Page 67 of A Forever Love
As soon as we step onto the dance floor, he spins me around, catching me off guard. I’m still disoriented when I find myself back in his arms, his grip secure around my waist.
“What happened to your mood just now?” I stammer.
“You reminded me of why we’re here, and I’m now completely committed to playing the role of a devoted boyfriend.”
He leans in, and my heart races in my chest. My lips still tingle from the passionate kiss he planted earlier, but this time he merely rubs his nose against mine.
“Smile, mittens. If you look shell-shocked every time I get near you, no one will believe our story. I’m crazy in love with my girlfriend, remember?”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath before steadying myself. “Fake girlfriend,” I correct him, and once again, a spark of anger flares in his gaze.
“Then let’s give them a show.” Carter turns me around so my back presses against his front. We both freeze when I feel something hard against my behind.
“I’m going to assume that’s your pocket pistol.”
He just grunts in response before moving effortlessly to the rhythm of the music. Carter’s grandmother, Meryl King, insisted that everyone in the family take basic dance courses, given her passion for music. And as with everything in his life, Carter did nothing half-assed. He moves with the grace and precision of a panther, and I silently thank Clem for taking me to dance classes as part of our mother-daughter bonding activities.
“I’m discovering something new about you every day, mittens. First, the Mai Tai, and now these moves.” His voice is husky as he whispers against my left ear, sending tingles down my spine.
“Right back at you, King.”
Carter chuckles, but before he can say anything more, Shawn Hades appears before me. “Can I have one dance, Merida?”
“Over my dead body.” Carter’s grip on me tightens possessively.
“I never took you for a controlling partner, King. For someone so fierce on the range, I’m sure Merida can decide for herself.” Shawn then tilts his head to the side. “I want to apologize for earlier.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for, Mr. Hades,” I reply quickly, as Carter’s breathing has turned shallow.
“I insist.” Unfortunately, Shawn doesn’t relent, unaware of the danger he’s in. Carter is ready to throttle the guy when I situate myself between them.
“Okay, one dance.”
Seizing the momentary shock on Carter’s face, I slip out of his arms and follow Shawn to the opposite end of the dance floor. When I muster the courage to glance back, Carter has disappeared from his previous spot.
“Don’t worry, he isn’t far.” Shawn places his hand on my waist, guiding me to the rhythm of the music.
“Why does it look like losing the game has made you happier, Mr. Hades?”
“I don’t like Carter,” he replies in a cryptic manner.
“I wouldn’t have guessed.” I smirk, and Shawn’s grin widens.
“But there’s no doubt he’s a good businessman.”
“The awards from the last three years say he’s not just good but the best,” I correct him.
A tightness forms around Shawn’s lips. “Awards are nothing but vanity. It’s the annual turnover that makes a business good or bad. Carter was handed Kings Security on a silver platter by Connor King, while I built up Hades Security from scratch.” Despite his strong words, Shawn’s touch remains soft and respectful.
“I’m sure your family and friends are proud of your achievements, but is there a reason you’re recounting them before me?”
Surprise flashes in his gaze, as if he didn’t expect such a flat response, but we are talking about Carter here—a man I’d defend with every fiber in me.
“The reason I’m telling you this is that I’d do anything to hold up and grow my position in the security business, but every man has his limits, and I don’t bother genuine people.”
“I’m assuming you consider me genuine since you’re telling me all this. But would stalking me near my work not be considered bothering someone?”
“That was before I knew you truly loved Carter King.”