33. Scarlett
Chapter thirty-three
Scarlett
A fter getting checked over by the doctor, with Leo by my side the whole time, and then soaking in the tub with him, retelling everything I remembered from tonight, he lifted me in his arms and walked us outside to my favorite spot.
Laying me down on the gigantic bed swing, he turns on the nearby patio heater and then takes the place beside me, pulling me against his chest.
His hold on me feels unbreakable.
We lie there in silence for a few minutes, listening to the lull of the water and the crickets nearby. The patio heater beside us keeps us toasty warm under the midnight sky. And as I take a deep breath, inhaling Leo’s comforting scent, I feel genuinely at peace for the first time in a long time.
“I’m so sorry, Scarlett.”
I sit up, taken aback at seeing Leo’s sorrowful dark eyes. “For what?”
“For everything.” He drags a hand over his face, closing his eyes. “I should have known. I should have paid better attention. I should have seen the signs.” He shakes his head, frustrated. “Because of me, you ended up right back into the monster’s hands, and he could have… He could have…”
He lets his words hang in the air, his face pinching together in anguish.
“But he didn’t.” I frame his cheek, grazing my palm against his stubble. “You can’t keep me protected in a plastic bubble. That’s not the kind of life I want to live.”
“I would never—”
“I know.” I smile, tracing his bottom lip. “Leo, you saved me in more ways than I can ever tell you.” I look up at the stars when I say, “Every time I needed to mentally escape my surroundings when I was trapped with…Dolion.” A tremor runs down my spine. I don’t think I’ll ever get over that Le Diable, a faceless monster, was merely just a man—a psychotic one, at that, but still just a man. “Well, I escaped here with you. To the Alarie Estate.” I give a slight shrug. “I used to envision all those times we would run around the property, collecting fireflies. We wouldn’t leave until we had a full jar, and then we’d open the lid and watch them fly around us. It was so beautiful. And I just remember being so happy in those moments.” My lips curve up. “I assume that’s why you call me Firefly, right?”
He shakes his head, his fingers threading through my hair. “No.” A beautiful smile graces his face as his hand rests on my lower back. “I call you Firefly because you’ve always been my light in the dark.”
My heart swells as butterflies swarm my stomach. I roll in my bottom lip, fighting back tears that want to escape.
“Take off your wedding band,” he says softly.
My brows draw together. “Why?”
He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear, his face softening under the moonlight. “Please.”
I twist at the elegant platinum band engulfed in diamonds until it slides off my finger. It’s the first time I’ve taken it off, and suddenly, I feel lost without it on. I hold it in the palm of my hand, careful not to drop it.
“Now, look inside it,” he instructs.
My face scrunches in confusion until I bring the ring to my eyes and see an engravement. My eyes narrow in on the tiny print, and a gasp escapes between my lips.
“What does it say?” He slides his hands up and down my spine, caressing each spot, especially where the scars reside.
I clear my throat, no longer able to keep the tears at bay. The tip of my nose stings as my chest tightens. “My wife. My everything. My firefly.” An onslaught of tears cascades down my cheeks, and Leo leans forward, pressing a tender kiss on each one. “The day you found me… I didn’t want to be here anymore,” I confess for the first time, my voice somber. His hand freezes in place, his chest beneath me stills. “I never imagined anyone would be looking for me, so I had given up on myself. I had lost all the hope in my heart.”
“Scarlett…”
“But then you came for me,” I say. “You never gave up on me. And at that moment in your arms, I had never felt safer and more loved in my life.” I shake my head, my eyes downcast. “I didn’t know at the time that it was you, but I did know whoever was holding me was never going to let go of me.” My finger traces a circle on his bare chest. “So, when your mother came to me with the idea of marrying you for my safety, it was a no-brainer for me. Because Leo…” I meet his eyes and admit, “I’ve loved you my whole life. I never stopped. Not once.”
I feel a weight lift off my chest from releasing those words. My heart swells, feeling so unbelievably full, all thanks to the man beside me.
His thumb runs across my cheek to catch each tear as he waits for me to continue. “After everything that happened to me, I thought… I thought I was destined for a lonely life—one where I would never feel…normal again. But you never gave up on me. Not once.” I sniffle, blinking back tears. “You helped me heal with your patience and love. You showed me the strength I’ve had within me this whole time. I just needed some help to see it.” I roll in my bottom lip. “So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, there’s no one I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you. My heart…” I let out a shaky breath. “It beats only for you.”
Leo sits up, taking me in his arms. His lips crash against mine, consuming me whole. Raw and hungry. He pulls back, breathing hard as he rolls his forehead against mine. “I would search for you until my last second on this earth.” His lips press to mine, gently this time, savoring every second. “You are the reason for my existence. You are the only one who keeps my heart beating. You are my whole world, Scarlett Alarie.” He takes my ring from my hand and gently slides it on my finger where it belongs. “My wife. My everything. My firefly.” His lips brush over my cheek and then glide down to my neck, grazing over my racing pulse. “There has never been anyone else in my heart but you. Only you.”
A sob escapes me, an overwhelming feeling of emotions consuming me.
From the years we lost together.
From knowing everything this man would do for me.
From the love I feel for him, and he feels for me.
It’s too much.
But at the same time, it’s not enough.
“I love you, Leo,” I whisper against his lips.
“I love you, Scarlett.”
In one swift move, Leo rolls us over until he has me pinned beneath him. His lips trail down my neck, sucking, nipping, and kissing, sending me into a frenzy of lust. His hands grasp my waist as I wrap my legs around him, tugging him closer to me.
Feeling his hardened length rub against my center has me whimpering. My nails dig into his shoulders as I lift my hips, seeking more of that delicious friction. My clit rubs against him, igniting a rhythm of pleasure between my legs.
His fingers hook around the bottom of my nightie, pulling it up my waist and over my chest. My nipples instantly harden under his gaze, a cool chill in the air caressing my bare skin. Tingles spread over my skin as his tongue sneaks out, swiping over a nipple before he wraps his lips around it, sucking down hard.
“Oh God.” I let out a breathy moan, my fingers curling in his hair. He repeats his ministrations to the other side, sending a shock of electricity to my core. I increase my pace, grinding harder and faster, feeling ravenous for him.
But it’s not enough.
I need more.
“Tell me what you want, baby,” he murmurs against my skin.
“You,” I pant, feeling on the precipice of spiraling.
With ease, he removes my nightie over my head, tossing it to the side. His hand reaches between us, cupping my pussy over my panties, stirring warmth within me.
“These need to go,” he breathes, sliding down my body.
My legs splay open for him as he situates himself between them, gazing down at me. There’s no shame. No embarrassment. Only unrestrained want and desire. His lips press down on the fabric right over my slit, and I arch into him, silently begging for whatever he’ll give me.
“My wife is so needy.” His lips curve up into a devilish smile. “It’s a good thing she has me to please her.”
His thumbs hook under the lace, dragging it slowly down my thighs, around my knees and calves, and over my toes, leaving me completely naked.
My chest heaves. My heart thunders. And my pussy aches.
Suddenly, he leans down, pressing his face against my center, inhaling my scent before he licks one languid straight line, ending on my bundle of nerves with a flick from his tongue. My lips form a circle as my hands press down beside me.
“So fucking delicious,” he murmurs before burying his head between my legs, feasting on me like a man who just found water in the desert. He sends my body into a state of euphoria, his tongue lapping up my arousal at a maddening pace, his hands grasping my thighs, keeping me in place as I shake against him. He doesn’t bother coming up for air, not stopping even when my thighs strapped around his ears begin to tremble.
“I’m going… I’m going to…come!” I scream as his lips suck on my clit, sending a tremor of vibrations through me. My body arches off the cushion, exploding from pleasure, the orgasm rolling through me with no end in sight. Maybe it’s minutes or maybe it’s hours, but when I come to, I find Leo observing me, his eyes full of warmth.
“You’re so goddamn beautiful when you come,” he says, his knuckles stroking my cheek.
A flush spreads over my cheeks as I press my hand to his chest, his heart beating as fast as mine. “Show me who I belong to.”
He doesn’t hesitate as he stands, removing his pants. His cock bobs up, hard and thick. Precum drips from the tip, and my tongue swipes over my bottom lip, demanding to taste him.
My eyes wander all over him. From his chiseled chest. The intricate ink. His thick thighs. He’s a god in his own right. Perfect. Magnificent. Mine.
Slowly, he strokes himself, and that satisfied arousal between my legs sparks to life, eager for more. Sitting up, I reach for him, my fingers wrapping over his.
“Let me,” I say.
He removes his hand and steps closer. I kneel before him, placing my head level with his cock. His hand glides over the top of my head and down my neck, gently squeezing reassuringly.
I brush my lips across his tip and poke my tongue out to lick, savoring the salty taste.
“Fuck,” he groans.
Without pause, I lean forward, wrapping my lips around his cock, sliding it down my throat as far as it will go. I place my hands on his thighs as I begin bobbing my head, sucking him off with just the right amount of pressure.
“God, that feels so fucking good,” he praises me, sending a pool of wetness between my legs.
I use my tongue to massage under the head of his cock, twirling and swirling it around.
He looks down at me in awe, cupping my cheek. “You look so fucking pretty on your knees for me, baby.” His thumb runs over my bottom lip. “But the only place I’m coming tonight is in your sweet pussy.” He pulls out of my lips, leaving me panting and ready for more. “It’s time to show you who you belong to, Firefly. Who you’ve always belonged to.”
His lips crash down over mine. His hand presses into my chest, gently pushing me back down. I lie beneath him, my legs spreading wide open for him, watching as he positions himself at my soaked entrance.
For a moment, our eyes meet, and nothing else in the world exists. It’s only him and me.
And then he plunges deep within me, sinking all the way inside. My eyes seal shut as I relish the feel of him. It’s pure, unfiltered ecstasy. Everything my body craves and needs.
He begins to move, thrusting in and out, never letting up. I wrap my legs around him, latching my ankles together as I take everything he gives me. The tip of his cock hits that special spot, over and over again, and it doesn’t take long for that familiar buildup of pleasure to overtake me.
“Look at me,” Leo demands, his eyes boring into mine. “I want to see those beautiful sapphires when you come with your husband’s cock inside you.” He sneaks his hand between us, two of his fingers rubbing ferociously over my clit, giving me exactly what I need to unravel beneath him.
With his eyes on me, I scream his name, shattering into a million broken pieces. As I tremble deliciously, waiting to float back to the surface, the orgasm fades, leaving me in a state of blissfulness.
Leo slams into me faster and harder, groaning out in pleasure. His movements become jerky and unsteady as he spills inside me, coming with such intensity. He collapses against me, burying his head into the crook of my neck. Both of us pant wildly, sweat coating our skin. I turn my head to the side, his lips finding mine in an all-consuming, never-ending kiss.
And as we hold each other beneath the stars, fiercely and with so much love, I truly feel it.
I am his.
And he is mine.
My lids flutter open, and I find myself in our bed, which Leo must have brought me up to at some point during the night. As I sit up, holding the blanket to my chest, Leo walks out of the bathroom with nothing but a white towel wrapped around his sculpted torso. I bite my bottom lip, feeling heat tinge my cheeks.
“Good morning, Mrs. Alarie.” He sits beside me, his hand lightly gripping my chin as he pulls me toward him and presses his lips to mine.
“Mmm… Good morning, Mr. Alarie.”
“How are you feeling?” He eyes me, ensuring nothing was overlooked last night.
“Maybe just a little sore,” I admit with a slight shrug. “But that’s probably from other activities…” I arch a brow, showing a teasing smile.
“My apologies.” He smirks, leaning in to kiss my neck. “I just can’t get enough of your moans when my cock is buried deep inside you, making you come over.” Kiss. “And over.” Kiss. “And over again.” I tilt my neck to the side, giving him plenty of room as his tongue snakes up my skin, sending a shiver over me. “I’ll have to make it up to you.”
“Yes, I think—”
Suddenly, voices filter into the room, sounding like they’re coming from downstairs.
“Who’s here?” I ask, clutching the blanket tighter to my chest.
Leo rolls his eyes and stares up at the ceiling. “Unfortunately, everyone.”
“Everyone?” My eyes widen as a smirk takes root. “Even Maddy and Eli?”
“Even Maddy and Eli.” He grins. “They’re both fine. Eli got out of surgery only a few hours ago, so he might be a little groggy on pain meds, but he insisted on coming over. I think he wants to see for himself that you’re okay. And Madeleine had a cut on her temple stitched up, but she’s in good spirits, considering everything.”
I roll in my bottom lip, placing my hand against his chest. “You mean to tell me you let your whole family into your house?”
“Against my better judgment.” He grins. “And it’s our house.” He brushes back a loose strand of my hair, tucking it behind my ear. “But I knew it would make you happy.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him toward me. “What did I do to deserve you?”
His lips press against mine. “It is me who should be asking that.” His hand finds my bare thigh and skims up the inside. “Maybe we have a few minutes—”
“Don’t even think about it. We are not having sex with your whole family downstairs.” I swat at his chest as he playfully gathers me up in his arms and throws me on the center of the bed. He prowls over me, kissing his way up my naked body, revving up the engine between my legs.
He looks up at me as he presses a kiss to my core. “You’re probably right, Firefly. Wouldn’t want them to hear us.” He stands, looking down at me with mischief in his eyes, knowing exactly what he just did to me.
My breaths come out uneven and choppy, my chest heaving. “Well, maybe if we’re quiet and—”
It’s the only invitation he needs before positioning himself on top of me, spending the next hour making me come over and over and over again.
After my morning wake-up call, Leo and I hurry down the stairs, showered and dressed, with Brutus by our side, to be greeted by a room filled with familiar faces.
Mrs. Alarie, Vin, Mauro, Alex, Maddy, Alina, and Eli.
“Scarlett!” Mrs. Alarie holds her arms out for me as she approaches, wrapping me up in her motherly embrace. “I’m so relieved that you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. Just a little shaken up,” I confess.
She gives me a warm smile as we part, her eyes misting. “As soon as I got a call from Vincenzo, I headed straight home from France. I just needed to be with my family.”
Maddy steps by her mother, attaching herself to me. I tighten my hold on her as she sobs into my shoulder, causing me to cry in return. We don’t speak as we stand there, clinging to one another.
A throat clears, and we both turn our heads to see Alina. “Got room for one more?”
We laugh, making room for her to join. And as the three of us hold on to each other for dear life, I can’t help but think how thankful I am to have these two back in my life.
Once we separate, I make my way to everyone else. Hugging Alex, Vin, and Mauro. Feeling unbelievably thankful that nothing serious happened to them last night. They’re the brothers I never had but always needed in my life. And whether they like it or not, I’m officially their sister until the end of time.
Although, I’m pretty sure they approve of that.
“Got one more hug for me?”
I spin on my heels, finding Eli a little worse for wear. His left arm is in a sling with bandages peeking beneath his shirt, and his eyes appear exhausted.
He runs his fingers through his hair, staring down at the ground. “I can’t begin to say how sorry I am for sending you straight into Dolion’s hands.” He shakes his head. “I never should have—”
I shut him up with a hug, careful to avoid his injury. “You did everything you could to keep me safe. And I don’t want anyone to blame themselves for what happened, least of all you, who has been keeping a protective eye on me when Leo isn’t around.” I pull back, smiling. “I want to leave Dolion in the past. He doesn’t deserve any of our time in the future. Don’t you think?”
His lips curve up, his shoulders dropping in relief. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”
Leo’s arm slips around my waist, tugging me to his side. His lips press down on my temple. “You’re so damn strong.”
Brutus nudges my thigh with his head, and I instinctively reach down to scratch behind his ears as he sits beside me.
I look around the room, a smile gracing my lips. I was raised as an only child with a mother who left me too soon and a father who terrified me. But now, here I stand, with not only a husband by my side but also a sister, a friend, four brothers, and a second mother.
“Only because of each and every single person in this room without whom I wouldn’t be here today.” My heart swells with a wealth of love that surges through me as I say, “My family.”