Chapter 30 Carter
Carter
She fell asleep against me. Just like that—one breath, then another, her body softening into mine as if she finally believed she could let go.
But I couldn’t.
I eased her down onto the couch, tucking a blanket around her, careful not to wake her. Her lashes fluttered once, her fingers twitching as though afraid I’d slip away, so I stayed right there. Sitting on the floor, back against the couch, her hand caught in mine.
Her face was pale even in sleep. A tiny crease marred her brow, proof that the nightmare hadn’t truly let her go. My chest ached at the sight of it, a dull throb I couldn’t push down.
Every creak of the building, every car passing outside had me on edge. I’d cleared this place twice, but I still scanned the shadows, the locks, the street beyond the window. Old instincts wouldn’t let me rest—and I didn’t want to.
She stirred once, a faint whimper caught in her throat. My grip tightened around her. “I’ve got you, Harper,” I whispered, keeping my voice low and steady, like the rhythm of a heartbeat. “No one’s going to get through me to you. Ever.”
Her breathing evened out again, and I brushed my thumb across her knuckles, memorizing every detail of her hand in mine. Small. Strong. Terrified—and yet she trusted me enough to sleep here. That trust meant more than anything I’d earned on any battlefield.
I thought of the bastard’s words—She’s marked now—and a cold fury cut through me all over again. Let them try. Let them come. I’d burn the world to ash before I let anyone lay a hand on her again.
The night dragged on, hour after hour, me wide awake while Harper dreamed. She didn’t know it, but she was already under my skin, already in every part of me I thought I’d locked away.
And as dawn crept closer, painting the edges of the blinds in pale light, I realized the truth I hadn’t dared admit until now.
This wasn’t just about protecting her.
This was about loving her. The love I felt for Harper was nothing like I felt for Brenda. I thought I loved her, but I didn’t. All I could think was thank God I walked in on them when I did.