Page 96 of Debts and Desires
“Hey, now, no need to cause a scene.” Was this guy serious?
“I’m not. Please leave me alone.”
“Aw, c’mon, honey. You?—”
“Shoemaker,” Carter greeted, though it sounded and looked more like a growling dog protecting its food.
“What do you want, Black?”
“Want you to leave Emmy alone.”
“You ain’t together, so ain’t no harm done.”
“Plenty harm done,” Carter growled. “She told you no.”
“That’s rich, comin’ from you,” douche canoe said with a laugh. I remembered what Carter had told me about his dad and what he’d done to Carter’s reputation. I was about to tell Carter we should just go when Sawyer sneered, “Rapist,” and pushed Carter. Carter’s arm dropped from around my waist and he put himself in between me and Sawyer.
“Not what your mama said when she was blowin’ me behind the bleachers on Senior Night instead of watchin’ you play.” Icouldn’t see Carter’s face, but I knew he was grinning, egging this man on. I didn’t get much time to wonder if what he said was true. Sawyer went to strike Carter, but Carter stopped it with his left forearm and laughed. “I expected a little better from Hudsonville’s star quarterback.”
Carter cocked his arm back, delivering a blow to the guy's nose. Sawyer stumbled back and only had seconds before Carter struck again and again until Sawyer was trapped against the bar behind. I could hear the sickening sound of bone on the last blow as Sawyer whimpered, starting to slide down the half wall. He barely held himself up in time for the next hit. Carter had him by the collar, ready to strike again.
“Carter!” I begged, grabbing his arm as tight as I could. He fought against me, but somehow I managed to keep it in place. I took a chance, stepping in front of him, putting my back to the asshole. I grabbed his cheeks, forcing him to look at me. “Carter, please stop,” I whispered. “You’re gonna kill him.”
“Good,” he growled.
“No. Not good. I don’t want you in jail. You can’t leave me.” I hated how my voice cracked. I was trying to convince myself I was pretending, but I wasn’t. I think I knew for a while that I wasn’t leaving. I was here to stay.
“I’d listen to your bitch,” Sawyer snapped behind me. I was surprised he was able to talk still. I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Fat fuckin’ bitch,” he spat. Carter lunged, but I managed to stop him again.
“Move, Emogen,” Carter said. Only it wasn’tmyCarter. This was a beast ready to kill.
“No. It’s okay. I’ve heard worse. I need you to stop,” I begged. His chest rose and fell fast as I looked him in the eyes.
“Who?” Both his jaw and fists clenched.
“No one here,” I promised, placing my hands on his chest.
“You’d tell me, right?” Carter’s eyes looked like untamed fire, staring me down to my very core. I swallowed and nodded. He grabbed one of my hands and brought it to his mouth,kissing it, as if he wasn’t just fighting the bleeding man behind us moments ago.
“I would.” My voice was quiet, mesmerized by him.
“Alright, break it up. Shoemaker! You and your friends better haul your sorry asses out of here. And quick,” Tyler said from somewhere behind. Sawyer scoffed and moved, shoving his shoulder into me, probably aiming for Carter.
“Touch her again! I fuckin’ dare you!” Carter bellowed. He attempted a step, but I sidestepped with him.
“Carter,” I pleaded.
“Always have Ward cleanin’ up for your sorry ass,” Sawyer grumbled as he continued out. “Come find me when you’re ready for a real fight.”
“Why? So I can beat the shit out of your pretty face again?” Carter snapped like a wild dog on the end of a leash.
“Let it go, baby, please,” I whispered. Whiskey eyes met mine. “Please,” I repeated, this time cupping his face. “Buy me a drink?” I asked. He clenched his jaw, but nodded, taking my hands and walking us back to our seats.
Tyler passed us each a fresh beer. Apparently, a few of the guys there started a tab of free drinks for Carter and me. Tyler, who was finally able to sit with us again, explained that Sawyer was the town’s washed up quarterback who peaked in high school. He was a bully and had nothing better to do than bother everyone. And Carter standing up to Sawyer while also protecting me—Hudsonville’s new favorite, according to Ty—must have been a good thing in their sights, putting Carter in their favor.
37. NOW WHAT?
October 22
