Dynasty Boys

Chapter 29

Elle

Don't run ?

I shook my head before trying to swallow. What did he mean by that? Why would I run? He promised he would protect me so why would I ever want to run?

"Please, don't look at me like that, Elle," Carter's voice softened, almost pleading. "You have to promise me, whatever happens, you'll stay beside me. I don't want to scare you off."

His words hit me like a weight to the chest. Whatever happens? What could he possibly say that would change things so drastically? I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, trying to clear my swirling thoughts.

What could be worse than this?

The worst thing had already happened to me, a month ago, when I found out my parents had been murdered. That had shattered everything. That had taken away the last shred of innocence I had left. So what could he possibly say or do now that would make me run?

I opened my eyes and looked at him, my voice coming out steadier than I felt. "Carter, nothing could scare me more than what I've already been through. I'm not going anywhere. Just... just tell me."

"You're safe with me, Elle. Everything I have to tell you is heavy but you need to know that I would never hurt you, intentionally. I would kill everyone trying to hurt you. It is so fucking crazy to think we don't even know each other for that long but it feels like I've known you for forever..." Carter whispered as he tried to control his breathing.

"I know..." I trailed off, my voice barely audible.

Carter's expression softened, but there was a hint of something darker lurking behind his gaze. "Elle, you do realize that if we keep going like this, I could never be a normal boyfriend for you? I can't kiss you in the hallway, can't even be nice to you half the time. Because the second someone sees me let my guard down, they'll pounce."

His words hit me hard. He was right. His world was so different from mine, filled with danger and secrets I couldn't fully understand. And yet, here I was, desperately wishing for him to be normal, wishing that I could just have him in the way I needed.

He looked at me with sad eyes, and in that moment, I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me. He pulled me closer, and we stood there in the middle of the guest room, just staring at each other. That was when the tears started. I hated it, hated that I was always crying, always feeling so small.

I bit my lip, trying to hold it together, but the dam burst, and I sobbed uncontrollably. My arms wrapped around Carter's neck, clutching him like he was the only thing holding me together. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. His presence was enough. The sound of my cries filled the empty room, heavy and raw, echoing in the silence between us.

After a few minutes, I pulled away just enough to wipe my face with my small hands, trying to compose myself.

"Elle..." Carter's voice was soft, but firm, as he gently cupped my face in his hands. "You're safe with me. I will always be there for you... believe me. Please. It's just you and me. Always."

A smile broke through my tears, bittersweet and uncertain, but real. In that moment, I knew. I knew how much he meant to me. I knew I was falling for him, harder than I'd ever expected. The way his smile lit up the room, the warmth in his eyes. He was the one who made everything feel like it might actually be okay.

Before I could say anything else, I suddenly remembered Nicole. "Damn! Nicole! I need to—" I wiped my eyes quickly and turned to leave, but Carter's hand wrapped around mine, stopping me.

"She's fine," he said with a chuckle, his tone light, almost teasing. Then, before I could react, he kissed me on the left cheek.

I blinked, still feeling the heat of the kiss on my skin, and I gave him a skeptical look. "How can yoz be so sure?"