The Phoenix

Chapter 9 - Relax Your Hips, Angel

(Carter's POV)

"Is she inviting anybody else?" I asked Lanie as I took a glance at her before looking back at the road ahead.

I just wanted her...

She rolled her eyes. "For the last time, Carter..." She trailed off. "No."

We were on our way to Scarlett's house to pick her up for the movies. Lanie had invited her without me knowing and didn't tell me until we left several minutes ago. Also, telling me that I was paying her way for movies and bowling.

She's sneaky.

It's not like we could stand her up now, she thinks she's coming.

Not that I would anyway.

I'd do anything for this girl...

"Next time, give me a heads up." I told her.

Lanie sighed deeply. "Dork."

I scoffed. "Brat."

"You're about to miss the turn." She told me nonchalantly.

I quickly checked my rearview and swerved over to the farthest left lane to make a left turn on her street.

Proceeding down to her house, I continued before parking in front of her place. "I'm just saying--" I cut myself off.

Just then her front door flew open and revealed a frightened Scar with a mad man Ivan in pursuit.

She looked as if she was literally running for her life. There aren't words to describe the fear in her eyes.

And that instantly made me angry. To even think of someone making her scared or even think of harming her.

"What the hell?" I growled, quickly putting my truck in park before hopping out. I heard the passenger door open and close which only means Lanie got out behind me.

Scar spotted me and quickly ran to me, nearly knocking me down. "Carter." She sighed as she buried herself into me, gripping onto my clothes. As if she was grabbing on for dear life.

Ivan stopped in his path, looking up at me. His eyes weary.

"What the hell is going on?" I demanded, looking down at Scar but she didn't move, burying her face in my chest. So, I looked up at Ivan for some answers as I threw a protective arm around Scar.

Ivan watched my arm for a long second.

Ivan rolled his evil eyes with a scoff. "I don't believe it's any of your damn business what's going on between me and my sister."

"Well, I'm making it my damn business." I sneered, looking down at Scar as I put her face in between my hands making her look up at me. Her blue eyes no longer showed fear, but relief as dried tears left trails down her cheeks. I softened my voice and face before speaking. "What's going on, Scar?"

Her eyes met mine after searching my face for quite some time. The look that she was giving me told me that she wanted to tell me but was too afraid somehow.

"Nothing." She pulled away from me.

I could tell in just that moment her wall went up, blocking me out. It was almost as if someone pressed a button and programmed her wall right up.

She didn't trust me enough to tell me why she obviously in fear, running from her older brother.

Crossing her arms over her chest she muttered something about going to get her jacket and being right back.