Chapter 213

Carter

I found Ethan near the back garden, leaning against the railing with that same infuriating calm he always wore like armor. A mug of coffee in one hand, his other tapping idly against the wood.

I didn’t bother with greetings. It was not like he needed any anyway, but the man needed someone to discipline him, to remind him of what is real.

“You’re really doing this?” I asked, shaking my head in question. “You really aren’t playing a game like this one as dirty as this one? You of all people? A man who respects himself more than he would respect anyone else chooses to play a game like this one. I am surprised.”

He didn’t turn. “Morning to you too, Carter. What did I do to offend you this time? Because as far as I’m concerned, I didn’t do anything that should be bothering you.”

I walked up beside him, voice low but sharp. “Delilah.”

Still nothing from him, just a small shrug. “What about her? What is it that I am doing that’s annoying yo