AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No.” A thought occurred. “Have you?”
When he smirked, she narrowed her eyes, delivering a death stare. “When and with who?”
“A few years ago and alone.” He yanked her into his frame and turned McKenna so she was facing the hotel in the next parking lot. Carter kissed her neck and pointed to the top floor.
“This rooftop has a perfect vantage point to the Holland suite. I was here scouting for a job.”
She tensed and threw her head back against his shoulder, lifting her chin. “You…”
“No, not here. Just research. No one died, Kenni. I wouldn’t ruin something this special for you like that.”
She smiled and turned against his body. “I thought I shouldn’t expect a softer side from you?”
“You shouldn’t because I don’t have one.” His dark eyes lowered to hers.
“I like butterflies, you arranged a private dinner for me at a butterfly garden.”
“That’s not being soft, that’s being perceptive and applying what I learned.” He smirked and gently nudged her toward the table.
The waitstaff brought them a dinner made from a special menu Carter selected, mahi mahi for her, grilled sirloin for him. The staff brought out two bottles of the Riesling McKenna had raved over at Kohen’s house and a bottle of cognac for him.
After they finished their food, Carter sat back and watched McKenna. He was silent but his presence was loud. He watched her in a way no one had ever in her life. Like he’d murder any man that tried to touch her in pleasure or malice. He would.
He also watched her with ownership. There was no mistaking she belonged to him and not in the way where she was a possession, but in a way that promised her happiness was his to evoke, her safety was his to secure, and her body was his to satisfy. The look in his eyes was an assurance that all of the above were guaranteed.
“Did you enjoy dinner?”
“I did. Do I get to see the butterflies?”
His eyes flicked past her to the glass enclosure. That hadn’t been a part of the original deal but he didn’t give a damn. Whatever added expense was tacked on, he would pay to make her smile. With the thought, his gaze lowered to her lips before he nodded.
“Is that what you want?”
“Can we?”
“I asked if that was what you wanted, Kenni?” His tone was stern, dominant, and caused her stomach to flutter, so she smiled and nodded.
“Come on.”
He extended to his full height and met her after she was on her feet. He moved slowly behind McKenna while she walked to the glass enclosure, and was grateful when the door gave way. If it hadn’t, there would have been a charge for broken glass added to his bill.
While Carter remained inside the glass casing by the door, he watched as McKenna moved down the narrow bamboo path with her arms locked behind her back. The air inside was cool and you could smell the flowers and greenery. Occasionally, she would glance at him over her shoulder before veering off the path to touch a plant or admire a butterfly resting on one. Their wings fluttered and some took flight from awareness of her movements.
Carter was sure he had never in his life witnessed a thing or person more beautiful than her, so free and unguarded in this moment. She was happy. So fucking happy and he was the reason.
When she extended her arms out to her sides and turned in a circle with her head back before allowing her eyes to fall on him as she paused, he chuckled.
My beautiful Kenni.
“Tonight was perfect.”
“Yeah?”
“Mmhm.” She smiled softly, slowly moving in his direction. When she was close enough, she looped her arms around his neck. Carter’s were at his sides but he didn’t move. “So perfect, in fact, that you’re definitely getting lucky when we get home.”
“I like when you say that.”
“That you’re getting lucky?” Her smile expanded.
