Bastard(81)

“We got together when we were younger. Ummm … he was my first … you know, sexual encounter. Then he left. I haven’t seen him again, until now.”

“I see,” he says, letting me go and taking a step back. “I don’t like this situation, Indi. I saw the way he looked at you yesterday. Do you still have feelings for him?”

“No. We’re friends. That’s all. As I said before, I just didn’t want to keep any secrets from you.” I see his face soften as he steps towards me reaching for my hand.

“I’m glad, but I’d prefer it if you stayed away from him from now on. I don’t trust him.”

“That’s a little unreasonable don’t you think? He’s my friend, my neighbour, nothing more.” Even as the words leave my mouth I doubt them. But Mark seems to believe me.

“Okay. I don’t like it, but I trust you. If he gives you a hard time though, please tell me. I’ll have a talk to him.”

“Sure.” I seriously doubt that though. He seemed pretty intimidated by Carter yesterday. I know what Mark’s like. He’s definitely not the confrontational type. You only have to see the way he lets his parents order him around to know that. He leans forward and brushes his lips against mine.

“I love you, Indiana, and I will protect what’s mine.”

“Thank you, but there’s no need. I can handle myself around Carter.” He pulls back from me when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Stephanie.

“There’s a Mr. Reynolds here to see you, Ms. Montgomery.” Fuck. The only Mr. Reynolds I know is Carter. My eyes dart to Mark. He smiles at me. Of course he has no idea who Mr. Reynolds is. I don’t think he’s going to be impressed when he finds out.

“Okay. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Are you okay?” Mark asks when she closes the door. “You’ve gone a little pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lie giving him a tight smile. I’m far from fine. What does Carter want? Why has he come to my work?

I turn from Mark and head towards the door. Just my luck, he follows. Shit. When he sees Carter standing there, he falters. “Him,” I hear Mark growl from beside me. Carter’s hands are buried in his pockets. He looks nervous, which for some reason on him I find endearing. I love his vulnerable side. It’s a side of him he doesn’t show often. My heart starts to race as I take him in. Why am I still so affected by him after all this time?

“What can we do for you?” Mark asks, draping his arm over my shoulder like a possessive caveman. Carter’s eyes move between Mark and I.

“I need to have a word with Indiana. In private,” Carter says locking eyes with Mark.

“There’s nothing you can’t say to her in front of me,” he snaps. Far out. You could cut the air with a knife. Carter ignores Mark, turning his attention to me.

“Please, Indi. It will only take a minute.”

“I said no,” Mark reaffirms. I reach for his hand, giving it a squeeze. Now is not the time to turn all alpha. Carter will tear him apart.

“I think Indi can make up her own mind,” he sneers with contempt before turning his attention back to me. “I just need to talk to you before I leave. A few minutes, that’s all I ask.” The pleading look on his face tugs at my heart. I can’t believe he’s leaving again, already. He’s only just got here. I thought he’d stick around for a few more days.

“You’re leaving right now?” I try not to sound disappointed, but I fail miserably.

“I’ve got work commitments,” he replies giving me an unsure smile. Mark’s not going to like it, but I have to talk to him. I need to know what he wants.

“Oh.” I turn to Mark. “It’ll only take a few minutes.” He doesn’t say a word, but the anger in his eyes is clearly visible.

“Fine,” he exhales in defeat before turning and storming back into his room. I flinch when he slams the door. He’s seriously overreacting here, but I guess I can’t blame him for being upset. After all, I just finished telling him that Carter and I have a history.

“Outside?” Carter asks flicking his head towards the door. The insistent look on his face has me nodding. My gaze moves to Stephanie. Her eyes are firmly fixed on Carter as she eyes him up and down. Why that annoys me, I can’t say. Actually, yes I can. I hate that women just fall all over him. Don’t they realise how pathetic they look? I’ve seen her giving Mark that same look on occasions, but surprisingly that didn’t seem to bother me as much as it does right now, with Carter.