Carrie's Answer by Sierra, VJ Summers Read Free Book Online Page B

funeral. The sick feeling returned as he remembered her sitting, cold and silent, the vivid bruise on her cheek a throbbing reminder of how he’d failed her.
    Her eyes sliced through him. He’d betrayed her in more ways than one that last week. Treated her no better than their father. Had even treated her worse, because she’d trusted him in ways she’d never trusted the Old Man. That betrayal had changed Meri forever, and not in a good way. It had changed Marcus as well, pulled him back from the tight line he was walking. He’d almost crossed that line, almost proved he was no better than Stirling.
    His father’s death and Meri’s self-imposed exile from the world showed Marcus just how close he’d come to losing his soul.
    So Marcus allowed her the leeway he’d never give another individual. It was the only way he knew to try to make up for the life she’d led before their father died.
    And for the things he’d said to her that last, furious night. He desperately longed to see her laugh and smile, to relax and have fun. She had an old soul, and Marcus wanted nothing more than to hold her and tell her he was sorry for being the biggest asshole to walk the planet. But he knew Meri would never allow that. Just as she never allowed anyone to touch her for more than a moment before withdrawing.
    He patiently waited for her to wind down. When the proverbial shit had hit the fan and the world found out he enjoyed a whip and rope instead of wine and roses, he had just given Meredith every reason to believe he had no respect for his lovers. Remembering his harsh words in the face of her own budding sensuality, he understood her reaction. But in the end, he couldn’t give up this chance to be with Carrie, even for the sister he loved and had betrayed.
    “Play your little games on your own time, Marcus.” The finality in her voice was nothing new. It had been there for the last five years.
    He walked over to her, putting a reassuring arm around her stiff form. As he walked her to the door, he plucked her nose. It was a gesture of affection, and a thing Marcus did that made her crazy and ready to spit nails.
    “Meredith, you worry too much.”
    “Marcus, you don’t worry enough.”
    “I’m sorry, sis. Like I said, Carrie no longer works here. You have nothing to worry about.”
    She started to walk out when Marcus’ grip stopped her.
    “One of these days, Meredith, a man will bring you to your knees. Then what will you do?”
    “Oh, Marcus. In order for that to happen I’d have to have a heart.” She turned her back on him and stalked from the office.
    * * * * *
     
    An hour later, Marcus watched hungrily as Carrie left the office to prepare for their weekend. He was anticipating this forbidden little liaison more than he’d anticipated anything for years. Picking up his phone, he dialed. It was answered on the third ring.
    “I need you tonight.”
    Daniel’s silky smooth voice vibrated with laughter. “Already? I thought you’d be out of commission for a while…” He just laughed harder at Marcus’ low growl. “Do you need me to call ahead and have the room prepared?”
    “No, we’re not going to the club. Be at my house by nine. Use your key. I’ll be busy.”
    Surprise came clearly from the other end of the line. “Your house? We’ve never, not at the house.”
    Why did Daniel have to be so fucking obvious? “I know. Now, are you coming or not?” He was not up for explanations, though he couldn’t have said why.
    “Yeah, I’ll be there, man,” Daniel replied slowly.
    Marcus didn’t like the speculation in his friend’s voice. Not one little bit.
    “Fine,” he rapped out in full Dom mode. Then, picturing Carrie’s wide eyes, he added, “And Daniel, this is a novice we’ll be dealing with.”
    “Oh, so this is serious, sharing with a newbie. Do I know the lucky lady?” Daniel was getting way too much enjoyment from this conversation.
    Marcus wasn’t sure whether to keep it secret