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Cupping my cheeks in his hands, he leans forward to kiss my forehead before speaking.“I don’t know for sure, but after everything I’ve learned about the woman, I wouldn’t put it past her.”
“Carter will take care of her.”I say it for my own benefit because I’d like to believe the tension between the two of them wasn’t my imagination, and they were truly giving off vibes.Despite her age, I know Carter won’t do anything until she’s eighteen.He’ll protect her, though.I’m confident he will.
Like my father and uncle, Carter O’Neill is a devious man with a ruthless hand, but he’ll protect the ones who are innocent.I have to believe that.I need to.
CHAPTER18
Malice
“So, Rex Simon married your ex.”Carter O’Neill laughs as my father groans.“She went for the jugular this time.”I must agree with the man.
“She went for the fucking balls,” Jermaine grunts as he drops into the chair next to Carter.The man’s eyes keep straying to the door, and it’s obvious he’s thinking about Cece.
“Here.”I hand him the file I’d put together on the girl earlier in the day.
His eyes widen, but he accepts it before taking a quick glance at the contents.I know he won’t be able to focus until he’s got something on the girl.
“You mentioned some trouble at the docks?”Carmine finally asks—the reason for this entire meeting.
Closing the folder, Carter glances up and nods.“Yes, some punks from Bellport have been hanging around the docks, robbing containers, and thought they could get inside my latest shipment from Chile.”
“You take care of them?”I ask.I don’t see anyone getting past Carter O’Neill.He might have a soft spot for his daughter and the Cavanaugh girls, but nobody messes with him.He’s got a deadly streak most fear.
A smirk tilts the corner of his mouth.“I did, but one of them mentioned Della.”The room freezes, only getting colder as Holy enters.“He knew what she could do.Said there were others who did too, and someone was willing to pay top dollar to get their hands on her.”
Della O’Neill is a unique girl.I’ve always understood her need to hide away and Carter’s need to protect her at all costs.There have been a few times when Holy and I have gone on a mission to eliminate a threat against her.
“I’m afraid the protection I provide is no longer enough to keep her safe.”The confession is impactful because he wouldn’t say this to just anyone.His concern is very real.
“I’ll get something secure put together,” Holy says, surprising everyone but me.He’s kept his interest in Della hidden well, but we’re brothers, we’ve been close our entire lives.I know what he’s thinking before he does half the time, and the same could be said in reverse.
“Whatever it costs,” Carter assures him.My brother gives a tip of his head.Nobody needs to know he doesn’t give a shit about the cash, and I’m positive he’ll keep that to himself.
By the time we’ve wrapped up the meeting, Carter has procured help from some of our men to get his docks under control, and he’s comfortable knowing that Holy will keep Della safe at all costs.I only hope it isn’t at the expense of his own life because if he feels even half of what I do for Odette, then I know that’s possible.
Carter’s interest in Cece is fascinating because he’s never shown attention to a woman since Della was dropped on his doorstep when she was three.And given the fact Cece is younger than his daughter, I’m surprised he’s been so open about it around us.
* * *
“Malice?”Odette’s lyrical voice reaches my ears as we enter my loft.
“Yeah, little rabbit?”Flicking the lock on the door, I turn to look at her, my eyes roaming over every part of her, taking in the way she seductively unbuttons the front of her shirt.
I’ve been so distracted that I missed the way she’s begging me with her eyes to take control.Odette is a pleasure to watch come out of her shell, but she still enjoys the way I can command her body with a simple look.
Reaching back, I drag my shirt up as I kick off my shoes.“I want one, too,” she whispers, her fingers reaching forward to trace her name.
“I don’t fucking think so,” I growl, immediately hating the idea of anything marring her perfect porcelain flesh.
“Why not?”There’s challenge in her tone, and I don’t hate it.
“Because the only marks that will adorn this body are stretch marks from bearing my children.We clear?”Gripping her bare arms, I drag her closer before my mouth crashes over hers.
Swallowing down her moan, I wrap my arms around Odette.Her lace-covered breasts rub against my chest, and I groan at the feeling.Picking her up, her legs lock around my waist as I carry her to the bathroom.
Dropping her feet to the ground, I peel off the rest of her clothes like the gift she is.When I see what she uses for her period, I can’t help the proprietorial growl.“A fucking tampon.”I’d hoped she didn’t use those.
She lets out a carefree giggle, and while I like that I’ve given that to her, I hate that she thinks my possessiveness is so damn funny.
