He can’t really be jealous, can he? I fix him with a stare and find him curiously studying me.
“I’m feeling good. Happy.” My response is short, but I’m sure he can see the emotion on my face.
As we step into the empty elevator, he turns to me. Cupping my face in his hands, he peers at me under those beautiful hooded eyes. “Bennett and I will be doing something… we’ll be sorting out a mess.” His confession stills us both for a second.
“And you don’t want me to be alone. Or anywhere near the office?”
“Bennett’s men found something and we’re waiting for a location on the man who’s been harassing you,” he tells me then.
I tense. My heart slams against my chest, leaping into my throat.
“We’ll find him. I don’t want you to worry.”
“I’m not worried. I’ve chosen two men I know will keep me safe.”
He nods as if he’s satisfied with my answer and then crashes his mouth down on mine. All the tension that wound him up releases as his tongue sweeps alongside mine in a searing kiss I know will leave me breathless.
When he finally pulls away, the elevator dings and the doors open. I follow him to the car on shaky legs. Every time he kisses me, touches me, or fu*ks me, I’m a ball of need. I know he’s taking me home to keep me safe, but what worries me is what he and Bennett plan to do. I know it has something to do with my stepfather.
Why aren’t they telling me more?
As we weave through traffic, Carter reaches for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. It’s a romantic gesture, something that surprises me. It’s not that he’s not romantic, but the feelings we’ve found with each other are still so new. I love the feel of his hand in mine. It’s like mine was meant to fit into his. Like a key fitting into a lock. He and Bennett have broken down my walls, unlocking the part of me I’d hidden for so long. “A penny for those thoughts, Princess?”
“I’m just thinking about you and Bennett,” I answer honestly.
“Are we naked?” he quips on a sinful smirk.
I snap my eyes to his and find amusement dancing on his features, making him look younger than he really is.
“No, you’re fully dressed. Stop being an ass.”
That earns me a deep chuckle. “An arse?” Another quirk of those full lips that have me squeezing my thighs together.
How can he make me wet with a grin?
“Yes, an overly confident ass actually,” I retort playfully.
“Oh, darling, how I’d love your sexy arse in front of me with that little skirt over your hips while you show me that tiny white thong you’re wearing.”
My mouth drops open as I stare at him in shock. How the fu*k?
“Don’t look so shocked, baby. I know the outline of your body like I know the back of my hand. I can see you’re wearing a thong because the smooth material of your skirt hugs those curves I’m tempted to taste right now.”
My mouth is still gaped in shock, but the man is as serious as if he’s telling me a business deal has just gone wrong. There’s no humor in his eyes and when he turns to me, he offers a sly wink and gets out of the car. We’ve pulled up to my apartment building and I didn’t even notice.
The car door is opened for me and Carter offers his hand, which I gratefully accept. Making our way into the building, I lean in and whisper, “It’s a shame you have to go out now. After your little alpha male display in the car, I’m rather wet for you,” I murmur in his ear, and I hear a deep growl rumbling in his chest.
As soon as we step into the elevator, even before the doors close I find myself against the wall with a hard body pressed against mine. Lifting my leg to hook around his waist, his deft fingers lift my skirt and find the soaked lace of my white panties.
“Mmm, I do love how wet you get for me.” His fingers shift the material and dip into my p*ssy, flicking my clit.
My body tenses, and I roll my hips against his hand.
“fu*k my hand, Ella. Take my fingers in your sweet, little cunt.” His filthy words spear me, racing through my blood only to send pleasure to every nerve in my body.
“Carter,” I moan when he crooks his fingers inside me, sending me spiraling all before we’ve even reached the seventh floor. He slips both digits from me and traces my lips with the slick arousal coating both digits.
“I want to taste you on your lips.” His tongue darts out, licking the seam of my mouth, sucking my bottom lip in between his teeth as he bites down, turning my core into molten liquid.
Our moment is broken when the doors slide open and we’re deposited in the hallway. I follow Carter as we head toward my apartment door, which he opens and enters first, making sure there’s nobody waiting on the other side.
I toe off my shoes and drop my purse on the sofa, inhaling a deep, calming breath. The stress has taken its toll on me and I feel the tension in my shoulders. After my orgasm in the elevator, I thought I’d be relaxed, but knowing I’m about to be alone sends my nerves into disarray.
“What the fu*k is this?” Carter’s voice drags my attention to the card he’s holding in his hand. It’s a sleek silver envelope, which I take in confusion.
“Where did you find it?” He glances at me and I can see the worry on his face. After the incident at the restaurant, he knows it can mean only one thing. My stepfather. We both settle on the sofa and my body shivers in fear. I take the envelope from him and rip it open.
“What does it say?”
I lift my gaze to his for a moment before my body convulses with sobs. Carter rips the card from my grasp and reads it. The air around us changes, ignites with rage, and I see his hand trembling with the emotion that’s overtaken his body.
* * *
I always know where you are, Snowflake.
* * *
He drops to the sofa beside me, pulling me into a hug. The force of his arms around me stills my shaking body and I don’t know what else to do, so I cry.
“He’s here.” My words are ragged, as if there’s a blade in my throat, slicing me open with each word. My chest tightens in agony at the message inside that card. The promise. The vow. He’s coming for me and he’ll hurt me. And this time, I don’t think he’ll stop. This time, I know he’ll kill me.
It’s quiet for a long while and my tears dry and my sobs fall silent.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here for you. Talk to me, Ella.” His voice is soothing, like a balm over fresh wounds, and I revel in it, trying to allow it to heal me, but I don’t think he can anymore.
Carter’s phone ringing disturbs the now silent sobs coming from me. “fu*k,” he grunts.
The word stabs at me, slicing me wide-open as I glance down at the lit-up screen. My heart thuds loudly in my ears and my body locks in fury, rage, and fear.
I find the strength and pull away from the man I trusted. The man I gave everything to. “fu*k you! Get the hell away from me!” My screeching is loud enough to wake the dead and Carter’s gaze is pained.
“Ella? Wait—”