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“Maybe I’m just trying to make sure you’re not gonna kill me with whatever it is.”
She whipped her head around quickly and landed a hard glare. “That’s more up your alley, isn’t it? I wouldn’t dare.”
Carter chuckled. “Allergies. That’s all I meant.”
She relaxed a little, softening her tone. “Do you have any?”
“No.”
She squinted before she left the room, slamming the door behind her. Just like a few hours prior, McKenna’s back found the wall just beside the door where she took a moment to get her emotions together. There was no way in hell she should be this attracted to Carter…
But I am.
Exhaling a short breath, she regrouped and headed to the living room to grab her laptop so she could place an order, praying there were immediate time slots open. Her stomach growled at the thought of food considering she hadn’t eaten since the break she’d had midway through her shift the day before.
While she busied herself shopping for what she assumed would carry them both through the next couple of days, Carter managed to drag his body from the bed to the bathroom. Needing to rest from the movement, his palms met the edge of the marbled top while he peered at himself through the mirror.
The only thing that looked decent was the crisp fade he still sported, having just left the barber’s chair the morning before he’d gotten shot. His eyes looked just as tired as he felt and the shooting pain that moved through his body had his shoulders deflated and the muscles in his jaw tight. Mustering enough strength to wash his face and brush his teeth, Carter then took a leak, washing his hands before ending up back in bed.
His hand eased beneath the pillow, checking for the nine he’d left there. Once satisfied, Carter reached for his phone, frowning at the missed calls and texts. Most were from unsaved numbers with a few sprinkled in from other women he occasionally spent time with. Instead of immediately hitting any of them back, he dialed Brooks first to check in.
“Ay, you good?”
“Yeah.” Carter looked around the room he was in, actually paying attention for the first time since he’d been there. It was sparsely decorated and the furniture looked dated. There were a few pictures on the walls that matched the bedding, which was also dated, a floral comforter and pink sheets that contrasted with Carter’s rugged look, making him appear like he was an intruder…
Because I am!
“Just sore as shit. You find out anything?”
“Nah, not yet. The streets are quiet but that’s to be expected considering we were the only ones there. Nobody knows you were hit.”
Carter brushed his hand down his face, revisiting the details. Whoever had targeted him, had inside information. He was meticulous about his moves, constantly switching things up so there was no way to know he and Brooks should have been at that specific location to make a hit. That was the detail that bothered him the most and had Carter second guessing Brooks.
Taking him in was a decision Carter battled with. Over the years, he’d worked solo. It was best to keep his world singular but meeting Brooks had changed things. He felt a kinship for the kid. As astute as Carter typically tended to be, he could have missed something. Unfortunately, regardless of what little trust Carter had at the moment, Brooks was his only option. He refused to expose himself any further than he currently was.
“Yeah, that’s the shit that doesn’t make sense. Nobody should have known we were there which means this shit shouldn’t have happened.”
When Carter accepted a job, he kept the details of how it would be handled to himself. The only details provided to the client were that the job would be done within a defined window of time. He didn’t give specifics.
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I need some gotdamn answers. I don’t care where they come from, they just better fucking come.”
“This ain’t me. I would never cross you and it sounds like that’s what you’re hinting at?”
“I’m not hinting at shit, Brooks. You know me more than anyone. Get me some gotdamn answers,” Carter growled before ending the call. Just as he did, the second phone he had on him illuminated with a call from the client who’d hired him.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve been calling you all night. He’s still breathing,” a male voice snapped, causing Carter’s face to twist in anger.
“I’m well fucking aware.”
“Care to explain why. I paid a lot of money...”
“I know what the fuck you paid. I had a complication. End of the week or I’ll return the money.”
“Is that your word?”
