Page 11 of Castle's Cards

“He did what he did to protect my mom,” she says, her voice going small.

“The man he killed was attacking your mother?” I whisper, pressing my forehead to hers.

She nods.

“He shot him. He doesn’t have any regrets. He told me.”

“Does your sister know?”

“She knows. I had to tell her. Izzy isn’t the kind of kid you can hide things from.”

“Your father was doing the right thing. I think I would have killed Victor if he had hurt you.”

“I don’t blame him for protecting my mom. I blame him for breaking up our family. My mom was never the same.”

“Addy.” My breath mingles with hers.

“Hmm?” Her little sound goes straight to my groin, making me feel a passion that completely ignites within me.

I can't help but find myself lost in thoughts, consumed by the idea of keeping her safe. Addy, the woman who has captured my heart, her very presence burns a fire within my being. It's as if the universe has conspired to bring us together, and now, I am left with the overwhelming responsibility of protecting her.

My mouth presses against Addy’s. There’s a release within me, something that was waiting for this moment that simply unsnaps.

Her lips are soft and fit perfectly against mine. I press my body against hers and push my tongue into her mouth. The shadows flicker across her face as I kiss her neck and she lets out a soft, wanting sound. Her breasts strain against her shirt and I can’t ignore the thought that I want to rip it away.

“Carter,” she whispers, causing my heart to ignite.

Chapter Four

Addy

Carter’ssprawlingmansionsitsat the crest of the hill. The giant white stones shine brightly in the moonlight, soft lighting coming from within.

“What do you think?” Carter asks from the driver seat.

“I think my sister is going to be pissed at me. She hates when I order take-out for her. She prefers that we eat at home together.”

“She sounds like a handful.”

“We’re just close. She’s been through a lot.”

“You sure you don’t want me to take you home?” Carter asks, looking at me with sincerity. Little birds flutter in my stomach. I shake my head.

“I’m sure. She’s seventeen; I don’t need to cater to her every whim.”

“Exactly, although my motives are purely selfish. I want nothing more than to spend this time with you.”

“I’ll have to go home first thing in the morning, though.”

I text Izzy, stating that I’ll be staying overnight with a friend and that Jorge, our next door neighbor, will be checking in on her.

“She’ll love the car, though. Our dad used to work on cars like this.”

“You both are very strong.” Carter glances over as we get out of the car and make our way up the cobblestone drive to the front door.

“We’re trying.”

Carter takes my hand and kisses it lightly.

---