Shattered Puppet (Rag Doll) (5 page)

Kendle had big news. The lawyer agreed to take her case and they were moving forward. She would need a statement from Cree as well as Kendle. It was up to Kendle to get her sister to talk. She knew it would be hard, but for the first time in ages she felt in control. She was going to take her life back and put her father behind bars. She’d spiraled out of control for so long, to finally have a path and see a light at the end of the tunnel felt amazing.

Graham had changed so much about her inside. Giving her the confidence and strength to believe in herself, he stood by her side as she told her story to the lawyer.

The more they had against him, the better chance they had at making it stick. Also, if her mother would come forward it would help. If not, she could be treated as a hostile witness, since Kendle had gone to her repeatedly seeking help. This was going to get messy, the lawyer warned. It would dig up the past, be painful to live through, and she’d have to repeat her story more than once…but if they followed through, she’d find her justice at the end.

Now she needed Cree to tell the lawyer her story and give a statement. She’d stop by the following day and talk to her. If she could convince her to stand by her side, together they could take their father down and put him behind bars where he belonged. If she didn’t agree, Kendle would still push. She just hoped her sister would come forward and talk.

She went by the following day. Kendle knocked on the door. When nobody answered, she figured her sister hadn’t gotten back yet. It was still early. She hoped to see her before she went to sleep for the day. She’d try calling. Kendle dialed her sister’s number, but nobody answered. She’d come back later.

Carter drove into the night. He’d intended to go home, to face the fire, but Cree talked him into running away with her. She was an expert at hiding and not being seen. She needed a new start. There was nothing here for her anymore. She needed a new life. Disappearing into the night, she made a mental note to contact Kendle at some point so she didn’t worry.

It was the kiss that changed his mind. She sat there curled up on the chair talking to him. There was something in her eyes. She needed a shoulder. She needed somebody to lean on. He couldn’t be that guy. He had his own problems. They sat looking at one another, neither wanting the night to end.

Cree stood and walked to him. Not a word. Climbing over his lap, she straddled him. Her hand moved across his cheek. She leaned in and kissed him. She wasn’t sure what came over her, but everything inside of her pulled her toward him.

Carter’s hands raked through her hair. Pulling her closer, the couple got lost in the moment. Their mouths locked together, both trying to run from life, both needing to feel like everything would be alright.

Cree pulled back. Looking into Carter’s eyes, she saw herself and swallowed hard. Before she could change her mind, before she could climb off of his lap, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back in for another kiss.

Her lips were sweet and soft. A hunger inside wept. She needed someone to believe in, someone to believe in her. Could he be her savior? Could he right a wrong? Make up for his bad deeds by doing something good? He could take her away from this life. He had enough. He’d been stashing it away. They could run away together…a silly dream. A fleeting moment. And then he said it out loud.

Cree looked at him intently. She quietly nodded. “Let me get my things.”

“Just like that?” He was stunned.

She shrugged. “I don’t have anything to lose. Besides, I need a fresh start. I can’t keep up this way anymore. I’m tired. It never ends. I need a break.”

Carter looked at her. “Why did you kiss me?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you do that often?”

“Never.” She flushed. “I don’t kiss…” she hesitated, “on dates.”

“What’s going on here? Between us?”

“Is there something going on? I don’t know. I just think I want to spend more time with you. Is that a crime?”

“Not a crime, just unusual.”

“Look, I’ve never done this before, okay. I just…there’s something in you that I’m drawn to. Just go, okay. I didn’t want to have to defend my choice.”

“No, wait. I didn’t mean to put it that way,” he corrected. “It’s just that we didn’t get off in a normal sort of way.”

“What’s normal?” She shrugged. “I wouldn’t even know normal if it came and bit me in the face. Do you want to go or not?”

“Sure.”

It wasn’t a romantic interlude. They’d done little more than kiss, but like some hot bonded glue, they were pulled together, wanting more time. Cree had never felt that way before. Normally, when she was done with a guy, she was glad to be left alone. But this time, when Carter said he was leaving she didn’t like it. She wasn’t ready for him to be gone. She didn’t want to be left alone. She knew he must have felt the same way. After all, he came to say good-bye. Why else would he bother?

Kendle’s face was wet with tears on hearing her sister’s voice. “You what?”

“I needed to leave. I need a change. I’ll be back eventually.” Cree explained.

“How could you just leave without saying good-bye? When will you be back? And who is this guy? How do you know he won’t hurt you?” Kendle was concerned that her sister acted out of character. Was she going against her will? Was he forcing her to say these things?

“I’m lonely and tired. I need something different for a while.”
She tried to calm her sister down.

“The lawyer…will you speak to her?” Kendle asked, knowing she had to get it out.

“I’ll think about it. I’m not ready.”

“The case will be stronger.”
She pleaded, knowing it would be easier with two statements.

“I don’t know if I can. Listen, I’ve got to go.” She hung up before her sister could respond.

Opening up wasn’t easy, but over the course of the next few days Carter and Cree shared more of their lives. They randomly drove across towns and down back roads, stopping for food and an occasional hotel to sleep.

“Where are we going?” He asked.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m just along for the ride.” She answered.

At the next hotel, the only room available had a king bed, not two queen size mattresses like what they’d been getting comfortable with. Carter turned to Cree. “Do you want to keep driving or get that room?”

“I’m not sleeping with you.” Cree stated bluntly.

“I can sleep on the chair,” he said. “I’m tired. I’m not sure I want to keep driving.”

“You take the bed. I can sleep in the car or the chair.” She’d slept in worse places.

“We’ll work it out.” Carter went back to the counter and paid for the room. “Why don’t you sleep under the covers and I’ll sleep over them,” he suggested.

“You’ll keep your hands to yourself?”

“Yes. You know you’re the one that kissed me, right?”
Carter laughed at the nonesense of it all.

Cree looked away. “I don’t know how to feel things, okay? Don’t expect more out of me.”

Carter took the key and headed to their room. On opening the door, the couple walked in. “I’m going to grab a shower,” he said, tired from all of the driving.

As the water sprayed to life, Cree curled up on the bed and closed her eyes. What was she doing? What was she doing here? She couldn’t run forever. She’d have to face life eventually. This would have to be her last night. It was time to go back. It was a good distraction, but her life wasn’t on the road. They both had things to do.

Carter came out with a towel wrapped around him. Looking over at his travel mate, he noticed how sweet she looked, curled up and sleepy, almost angelic. Funny to call a hooker angelic, but for a moment, she could have been any woman he’d met previously in his life.

Cree rolled over and looked at Carter, who was now standing with a towel that wasn’t doing a very good job at hiding his newly formed erection. “Oh geez,” she groaned and rolled back over.

“Sorry,” he shifted and pulled out some clothes. “I’ve got to wash some of this stuff. Do you want me to wash anything of yours? I think there’s a laundry room at the end of the hallway.”

“I think I’m ready to go back.”

“Back? You’re going back?” Carter was surprised. He didn’t really think about much more than the current moment when she was around.

“What did you think this
was a never ending road trip?” She couldn’t very well stay on the road forever. She had to work and figure out what was next for her.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m just not ready to go back to my life yet.”
His truth wasn’t going anywhere. He’d have to face the fire eventually.

“Then
stay with me for a while.” She suggested.

Carter looked at her. “What is this? You? Me?”
Were they something? They were certainly stuck together for some reason, but neither was sure what was going on. We’re they running away from life, or trying to find their way to each other?

Cree stood up and went to him. She reached for the towel and yanked it off. He stood naked, unflinching, and unapologetic for his hard on. “I’m afraid, okay? I’m afraid if I do something, if we do something
together that I’ll have feelings. I’m afraid of feeling things.” She looked away.

Carter’s hand went up to her cheek, turning her back to him. The smolder between them was real. He looked into her eyes and leaned forward, his lips brushing against hers. “I want you,” he whispered. “I want to touch you, to taste you,
and to feel you.”

Cree swallowed hard. “I’m scared,” she whispered. “I’m afraid if I like it,
I’ll be shredded to pieces inside. I’m afraid I’ll want to hold onto you forever, and that will be the moment you walk away.”

“I’m here now, aren’t I?”
There was nothing else to say.

“Why?”
She wasn’t even sure what pulled them together. They were like a pair of mismatched toys, neither knowing what to do next.

“Because I feel it too
and it’s bigger than both of us. You can’t deny the attraction, can you?”

Cree looked down. “I’ve never
done that…with feeling.”

“Then let me be your first.”
His voice was tender.

Cree held her breath. She reached out her hand, touched his body, his naked body, and didn’t let go. She was melting. Something was there. She couldn’t deny it. She was afraid if she felt something it would be ripped away from her. Could she handle that kind of pain?

Carter’s gaze locked onto Cree. No more words were spoken. They stood frozen in place, unsure what to do next. Carter took a deep breath and leaned in to kiss Cree.

Couldn’t she see there was something between them, some magnetism that pulled them closer? He wanted to hold her, touch her, taste her, but he was as broken as she was at this point. Would he cause more trouble than she needed? Was it simply lust and desire filling his soul, feeding the fire? Or was he growing more attached to the girl that fell into his life?

Cree swallowed hard and shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

“Wow, I’m feeling special. You have such a way with words,” he teased. He stepped in closer, into her personal space. His breath was warm on her skin as he stood
only inches away. Carter looked into her eyes; he needed to check. He needed to know she meant it. “Are you sure?” His whisper was soft.

She nodded in response, slowly. Her voice was barely audible. “I think so.”

Carter reached out for Cree. He pulled her into his naked body, feeling the material of her clothes pressed to his skin. “You should really be naked for this,” he whispered as his lips found hers. His fingers laced through her hair and for one fleeting moment, she was lost.

“Do you think this is a good idea?” She pulled back for a second. “I mean, it’s not like you’re sticking around. I can’t promis
e you anything.” Her voice got colder. “Like love. If you’re looking for love, you can just forget it. I don’t do relationships.” She talked faster. “And if you think I’m going to fall all over you and tell you how incredible you are in bed-”

“Shh, just relax. Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay?” He could tell she was nervous. The odd thing is it had nothing to do with the sex. She was a prostitute. He wasn’t a fool. It was the emotions that scared the hell out of her. She was afraid to feel anything. He sensed it. He wanted her to let go, relax, and enjoy their time together. Or was this all a mistake? What future would they truly have? And he’d have to go home eventually. Was it fair to play with her emotions like this? He didn’t promise forever, and she sounded like she didn’t want it, but still…
Great, now I’m over thinking
.

“I’m sorry,” she started. “Listen, I really want to do this. There’s a part of me that hungers for a warm touch, to feel something inside, but I’m afraid I’ll be let down. I’m afraid I’ll want more than I’ll actually feel. And what if I feel nothing? What if I’m a cold hearted bitch for the rest of my life? I like to believe that at some point I’ll feel something. I’m just afraid what it will be.”

“You don’t know if you don’t try, right?” He suggested.

“I have so many crappy memories tied to sex. It’s amazing I’m not drawn to women. Men have been assholes to me all my life.” She hated how the sexy, heated moment was gone. All that was left were her insecurities.

“Not every man is an asshole. You may have met a few, but there are good guys too.” He tried to understand her fears, but his body wanted things too. His body wanted to feel her, be inside of her, and taste her. Urges, he had strong urges. His erection bobbed, but was losing steam with the conversation change.

“Are you one of the good guys, Carter? Or do you break hearts everywhere you go?” It wasn’t really directed at him. She was already lost in thought. She turned away and went to curl up in a chair. The moment had passed.

Carter closed his eyes. Reaching down, he stroked himself for good measure. He was ready. She was almost there. Could they get there again? “Come touch me,” he said, leaving no question in his voice. “He more than wanted her.”

Cree stared at him. They were locked in a heated exchange. Finally, she stood. Her voice cocked. “Is this what you want big boy? You want me to get all hot and bothered for you?”

“I want you to knock off the bullshit and make love to me.”

She stood, fixed. The words. Her guard dropped. Exhaling with effort, she pushed the breath out. Her gaze never left Carter’s.

“Kiss me,” was all he said before his lips were on top of hers.

Cree ached, her mind churned, but she pushed the thoughts away.
Don’t. Don’t ruin this. This feels right. Just try to let go. Don’t let your past own you
.

His hands were back in her hair, raking through her long, dark tresses. She was a beautiful woman and he wanted nothing more than to claim her for his own. His fingers tightened at the nape of her neck as he pulled her closer. Their mouths opened wider while their tongues danced.

Carter slid his hands down Cree’s back and stopped at the bottom of her shirt. His fingers crept slowly, gently underneath and just barely grazed her skin. Cree tensed at his touch. It’s just that this was somehow different than what she normally did. The kissing, the touching, the caring…

She forced thoughts from her head. She wanted this. She needed to know if she could feel, and Carter was stirring up emotions. What if when he stopped…what if she wanted more? Would he stick around or was this a one
-time deal?

His fingers moved up under her shirt. Slipping his fingers under her bra strap, he expertly undid the hooks. Cree swallowed and took a deep breath, breaking from the kiss. She pulled back just enough to look at him.

“Are you okay?” His whisper was soft, caring.

“I think so.” She felt frozen.

His hands slid to her breasts, her shirt still covered her body. Cupping her from the side, Carter gently squeezed her. Cree sucked in air in a tiny gasp.

“Relax, baby,” was all he had left to say.

She nodded. “Kiss me?”

He happily agreed. Lost in the kiss, she didn’t get consumed by thoughts. His hand on her body was mesmerizing her. It felt so good, tingles of electricity pulsed. Carter rolled her nipple between his fingers, a firm, gentle pressure that had Cree wanting more.

His lips moved to her neck, dotting kisses until the crook right above her shoulder. Heavenly, it felt so good. Cree sighed. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this, was it? The only times that she’d…
no, not now, don’t go there
.

His fingers worked her nipple, his mouth caressed her skin, and with a momentary break, he stopped only long enough to lift her shirt over her head. Cree stood before
him, her bra unhooked, her shirt now on the bed.

Carter shifted her bra straps down over her shoulders. “Relax,” he added, on seeing her shoulders tense.

She let the bra fall down her arms and off of her body. She’d been naked in front of men plenty of times, but this, this was different.

Carter lowered his head and suckled her nipple between his lips. His mouth was hot and wet, and her body was on fire. Pleasure like she’d never known coursed through her.

He helped her slide of the remainder of her clothing and together they climbed into bed. Tangled legs, heated kisses, sexual tension rising.
A condom, crap, a condom
. “Wait here for a second.” He hated breaking the moment, almost afraid she’d shut down.

Carter grabbed his wallet from his jeans and pulled a condom tucked within. Tearing the packet, he rolled the sheath over his erection. He hoped it wasn’t too late, and that she still wanted this, wanted him.

Moving inside of her, Carter groaned. Cree wrapped her thighs up and around him, pulling him closer. An explosion of light and sound raced through her mind. This was nothing like what she usually felt. She needed this, needed him, and wanted him to be happy. Her heart was full, and the look in his eyes melted her.

It gripped him, the sensation starting in his toes, and as his balls tightened he felt the orgasm coming. Embarrassed, he didn’t want to cum so quickly. He wanted to please her first, but it had been so long, and she was so beautiful, and….as he called out, a low grunting moan, his seed hit the sheath wrapped over his erection.