A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1)(157)

Paranoia flared up Kat’s spine. “So now you can go and confirm it all to Austin, can’t you?”

“That’s not why I came,” Beth muttered toward the floor before she started to rifle through her bag. She pulled out two brown folders. “I wanted to give you these.”

Kat took them. “And what are they?”

“They’re jobs.”

Kat cocked an incredulous eyebrow.

“Teaching jobs with starting dates for the new year,” Beth added. “One of them is at the school where I’m currently working. I think you’d be perfect, so …” She cleared her throat and glanced at the ceiling. “I know I went about it in entirely the wrong way, and I will always be sorry for that, but I want you to be happy, and I know Carter does that. But if you’re with him, you have to be careful. If Austin finds out you two are in love he could use it—”

“What? You tried to set me up with this guy. Why would you do that when you know what he’s like?”

“He isn’t a bad guy, Kat,” Beth replied firmly. “But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make bad decisions. He has to answer to many important people, and they want Carter out, too. He’s under a lot of pressure. I heard about Ben’s visit to the office. Austin’s going nuts trying to find a way to get Carter out. Adam said he’s never seen his brother so angry, so dangerous, and …” She pulled her bag onto her shoulder, breathing deeply. “Just look at the folders. If you’re Carter’s tutor and you’re together, you’re both at risk. Think about Ward, the board, the nonfraternization policy you agreed to. There is so much at stake.”

“You think I don’t know …” Kat snapped her mouth shut. She’d already said too much.

Beth’s smile was small but knowing. “Think about it. I’m here if you want to talk. We could go for coffee, or …” Beth moved her hand toward Kat, but let it drop before she reached her. “I’m sorry and I miss you.”

She hesitated before she closed her coat around herself. With one more repentant stare, she turned, walked across the lobby, and left.

*

Carter kissed Kat’s hair and nuzzled her temple. They were fully clothed, under the covers of her bed, where Carter had placed her after she’d almost strangled him when he arrived at the apartment a half hour earlier. She’d flung herself at him and he’d shushed and soothed her, while she explained what had happened with Beth.

“I’m so scared, Carter. I’m scared she’s doing this so she has proof that we’re together. I’m afraid she’ll go to Austin and he’ll use that against you. I never thought that sending Ben would— I’m terrified he’ll threaten you and take you away from me. And I can’t—I can’t lose you, I …”

Carter kissed her, swallowing her concerns. The tremors of fear ran up her spine under his touch. He hated it. He’d f*cking kill Austin if he dared to take his Peaches from him. Let the f*cker try.

“He can’t do anything. I won’t let him.” His voice grew dark, menacing. “If he wants the company he can f*cking have it. The money means nothing. All I want is you.”

She nodded hopelessly, turning Carter’s anger into panic. He was losing her.

“We can’t let them win,” he said, seizing her chin. “After this weekend, you have to promise me you won’t let them win.” She shook her head, but it didn’t appease him. He held her jaw. “Say the words, baby. I need to hear them.”