Page 61 of Carte

“Are you okay?” I whispered, my hands trailing the muscles on his back.

“I failed,” he muttered.

I jerked, my arms squeezing around his back, “What?”

Panic seized me. Was he going to take this away? Call it a mistake and say that it should never happen again?

No, he couldn’t do that.

I could endure any pain, any uncertainty, but this.

I couldn’t survive having Carter, only for him to take himself away from me. To retreat behind his lines, and reinforce his walls.

He got up on his elbows, and looked down at me. “I was supposed to stay away. I tried to stay away from you, to resist your call. I failed.”

Fear gripped me, and all I could do was whisper, “Carter.”

He touched his forehead to mine, “I can’t lose you, Dynamo. I tried to hide behind my walls. I tried not to cross the lines. But your call was too strong. My need for you became all consuming. And now, I can’t lose you.”

I hugged him to me, “You won’t lose me.”

“You can’t promise me that.” He shook his head. “But whatever comes, one thing is true.”

“What’s that?” I whispered.

“No matter what, I’m yours Harley Thorne. I know without a show of a doubt I would do anything for you, for your smiles. I would die to protect you, to keep you safe.”

My lips parted. I couldn’t help the smile that made an appearance on my face.

His eyes flicked between mine, a spark of fear making itself known.

“Are you mine?”

There was earnestness in his eyes then. I could see that the course of his whole life depended on my answer. I don’t think he even took a breath as he waited for me to give it.

I cupped his face in my palms, and pulling it down, I kissed his lips lightly before pushing him back so he could see me.

I took a breath and gave him the simple truth.

“I’ve been yours since the moment you waited for me in my dressing room.”

Chapter Sixteen

Carter

My arm was slung over Harley’ shoulders, pulling her into my side as we walked through the throng of people that were going about their work in the halls of the backstage. Our positions weren’t exactly screaming professional distance, but I couldn’t give a fuck about appearances. I couldn’t keep my hands off Harley even if I wanted to. Besides, each step we took felt like we were going deeper into a dungeon.

We were back in the swing of things. It was the first date of the tour since she was back.

My gut screamed at me that this was the wrong move, and I couldn't help but watch every person suspiciously, but it was what Harley had wanted. She was itching to go back onto the stage, to go back to her fans.

The determination that shined in her eyes when she talked about going back and not letting anyone take away her life ever again, crumbled my resolve completely, and I backed her play wholeheartedly.

How could I not?

She was a force of nature. After everything she’s been through, she was determined not to back down. With each breath she’s shown her bravery, shown that you couldn’t let fear dictate your life. Not like I used to.

Still, that didn’t mean that coming back was a mistake. I was on edge. Ready to snatch her up and run back to safety with her in my arms at the drop of a hat.