Chapter 6

Unfortunately, Carter ended up staying for dinner, and now I am stuck sitting next to a man who can melt an ice cube with his looks alone. And what makes matters even worse is his subtle teasing and sensual touches he enacts upon me every chance he gets. He reaches for the salt? He'd accidentally brush hands with me. He wants to adjust himself to focus more on what my father is saying? His knees would ‘accidentally’ knock into mine for a moment as he did so. At first he would apologize like it was some sort of accident but after the third time, he stopped apologizing and just let it happen. Every time he did, I refused to acknowledge it. He just wants a reaction because it eggs him on so I refuse to give him one.

Now do you see my dilemma?

In fact, at this very second, Carter’s latest attempt of riling me up by leaning over me to grab the tray of green beans had me gasping involuntarily. I couldn’t help it! His scent practically invaded my nose and his rippling bicep muscles were on display tightening against his t-shirt. What am I supposed to do- not look? That’s like asking an addict not to take a hit when it’s offered freely right in front of him.

And that’s what I am.

A total addict.

He glanced at me and smirked discreetly.

Bastard. 

My cheeks puffed up in anger but burned with embarrassment. I pretended to find my plate very interesting, however, he and I both knew the damage was already done. A whisper of a velvety chuckle made its way to my ear unbeknownst to my mother and father as they commented to each other about the topic at hand.

That’s when his hand found my knee, swirling dangerously slow circles around the edges, as if teasing at everything that could possibly happen if he decided to move his hand up. He wouldn’t dare, not with my parents so close, however if he did- I would be physically incapable of stopping him. He touches me, my arms go limp. That’s just the rules. I don’t make them, I just abide by them.

“-astounds me that you’ve only recently been promoted to Beta, Carter. You’ve been handling the accounting books for a long time. You’re far more experienced than me.”

I felt Carter stiffen next to me, his muscular arms going taut ever so slightly for just a moment. His hand (un)fortunately retracted as he thought for a moment, his casual smile sliding into place to guard his thoughts but I could already see his eyes telling a different story. Perhaps I was beginning to read him better the more time I spent around him.

“You’re too humble- you’re doing a fantastic job Mr. Gable. It’s not easy to pick up accounting with no experience but you already stopped needing my assistance long before I left for training.” Carter gave a perfect dimpled smile, his straight white teeth almost gleaming with sunshine. I didn’t miss however the deflection at how long it took for Beta Carter to be promoted. As an avid reader of the book and fan forums, it made a lot of readers frustrated as well. Some thought Alpha Lockwood was jealous of his younger cousin's talent, while others thought that it was because Beta Carter had previously pined for Luna Grace in the first book before Damian and Grace’s bond was unveiled.

I turned to Beta Carter with a smirk. “I’m surprised you even had accounting skills to begin with.” I hoped it would make him mad or at least, mad enough to keep his hands off of me- in all honesty, it was just a way to vent the sexual frustration he was giving me. Instead, it had the opposite effect. Carter’s eyes blazed with more challenge and smirked right back. My ‘mother’ gasped and scolded me for my rudeness.

“That’s quite alright.” Carter addressed while keeping his eyes on me, a hot blazing lustful fury practically scorching me with delicious fire cascading through my body. “She’s right. I had no accounting skills to begin with. However-” he voiced turned deeper, his eyes blackening with desire. “I enjoy a challenge.”

Well then.

Think pure thoughts. A nunnery. Babies. Crystal clear water. Crystal clear water that dripped down his bare torso till it reached-

I stood straight up, my chair scraping underneath me. “May I be excused?”

“But we haven’t had dessert yet.” My father pouted.

“It’s alright dear, perhaps Paisley isn’t quite feeling herself tonight.” My mother patted my father all the while glancing at me with an unreadable expression. And not a pleasant one.

I'd process it later. For now- I need to leave before my desire for Carter makes itself known to his nose- again.

I nodded in thanks and scurried out of the room like my behind was on fire. I didn’t stop nor breathe till I was in the safety of my room once again, my back resting against the door. I heaved a sigh of relief as I steadied my lungs for a few minutes- cheeks burning, and core aching.

“I’m gonna kill him.” I murmured in anger.

“That might cause some panic in the pack if you do.”