Chapter 11
Scarlett
Bright rays of sunshine spilled into the room as my eyes fluttered open. My alarm hadn’t gone off, and I shot up in a rush of panic, my body electrified with a sense of urgency and adrenaline.
“Shit!” I exclaimed, throwing off the covers and hopping out of bed, I raced for the closet, tossing on anything that was close before flinging open the door and stumbling out into the kitchen area. I was momentarily stunned to find Graham sitting at the table with the guys, filling the room with the soft sounds of hushed conversation over cups of steaming coffee. The light danced across their features, casting them in a golden haze of warmth and camaraderie as they sipped from their mugs, not having noticed me stumble from my room.
“I’m sorry. My alarm didn’t go off,” I said, nearly in a panic with no idea what time it was. My words felt frantic and breathless, like a bird with a broken wing, desperately trying to explain the chaos of the morning and the whirlwind of confusion.
“We know,” Graham said, smirking at me and sipping his coffee. “Brody turned it off.”
“What? Why?” Anger bloomed in my chest, hot and blinding, as my fists clenched and my face flushed red. I opened my mouth to shout at Brody, but Graham's hand was already reaching out to stop me. I didn’t realize I had crossed the room. His touch silenced my words before they could escape, and I felt my anger dissipate like a dark cloud breaking apart in the sunlight.
“It’s fine, Scarlett. I told him to do it. After last night and the day ahead, I wanted you to get as much sleep as you needed.”
“I’ll be ready shortly,” I said, grabbing the coffee off the counter Sensei had fixed me and spinning on my heel for the bedroom, still slightly miffed. I loved that they wanted to take care of me, but I’m not a baby and was feeling coddled.
“No rush,” Graham replied.
A snarky feeling rose within me. “Well, it seems I’ve made both of us late,” I said, pausing at the door. I turned to look at all of them and then smirked at him with a raised eyebrow and sipped the coffee defiantly.
“Not exactly. I called Georgia and informed her to make sure the busybodies overheard her speaking to Walter and telling him we had to do a quick promo this morning for Brody so that we could have it ready for his upcoming event.” He grinned widely at me while tipping his head to the side and winking at the others.
“Oh, you are quite adept at this office gossip thing, aren’t you?” I spun around and hurried into the bedroom to get ready.
I had to admit, I did feel refreshed and had needed the extra sleep. As I stood in the cool, tiled bathroom, I couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal washing over me. The crisp scent of pine cleaner lingered in the air. I’d never had anyone clean for me, and it felt a little surreal, but it was nice to be a little spoiled. I inhaled the clean scent and moved to get ready.
I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the spotless mirror and the deep purple bruise that now adorned my eyelid from my fall. None of them had said anything about it when I’d gone out there. Had they noticed it when I emerged from my room? A smirk played on their lips, like they were keeping some secret. No wonder they were all looking like the cat that ate the canary. None of them dared mention it.
As I took in my reflection, I couldn't help but cringe at the sight. My hair was a tangled mess, damp from going to bed without drying it properly. It stuck out in all directions, resembling the snake-like locks of Medusa. To top it off, I had a black eye that was starting to swell and turn purple. Clad in baggy sweatpants and a white tank top, my figure looked anything but put together. The fabric clung to my skin, drawing attention to my clearly taut and protruding nipples. It was a far cry from my usual put-together appearance.
“Oh, good grief.” Now I understood the smirks.
I let out a long, exasperated sigh as I reached for the hair straightener. My unruly locks had me considering just hopping in the shower, but the thought of waiting for my thick mane to dry was enough to dissuade me. So instead, I resigned myself to taming the wild mess with heat and product.
Since I’d be going to the gym today, I had to pack my gear and pick out an outfit for work. The bites were still a little raw as my fingertips lightly grazed over the bandages on my arms, feeling the raised edges of the stitches on the ones that were still healing. I felt ok with leaving the bandages off of all but the ones with stitches.
For the gym, I rummaged through the closet and settled on a long-sleeved tee and sweats to keep Jenny from seeing the bites. For work, I didn’t feel like wearing a suit today. I felt freer than I had in over a year and wanted something that made me smile.
I slipped into a pair of stretch-style straight-leg pants that were tight at the ankle. Pairing it with a plain white button-down shirt and blazer it came together as casual but still business-like. I liked the casual feel, so I rolled the sleeves together to about three quarters on my arm and then pulled out a pair of flats and stood before the mirror to check it out. I grimaced; the flats were a little too relaxed for the already casual outfit, so I switched to a pair of heels that definitely upped the look.
It took several layers of concealer and a careful application of foundation to cover the dark bruise around my eye, but once my makeup was done, I smiled at myself and my Medusa hair. It took time to straighten it in small sections, but the end result was worth it - my hair looked long and smooth, cascading down my back like a waterfall. I quickly tucked the front pieces behind my ears and placed my sunglasses on top of my head for added style. With a twirl in front of the full-length mirror, I felt confident and satisfied with my appearance. I grabbed my empty cup and headed into the other room to refill it, ready to face whatever obstacles may come my way with a fierce determination.
I pushed the door open and stepped outside to a symphony of whistles and catcalls. The guys at the table grinned at me, their eyes twinkling with mischief. I waved them off, trying to ignore their juvenile behavior. But even Sensei, who I thought would be more mature, couldn't resist giving me an appreciative once-over. His boyish grin and low whistle added to my embarrassment, making my cheeks flush with heat.
“Care for a croissant and an egg?” Sensei asked.
My stomach growled in protest, my mouth instantly watered, and I eagerly agreed, reaching for the pot of freshly brewed coffee. As the rich aroma filled my senses, I couldn't resist pouring myself a generous cup.
"I know I drink too much of this," I admitted with a small laugh, leaning against the counter for support. "But it's just so delicious."
He smiled and held his hand out to leave the kitchen and usher me toward the table with the others. I bowed dutifully as we did in the gym and went into the other room to sit down with the guys. The morning was a carnival of sensations, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and scents that ignited my senses and set my heart ablaze with a lust for life. It was a welcome departure from the merry go round of fear that had consumed me, a chance to break free and revel in the simple joy of being alive. And as I looked at them, my heart swelled with gratitude for the way they had helped me rediscover my spark and embrace the world once again. I knew deep down it was all because of them. They brought out the best in me and allowed me to feel again the confidence I’d been shoving down inside to come out of hiding.
I wolfed down my breakfast while Brody retrieved my gym bag and carried it out to the car. Graham instructed the driver we’d be leaving shortly. Anticipation coursed through me, I was ready and excited to head to work today. It felt like a new day and opportunity filled the air, urging me to seize the day and all its exciting possibilities.
“Ready?” I asked Graham as he came inside from the garage.
“Whenever you are,” he replied, holding his hand out into the space for me to enter.
I pecked Sensei on the cheek, thanking him for breakfast, and then kissed Drake softly on the lips, giving him a squeeze around the middle.
“Have a good day, Cheri. I’ll see you at the gym later.”
When I turned to Brody, his look was dark, and I worried that he was upset about the kiss I’d given to Drake until he pulled me close. The scent of his skin filled my nostrils, a mix of soap and something uniquely him. His musky smell sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with fear or discomfort. It was a pleasant feeling, one that made my heart skip a beat.
“Stay safe, Bella, and don’t leave Graham’s sight. You hear me?”
I cast my eyes upward, and he reached under my chin to raise my face toward his. He kissed me hard and pulled me into his chest, where I could feel the intensity of the moment. The room lost all sense of reality, and all that remained was the rhythmic pounding of our hearts, the cherished taste of each other, and the unrelenting force of his passion enveloped me before he stepped back.
“See you soon.”
Graham reached for my hand to help me down the two steps, but I stumbled slightly. He caught me and leaned in. “Guess I should get mine while we aren’t on the clock.” He pressed his lips to mine softly and then righted me.
When I looked at Drake and Brody in the doorway, they both grinned, and my heart raced as my mind filled with thoughts of them. Something else happened, a tingling between my thighs and warmth in my core that stunned me. I was excited for more than just the day. I felt my nipples harden in my bra; I was thankful I had some padding to hide them, which only added to the moment of arousal.
I looked at them and then at Graham just before I bent to climb into the sedan's back seat. It was turning out to be quite the morning, and all of the things April had told me raced through my mind as I slid across the seat for Graham to climb in beside me.
I heard Brody call out to him, “Keep an eye on our girl today. See you later.”
Our girl? Did he just call me our girl ? That was what Christian and the others called April. Did they feel the same way? Oh, good Lord, the questions began to bounce around my mind, making my thoughts spin in a giant whirlwind of anxiety and desire I hadn’t expected.
The city was bustling with people rushing to their destinations, cars honking and jostling for space on the busy streets. I could see tall buildings against the horizon and colorful billboards flashing advertisement after advertisement. Graham went over some ideas for the new client while I watched the city go by out the window.
“Scarlett, have you heard a word I said?”
“What?” I turned to him with a blank stare. Admittedly, I hadn’t been listening. Something about setting up the photographers and some other promotional ideas, but I was completely lost in my thoughts of the guys this morning.
“What’s on your mind since you are not listening to drab old work conversation? Perhaps you want to fill me in on what’s got you so occupied?”
I stammered for a moment and could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “I uh… Well, it’s just that… Oh, nothing. I was just watching out the window.”
How could I say I was daydreaming about these three men and feeling aroused by the whole idea. Each of them were not only smoking hot but someone close who’d given me something no one ever had before. I felt drawn to them all in a way I’d never been drawn to anyone
He leaned closer to me, his lips inches from my ear and whispered. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin, causing goosebumps to rise and shivers to run down my spine. His hand lightly grazed my arm, sending an electric charge through my body. His words, a seductive invitation that set my heart ablaze. “Are you thinking about this morning?”
“What about this morning?” I tried to act indifferent.
“You looked very cute when you came out of the bedroom. I very much liked your tank top.”
A sly smirk spread across his lips as he gazed at me, causing a warm flush to rise in my cheeks. He’d noticed that my nipples were practically poking through the fabric. A surge of anxiety mixed with excitement flooded through me, creating a tumultuous feeling inside. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, threatening to smudge the carefully applied makeup and reveal the bruise underneath that I’d so desperately tried to conceal.
His hand reached for mine, and he squeezed it.
“I’m only teasing you. I was glad to see you so rested. Forgive me if I struggle to express how I feel. I care about you, Scarlett. I think you know that, and you know what I feel even if I suck at showing it. I have to tell you, there’s been no one in my life for years,” he said, leaning back and gazing out the other window. “So many times I’d think someone was interested in me, you know? Me inside, not the boss or for money but me.” His voice changed and he pulled me closer. “Scarlett, you see me, the real me.” He kissed the side of my head and smiled warmly.
I was the one sucking at showing my feelings. My emotions were always a struggle to convey. Whenever I tried to open up, my mind would flood with memories of the scars that marred my body. It was a constant reminder of the pain I had endured and the fear that others would only see me as repulsive.
“No, it’s me. I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “I do care, Graham. You’ve been amazing. I just get so…” My words trailed off as tears lingered on my lower lashes, threatening to burst into a deluge of sobbing agony. I didn’t know how to navigate it. I didn’t want to hurt any of them, and I worried about every step.
“Now, don’t go messing up your makeup,” he said, handing me the box of tissues conveniently placed between the two front seats after my last tearful ride. “We’ll figure it all out.”
His words soothed the tears threatening my makeup as he pulled me closer and held my hand in his. I looked down at Graham’s hand holding mine. It was warm and strong as he laced our fingers together. We rode in silence. I could feel the gentle rhythm of his breathing and the slight pressure of his hand on mine, grounding me in the present moment, nestled together the rest of the way into the lower garage.
We agreed to maintain a strictly professional relationship at work. The last thing we needed was for the office gossip to start churning with rumors. As the elevator doors closed and we ascended alone, he turned towards me, his eyes softening as he leaned in to press his lips against mine. A small smile spread across his face as he let out a contented sigh, the tension between us dissipating in that brief moment of intimacy.
“I’m going to speak to Walter before going up to the office. Let’s plan for a meeting at say… ten? I want to chat with everyone about the new client. I think we should also chat with only those of us who know about Samuel. We need to fill him in on everything and get his evaluation for the office. Can you have April gather the file for that?”
“Absolutely,” I said, feeling much better that I would have a purpose as I entered the office.
As the bell chimed, signaling our arrival on our designated floor, my cheeks flushed with a surge of warmth. His hand gave mine a quick squeeze before releasing it, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. The elevator doors slid open and he confidently strode out, veering left towards the rows of cubicles. I paused a moment before exiting, taking a moment to adjust my bag over my shoulder before making my way up the stairs to my office. Georgia appeared at my side with a slight grin, clutching something freshly printed from the machine in the main break room. April spotted me and emerged from her office with a file in her hand.
I was confused at first, but once we reached the door to my office Georgia told me that Graham had texted to let her know we were arriving and to make it a point to have something in hand for me when I arrived.
“He is a smart one,” she said, winking at me.
“April, Graham wanted the file for the new client ready for a meeting at ten,” I said then dipped my head toward Georgia. “Yes, he is. I had no idea he’d even texted you, and I was sitting in the vehicle right next to him.”
She smiled warmly and pushed my office door open for me to enter. Once April and I were inside she stood at the door, her bright smile and mischievous eyes welcoming us.
"Can I offer you a cup of coffee? It's my perfect excuse to check in on any juicy gossip after your fashionably late arrival." She gave us a playful wink, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“You want me to come help?” April asked.
“Oh, no. No thank you. I have a way about it.”
“I could use a cup of coffee,” I said.
She gracefully bowed her head and exited the room, closing the door as she left. As soon as the door clicked shut, April scooted quickly to the chair in front of my desk. I placed my bag with care in the bottom drawer of my desk before turning to face her, a smile playing at the corners of my mouth.
She fidgeted in the chair asking, “Well?”
“Well, what?” I tried to seem as though nothing was out of the ordinary, but in reality, I was dying to talk to her about the guys.
“I know you were not meeting with a client.” She smirked at me knowingly. “How was your morning?”
“Let’s get the file out of the way first. I would like to chat, but not yet?” It was more of a question than a statement. I wanted to tell her everything about Brody when I went to bed, to the kisses this morning and their statement of “our girl” that I’d so often heard used by her men. I wanted so much to chat but didn’t want others overhearing it.
“Alright, I’ll go get the file. That folder I gave you is empty. I just needed something to hand you.”
“Good. By then, Georgia will have returned and headed off to meet with Graham.”
She squealed, giggling like a schoolgirl, and hurried for the door. “I want all the details.”
Moments later, Georgia appeared with the coffee, and I thanked her for bringing it. “Any news from the coffee gossip?”
“Oh, you know, the usual stuff,” she replied pensively.
“Nothing bad, I hope,” I said, probing for more information.
“Well… One of the writers asked if Samuel is single.” We both laughed, and she smiled. “Nothing about you and Mr. Clarke, if that is what you’re wondering. They do want to know about this client, and what’s so important that you both had to meet with them this morning.
“That’s a good thing, I think…”
“Yes, miss. I think so. If you don’t need anything else, I am off to see what Mr. Clarke has for me this morning.”
“Thank you, Georgia.”
She smiled and slipped out the door, making her way along the mezzanine to Graham’s office. I’d noted he passed my door just before Georgia came in with the coffee. He smiled and winked at me on the way past, which I took as a good sign.
April hurried into the office within moments of her exit with a file in her arms, her latte in hand, and a grin on her face; she tossed the file on my desk and plopped in the chair, waiting for the details.
“So?”
“Nothing really,” I said with a sigh. “April, I really have no clue what I’m doing. I’m so terrified of hurting them.” Tears began to sting my eyes once again and her expression changed.
“Oh, honey. Don’t worry about that. It is not you that initiated this. They all have the attraction, and dare I say even love, for you and have made it known. This is not for you to worry about. All you need to worry about right now is if this is something you want.”
With that, tears began to roll down my cheeks and I quickly dabbed at them trying not to smear my makeup. I was so worried the black eye would show through. I was thankful I had the forethought to bring my makeup with me, just in case.
“If you do, then jump in. Go all in and love them each for who they are. If you are unsure, take your time, but also take care not to lead them to believe you are in if it is not for you. Be open and honest. It is the only way it can work.”
“I do feel something for each of them. I just don’t know how it would work. I mean at breakfast everything was fine, but when Brody kissed me in the bedroom I wondered how it would work… You know, in there.”
“It works however you want it to.”
“Do you guys just have nights or something?”
“No, there is no set schedule, if that’s what you’re asking. If I or one of them is feeling something, sometimes we will make love on our own. Sometimes it is kind of kinky, like an orgie or something, where we are all frolicking together.”
“Do they, you know, with each other?”
“My guys? No, it is strictly boy/girl with us, but some do. How do you feel about that?”
“I’ve never thought about it actually. I don’t think I’d care. But, how do you navigate who is… Um… I mean when you are all together? Doesn’t someone feel left out?”
“No, we will all either take turns or share. Sometimes I gotta say…” She paused, sucking in a deep breath and wrapping her arms about herself. “Sometimes it’s all of them kissing me all over at once. I mean the Os… Damn girl, you ain’t never had such good ones until you experience the total body stimulation of what all three of them can do at once.”
I blushed and giggled, feeling a tingle in my lady parts. My core clenched with excitement as she described it, and a warm feeling rose in my belly, filling me with a desire I’d thought long extinguished.
“Oh, my, it sounds amazing,” I said, catching a glimpse of Graham walking past with Samuel and Walter hot on his heels. “Oh dammit, the meeting. What time is it? We better get in there.”
April's smile was bright and inviting, drawing me in as I rounded the desk to join her. Her hand closed firmly around my arm, a silent display of support and encouragement.
“They’ve already spoken with my guys about this,” she whispered playfully. “They’re in if you are. Let it go as it should, and don’t hold back. Tell them what you feel.”
I wrapped my arms around her in a hug. “Thank you, April. I don’t know how I could navigate this without you. Any of it. Not just the guys. You’re not just my assistant; you’re a valued friend.”
She hugged me back. “Ditto.”
A soft, hesitant knock echoed through the room, and Christian appeared in the doorway. His eyes were fixed on me, but his expression remained unchanged. April stepped away from my side, moving toward him with a smile. He leaned down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered something in her ear.
“Right away,” she said and spun on her heel toward my desk, grabbing the phone and quickly dialing.
While she waited for whoever she’d called, Christian led me to the small sofa on the far wall saying, “We have a lead. Have a seat.”
April spoke forcefully into the phone, “Crash twelve.” She waited a moment, nodding like whoever was on the other end could see her and said, “Great, thanks.” Then she hung up the handset and came to sit next to me, reaching for my hand.
In the pit of my stomach, I knew something was wrong and shuddered. I found myself suddenly gasping for air as the anxiety began to roll over me like a dark and foreboding cloud.
A metallic taste flooded my mouth, bitter and sharp like a penny, as if my body was preparing for fight or flight. Christian glanced at April with a concerned expression. April looked at me with sadness in her eyes.
“Scarlett, it’s your friend Maddy.”
I refused to let him finish speaking and raced for my cell phone. My hands began to shake, and I could feel my heart racing, fumbling with the phone and pressing her speed dial number. The phone shook in my hands against my ear listening to it ring.
“C’mon Maddy, pick up. Pick up,” I muttered. The voicemail picked up, I heard her voice, and tears burst from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks onto my shirt. I knew what he was going to tell me was bad and didn’t want to hear it.