A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1)(91)

Hope you enjoy Chicago. Text me to let me know you’re there safely. Sorry I couldn’t make it.

She swallowed in resignation. Beth had thought it a nice idea to invite Austin to Chicago for the celebration. Kat hadn’t been convinced, and had been relieved when Austin had had to cancel because of work. Texting excuses that got her out of drinks and dinner with him was one thing. Seeing him face-to-face? She’d have much preferred Carter there. She glanced at her mother and imagined the shitstorm his presence would cause. She exhaled heavily and began to type out a text.

Just wanted to make sure you weren’t finding the work too hard.

She scoffed inwardly, knowing without doubt that Carter would be able to complete the work tied to a chair and blindfolded. Kat’s cheeks immediately warmed as that image flashed behind her eyelids; only, in this fantasy, he was naked. Her cell vibrated against her thigh. Kat’s heart responded by doing a weird flip-flop staccato beat.

I’m good. The work is fine. Boring doing it alone tho. Missing me, huh?

Kat smiled and shook her head at his arrogance. The fact that he was right was irrelevant.

Oh yes, Carter, missing you enormously (sarcasm) Just arrived in Chicago.

Thought you were in DC? You’re missing me. I can tell.

Kat snorted, garnering a curious look from her mother. “Who are you texting?” she asked. “Is it Austin?”

Kat’s smile disappeared. “Um, no. It’s just a friend.”

Eva nodded, still doubtful. “Well, I hope it’s not those … people from that prison, or that creature you spend time with in the library. I still can’t believe they allowed you to be alone with him when he’s so dangero—”

“Mom.”

Her mother sighed. “They should know to leave you alone this week.”

We were in DC for three days. Visiting my grandmother in Chicago. You may deny it, but I know you miss me hugely.

I miss you. There. Happy?

The ferocious speed of Kat’s pulse would say most definitely. She smiled wide, biting down on her lower lip.

It’s okay, Carter. I miss you, too.

[page]I can still taste you on my tongue.

A moan slipped from Kat’s throat. The soft, teasing throb in her core became a furious pounding. The man was relentless. Kat allowed her mind to meander to dark, naughty places where she and Carter could do things she’d only ever read about.

Kat was no shrinking violet. She’d had four lovers with whom she’d enjoyed some decent sex. Nonetheless, whenever she thought about sex or variations of the act with Carter, Kat couldn’t help but think that he would blast her past sexual experiences out of the water. He was so commanding and passionate that Kat had no doubt he would be the exact same way in the bedroom.

She wanted him to command her, claim her, f*ck her—

She placed a hand over her mouth, surprised by her shamelessly indecent thoughts.

Carter wanted her; he’d told her so. But was that all? Was it just about a hot, passionate f*ck to him? Kat was desperate to find out. Law of averages suggested that men like Carter weren’t relationship material and were more than likely to run in the opposite direction at the sound of the word “monogamy.”

Kat blinked at her reflection in the window of the Lexus.

Was she truly thinking about a relationship with Carter?

As in, like, long-term?

Yes. Yes, she was.

Can I call you tomorrow, Carter?

Anytime.

“We’re here, Katherine.” Eva’s voice broke into Kat’s daydream, and she looked up to see that, sure enough, they were parked on the stone drive of Nana Boo’s estate.