One Silent Night free porn video

Carter has been in love with Mia for years, but it takes a Christmas miracle to throw them together…

This is the story I wrote for the CAW 14 competition on the Forum. I hope you like it! If you want to, I would appreciate it if you could go give it a vote.

Its a pretty long story, so if youre only here for thee sex, well, I supposed you can just scroll down to the bottom.

All comments are welcome, as always!

One Silent Night
By Hornypixy

Carter stood by his window, one eye on the watch on his wrist. It was just after eleven, that magical hour when most of the traffic died down and the neighbourhood in the old downtown area settled in for the night, the quiet creeping through the air with the mist from the small stream to the west of his apartment. Across the road he could see some early Christmas decorations, but he knew that the real lighting up would start in about two weeks.

She would be along soon.

He shifted the threadbare curtain a little to the side and tried to peer down the street, attempting to see her approach sooner, but he knew she would appear around the corner as always, and that he would have no chance to look at her neat little form until she does. He looked at his watch. Another minute had passed.

She would be along soon.

He fretted restlessly when the minutes continued to trickle away, like the incessant dripping of droplets in the back of his mind, a tap that didnt quite close all the way.

She would be along soon.

And then, finally, she was there. His hands tightened around the folds of the curtain as he watched her round the corner, his very being tightening up in anticipation as his eyes followed her hungrily. She was wearing her dark, mid-thigh-length coat, and he could see her shapely leg taking carefully measured steps.

Her head was bent down, as always, obscuring her features, and he wondered once again what he would see if she looked up. He knew a little about her her skin was milky pale in comparison to her dark coat. Her hair was also dark, cut in a straight, no-frills bob that reached her chin and was usually tucked away behind her ear. Her arms were always folded across her chest, as if she was trying to get away from her surroundings by climbing into herself. She was a picture of despondency and hopelessness as she walked down the pavement, the mist from the river swirling around her legs with ghostlike tendrils.

She was breaking his heart.

He followed her with his eyes, knowing her pattern well. Under the next streetlamp she would stop, bend over to adjust her shoe in the weak glow, and then continue around the corner to wherever she was going. And he would have to wait until tomorrow to see her again. What did it say about him, about how low hes sunk, that these two minutes of watching an unknown girl walk down the street was the culmination of all his hopes and dreams? That his every day was spent in a state of endless waiting, waiting? He was forever waiting for something for the night to be over so he can get up, for the shops to open so he can struggle down the stairs with his bad knee screaming in protest to buy coffee and a microwave dinner. For the afternoon to pass so he could sit on the small little balcony his apartment was outfitted with and watch the sun set over the dingy part of the city horizon he was privy to.

He watched her as she stopped on cue, her fingers busily tweaking at the straps of her shoes. More than anything, he was always, always waiting for her.
She got up after a few seconds and his eyes followed her as she proceeded down the street, her pace a little faster now, as if she was suddenly aware of the hour and the fact that she was a pretty girl, walking alone. When he could no longer see her, he pulled the curtains in place and turned around, facing the dingy apartment he owned.

And deep down, he knew, the longest wait of all was the countdown of years that would mark the end of his miserable existence.
*
What can I get for you? Mia asked the two men who were sitting in a booth in the back. They were both dressed in similar casual attire jeans, dark jackets, sneakers but she knew without asking that they were cops. They had that shrewd look in their eyes, the restless air of inquisitive minds.

Her shoulders tingled and she forced herself not to twitch nervously. They were just out for a meal, maybe discussing a breakthrough or a dead-end in a recent case. Nothing to worry about. Cops and officers came in here all the time for coffee and doughnuts and meals.

They are not looking for you. They are not looking for you. They are not looking for you.

She chanted her mantra repeatedly in her mind as her fingers scribbled down their order. It was never wise to allow cops or anybody else, for that matter to sense your fear. It gave them reason to start questioning things she preferred to remain unquestioned whats your name? Where are you from?

Her feet were killing her. Her swollen ankle was throbbing from her earlier slip on a wet floor, and she wanted nothing more than for the day to end so she could go home to Nikita. Her back was no longer aching as much as burning from carrying the heavy trays back and forth, the pain a constant companion in her lower back. She shot a quick glance at the clock on the wall behind the counter as she unloaded dirty dishes in the sink and swiped her tray down where a cup had left a ring. It was a few minutes to ten closing time was ten thirty so she had a while to go yet. Angelo had gotten one of the girls to wrap threadbare tinsel around the clock and cash register. Despite the fact that it was clearly older than the shop, it was still ugly and gaudy, a glittery, cheap string of false cheer that did nothing but highlight the shops worn-down visage.

She ended her shift at ten thirty with an argument with Angelo, the owner and manager, who wanted her to stay for stock taking, his term for sexually harassing the girls when there was nobody around to help them. She refused and, as a result, lost her job.

Her heart sank at the idea of finding something new, again. How much longer? she wondered as she packed the things in her locker over into her bag. How much longer was she going to struggle through life like this? Every day was a fight to survive. There were bills to be paid, a house to clean, a little sister to care for. Somebody needed to put food on the table, needed to make sure the police didnt discover them and send them back to&hellip,

Not going to happen, she thought. No matter what happened, they were never going back to that dark, dark place theyd escaped from six years ago. She was twenty-three now, old enough by law to become her sisters legal guardian, if they needed to take a legal route for any reason. She could only hope that would never happen. If there was ever any questions, any queries, she would pack up their things and they would leave. Again. Theyd done it before, when it seemed necessary it was so easy to disappear into the night, after all.

She clutched the black carry-all that held an extra shirt, some clean socks, a comb and a few tampons in case she ever needed them unexpectedly. The cheap second-hand cell phone was stashed in the pocket of her coat, where she could feel it vibrate if Nikita phoned her.

She was in a bigger hurry than usual, walking as fast as she could on her sore ankle and looking around her edgily. The shadows seemed denser, the streetlights dimmer, the air quieter.

She hated this part of the city during the night. It was dark and it smelled like old trash and the murky, filthy water of the little stream on the other side of the dilapidated railing.

She was being stupid, Mia decided. She has been walking this route every night for the past three years, and nothing has ever happened to her before.

She swallowed her fear and walked out from under the tree. The rest had not done her ankle good. It was cooling down and stiffening up and she winced each time she stepped on it. She limped around the corner that would take her down the semi-nice street with the old buildings. Most of them had been townhouses in their hey-days, but they had fallen into slight disrepair since. She imagined living in one of them. It would be warm, and the roof wouldnt leak in eleven places every time it rained. In the winter, she would light a fire in the living room, and she and Nikita would sit in front of it.

And maybe the sky would rain money and Unicorns soon.
*
Carter managed to convince himself not to watch for her again. How much longer was he going to wait for a miracle that was not going to happen? His dark-haired girl was never going to do anything else except walk past his building. Hed considered going downstairs at eleven more times than he could count, but three guesses as to how she would react to a man waiting to talk to her at that time of night. He had tried to follow her a few times, but his knee was so bad that he couldnt keep up, not without being seen. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her into taking a different route. She was his fantasy, his perfect vision of innocence and beauty and hope. No matter how the weather looked whether it was a balmy spring evening, or an icy cold snowing one, she walked down his street every single night. Hed been watching her for close to three years now, and he knew that she was off one Sunday a month, always the last one.

He wished, for the hundredth time, that he knew more about her. He wanted to know where she worked, wanted to know her name. Was she married, maybe, with a kid?

It was a moot point, in any case. Even if she wasnt married, she wouldnt waste her time on somebody like him jobless and injured beyond repair, with nothing to give her but his name and an old apartment that used to belong to his grandmother.

He forced himself to stay seated as the clock ticked closer to eleven. It was ridiculous, this fascination of his with a girl hes never even met. He spent his time building fantasies around her in which she needed his help, and in his dream world, his knee was still in its pre-explosion condition. He was still fit and strong, a Navy SEAL who could do anything he set his mind to.

Forcing himself to be realistic, he took a swallow from the beer he rarely indulged in. She was probably married, or living with somebody. Probably had a kid, and took a night job so that she could spend time with the little one during the day. She was probably perfectly happy with her life, and this desire to rescue her was a left-over emotion from his SEAL days where being a hero was part of the job description.
He missed his team.

And there it was the crux of the matter. He missed his team, his friends, almost more than he missed the mobility that had been stolen from him in that awful explosion four years ago. So far, hed beaten the odds, but for the past couple years, he hadnt made any progress beyond walking with the help of a crutch. After his time in the hospital and physiotherapy rehab centre ran out, he moved back to the city where he had grown up. It was as far away from the base as he could find, and he had needed the distance at the time, not to mention the rent-free apartment his grandmother had lived in until she passed away.

But now, after months of seclusion, the truth was finally sinking in. He was never going to be able to run through jungles and over desert dunes again. His days of scaling mountains and hiding out yards away from the enemy camps were over. No matter how hard he worked, his leg was never going to be up to it again. He was going to have to consider those options the psychologist had tried to talk to him about.

His mouth thinned. Private security: where SEAL careers go to die.

He managed to avoid the window until just after eleven, when he couldnt take it anymore and he stood up, cursing himself for his weakness.

A few minutes later, the girl came around the corner. Carter felt the familiar constriction of his heart as the streetlight casted a dull glow around her dark hair. She was limping tonight, favouring her right leg, and carrying a black bag in one hand. He frowned, watching her progress with concern. She was definitely stepping gingerly, and she was moving much slower than usual. So much so that he would probably be able to keep up with her if he followed her.
Carter made the decision in less than a second. Grabbing his crutch and a jacket, he left his apartment.
*
It happened in the darkness under the overhanging branches of a gnarled old tree, where the searching fingers of light could not reach. The gap in the pavement where two slabs of concrete had pulled away from each other snagged at the sneaker on her injured foot and she pitched forward with a sharp cry of pain. She landed awkwardly on all fours, and the sting of scraped palms joined the pain in her foot. She gave a tearless sob and uttered a few choice swearwords. She must look a sight indeed down on all fours with one leg elevated in the air behind her at an awkward and unattractive angle.

Are you all right?

The voice behind her came from absolutely nowhere. Mia swung around as much as was possible for a human in the dog-near-a-fire-hydrant-position and ended up landing on her butt. She scrambled back and saw the man limping closer. From her position on the ground, it seemed as if he was a giant, rising out from the mist, leaning heavily on a crutch and yet managing to walk without making a sound.

I dont have a lot of money on me, she said, holding her black carry-all up like an offering. But take what I have. Just please dont hurt me. Panic tightened her voice.

I dont want you money, he said, stopping at a safe distance from her and holding out his hands to show he was unarmed. And Im not going to hurt you.

His voice was deep and soothing, somehow managing to calm her nerves.

Let me help you up, the stranger continued. He came closer and held his hand out. She hesitated a few seconds before letting him haul her up. She dusted her palms on her jacket, felt the sting of asphalt cutting into her skin like pieces of brittle glass. The enormous man held onto her elbow as she balanced on one leg.

Thanks, she said stiffly. I hurt my ankle earlier tonight and I tripped on the pavement. Im fine now, thank you.

He didnt reply and for the first time, she looked at his face. The faded street lights were casting mysterious planes over his face, highlighting his features. He had dark hair about a week overdue for a cut, and from what she could see, a strong nose and chin. His eyes appeared to be dark and intense, and his cheekbones were just high enough to make him pretty. His lips, however, looked soft and full and like an exotic dish, one you needed to serve up with strawberries and chocolate sauce and whipped cream and what on earth was she doing, thinking about his mouth like she wanted a taste?

A sudden, unexpected dimple made its way to surface when he gave a small crooked smile, and suddenly he looked much younger.

My name is Carter, he said, as if it was important to him that she knew who he was. I live in that building over there. See the balcony? Thats my apartment. I hurt my knee a few years back and it was bothering me tonight, so I decided to take a short stroll around the block. Saw you falling down. Why dont you let me have a look at your ankle? Whats your name?

Mia, she said.

Mia, he murmured, and for a single moment, it seemed as if he was tasting her name on his tongue, rolling it around his palate like a fine wine he wanted savour and appreciate. He led her over to the railing, and she balanced against it as he got down with some difficulty to examine her foot.

Do you have first aid experience? she asked when he started to prod lightly at her swollen ankle. He held her heel and rotated her foot slightly. She gasped, instinctively yanking back when pain shot through her leg.

Easy, he soothed, softly stroking. Its a really bad sprain. I used to be a hospital corpsman for the Navy SEALS, so Ive seen my fair share of injuries.

You were a SEAL? she asked and closed her eyes as the touch of his fingers on her leg sent tingles dancing over her skin. His hands were so soft, so gentle, as he tested the tightness of her shoe around the swelling.

Yeah, but I screwed up my knee in an explosion so Im no longer active. Listen, you need to get off your foot. It must be killing you.

Its painful, she admitted. But Im not too far from home.

Is there anybody who can fetch you?

No, only my sister and shes too young to drive. Not to mention that we dont own a car. Ouch, dammit, that hurt!

Sorry, he said and got up. Look, how far do you live?

Mia looked at him. How far could she trust this man? She didnt know him, but he seemed&hellip, kind, somehow. Gentle.

About two miles, she admitted, and at his glower, looked down at her hands. She got the sense he was angry with her for some reason.

Im not letting you walk that far on an injury like that. Why dont you let me drive you home?

Trusting somebody to help you up after a fall was one thing, but getting into a car with a stranger, leading him to her sister&hellip, that would be stupid, and reckless, and many other things she couldnt afford to be.

Thank you, but Ill just call a cab.

He nodded once. Come wait inside, at least, he said. Ill give you some ice and painkillers.

She hesitated as the logical part of her mind warred with the part that was in pain and wanted nothing more than to get off her foot, have some painkillers and let somebody else make the decisions for once.
All right, she said after a few seconds. Thank you very much.

He tried to see his apartment through her eyes, and wasnt sure what to think. It was small, with an open plan kitchen and living room that was separated by a breakfast counter that held stacks of books on the one side. There were three doors leading from the sitting room. Though it was reasonably clean and neat and didnt scream poverty, it was a clear exhibit of his lack of funds.

She was glancing around anxiously, her eyes darting from his TV to the front door and back to the kitchen, where the dishes were piled neatly in the sink. He saw them linger for a few seconds on the three doors that lead out of the living room and sensed her fear of being trapped. She reminded him of a little animal, cornered and shivering, waiting to be attacked by a predator.

The bathrooms through there, he said, pointing. Those two doors lead to the bedrooms. Dont worry, I set up the torture chamber in the basement.

He expected her to laugh at his lame joke, wanted to lift her mood, but she just gave a small, tight smile and clutched her tote bag closer to her body.

Sit here, he said, cupping one hand under her elbow and leading her to a comfortable wingback chair. You have an interesting accent, he said as he went into the kitchen to switch on the coffee machine that was his only indulgence. Its very faint, but I have an ear for languages. Are you from Europe?

She was silent for a few seconds before replying. My family came to America when I was very young. But yes, I was born in Europe.
Your accent is almost Slavic, he said. But not Russian. Not quite.
She didnt offer any further information, so he pressed. Are you from Poland?
No, she said, reluctantly. Georgia.
It borders Russia and Turkey, doesnt it?
I&hellip, yes. Yes, it does. Youre good with this.
Simple matter of geography. So how old were you when you left?
I was five.
He did the quick maths. So you must have left in the time of the civil war in the early nineties.
She nodded her head and he watched the movement play with her hair. We first went to Poland, and from there made our way here. My stepfather had some&hellip, business associates that helped us.
He could read between the lines as well as anybody, and guessed it to mean they didnt follow the legal route. Which probably meant she was still an illegal immigrant.

It explained a lot, but he wasnt going to call her out on it.
Would you like some coffee? he asked as the rich scent filled the apartment. To take the painkillers.
I would love coffee, thank you, she said. He poured her a cup and added sugar generously. He handed it to her with an unopened bottle of strong pain medication.

You can have that, he said. Its prescription. Its what I drink for my knee, but I try to avoid it over the long term because it can be addictive. But you should be fine for a few weeks. Just take one now, and another before you go to sleep. These pills will make you sleepy, but it should help for your ankle. Will you let me put a bandage on?

She looked up at him from under her dark lashes. I will, thank you.

Carter stood on the pavement, watching the taxis red taillights disappear around the corner. It felt all wrong, letting her drive off after finally meeting her. He pressed the heel of his hand against his chest, as if he wanted to rub away an ache. Hed given her his number, but what were his chances of getting a call?

Idiot, he muttered to himself before turning around and limping up the stairs. Why on earth would she call him? Even if she was the type of damsel in distress who called for help, he was probably the last person she would ask. What kind of help could he offer her, in any case? Without his mobility, who was he?

No-one. He was no-one.

The call came three weeks later, after he had finally given up hope. He still waited by his window every night, and though the disappointment was no less intense each time she didnt show up, he couldnt seem to stop himself.

When his phone rang, he was halfway through a brutal workout on his living room floor. For a moment he considered letting the call go to voicemail, but his muscles were burning in protest and he hardly had enough breath to put the weights in the holder. His heart was beating furiously, trying to escape the torture through his rib cage.

Carter, he said, his voice sounding like it had been through a cheese grater.

Carter? The voice on the other end sounded very young and scared. This is&hellip, you dont know me, but&hellip, My name is Nikita. You met my sister a few weeks ago. I dont know if you remember her. Mia.

Carter sat up, his heart stopping for a second before pounding even faster than before.
I remember her. Is everything all right?

There was a muffled sob. I&hellip, I dont know. Mia told me somebody has been following her home from work for a few days, so Im not allowed to leave the apartment, but now shes over four hours late and I am really scared something happened to her. She told me you helped her last time and I dont know who else to call.

Ah, hell. Carter pressed his palm on the floor and pushed himself up. You did the right thing, he said. Exactly the right thing. Where do you live, Nikita? Im coming over there to see what we can do. Im going to help you, ok? You can trust me.

The apartment was about the size of his living room. It had one room that functioned as bedroom, living room and kitchen. He felt appalled when he looked around at the obvious poverty around him. There was on small twin bed against the one wall, with a mattress on the floor. Since the little girl with the same dark hair as her sister headed right back to the bed after opening the door for him, Carter could guess easily where Mia slept. It was also freezing cold. Winter had finally set in, but they clearly didnt have extra money to heat the small place up. The bed was piled high with blankets, and Carter was willing to bet that not many of them ended up on Mia during the night. He took in the water-stained walls and dingy linoleum floor, the meagre contents on the grocery shelf. Mia had tried to cheer the room up with some homemade Christmas decorations, but it was about as effective as putting jewellery on a pig and calling it a bride.

A small radio on the bedside table was blaring out equal amounts of Frosty the Snowman and static buzz. The girl she looked about eight and if she was healthy, he was a horse was reading a book that had clearly been through the mill a few times. The lighting was very poor, and the small window across the room over the kitchen sink would probably not let in a lot of light, even during the day. Now, at nearly eleven in the evening, it was pitch black outside, except for the sycophantic blinking of a red motel sign across the alley. It was close enough to the window to light up the room with a faint crimson glow every few seconds.

Nikita gave him a wary, distrustful look so like her sisters that his heart clenched in his chest.

Where does Mia work? he asked her, sitting down carefully on the only chair in the room. Nikita sat up, pulling the blankets up over her shoulders and covering the sweater she wore over her nightgown.

At a restaurant. She used to work at another one that was closer, but she hurt her ankle and the boss fired her cause she couldnt walk as fast as he wanted her to.

So she had stopped walking past his house because shed lost her job, not because she was avoiding him. Carter didnt know whether to be relieved or upset about that.

Do you know the address of her job? he asked the little girl who didnt look old enough to be left alone for an hour, let alone a day.

Nikita shrugged. Theres a number against the fridge. I didnt want to call it. Mia said I must not phone her at work unless theres something wrong here or I get sick.

He watched the tears brimming in her eyes.

I didnt know who else to call, she said in a small voice. I dont know why shes so late. Shes never this late.

Im going to find her, he said, fear clenching in his gut. What if something had happened to her? She walked alone in the dark, through a very unpleasant part of the city. The mere thought was harrowing. Let me phone the restaurant. Perhaps she just needed to stay late today.

Half an hour Carter had worn a path through the linoleum floor from his pacing.
Nikita had fallen asleep about ten minutes ago, but he was still trying to find out where Mia was. The diners owner said she had left around six, when her shift ended. It was nearing midnight, and there was still no sign of her. And to make matters worse, Nikita said she mentioned somebody following her a few times.

He had phoned the police, and the all the hospitals in the area, but with no luck. Nobody had seen her. He thrust the phone in his pocket and buttoned up his coat, winding his scarf around his neck as he looked for a piece of paper to write a note for Nikita. He didnt want to leave her alone, but he needed to go look for Mia.

Just then there was the sound of footsteps outside the door, and a key jingling in the lock. Carter put his hand on the butt of the gun he carried in a hip holster under his coat. The door opened slowly, and relief made him breathless when he recognised Mia in the low light. She looked up, saw him, and gave an involuntary gasp and a step back.

For a moment, it was Mias worst nightmare, come to life. There was a man in her apartment, a big, hulking shape of a man standing between her and the bed where her sister was lying motionless. Fear clawed its way into her throat and stole her breath.

They found Nikita.

And then she recognised the man who had been haunting her dreams for three weeks.

Carter?

Yeah, he said, holding his one hand up in a non-threatening position and taking a step back, using his crutch to help him keep his balance. Its me.

What are you&hellip,? How did you know?

Youre sister phoned me when you didnt come home. She was scared and she didnt know who else to call.

Thank you for staying with her, Mia said. I appreciate it. I was&hellip, mugged, and the man got away with my phone and my bag. I couldnt call her to let her know Id be late, and I took a different route home.

Carter didnt say anything, but his silence was unnerving, so she hurried through the story shed fabricated on her way home to placate her sister.

I was halfway home when he grabbed my tote bag. I let him have it since it doesnt have much in it. He ran away with it, but I was scared, so I took a long way home. I didnt want him to come after me when he realised it was pretty much empty.

I call bullshit, Carter said calmly. I dont think it was a grab and run at all. Tell me, was it the same man you told your sister was following you?

Mia could feel the last blood leave her cheeks. Fooling a sick thirteen-year-old was one thing, but then, he wasnt a sick thirteen-year-old, was he?

Yes, she said, sticking as close to the truth as she could. But in the end, Im fine. I got away, and he got nothing. Theres no ID or address or anything in my tote, so&hellip,

How much pain are you in? he asked brusquely. And please dont try to lie to me again, he added.

He kicked me in the side, she said, touching her hip where one of the smaller bruises sat, aching. She didnt need a mirror to know she was a mess of blue and black. The three men had spent about an hour, slowly making sure she remembered exactly who was in charge.

She might not have been living with her father anymore, but he still controlled her life. She had a bitter taste in her mouth. For six years she had been thinking she was clever enough to outwit her him. She had taken such pride in the fact that she could live without him, had drawn so much inner strength from the knowledge that she managed to evade him.

And now?

Now she realised, anew, how very useless it was too fight against him. He would always find her, always remind her of the power he had over her. The only reason she was alive and unraped after the beating shed taken tonight was because her father had wanted to send her a message.

Next time, she knew, she would not be so lucky.

A small sound made her look up. Carter was still standing there, his eye on her face, his brows furrowed as if he had been reading her mind.

You should&hellip, her voice broke and she cleared her throat. You should go home. I thank you for looking after my sister, but well be alright now.

Like hell you will, he said. Pack some things. You can come stay at my place. Even if its just for the night. Im not letting you stay here alone. And for the last time, where did he hurt you?

She stared at him and let her stubborn streak kick in, tired as she was. Thats really none of your business, she said. And thank you for the offer, but well stay here. Were perfectly safe.

He pointed his finger at the bed. What would have happened if I wasnt the one to come to Nikita? What if it was some rapist, or a thief, or a murderer? You say you took a long way home. Can you be sure you werent followed? What if they come back during the night and rape her? If you dont want to come for yourself, at least come for her. Shell be safer with me, and you know that.

You son of a bitch, Mia said softly. Dont tell me whats best for my sister. Ive been looking after her for thirteen years.

I thought she was about eight, he said, surprised. Mia shook her head. Shes thirteen, but she&hellip, she has cancer. The last doctor I took her to told me shes not going to see the next spring. She has gone into remission twice, but her body simply cant take another round of Chemo. He said shed probably be more comfortable at home.

She looked around her at the shabby disrepair and shook her head. He was wrong, wasnt he? I cant even give her a warm room.

Carter held out his arms and like a kid, Mia stood up and walked into his embrace. He said nothing as he held her, stroking her back with one big palm. Mia allowed herself to lean into him, to take the comfort he was offering her, to draw some strength from his closeness.

Finally she stepped away. Carter had no idea how right he was, how risky it would be to stay where they were. He knew only that shed been mugged, not that the men had been hired by her father, or that her body was covered in bruises that ached as if shed been in a train accident.

Come home with me tonight, he murmured. Or let me stay here. Ill sleep on the floor, or the chair. Just&hellip, Just dont ask me to leave you for the wolves. Because I cant do that.

She pulled away. I dont expect you to take care of me, she said. I cant ask it from you.

His face blanched. Is it because of my leg? he asked. I know Im not&hellip, what I used to be, but I assure you, Im still able to protect you from&hellip,

Its not your leg, she said and put a hand over his heart. I cant risk getting you involved in the clusterfuck that is my life at this stage.

Im offering you one evenings respite, Mia, he said. Thats it. Im not asking you to move in with me forever.

You dont even know me, she whispered, touched. Why would you want to do this for me?

He gave a small, crooked smile. How can I not? he asked simply. Helping you&hellip, it feels like breathing. I cant not do it.

Carter waited in the living room with two cups of coffee while Mia helped Nikita settle in the spare room they would be sharing while they were there. He had turned the heat up and the whole apartment was slowly getting warmer. Mia sat down on the couch across from him and took the cup he offered her.

Why dont you tell me where it hurts? he said, leaning back and crossing his ankles, the perfect model of relaxation. And please dont tell me its just that one place on your side. Ive been watching you all evening, and youre in pain.

All right, yes, but Im fine. Its just some bruises.

Show me, he said. Im a medic, remember?

Mia battled with her will for a moment before she stood up and started unbuttoning her coat with quick, business-like movements. Carter had something good and pure about him, something sweet and somehow innocent. It went deeper than just offering his home to two strangers. He wouldnt hurt her or her sister in any way. The goodness of him&hellip, It went all the way to his soul.

Oh, did she even have a soul anymore?

The thought made something fog over in her mind and her hands started to shake when she took the coat off and laid it over the back of the couch. Carter didnt move from his position as he watched her fingers curl over the bottom hem of her simple brown sweater. She did not, could not, look at his face while she pulled it up and over her head, wincing when the movement pulled at sore muscles and bruised flesh.

Carters mouth was so dry he almost expected a sandstorm to originate under his tongue. Watching Mia as she took off her clothes was an exercise in self-control, though there was nothing sexual about the way she undressed. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere, her stare blank and empty, as she untucked the second sweater from her pants and pulled it up. He watched the way she held her arms close to her body, trying to minimalize the pain, and felt like the worst kind of man for wanting her so much when she was suffering.

She was wearing only a cream-coloured, long-sleeved button-down blouse, but her fingers were trembling so badly she couldnt get the buttons through the holes. He watched her struggle with the bottom button for a while before he couldnt take another second of the slow torture.

Let me help you, he said, keeping his voice as gentle as he could. She nodded and let her arms fall to her sides. Carter put his cup down and stood up slowly, hoping that there was no visible evidence of the stirring in his lap. He gave a single step, and then he was in front of her. He searched her eyes, but there was no sign of fear or distrust in them. He looked down at his hands as he found the first button at the bottom. They felt unnaturally small under his big, suddenly-clumsy fingers. He tried to keep his breathing even as he managed to slip it through the little hole. His fingertips felt the coarse, starched material of her shirt as they stroked upwards to the next button. He undid it with an equal amount of fumbling, trying to remember that this was not a prelude to the horizontal tango.

He was halfway with the buttons when it happened. His finger slid under the material of her shirt and his knuckles skimmed over her skin. They both hissed in surprise and he looked up at her face for the first time since hed begun the unbuttoning. Her eyes were wide and dark, her lashes almost impossible long, casting little half-moon shadows over her cheeks. Her face was flushed a delicious shade of desire, her mouth slightly open. He watched the shimmering trail when she extended the tip of her tongue and wetted her lips unconsciously.

She wanted him.

Carter swallowed and forced himself to look away from her face. He tried to focus on the buttons, but saw only the little nubs of her hardened nipples swelling under her clothes.

Oh, dear &hellip,

He opened another button and realised that he had reached the one right under her breast. He swallowed convulsively and undid it. He felt her breasts pressing against the back of his hands. The material of her shirt strained very lightly against the swell of her breasts, and he had to pull the edges of the material closer to the middle to undo the button. It popped open, and then there was just one left. His fingers were trembling almost as much as hers had done, but somehow he got it through the little hole.

He pushed the edges of the shirt away, to the side, and braced himself for the sight of her body.

And then all thoughts of desire fled from his mind in an instant.

Bruises bloomed over her skin like an obscene painting of a tortured flower. Her torso was covered with them, and he could see the darker spots where they overlapped. Down her side was a trail of blue and black stains where she had been hit, repeatedly, by the same blunt object. Her lower abdomen looked better, but he was willing to bet there were a few cracked ribs under the welts that covered her skin.

Mia, he breathed, horrified. He sank down, mindless of his knee, and pressed his fingertips against the black bump on her hip. He tried to stay objective, willed his training to kick in, and waited for his heartbeat to calm down. He switched into medic mode, pressing against every bruise and testing her ribcage with care. She stood as still as a mouse, watching his movements with those big, sad eyes of hers. He asked her questions, peeled the shirt over her shoulders and off her arms. Her back looked even worse, if that was possible. It was a portrait, done in shades of agony.

But there was no sign of any broken bones, or ruptured organs. Whoever had done this had known exactly how much pressure and force to use, and had been careful to inflict only pain. There would be no lasting damage once the bruises faded.

Or not to her body, in any case.

Mia, he said hoarsely. This was a punishment beating, wasnt it?

She nodded.

What are you involved in? he asked, touching an unmarked spot under her bellybutton with one finger, as if he wanted to reassure them both that her body would heal.

I cant tell you, she whispered.

Is it drugs? he asked, brusquely. There were no needle marks on her arms, and though she was too thin, her skin wasnt the sallow colour of a user.

Nothing like that, she said, and for a moment she rested her hand on his head, her fingers stroking his hair like a beloved pet. Its just&hellip, an issue from my past. But Im handling it. Ive been handling it for years. Its under control.

He looked up at her, at the tired defiance in her shoulders. Who are you trying to convince? he asked and stood up. Come on, Ill put some ice on the worst bruises and give you some pain medication. You should actually see a doctor.

She lay down on the couch on her stomach, her arms forming a little nest for her face. No doctor, she said firmly, as he had known she would.

Mia swallowed the two tablets he gave her and winced when he put the frozen gel packs on her back. Her muscles seemed to tighten up in response. Carter murmured calming words and soft encouragements while he moved the ice packs around slowly. He was sitting on the couch next to her, and she shifted closer to the back to make a little more room for him. His hip pressed against hers and he delighted in the intimacy of it.

He admired the curve of her back, his gaze starting at the low-rise jeans she was wearing and ending at the nape of her neck, where little curls and wisps of baby-fine new hair covered her porcelain skin. His eyes were drawn again and again to the little dimple just above the hem of her jeans. One way or another, he was going to have his mouth on that little dip in her skin. When she was better. When she was better, and when she trusted him, he was going to make such sweet love to her that shell realise she cant live without him.

Turn around, he said after a while, and moved so that she could do that.

This will be even worse than your back, he warned. Ideally, you should take a cold bath.

Hell, no, she said and jerked when the ice pack touched her skin. Ouch, she said in a small voice.

Sorry, baby, Carter soothed and put the second pack on the other side. Just breath, it will settle down in a second.

She put one arm over her eyes, and Carter couldnt, for the very life of him, stop staring at her boobs. They were on the small side from being so underweight, but they were hers, and therefor they were perfect. The bra she had on had been designed for comfort and support, not seduction, but damn, if he wasnt feeling seduced anyway. Her skin broke out in goose flesh and like magnets, his eyes found her nipples. He watched them grow harder and wondered if she was aware of it, since she didnt make a move to cover them. He wanted to feel them under his fingers, roll each between a thumb and middle finger, wanted to put his mouth on her and taste the unique flavour of her skin.

Mia took her arm away from her face and looked at him. Carter, can I&hellip, Can I ask you another favour? she asked, her voice hesitant. As if there was anything he wouldnt do for her.

Of course, he said immediately.

Im afraid&hellip, I dont know how easy Ill sleep. I dont want to bother Nikita. She needs the rest so much. Can I&hellip, Can I sleep with you tonight? In your bed?

For a moment, all the wires in his brain seemed to fuse at the same time. He had never, not even once, allowed himself to hope for this. He imagined, for a second, how it would feel to go to sleep and wake up with her next to him. He would be a bastard and wait until she was asleep and then pull her into his arms, very careful not to wake her.

She seemed to misread his silence.

Its ok if you dont want to, she said quickly. Ill just sleep here on the couch. This is fine. I just&hellip,

Mia, he said, putting a finger on her lips to stop her. I would love it if you sleep in my bed tonight. Im not going to let you sleep on the couch. If youre uncomfortable with me, Ill sleep on the couch. But I would never let a guest do that. Especially not an injured one.

She closed her eyes, as if in relief. I just cant stand the thought of sleeping on my own tonight, she said in a small voice. Im always alone, always the one who needs to take responsibility. Im so tired. Im just so tired of being alone, Carter&hellip,

He wasnt sure how it happened, or who made the first move. Either he had bent down, or she had reached up and pulled him down, but the next moment he was bending his upper body over hers, his one hand holding onto the back of the couch to avoid pressing against her injured body. Her one hand cupped itself around his neck, holding his face in place as they kissed.

The first touch of her lips were like a spring rain in the middle of the desert. Soft and honey-sweet, hesitant and unsure. He could taste her awkward inexperience in her fumbled movements, but it did not bother him in the slightest. He rubbed his lips against her, a back and forth movement to soothe and excite. Her breathing was loud, but he could still hear the frantic beating of his own heart over it.

He had been hoping for and dreaming about this for so long that he wanted to savour every moment in case he woke up and found it had been nothing more than a figment of his subconscious.

He pressed his lips against the corner of her lips and lingered there for a few seconds before trailing over her mouth to the other side. He touched the tip of his tongue to the little dimple there, and she turned her head towards him, anxious for more. He pulled away and comforted them both by rubbing his check against hers. His day-old beard rasped lightly against his skin and he loved the feeling of it. He held his face there, breathing in the fragrance of her skin and her hair, before touching his lips against hers in a chaste kiss. She murmured something and tilted her head to the side again. He took the hint and gave her a single soft, sipping kiss. He slipped his tongue over the seam of her lips once, twice, and then she opened them for him. He didnt stick his tongue inside her mouth, instead teasing her further by taking her bottom lip between his and pulling it lightly. He sucked it into his mouth and slid his tongue over the smooth skin on the inside as he let it go.

She gave a soft moan and he awarded her with another lingering kiss. He tugged at her bottom lip again, this time using his teeth. Her fingers tightened around his neck, sliding up and into his hair. He changed the angle of his head and licked his way slowly into her mouth, swallowing her soft gasp when his tongue found hers. He stroked it once, and then used the tip of his tongue to explore her mouth. He slid his tongue out and tested her reaction. She moaned her dissent and he slipped it back in. She was ready for him this time, touching him back hesitantly. He advanced and retreated a few times, teasing her with an erotic display of what he wanted to do with her body. She whimpered and he could taste her urgency, so he deepened the kiss. He tried coaxing her tongue out of her mouth, but she was not experienced enough to know what he wanted.

Give me your tongue, he whispered against her lips. She didnt respond immediately and he pressed his mouth against her ear.
Your tongue, he said again, feeling the shiver that shuddered through her body when his breath tickled her. Put it in my mouth.

He licked a little trail back to her mouth and kissed her again, waiting patiently. After a few moments, he felt her warm, soft tongue against his lips. He surprised and shocked her by sucking it into his mouth with unexpected urgency. He kept it there, suckling rhythmically for a while. Her moan was one of pure need, a sentiment that echoed in the blood coursing through his body, fuelling his desire for her.

They made out like teenagers in the backseat of a car for a while, and as her confidence grew, so did her proficiency. He taught her what he liked, and showed her things he thought she might like. He forgot about everything the screaming pain in his knee from the twisted position it was in, her sister in the spare room, the fact that it had finally started snowing.

This was magic, he thought as she did something with her tongue that made him moan. His eyes were closed, but he opened them because he wanted to see her face.

She looked spectacular. Her hair was dishevelled and her face flushed. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, and she had a slightly red mark of beard burn on the side of her neck where hed nuzzled her.

Look at me, he said and she opened her eyes with obvious reluctance. Her lips were parted, hoping for more kisses. He almost obliged, but they had the whole night, or what was left of it in any case. She struggled to focus on him and he couldnt prevent the pure male smile of satisfaction. Her pupils were dilated by desire, her gaze glassy and impatient and dazed. He kept his eyes on hers when he cupped her ribs, ready for her to groan or gasp.

She did gasp, but because he was staring into her eyes at that second, not even he could mistake it for a sound of passion. Her eyes filled with pain and for the first time since his lips touched hers, he remembered about her injuries.

Shit! he said, pushing himself away from her and staring at her with horror. Mia, Im so sorry. I cant believe I forgot about your bruises. I lost my head completely. Im really sorry. Are you all right? How badly did I hurt you? Let me get new ice packs, Ill be right back&hellip,

Carter, Mia said. Stop. You didnt hurt me, and please dont get me another ice pack. Im begging you. Its too cold.

Im so sorry, Mia, Carter said. I shouldnt have kissed you like that. Please forgive me, I&hellip, It wont happen again. Youre just so lovely, and&hellip,

Its fine, she said, slowly pushing herself upright, wincing slightly. Look, it happened, and I can&hellip, I can understand if you dont want to do it again, so lets just&hellip, lets just go to sleep, if you dont mind.

Half an hour later, Mia settled in under the thick warm duvet with an added blanket over her. Carter hadnt come to his room yet, and she knew he was going to spend the night on his own couch. It felt strange, being in an empty bed that belonged to somebody else. She pummelled her pillow into a better shape and tried to lie down again. Her body was sore, despite the painkillers, and she wished Carter would come to her. She wanted to feel his heat, hear his breathing, maybe wait until hes asleep and roll over to lie against him. She wanted to lean against him to ease the ache, wanted to feel his arms around her.

Stop wishing for the moon, she told herself and turned on her back.

It was going to be a long night.

A week later, they were still with him, and Carter couldnt believe how happy he was. Mias wounds were healing slowly, but she refused to tell him what had happened. They havent kissed again after the first night, and she had moved back to the spare room with her sister. Every time she tried to mention the possibility of their moving back to their own apartment, he ruthlessly used Nikita as his winning argument on why they should stay.

Nikita was very sweet girl, but Carter could see her health failing with every passing day. He took her to another specialist who prescribed different medication that seemed to ease her pain. The doctor suggested a hospital, but Nikita cried at the idea, so they got all the necessary equipment to look after her at home.

He surprised both them by going out and buying Christmas decorations, something he had never owned in his life. For the first time in years, he felt at peace with himself. He loved Mia, and he had the patience to wait for her to fall in love with him as well.

You cant hang that ball there, Nikita said, rolling her eyes at him. She was cuddled around a teddy bear hot water bottle that he had bought for her, a thick blanket around her as she sat on the couch. Her face was pale but her smile radiant as she laughed. Theres another red one right next to it. Itll look stupid. You need a golden ball. Right, Mia?

Definitely, Mia agreed promptly and took the red ball from him. Dont you know anything about decorating a Christmas tree?

No, he grumbled, secretly pleased with the way Mias finger lingered against him when she took the offending ball. Ive never done this before, just so you know.

Why not? Nikita asked.

Carter was quiet for a few moments. My parents werent big into Christmas, he said. They did enjoy the sales on liquor that came with the season, but Nikita and Mia didnt need to know the sorry tale of his abusive childhood.

I cant remember our mother, Nikita said. She died in an accident when I was a baby, right, Mia?

Thats right, Mia said. Carter could hear the strain in her voice, but Nikita was oblivious.

But I remember our father. He was cruel and mean and I didnt like him. He also didnt put up Christmas trees. But Mia and I have always decorated, since we left the farm six years ago.

Six years ago, Carter realised, Mia had been about fifteen or sixteen. That was too early to leave home, and with a little sister in tow.

His gut clenched as more pieces of the puzzle fell into place before his eyes.

Nikita, Mia said, clearly desperate to change the subject. Youll never guess what Carter bought this morning.

What? Nikita asked, instantly diverted by the ideas of more goodies, as she referred to almost anything he brought home in a shopping bag.

Sparklers, Mia said. To burn on Christmas Eve. Were going to go out on the balcony and light them, what do you think about that?

It sounds like fun, Nikita said and gave a big yawn. Im really tired. I think Ill go take a nap. Ill see you again a bit later.

He kept hanging up random balls on the tree, waiting for Mia to come back from helping her sister.

When she did, he didnt look at her, wanting to give her space. Why do I get the feeling your father was behind your attack? he asked calmly, still not looking at her. She was quite for a moment before sighing.

He was. He wants me to come home and bring my sister with me. Its a power thing for him.

Carter stopped the pretence of decorating and stepped closer to her. Mia, its time you tell me the whole story. I know you dont owe me any explanations, and I wont push you on this, but I can help you. I have connections and friends. I can make it all go away. But I need to know whats going on.

I was born in Georgia, Mia said after a few minutes of awkward silence. My mom was married to a good man. The country was in the middle of a civil war, and my father was murdered one evening on his way home from work. I was about four. My mom got married a few months later to an American who was visiting the country on a tour through Europe. She needed money, desperately, and he made all sorts of promises. He brought us here my mom and I didnt have passports or visas, but he had friends who helped him get us here. He turned my mom in a sort of slave, I guess. She cooked and cleaned after him and his three brothers who lived with us. I guess he raped her, but I didnt know that until later. When I was ten, my mom got pregnant with Nikita, but she died from an accident a few months later.

Carter knew better than to interrupt, even though he already knew how the story would end. His heart was beating slow and painful in his chest

Mia sat down on the couch and played with the packing material of the decorations. I dont want to tell you the rest, she said quietly. But I need to. Its not pretty, ok? Its shit, and not pretty, and Ill understand if you never want to see me again when you know. But you deserve to know. You see, after she died, he forced me to take her place. I had to do the cooking and cleaning and everything. It all sort of&hellip, escalated. He raped me the first time when I was thirteen, and after that at least once or twice a week. And when I turned fifteen, he started looking at Nikita, and I&hellip, I couldnt let that happen. So, I waited till he and his brothers went out one evening, packed some things, grabbed my sister and ran away. We couldnt go to the police neither of us had any identification. I didnt know what would happen. We went from one city to the next. I pretended to be eighteen and got jobs in restaurants, waitering and washing dishes.

She twisted her fingers together in her lap. I was scared that they would send her back to him if they got to us, because he is an American citizen, and she is his daughter. I thought Id be deported back to Europe and never see her again. I just&hellip, I couldnt.

When did she get sick? Carter asked, letting the rest of the story go for the time being.

About three years ago, Mia said. The doctor told me then she wasnt going to live long, but she went into remission after the chemo. After a year she got sick again, and the chemo helped, but now&hellip,

She shook her head, her voice a broken whisper. Carter didnt know what to do. The specialist they took Nikita to had said the same thing as the previous doctor. There was no way her body could handle another round of chemo, and they should start preparing themselves.

It was hell on Mia.

He sat next to her and for the first time in a week, put his arm around her. She curled against him, hiding her face and her tears against the soft fleece of his sweatshirt.

Your stepfather&hellip, Is he involved in anything illegal?

She nodded. He thinks I dont know, but he is involved with a lot of smuggling.

Carter smiled. Im going to need an address for that farm, he said.

The morning before Christmas dawned bright with an almost cloudless sky for a change. Mia made pancakes and bacon while Carter entertained Nikita with a game of chess.

I have an early Christmas present for you, Carter told Mia once Nikita went to her room for a nap before the evening. He took the folded up newspaper article from his pocket and held it out to her. She looked mystified when she took it. He watched her expression while she read it. Her face grew whiter by degrees, and he watched her go back and re-read a few sentences over and over.

How did you do this? she whispered, her voice strangled. Her finger grew slack and he watched the cut-out article floating down to the ground, the photo of four men being arrested facing up.

I told you I have friends, he said. I used to be a SEAL, remember? My team came through for me. They always do, he added, feeling something in his chest lighten. His team would always be his team, no matter how crippled he was. Maybe it was time he moved back to the base and took up a teaching job.

Maybe it was time to start living again.

I dont know what to say, Mia said, dazed. She sank down on the couch and picked the paper up. I cant believe you did this for me. What&hellip, how did you do this?

I phoned my old commander, Carter said. He knew how important it was to me, so he called a few of his connections. They got a warrant to search the farm and found illegal weapons that your stepfather had been hired to smuggle out of the country. It was enough for an arrest. They cited the source as an anonymous tip and crumbled the whole organisation in a few days.

I dont know how to say thank you, Mia said. I mean&hellip, There are no words for this.

I wanted to go kill the bastard for what he did, Carter said. I wanted to rip his throat out with my bare hands. But calling in for back-up was the best way to deal with it.

I cant believe its over, Mia said. Will they need me to testify against him?

Carter hesitated. They might ask you to, he said. It might extend their sentence. It will definitely add years to your stepfathers. Raping, especially the raping of a minor, is a big deal. But you have to be sure you can deal with it. I wont let you do it if you dont want to.

Ill think about it, Mia said. I dont want to be haunted by it for the rest of my life. He stole everything from me my mom, my childhood, my innocence. When he raped me&hellip, He was usually drunk when he came to my room, and there was never any&hellip, any foreplay, or kisses or anything. It always, always hurt. Youre the first man I ever kissed, and&hellip, she swallowed, her face bright red. It felt good. And I want to do it again.

Carter sat down next to her she all but crawled onto his lap. He let his crutch fall on the ground and folded his arms around her. These past few weeks have been his idea of paradise. He loved taking care of her and Nikita, loved that they needed him. They didnt seem to realise how much he needed them in return, but he was working on that.

They sat like that for a long time, not talking. He rubbed her back and wished the clothes between them would melt away. He loved her so much it overwhelmed him. He was pretty sure she was in love with him too, but he couldnt be sure she was ready for anything more than friendship. Between her stepfathers abuse and Nikitas cancer, she had a lot to deal with. But he could, and would, be patient, until she learned to trust her heart and love him back.

They ate dinner by the lights of the Christmas tree and a few candles. It was snowing at last, a light dusting that promised a white Christmas in the morning. Nikita convinced them to exchange their gifts after dinner, rather than wait for morning. Mia and Carter were both inclined to give her whatever she wanted, so they agreed after a teasing argument.

Mia gave Nikita some new clothes and a few books she had bought with what was pretty much her last money. Carter gave her a silver charms bracelet with different charms and a little flower-shaped watch hanging from it. She exclaimed over her gifts, and Mia had to fight against the tears. Her sister was so much braver than she was, and it humbled her to see the young girl fight for every single day. She could see the fear in Nikitas eyes every time she went to bed, and knew her sister was afraid that she would not wake up again. But not once has Mia heard her say anything about her coming death. They all avoided the subject, as if talking about it would make it more real.

I have a gift for you too, Mia said shyly to Carter. Its not much, but I thought you might like it. I made it, she added when she handed him the small packet that shed hidden under the tree. He gave her a brilliant smile and seemed genuinely pleased when he opened it to find the scarf shed knitted in secret in her and Nikitas bedroom. She wasnt much of a knitter, but her mother had taught her when she was young and she had bought the wool and needles when she went shopping for Nikitas present. It was pretty lopsided and uneven, but he wound it around his neck anyway. Mia knew he would wear it to please her, and she gave him a shy smile.

Dont you have something for Mia? Nikita asked with the innocence of a child.

Mia blushed. He already gave me something, she said. He had given her so much more than shed ever expected or hoped for. She wondered if he had any idea how much it all meant to her the way he took care of her sister, the fact that he was going to so much trouble to make it a lovely Christmas, with the tree and the gifts and the laughter. He had given her the freedom she has never had before.

He had given her a reason to go on living after Nikita passed away, because she loved him.

Oh, but she loved him so much.

I do have a gift for you, Carter said. Wait here. Ill be right back. It is in my room.

But you didnt have to&hellip, she protested, but he just grinned and grabbed his crutch, limping to his bedroom. He came back a few seconds later, his hand behind his back.

Close your eyes, he said and she obeyed him dutifully. She sensed him coming closer and then there was something on her lap, something soft and furry and light.

She opened her eyes and blinked. Oh, she breathed. It was a little kitten, grey and playful and utterly sweet. Nikita squealed in delight from her position next to Mia.

She needs a home, Carter said. And a name. I was thinking Faith or Hope of Love, but you can pick something else.

I like Hope, Mia said and nuzzled the soft bundle in her neck. She handed her to Nikita and got up to go hug Carter, but he tripped her with a clever manoeuvre of his crutch and she fell against him, where he grabbed her and kissed her soundly before letting her go.

She blushed a little as she returned to the couch, but there was a warm spot inside her that somehow lighted up all the dark spaces shes ever known.

Can we take her with us to go light the sparklers? Nikita asked.

I cant see why not, Carter said. Just keep her inside the blanket with you.

He got the sparklers and a box of matches and they all went out on the balcony. Mia he