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EMMA
It took all I had to bite my tongue on the way home. I was angry at Carter for what he did, for offering himself up to God knows what.
“Brrr, it’s a little cold in here,” Nikolai teased. “You two have a wonderful rest of your night.”
Jerking off my blindfold, I tossed it in the seat and got out, slamming the door hard. I was hoping the window would break, but that was foolish thinking. Carter followed behind me, and I didn’t look at him when I stepped out of the way for him to unlock the door. The second we were inside, and away from prying eyes, I let him have it.
“What were you thinking? I know what that bastard wants you to do,” I snapped.
Carter sighed and walked past me to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of tequila out of his liquor cabinet along with a glass and poured a big shot. “I did it for you,” he said, his serious gaze pinned on me, “and I’d do it again.” He tossed the amber liquid back and poured even more into his glass.
When it was apparent he wasn’t going to stop there, I stormed over and jerked the tequila bottle away from him, slamming it down on the counter. “What did Scar say that I wasn’t privy to? And don’t lie to me or give me half-truths. I need to know what this is costing you.”
Carter fiddled with his glass and looked away. “Scar wants a fighter.”
I knew it, but it still didn’t stop the knots from coiling in my belly. “What kind of fights?” I asked, wanting to hear him say it.
Carter faced me, his gaze unwavering and hard. “You know the answer to that.”
He had to kill, to fight to the death. That was what Scar was all about. I never should’ve let Carter come with me; I should’ve figured out a way to go to the meeting alone.
“You’re not a killer, Carter.”
Carter focused on his empty glass. “No, but I can do this. Pax, Camden, and my aunt all fought for Scar. They came out okay.”
“And look where we are now,” I argued. “They crossed him, and now we have to look over our shoulders because of it.”
Grabbing the bottle of liquor, Carter poured another shot. “It’s better than the second option.”
My stomach plummeted. “What second option?”
Leaning over on the counter, Carter tossed back his shot. I could tell the tequila had started to take its effect. “I won’t have to do as much if I recruit other fighters.” His gaze snapped up to mine; the color was darker than his usual greenish amber. “He gave me a list, Emma.”
He didn’t have to tell me who was on it because I already knew. “Ethan was on it, right?”
“And Ripp, Braden, Hunter, and Kase,” he added. “I can’t do that to them. I’ll sacrifice my own freedom.” Carter’s phone beeped, and he pulled it out of his pocket, eyes blazing when he looked at the screen. He slid the phone across the counter, and it fell to the floor with a loud thunk.
“Who was it?” I asked.
Carter snarled his lip. “That stupid cunt who can’t keep his eyes off of you. He’s picking me up tomorrow morning, said we have a long day.”
“Of what?” I inquired hesitantly.
“Fuck if I know.” Coming over to me, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into him. “While I’m gone, I need you to stay with your brother and the others. Promise me.” I could hear the desperation in his voice.
Laying my head on his chest, I breathed him in. “I promise.”
His arms wrapped around me, almost as if he was afraid I’d run away. I wasn’t going anywhere. “Why do I feel like you’ll fight me when things start to change?”
I didn’t want things to change, but what Carter was about to endure would no doubt turn him into someone else. “You can’t take all of this on yourself,” I murmured.
“I can and I will.” Then, grasping my arms, he gently pried me away so he could cup my face with his warm hands. He kissed me softly at first, the pressure growing harder with each passing second. Then, he nipped my lip and rested his forehead on mine. “Let’s go to bed. I need you right now.”
“You have me. You always will.”
As he took my hand and led me down the hall to his bedroom, all I could feel was helpless. Carter was risking his life to save my family and me, and there was nothing I could do to help him. There were no words that could make everything all right.
Once in the bedroom, Carter kept his raw gaze on mine as he took off his clothes, and I did the same with mine, minus my bra and underwear. Reaching behind me, Carter unclasped my bra and tossed it to the floor. Bare from the waist up, I heard a rumble of satisfaction growling in his chest when he looked at me. He picked me up in his arms and set me down on his bed, spreading me wide once he slipped off my underwear. I glanced down at his thick length and shivered, my body growing wet at the sight.
