“He’s right,” Carter said softly. “I don’t want to hurt you, Ashley…not again.” I clenched my teeth so hard, it hurt my jaw, and I released my human-shield hug to give us both a bit of breathing room. “Carter Bassington Junior, if you call me Ashley one more time instead of Spark, I will use Royce’s little knife to cut the name into your arm so you never forget it. Am I clear?” He blinked at me, stunned. Then he nodded slightly. “Yes, ma’am,” he murmured. I narrowed my eyes in a warning glare, and he amended his response. “Yes, Spark. Understood.”
