13. Scarlett
Chapter thirteen
Scarlett
W ith an exhausted sigh, I open my bedroom door, ready for another sleepless night. Sleeping alone in this massive house for the past few nights has left my nerves fried. And I know Leo told me to call him for anything, but I don’t want to bother him with this. Admitting to him at twenty-four years old that I’m scared of the dark would make me feel embarrassed and weak. Maybe even a touch pathetic.
Rubbing my eyes, I stare at the light switch and reach my hand toward it, knowing I should turn it off. To be a normal human being and sleep in the dark. But I can’t. I just…can’t.
“What is wrong with me?” I murmur, defeated, dropping my hand to my side.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Mauro
A gift for you from Leo was just dropped off. Would you like me to bring it inside?
A gift? I step toward my window and draw back the curtain to see a shiny black SUV pulling away.
Scarlett
I'll meet you at the front door.
As I take the last step down the stairs, Mauro strides inside. He gives me a curt nod and holds out a small black box wrapped with a white ribbon. I hesitantly reach for it, remembering that the last thing delivered to me was not from Leo as I thought it had been.
“Is this really from Leo this time?”
He pulls out his phone with his free hand and quickly types before turning it toward me.
Mauro
The man who dropped it off is in charge of the jewelry for the whole family. He is trusted and very loyal to our family.
My eyes widen. Jewelry?
I take the box from him, holding it carefully in my grasp. “Well…” I hike my thumb over my shoulder. “I’m going to head to bed.” He nods in understanding, halfway turned out the door when I say, “I’m sorry you have to spend your night babysitting me.”
He shakes his head and types on his phone.
Mauro
You’re a sister to me, Scarlett. Always have been. We will all do whatever it takes to keep you safe.
I roll my bottom lip in, feeling my throat tighten. “Thanks, Mauro.” He smiles and turns out the door, leaving me to return to my room.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I suddenly feel like a kid on my birthday as I stare at the wrapped box. I cradle it in the palm of my hands, unsure of what’s hiding inside. Why would Leo have gotten me a gift? Christmas is a few months away, and my birthday is even further than that. Curiosity wins as I delicately pull the end of the ribbon and watch as it comes apart, tumbling gracefully to the floor. I glide my finger around the top of the box, carefully lifting the cover. Peeking inside, my eyes catch on an array of vibrant stones glinting beautifully.
Completely removing the lid, I find a… “Oh my God,” I breathe.
I place the box beside me and gently pull out the contents, examining it before me. It’s a firefly—a crystal firefly adorned with a kaleidoscope of blue, pink, purple, and green gems. The wings are designed in translucent stones and on the back… I freeze, my heart crashing against my rib cage.
With shaking fingers, I turn the firefly over just as a quiet gasp leaves my throat.
“It’s…a nightlight,” I whisper, my finger trailing around the bulb attached to the back. A single tear slides down my cheek as the corners of my lips lift. “He got me a nightlight.”
A soft laugh escapes me. Most women in my position might expect diamond necklaces, red-bottom shoes, or luxury cars. But this gift… I shake my head in a mix of disbelief and gratitude. This gift, this simple nightlight, means more to me than any material possession ever could.
With an unstable hand, I reach toward the closest outlet by my bed and plug in my gift. Then, with a little “I can do this” mantra and a deep breath, I shut off the bedroom light. My eyes are met with a treat as the stones shine over the room, eliciting a rainbow of colors.
Tears fill my eyes. I lie back on my bed, my head resting on my pillow, pulling the covers over my legs. I stare at the ceiling, getting lost in a beautiful sea of colors. For the first time in months, I don’t feel so scared of the darkness surrounding me as I drift off to sleep, escaping to my favorite memory.
SEVEN YEARS AGO
A summer breeze rolls in as the sun begins its daily descent, producing a sky of soft pinks that put any painting to shame. I smooth out the blanket beside me, hoping he might come tonight. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen him, and the last time I did, we were surrounded by everyone we know, pretending we haven’t been sneaking around with each other behind their backs with secret kisses, rushed glances, and hidden touches.
But tonight, he’ll come. I can feel it in my heart.
Leo Alarie will always come for me.
As children, we came here with the others to catch fireflies, have water balloon fights, or take an afternoon dip in the lake. But as we all grew, fewer people started venturing this far out until it dwindled to only me and him. Not that I would ever complain about that.
This place became my escape. Somewhere, I would spend my nights hiding from the world with a good book on my lap, particularly on nights when my father would come home in a frightening mood. I never wanted to be home on those nights.
A shiver of terror runs through me just from thinking about his brute strength.
A few days ago was a perfect example of this. It was probably the angriest I’ve ever witnessed him. After he started destroying furniture and wishing he weren’t stuck with a worthless daughter like me, I snuck up to my room, out the window, down the terrace, and began my hike to this spot where I spent the night curled up against this tree, not leaving until the sun rose.
I check the time on my phone, and disappointment fills me. Maybe he’s not coming tonight. I let out a frustrated sigh, staring up at the night sky. Darkness sweeps over the land, with only the stars and the moon providing any light source.
I lean against the tree, close my eyes, and listen to the crickets and the soothing resonance of the little waterfall in the nearby creek. A snap of a twig opens my eyes, landing on the man I’ve been waiting for. A heartbreaking smile appears on his face, sending warmth flowing through me.
A smile pulls at the corners of my lips. “You came.”
He walks closer and then sits on the spot beside me. I notice this time that something feels different. There’s a shift in the air as his thigh touches mine, and he makes no motion to move away.
“I came, Firefly.”
“You know, being referred to as an insect isn’t very romantic.”
He smirks. “I think it fits you perfectly.” His hand reaches out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. A slight tremble rolls through me at his touch. The proximity between us feels almost too close, but at the same time, not close enough.
I swallow nervously as his fingers trail down my neck. “I wasn’t sure you were going to come tonight.”
He leans closer, his nose brushing against my cheek. “Why?”
My breaths become soft pants as his lips press against my skin, gliding down my neck. “It’s just been a while since I’ve seen you. I thought maybe you got bored with me or something.” The moment the words leave my mouth, I instantly regret how pitiful I sound.
He stills and pulls back, boring his dark whiskey eyes into mine. “I’m sorry for making you second-guess things. My father has been keeping me busy teaching me the ways of the family business.” His fingers loop around the ends of my hair, rubbing it between his fingers. “You have it wrong, Firefly. Life is boring without you. Not the other way around.”
Although his words ease my mind, I suddenly realize how exhausted he looks, adding a whole new set of worries to my thoughts. My fingers reach out, and my thumb traces the dark circles under his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes and no.” He slides his arm behind me, and I curl into his side. “We’ve been dealing with more problems than usual this week. My father took Vin and a few men with him somewhere a few nights ago, and when they came back, well, I’ve never seen them so lost in their heads.” He stares up at the sky. “Neither of them has spoken of what happened, but I know it wasn’t good. And in a few hours, Mauro and I need to go with him to our warehouse to check on a shipment of weapons that was delivered. My father received an anonymous tip that it may have been tampered with.”
My brows scrunch together. “Who would tamper with it?”
“No clue. Maybe he’s just being overly cautious. But he’s taking the threat seriously.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know how to explain it, but something has felt off recently. It’s like he hasn’t told us what’s really been going on. And I can’t help but think that something big is coming.”
A shiver rolls through me, and Leo’s grip around me tightens.
I look up at him, worry eating away at me. “If something were to happen to you…”
“It won’t.” He tries to give me a reassuring smile, but it doesn’t ease my nerves. I glance down at my lap, nervous he’ll see right through me. To be a part of this life, you need to be strong. Something I’m not feeling at this moment. “Hey.” He hooks a finger under my chin, tilting my face up toward him. “You’re scared for me, aren’t you?”
I solemnly nod, feeling my eyes mist over. “I can’t lose you.”
He leans closer, his lips only an inch away from mine.
God, how I’ve missed this.
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not going anywhere.” His lips press down on my temple and then brush across my skin. “I was thinking tomorrow, we could let everyone know about us.”
My heart hammers in my chest as butterflies overrun my stomach. “You…you mean, like, make it official?”
“Yeah.” His thumb glides back and forth across my bottom lip, his eyes darkening. “I think we’ve kept this secret for long enough. It’s time everyone knows that you’re mine.”
“Yours,” I breathe. “I like the sound of that.”
His lips crash down on mine, demanding entry as he consumes me. Body and soul. His hand cups the back of my head as his other hand finds my waist, tugging me against his body. My arms wrap around his neck as I greedily devour him.
One kiss is never enough. I always need more and more. He’s like a drug I never want to quit—my secret addiction.
His hands slide down my waist to my bare thighs, his fingers skimming under my pink dress.
“Leo,” I say breathlessly.
He pulls back, his eyes searching my face. “Should I stop?”
I quickly shake my head. “Please don’t.”
His lips return to mine, his hand sliding further up my leg. We’ve never done more than kiss, and he’s always seemed content with that, but right now, he needs more.
And so do I.
The pads of his fingers graze the lace fabric between my thighs, and on instinct, I spread my legs, allowing him access to all of me for the first time.
Leo groans in satisfaction as his fingers travel down my center and press against the damp fabric. “So wet for me.” His lips glide across my neck, nipping and sucking a path to my collarbone as he tugs my panties to the side. A slight breeze hits me, and a pounding grows in my core. A whimper leaves my throat as his index finger slowly slides between my slit, back and forth.
“Have you ever been touched, Firefly?”
I shake my head, unable to form words, and drown in a haze of desire. Leo appears pleased by my answer, and suddenly, I feel the tip of his finger breach my entrance, swirling slowly inside me. It’s not a lot of pressure. Nothing I can’t handle, but it’s enough to make me moan. My whole body burns with unbridled need beneath his touch, and I revel in the intense pleasure overcoming me.
“Spread those legs wider for me, baby.”
Without hesitation, I do, seeking to please him. His finger dives inside me, catching me off guard. “Leo!” I grip his shoulders, my nails digging into his white T-shirt. The feeling building between my legs is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The palm of his hand rests over my clit, gently providing just the right amount of pressure I need, driving me closer and closer to the brink of eruption.
But I want more.
I need more.
I want all of him.
“Leo,” I pant.
“Yes?”
“I want you.” He pumps faster, and I can barely think straight. “I want…all of you.”
His hand freezes as he stills above me. I instantly miss his ministrations, feeling the orgasm drifting away. My chest heaves, and my eyes lock with his, waiting. Every second passing makes me feel a little more vulnerable than before. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for more…
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” He cups my cheek, staring intently into my eyes.
And just as I’m on the verge of getting lost in them, I nod. “I’ve never wanted anything more.”
He kisses my temple. “I’ll always give you whatever you want. You know that.”
My heart pitter-patters, a mixture of nerves and excitement filling me.
“It might hurt a little,” he says softly. “I need you to tell me if you need me to stop. Okay?”
“Okay.” I bite down on my bottom lip as a flush spreads over my cheeks.
He presses his lips to mine with so much tenderness I melt beneath him. My fingers grip the hem of his T-shirt, sliding it up his torso, and I watch as he tugs the rest of it off, revealing a finely tuned masterpiece. Reaching out, I trace the tattoos on his chest, admiring his body like a beautiful painting. My fingers glide lower, traveling over every rugged ridge and contour on his stomach, pausing when I reach the denim waistband.
He smiles and leans down. “Someone has no patience.”
I lick my lips. “I just…” I let out a rush of air; courage fills me as I splay my hand over the bulge between his legs. He’s hard. So goddamn hard. And big. Leo groans as I inch my hand around, taking note of his thickness. Yep, definitely big. “I feel like I’ve wanted this forever. And now it’s finally happening.”
He brushes his lips over mine, slightly hissing when I apply just the right amount of pressure. “You aren’t the only one feeling this way.”
“Really?”
He grabs the hem of my dress and begins to slide it up my body. “Really.”
I sit up, lifting my arms in the air as he pulls the dress off of my body, leaving me in just my pink matching panties and bra. His eyes wander appreciatively over every square inch of me, seeming ready to devour me.
With shaky fingers, I reach behind me and unclasp my bra, letting the straps slide down my arms. His eyes darken. A muscle in his jaw ticks. And before I lose my courage, I reach down toward my panties, but he stops me.
“Let me.” The palm of his hand softly presses into my stomach as he gently pushes me back onto the blanket. I lie and wait as he settles between my legs, anticipation mounting in my core. A steady pulse vibrates between my legs, my body craving everything he’s about to give me. With both of his hands, he tucks his index fingers under the lace that resides over my hips and then slowly slides it down my legs.
Lying here utterly naked before him, I feel every nerve ending heightened. I feel every spot his eyes engrave into his memory. I feel every breeze caress my skin. I feel wetness drip down my thighs.
I feel every goddamn thing.
“You are a sight to treasure, Scarlett. One I truly don’t deserve.”
Not knowing what I’m supposed to do, I remain still, my chest heaving as my heart spins out of control. I watch him stand with so much control, his eyes never leaving me as he unbuttons his jeans and then lets them and his underwear fall to his ankles, stepping out of them.
A small gasp escapes me. He’s thick and long. Hard and veiny. My mouth waters. My pussy flutters. The only problem is that there is no way it’s going to fit.
It’s physically not possible.
He immediately takes in my worried features and lies beside me, soothingly gliding his hand over my stomach. “If you want to stop, we can.”
I shake my head. “No. I want this. I’m just…nervous.”
He gives me an affectionate smile, his finger circling my belly button. “I’m nervous, too.”
“You are?” Knowing this, I instantly feel relieved that I’m not alone in this.
“Of course.” He slides his hand up my stomach, through the valley of my breasts, and up to my cheek. “I want to make you feel good.” His thumb skates across my cheek. “I want to make your first time perfect.”
“You are,” I reply. “Because the thing that’s making this perfect is that it’s with you.”
He kisses my lips and suddenly freezes, panic in his eyes. “Shit.”
“What?” I sit up in alarm, worried someone might be coming.
“I don’t have a condom.” He looks up at the night sky with disappointment flashing over his features.
“Leo.” I press my hand to his chest, feeling his heart pound steadily. “I’m on the pill. If you’re okay with not using a condom, then so am I.”
He hooks a finger beneath my chin, tilting my face up. “We’ll go slow, okay?”
I nod, feeling every muscle in my body tense up, anticipating what’s to come.
Our lips mold together, and I follow his lead, lying back. He positions himself on top of me between my legs. Every cell of blood in my body burns under his touch, wanting, no, needing more.
He reaches between us, clasping his hand around his hardened length and positioning it right above my entrance. He rests his weight on his elbows, looking down at me, and brushes a few loose tendrils of my hair out of my face.
“Relax, baby. It will help this not hurt so much for you.”
“I’ll try.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath, waiting for my muscles to release all the tension within me. When I open my eyes to Leo’s, I give a slight nod, and he slowly slides inside me.
Oh God . It’s too much. The stretch is causing me too much pain. I grip the blanket with one hand and clasp onto his shoulder firmly with the other. Tears fill my eyes, but I swallow down my pleas for him to stop.
I can do this. I want this. I want him.
“Should I stop?” he asks, concern in his tone.
I shake my head, biting down on my bottom lip.
“You’re doing so good, Scarlett.” His thumb swipes under my eyes. “Your pussy is taking my cock so well, baby.”
I melt under his praise, feeling relaxed and ready to take more of him.
He continues sliding inside. “Just a few more inches.”
I inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth. The pain becomes almost bearable. Fully seated inside me, Leo stills, giving my body a moment to adjust.
“I’m going to start moving now, okay?”
“Okay.” I show him a tiny smile as he starts a slow rhythm, in and out. The pain becomes a distant, dull memory as something else takes over with each thrust. Pleasure.
He leans his head forward, kissing my lips as his hand moves up to my breast, and he begins to pinch my nipple, twisting and tugging on it lightly. A zap of electricity shoots to my core, and I moan into his kiss. He does it again and again until I’m trembling beneath him.
“More,” I beg.
His pace increases as he slides all the way out and then sinks fully back in. I stare up into his eyes and notice his jaw clench with each thrust. He’s holding back, reining in his strength so he doesn’t hurt me. But he won’t. I know he won’t. I wrap my legs around his hips, digging my heels into his ass, urging him on.
“Don’t hold back.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I can take it,” I say, pressing a kiss to his neck. “Promise.”
He hesitates. I see the internal conflict in his eyes.
“Please,” I breathe.
His control implodes. His thrusts grow faster and harder. I cling to him, taking everything he’s giving me, and it doesn’t take long for the all-consuming pleasure to build inside me.
“I’m so close,” I murmur, getting lost in the haze.
Suddenly, his hand slips between us, his skilled fingers rubbing over my clit, giving me just the right amount of pressure my body needs for a release.
“Oh God, Leo.” My eyes roll back as I grip his shoulders, on the verge of unraveling.
“You’re so beautiful, Scarlett. So goddamn perfect.”
“Leo…I think…I’m going to…”
“Come for me, Scarlett.”
I shatter beneath him, the orgasm washing over me like a tidal wave I can’t escape. My vision goes black as I get swept under, lost in a sea of bliss.
Leo’s movements become jerky before his body stills over me, and I feel him pulse inside me, warmth spilling within me. A groan leaves him, my name on his lips, as he buries his face in the crook of my neck, his lips pressing to my skin.
My heart races. My mind clears. Everything around me blurs in tranquility.
And as I come to, seeing nothing but the stars above me, and feel Leo wrapped around my body, my heart swells with so much tenderness I think I might burst.
This was better than any dream I could have ever had.
Because this… This was real.
Leo sits up, looking down at me. “Are you okay?” His hand rests on my stomach, worries consuming his eyes. “Did I hurt you?”
I shake my head, a smile tugging on my lips. “I feel the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Relief washes over him as he lies beside me and pulls me into his side, my head resting on his solid chest.
“Leo?”
“Yes?”
“Just so you know, that was a perfect first time for me.”
His knuckles stroke my jaw, his eyes taking me in as if trying to remember everything about this moment. “This is the best night of my life. I’m never going to forget it.”
I snuggle against his chest, closing my eyes, wishing for more nights like this under the stars with him. When he falls asleep, breathing steady and quiet, I bring my lips to his ear and whisper, “I can’t wait to marry you someday, Leo Alarie.”