Bastard (36 page)

“You can’t forbid me to do shit,” I retort, folding my arms across my chest.

“I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but you’re mine now. So, I can, I will, and I just did.” He places his finger gently on the tip of my nose, so I swat it away.

“You’re an arse,” I retort, but the
mine
comment he made is not lost on me. I’m smiling on the inside.

“I know, but I’m your arse,” he says pulling me into his arms, covering my mouth with his. He slides his hands up my outer thighs, moving them under his T-shirt and cupping my arse. “Fuck you look sexy wearing my clothes.”

••••

D-day. My stomach is in knots as we travel to the hospital for my MRI.
Positive thoughts.
That’s what I keep telling myself. Carter, my dad, and Elizabeth are with me for moral support. I’m grateful, but if I had my way I would’ve gone it alone. Hearing that I had a tumour the other day was the worst, but seeing the look of devastation on Carter and my dad’s faces was even harder.

When we arrive, I have to see the doctor first. He just wants to touch base and explain what will be happening today. Of course Carter follows me into the room without a formal invite. Presumptuous arse. I do love how supportive he’s been, but I still narrow my eyes at him when he sits beside me in the doctor’s office looking all smug. Naturally, he smiles and reaches for my hand when I do that. It’s obvious he enjoys getting under my skin.

The procedure seems pretty straightforward. The doctor explains that an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissue, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.

There are no side effects associated with the scan, but he informs me that I may feel claustrophobic being confined in such a small space for around an hour. If that’s the case, I’ll have a buzzer in my hand that I can press, and I can be given a light sedative to relax me if needed. Personally, I think staying still for that long is going to be the hardest part.

“When will we have the results back, doc?” Carter asks.

“I’ll schedule an appointment for tomorrow. We can discuss the results and figure out a plan from there,” he replies, smiling briefly as he stands and walks towards the door. “I’ll get the nurse to escort you to the imaging room. They’re waiting for you.”

“Thank you,” I say rising from my seat.

“Yes, thank you,” Carter adds, reaching for the doctor’s hand when we reach the doorway.

“I’ll see you both in the morning.”

The nurse informs Carter that he won’t be able to come in, but he still insists on walking with me all the way. He pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head before I enter.

“I’ll be right out here waiting for you,” he says. And that’s exactly where I find him when I’m done.

The whole experience was very daunting, so I’m relieved when it’s over. The four of us decide to stop off and have some lunch on the way home. Not much is said about the MRI and my appointment tomorrow. It’s like a dark cloud hanging over our heads. I’m not going to worry until I have to. I’ve already been diagnosed with a tumour, so it can’t get much worse than that.

When we arrive back home later that afternoon, Dad invites Elizabeth inside for a coffee. When we’re alone, Carter pulls me into his arms. “I’ve gotta run a few errands,” he says planting a soft kiss on my lips. “We’ll do something together later, okay?” His fingers travel down my sides, cupping my arse in his hands. He pulls me against him and covers his mouth with mine. I’m looking forward to spending time with him later. I wish it could be now, but he has a life outside of me. I can’t be selfish. He’s been putting his needs aside to be here for me since my diagnosis.

••••

After taking LJ for a walk, I watch a movie while Dad and Elizabeth sit in the kitchen. When it’s finished and Carter still hasn’t returned, I head to my room. I’m surprised to find a large white box wrapped in a red bow, sitting on my bed. I have no idea how it got there. It wasn’t here when I left this morning. My first thought is Carter. My head snaps in the direction of his place, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

I’m smiling as I approach the bed. I lean forward towards the box and listen, for what I’m not sure. A tick? Which is dumb I know, we’re not kids anymore. That’s when I notice a card has been slipped underneath the ribbon. Sliding it out I read,
Indiana,
that’s been handwritten on the front of the envelope. Well it’s definitely for me.

Hesitantly I open it to read what’s written on the card.

I want you to be ready at 7:00pm, sharp. I won’t take no for an answer. You know I won’t hesitate to throw you over my shoulder if I have to. Make sure you’re wearing
ONLY
what’s in the box. Nothing else. I know how stubborn you are, so I’ve taken the proper precautions to make sure this happens.

Carter. x

My first thought is, how dare he boss me around like that? Who in the hell does he think he is? Needless to say, I’m smiling like a damn fool when I think it. I secretly love his demanding side. It turns me on. I’ve been missing him since he dropped me off earlier. I love that he wants to spend time with me.

I start to wonder what he means by saying he’s taken the proper precautions. I know him, that can’t be good. I can only imagine what’s inside the box.

Reaching for the bow, I untie it. If it’s something he wants me to wear, I’m apprehensive to see what’s inside. If it’s skimpy lingerie, I’m gonna kick his arse.

Removing the lid, I gasp when I see what’s inside. It’s a dress. A beautiful, and by the looks of it, ridiculously expensive dress. It’s a pretty jade green colour, and the fabric is soft and shimmery. Lifting it out of the box, I hold it up. It’s exquisite. It sits just above my knees and has shoestring straps. My gaze moves to the tag. It’s my size. How did he know that?

I guess when he was in my room getting my clothes yesterday he could’ve snooped. Ugh! I wouldn’t put it past him. I place the dress against me and twirl around in a circle. My smile grows. I love it. Never in my life have I owned something so pretty.

When I carefully lay it on my bed, I notice a pair of matching green heels in the bottom of the box. They are the right size as well. Although sceptical, I’m extremely touched that he would do this for me. This is something the real Carter would do. The sweet one. Not the bastard he pretends to be most of the time.

To be honest, this is the last thing I expected. My thoughts drift back to the note. What does he mean I can’t wear anything else? Is he trying to say I’m not allowed to wear any panties? That’s definitely something Carter would suggest. I rush straight to my underwear drawer. I gasp when I look inside. It’s empty. All my underwear is gone.
Everything.
The only thing left is a lone box of tampons.

My eyes immediately move towards Carter’s bedroom. He’s standing at his window with my white lace thong hanging from the tip of his finger and a smug look on his handsome face.
What an infuriating arse.
A big, fat, beautiful, infuriating arse. As annoyed as I am with him, the gorgeous, playful smile on his face has me smiling too. I’m tempted to go out and buy the most unflattering pair of granny undies I can find, just to spite him, but the thought of being panty-less around him actually excites me.

I can’t wait to see what tonight holds for us.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Carter

We have no idea what tomorrow’s going to bring, so tonight I want to do something special. I want to take her out before she gets her results. Before the treatment starts. Give her a night to remember. Something to hold on to if the times ahead get tough, which I’m sure they will.

As I walk up the steps towards Indi’s front door, the nerves settle in. I’m not cut out for this shit. My stomach is in knots and this damn tie feels like it’s choking me. I hate wearing these fuckers. I wipe my sweaty palms on the front of my pants before knocking. A few seconds later the door swings open.
Fuck me.

I inhale a huge breath and hold it as my eyes take in what’s in front of me. “Wow,” is all I manage to get out. I knew that colour would look perfect on her, but the image I had in my head doesn’t even come close to what she looks like in the flesh. I chose the green because the moment I saw it, it reminded me of her eyes.

Stunning.

“Hey,” she says smiling.

“Hey. You look nice.” Seriously, nice doesn’t even cut it. Gorgeous, sexy as hell, edible, would’ve been a better way to describe her. My eyes move to her perky little tits beneath the dress. Even without a bra they sit perfectly. The sight of her hardened nipples underneath has my cock stirring. I thought this no underwear thing was a brilliant idea, now I’m not so sure. How in the hell am I going to be able to keep my hands off her all night?

Impossible.

“You look nice too,” she replies, breaking my train of thought. When my eyes meet hers, the corners of her lips turn up. “Very handsome.” Christ, she has me smiling like a damn fool. What is it with her? I clear my throat and tug at the air-constricting tie around my neck. “Do you want to come in?” she asks. I look down at my watch. We really need to get going if we’re going to make it on time.

“We’re pressed for time. Are you nearly ready to leave?”

“Yes, I just need to grab my coat. I’m allowed to wear a coat aren’t I?” she asks sarcastically, rolling her pretty green eyes.

“Of course. You’re going to need one,” I chuckle. It is winter after all. She’ll freeze in that dress without one. I don’t want her getting sick.

“Where are we going?” she questions. If she thinks I’m going to tell her, she’s mistaken.

“It’s a surprise,” I tell her. I organised something simple, but sweet. Just like her. I know my girl well enough. She’s not into all the pretentious crap.

“I should’ve known that’s what you’d say,” she replies rolling her eyes again. Her attitude turns me on. I want to back her up against the wall and have my way with her, but that will come before the night’s out.

I follow her down the hall towards her bedroom. My eyes are glued to that incredible arse the whole way. That little sway in her hips makes my dick twitch. I’m tempted to reach out and run my hand up her legs and under that dress, to make sure she hasn’t disobeyed me, but I know if I do we’ll never get out of here. Although the anticipation is killing me, there’ll be plenty of time for that later. Tonight is about her and making memories. My cock can wait.

“I have pretty good taste,” I admit as we walk towards my car.

“How so? Or do I really want to hear the answer?”

“The dress,” I reply opening the door for her. My hand brushes over her arse as she lifts her leg to get into the car. I grin to myself when I hear her breath hitch. I don’t feel a panty line and my dick stirs.
Good girl.
For once she did as she was told. Knowing she’s naked under that dress is going to make keeping my hands of her impossible.

“You did well, but some underwear to accompany it would’ve been nice.” The sarcastic tone in her voice makes me chuckle. I don’t think so, beautiful.

“Nope. You’re perfect just the way you are. Plus, it will give me better access to that magnificent pussy of yours,” I whisper leaning towards her ear. I hear her take in a sharp breath, and it brings a smile to my face. This is going to be fun. Or torture. I’m guessing for both of us.

••••

The drive into the city isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We’re pretty much on time. I sent a quick text while we were stopped at a red light, letting Jax know we weren’t far away. He’s been giving me shit about tonight all afternoon. He thinks I’ve turned into a pussy. This night was so last minute, so I had no choice but to ask for his help. Maybe he’s right. Who knew giving your heart to a woman meant handing over you manhood as well? Fuck me if she’s not worth it though. I’d be anything, even a pussy, if it made her happy.

My hand has been sitting just above her knee for most of the drive. I’m impressed that I had the willpower not to slide it between her legs. At one stage, as my fingers drew lazy circles on her skin, her legs slightly parted. I knew it was an invitation to venture up further, but even then I stood strong. By the time I’m finished with her tonight, she’s going to be so hot and ready, she’ll be begging me to fuck her. It will be the perfect way to end our evening.

When I pull into the parking bay by the curb I reach for her hand, bringing it towards my lips to place a soft kiss on her knuckles. Her eyes are planted firmly on my mouth against her skin. I watch as her tongue darts out and moistens her bottom lip. Everything in me wants to kiss her. So that’s exactly what I do.

Reaching across the console I slide my hand around the back of her neck, bringing her lips towards mine. When she opens her mouth and slips her tongue past my lips, I groan. My cock strains against my pants. I should’ve held my resolve, because now that I’ve had a taste, I don’t want to stop.

My fingers inch up her inner thigh as her legs willingly open. She wants my hands on her just as much as I want them there. As I slide under her dress, Let Her Go starts to play.
Fuck.
My phone. It’s probably Jax. Reluctantly I pull out of the kiss and retrieve it from my pocket. Damn him. “How far away are you, fucker? I’m freezing my nuts off here,” he complains.

“I’m just parking the car,” I reply as my eyes meet Indiana’s. Christ she’s beautiful. Her big green eyes are locked with mine. Her flawless skin is flushed from her arousal. Her full lips are red and swollen from my kiss. I’d like nothing more than to skip the first part of the evening and take her straight to the hotel, but I can’t do that. I remind myself,
tonight is about creating memories—tonight is about her.

“Good. Hurry up, pussy, so I can get the fuck out of here.” I chuckle at his comment.