued, You’ll be free to move about the house and grounds unaccompanied, but outside the house, you’ll have at least two guards with you.
So no more babysitters while I sleep or read or help Mahalia in the kitchen ?
I smirked as my four closest guards groaned in unison, We are not babysitters Lea.
Carter and the rest of the guys chuckled, No. Just when your out.
As we walked through the hall from the garage, a sense of peace and calm washed over me and I found myself smiling.
What ? My hand flew to my face as Carter’s gaze continued to linger on mine. Do I have something on my face ? Oh my God, I do, don’t I ?
Carter shook his head, No Lea, you don’t have anything on your face.
I narrowed my eyes at him, Then why are you staring at me ?
Because you haven’t stopped smiling since you woke up.
I tried to pull a straight face, Oh, um. Really ?
I felt my cheeks heat up as a chorus of Really sounded from the men around us. We made it to the main room and my heart froze in my chest.
Lea ? Mahalia’s soft, warm motherly voice washed over me.
I looked up to Carter, Sit me down a second.
He shook his head, You’re not suppose to be on that leg.
Carter, damn you, you pompous ass, it’s just for a second, and besides, the doctor said I was cleared for…
No.
I raised my brow and looked deep in Carter’s eyes, Then you don’t get to kiss me again, ever.
Several of the men started to laugh as Carter’s face fell. He let out a string of curses as he sat me down and glared at the group.
You all might want to head for the hills before it’s too late, I chimed as Carter’s hands clenched by his sides.
Darrien spoke up from behind Darrell, I think she may be right guys.