24. Scarlet
TWENTY-FOUR
SCARLET
“You are a boss-ass bitch,” I mutter to my reflection as a tighten my ponytail.
“Hell yeah, you are.” Ellis presses a kiss to my cheek as he slips into the bathroom behind me.
His bathroom, because I’ve spent the last two nights in his bed. Talk about a freaking tailspin. The pipeline from enemies to confidants to friends to... whatever the hell we are now has been fast. Like, warp speed. “What’s got you all worked up?”
I rare back. “What do you mean? I’m not—I’m just doing affirmations.”
“Nah.” He shakes his head. “You’re nervous. Tell me why.”
“Bossy.” I grab my toothbrush and squirt a strip of sparkly toothpaste along it, sticking my tongue out at him before scrubbing my teeth until they shine.
“Pretty sure that’s you.” He rolls his eyes and starts the shower. “Now, spill.”
My cheeks heat, and it’s not from the steam filling the room. No, it’s from thinking of all of the filthy things he’s whispered in my ear the last two nights.
I always assumed Ellis would be a selfish lover, but he’s so fucking not. In addition to being ridiculously talented—that man could find my clit blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back—he’s thoughtful, patient, and stupidly selfless.
I’m ready for more. Ready for him to put his mouth on me, to actually get to touch him, to fuck him. But he’s Mr. Slow and Steady Wins the Race. Which is fine and dandy, but I want to swallow his dick like it’s my last meal, and I really need to find a way to get him on board.
“I guess we’ve just sort of made a cocoon here and I’m...” I pull my hair tie out, rake my fingers through my hair, and flip my head to retie my ponytail. “I’m nervous about leaving.”
“Understandable.” He turns the shower off, grabs my hand, and guides me back into the bedroom. “So let’s talk about it.”
“Do we have to?” I ask, plopping down onto his absurdly comfortable mattress.
“Yes.” He kneels on the floor in front of me, taking both of my hands into his. “We do, so buck up, Princess.”
“Ugh, fine.” He strokes his thumbs over the backs of my hands, patiently waiting for me to gather my thoughts.
How is it possible he’s the same man who used to enrage me without even trying?
It’s surreal. “I feel safe here. Like, untouchable safe. And the thought of venturing outside of this little bubble, where he could be lurking around any corner, has me a little antsy.”
I swear I can actually see his chest puff up with pride, but instead of crowing like I’m sure he wants to, he presses a kiss to my knuckles. “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling, but Scar, you’re giving him exactly what he wants hiding away. That sick fuck wants you cowering in fear.”
“I’m not—” I start, suddenly defensive.
But Ellis cuts me off. “I know you’re not, because as we already established that you’re a badass bitch, right?”
I nod and blow out an exhausted breath. “What if he—”
“Gonna stop you again. Because letting what ifs control you plays into his hands. How can I help you feel confident?”
“Can I share my location with you?” I ask softly.
“I’d prefer it if you did.” He winks. “I’ll keep my phone on me all day. If you need me, text and I’m there, okay? No matter what.”
“Thanks Ellis.” I dart forward and press a quick kiss to his lips. Well, it was meant to be quick anyway, but Ellis apparently has other plans as he licks his way into my mouth.
Our tongues tangle in a sensuous slide that sets my entire body on fire. I swear to god, I could kiss this man for ages and never grow bored. Horny as hell, but not bored.
My watch beeps, and I reluctantly pull away. “I’ve got to go.”
He nips at my lower lips before sucking softly to soothe the sting. “Me too,” he says, drawing away with a solemn nod.
I arch a brow, silently asking him where.
“To the shower, to jerk off to thoughts of all the dirty, dirty things I want to do to you.”
“You idiot.” I laugh. Doesn’t he know I’d let him do them all? And then some. “Speaking of,” I nod toward his erection. “One of these days, you could let me take care of that for you.” Like seriously, does he want me to beg? It’s not my thing, but with the way he’s going, I might just have to.
“When the time’s right,” he says, before sauntering back into the bathroom like the cocky jackass he is.
I wait until the shower starts before slipping on my shoes, grabbing my bag, and heading for the door. “You are a badass bitch. You are safe. Everything’s going to be okay.”
Much to my relief, my car’s exactly as I left it. A small part of me was worried I was going to come out here and find my tires slashed or something.
The drive to work passes in an uneventful blur, and by the time I park in the east lot, I’m feeling pretty good. There’s even a pep in my step as I head to the breakroom.
“How was your weekend?” Cara asks, falling into step with me.
I fully plan on lying to her, especially with how weird things got last week, but when I open my mouth, the truth slips out. “My stalker escalated, and now I’m living with Ellis.”
“Excuse me?” She grabs my wrist as she comes to a sudden stop, nearly giving me whiplash in the process. “Sounds like we need to take lunch today.”
“I’ll have to check the schedule to make sure there’s time.”
“Oh, Scarlet. You will make time. Do you understand me?”
“Yup.” I nod when she narrows her eyes. “Yes, I’ve got it. Promise.”
“Amazing.” She grabs my hand and squeezes. “See you then.”
The rest of the morning flies by in a flurry of ultrasounds, and before I know it, it’s time to meet Cara for lunch.
I find her in the break room with Clint. “Hey there, you two.”
“God, finally,” Cara says, jumping to her feet. My lips quirk up in a small smile when she has to physically restrain herself from rushing me.
“You ladies have big plans?” he asks, his eyes volleying between us.
Cara blinks twice, and I already know how this is about to go down. “We’re headed to lunch.” She swallows and flashes a pleading look my way. “Um...”
It’s obvious she feels bad mentioning our plans and not inviting him, so I decide to cut her a break and throw him a bone.
“Why don’t you join us?” Best case, he acts as a buffer during our conversation about my stalker.
Well, actually the best case would be his presence alone getting me out of said conversation.
Worst case, he can’t take a lunch right now, and we don’t hurt his feelings by excluding him.
“Really?” he asks, visibly brightening. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Really,” I say. “And you’re not imposing. The more the merrier.”
Cara arches a perfectly sculpted brow at me. Luckily, she’s too polite to call me on my bullshit, and instead asks, “What sounds good?”
I hum under my breath as Clint says, “I hear there’s a good Mexican place down the street.”
“Oh, Scar loves—”
“No!” I practically shout. My cheeks heat with embarrassment over my outburst. Way to look psycho, Scar. “Sorry, I... I just ate it.” More like I’ll be lucky if I can ever manage to eat Fortuna again, but I digress. “How about sushi?”
Cara groans in delight. “Yes, please. I would kill for a spicy tuna roll.”
Clint hesitates. “I’ve never had sushi, but I’m willing to try anything once.”
“Perfect.” Cara links her arms between both of ours. “I’ll drive.”
We pile into Cara’s car, Clint up front and me in the back, with the radio blasting for the duration of the short drive to Totto’s—our go-to sushi place.
Luck really is on my side today, because we’re able to get a table immediately and in my favorite server’s section.
“Here you are, Ms. Scarlet.” He places my favorite drink—a lychee seltzer water—on the table in front of me. It’s floral and fragrant with just the right amount of sweet.
“Thanks, Kaito.”
He winks. “What can I get you two to drink?”
“I’ll definitely have what she’s having,” Cara says.
“Water for me,” Clint adds, his voice a note deeper than usual.
“Any appetizers?”
Cara asks for an order of Crab Rangoon while I opt for Gyoza.
Kaito turns to Clint. “Anything for you?”
“What do you recommend?” he asks, sounding like his normal self again.
“Big fan of the tempura asparagus, and you can’t ever go wrong with spring rolls.”
Clint deliberates for a minute and then says, “Surprise me.”
“You won’t regret it.” Kaito grins. “Would you like to go ahead and place your order before the rush hits?”
“Yes, please.”
“Your usual?” he asks me, and I nod. There’s nothing more delicious than Totto’s sushi pizza. “You know it.”
“Double hot tuna for me,” Cara says. “Extra spicy mayo, please.”
As if sensing Clint’s hesitation, Kaito jumps in with suggestions. “Might I suggest our Rock-N-Roll roll. It’s shrimp, crab, avocado, and cream cheese, deep fried and topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Always a customer favorite.”
“Yeah, man, that sounds good,” Clint says, the relief clear in his voice. “Thanks.”
Kaito leaves, and the three of us fall into easy conversation, talking about everything from work gossip to the new girl Cara’s been seeing to happenings at The Creek, until he returns with our food.
“We’re actually thinking about doing an actual dinner menu. You know, something that’s beyond our standard bar fare,” Clint says, raising his brows.
“Oh, like what?” I ask, leaning in.
“Steak, pork chops, grilled chicken. That kind of thing.”
“That sounds amazing,” Cara says. I nod in agreement.
“We’re actually doing a soft opening this weekend... if y’all want to come?”
“Um, yes. Please. Can... can I also bring my girlfriend?”
“Of course.” He pulls his phone from his pocket. “Give me your number and I’ll text you the tickets.”
Cara rattles off her number, and Clint turns his attention my way.
“This is so generous of you. I’d love to invite some friends,” I say, hoping I’m not overstepping. “Not many. Just three. But I totally understand if—”
Clint hesitates and then nods. “Of course. The more the merrier.”
“You’re the best, Clint.” I give him my number, too. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
His answering smile is megawatt, but it does nothing for me. Unlike Ellis... one half-ass smirk from him, and I’m all but ready to drop to my knees, not that he’ll let me.
“So am I, and don’t worry, I’ll keep the creek waters coming.”
Before I can reply, my watch chirps. “We better head back.” I slide my wallet out of my purse to pay my portion of the bill, but Clint slaps his wallet down on the table before I can.
“Lunch is on me, ladies. Y’all saved me from a sad turkey sandwich, so really, it’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you, Clint,” Cara gushes.
“Happy to.” He taps his card to the tabletop POS. “That’s what... friends do, right?”
“Well, then it’s my treat next time,” Cara proclaims as we all stand to leave.
We drive back with the windows down and the radio blasting, with Cara and I singing along at the top of our lungs. Turns out inviting Clint was the absolute right move—we got a free lunch, and I didn’t have to actually confide in Cara bout my stalker. A double win if there ever was one.
Except, when we pull into the parking lot and she cuts the engine, she pins me with a hard look in the rearview mirror. “Just know, you’re not off the hook. I’m going to call you tonight, and I expect you to answer.”
“Off the hook about what?” Clint asks.
“Girl stuff,” I rush as I go to retie my ponytail. Only, my hair tie chooses that exact moment to break. “Shit.”
“Bummer. I wish I had one,” Cara says, running a hand through her short bob.
“I have more in my car.” I just barely stifle a groan as I toss my hair over my shoulders. Fall is here but it’s still hot in the direct sun, and Cara always parks in the west lot, which means I have to hurry if I don’t want to be late. “If you see Dr. Snider, let her know I’ll be right in.”
“Will do.” Cara sets off toward the entrance, but Clint lingers.
“I’ll walk with you.”
“Oh, thanks.” I start toward my car. “You don’t have to—”
“I want to.” He turns his head my way. “Making friends at a new job can be tough, especially when you’re one of only a handful of men. So, I really appreciate the two of you taking pity on me.”
“No pity needed,” I tell him, meaning it. “I’ve... I’ve never made friends easy, so I get it.”
“Which one’s yours?” Clint asks, scanning the lot as it comes into view.
“It’s—holy shit.” The color drains from my face as I stumble.
“Oh, wow.” Clint lets out a low whistle as he takes in the wreckage before us. “Sucks to be them.”
“I… am them...” I croak, my eyes filling with tears as I take in my cracked windshield and slashed tires. “That’s mine.”
“What?” He whips around to face me, concern painting his every feature. “Who would do this?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been having—ugh.” I tangle my fingers in my hair and tug, trying to ground myself. “I don’t know.”
“Hey, stop. Calm down.” He starts to step toward me but seems to think better of it. “Everything’s going to be alright. Let’s start with your hair thing and then we can go report this. Surely there are cameras.”
“Okay.” I nod as I blow out a shaky exhale. “That’s… yeah, okay.”
I take a minute to suck in a few deep, calming breaths but it’s no use. My calm, easy, uneventful day just took a nosedive into the depths of hell.
“You can do this,” I whisper to myself. “It might not even be related.”
“Related to what?” Clint says as I edge closer to my car.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “Ignore me. Let me just grab...” My words trail off entirely when I notice the folded sheet of paper tucked beneath my wiper blade.
Fucking hell. It’s totally him.
I reach for the note with trembling fingers, slowly unfolding it.
“What’s that?” Clint asks, but his voice sounds a million miles away.
You never notice me. Why don't you ever notice me?
My whole world revolves around you. You’re my first and last thought each and every day.
But do you ever think about me? No. You're too busy thinking about him.
That’s okay, Petal. I'm a patient man. I know, with time, you'll feel the same way I do.
-Your Sweetheart
“Scarlet?” Clint claps his hands loudly in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.
“What?” I ask, trying to make sense of where my day went so terribly wrong.
“Sorry.” He looks down at his boots. “I didn’t mean to scare you... you just zoned out. I-I didn’t know what else to do.”
“It’s okay,” I croak, my voice barely a whisper.
“It’s not. Who...” He nods toward the tear-stained page clutched between my fingers. “Who wrote that? It’s...” He shudders.
“I don’t know.” I shove the note into the zipper pocket of my scrub pants before wrapping my arms around myself. “I just don’t know.”
He shakes his head. “Well, let’s head inside and get the ball rolling on reporting this, yeah?”
Resigned, I nod, and together we head inside.