<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">"I won't," Asa assured. He had no intention of touching the owner. Even if he was somewhat perturbed with her having almost let something of this magnitude happen in her establishment. From what Carter said, she'd helped. So no, he wouldn't touch the owner. The men who'd drugged Carter though, were a different story. But he wouldn't trouble Carter with that. Not tonight at least.  As Carter was starting to understand, actions did indeed have consequences. And the lesson wasn't over yet. <br/>
<br/>
Asa ignored Carter's grumbling of not being sleepy, though he did give the other a knowing look as he slipped from the other's futile hold. The endearing pout from the other drew a low chuckle from Asa, his amusement only growing at how quickly it transformed on him announcing Carter could sleep here. "Yes, here." He tossed the other's shoes and soiled clothes into a haphazard pile next to the bed. The staff would take care of it in the morning. He shook his head in answer to Carter's question, "No, not tonight. I have things to take care of." But Asa didn't immediately go, waiting until Carter had drifted off, his breathing soft and even before he silently slipped out of the room. In the dimly lit halls he let the staff not to disturb the boy. It was clear they were worried and Asa found a greater appreciation for the people that worked for him. It was one thing to look after Carter, he was handful and a half on a good day. But their genuine worry made it clear that Asa had done well in choosing who he entrusted to look after Carter when he was away. He didn't even blame them for Carter having slipped out from right under their noses. Carter had always been the sneaky sort.<br/>
<br/>
Come late morning, Asa was back home after having spent the long hours of the night in town. Max would nod a silent greeting as Carter descended the stairs, before he gestured to the living room, his expression perplexed. <br/>
<br/>
Carter would find Asa in the living room, talking on the phone, a half empty glass of red wine sat on the stone mantelpiece over the fireplace. Asa would raise a hand when he caught sight of Carter, in a silent command to give him a second. A few moments later of mostly listening to angry rant on the other end, he hung up, tossing phone away, where it landed softly on the couch. <br/>
<br/>
Asa searched Carter for any signs of physical distress, stepping close and taking his face gently in his hands, "How are you feeling?" He had no other reason to touch him other then he wanted to. Ever since last night, Asa was finding increasingly difficult to keep his hands to himself.</span>