“Because I went there as well, to check for more dirt on the man. So, I recognized it. Keep up, killer-boy.”
“Killer-what?” Finn exclaims, bursting out laughing.
I swipe a hand over my face, scratching my chin as I imagine all the ways I’ll punish her for this. I think I’ll start making a list.
“Scarlet, you should not have put yourself in danger. Twice.” I step forward, undecided if I should strangle or kiss her.
She shrugs, placing the USB stick back on the pile and sliding it closer to us.
“I was bored, and I knew there could be something there that would help you all. It felt ridiculous not to do this. Plus, I knew it would be easier for me to break in without them realizing what hit them.”
Bored. She was fucking bored, so she broke into the homes of two dangerous men to help our organization. Jesus fuck, what did I get myself into?
“Can I leave this with you?” I turn to the others.
Vincent nods. “See you tomorrow?”
“Yes. I need to make sure she’s not hurt. Though I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to contain myself after what she just pulled.”
The man snickers as he shakes his head, walking over to pick up all the evidence Scarlet brought.
“Thank you.” Maddox steps forward, and we all turn to him. “We appreciate your help.”
“I certainly do. That bastard put one of my girls in the hospital and sent these assholes after me. So, thank you,” Katya says, joining in.
“Let’s go, Scarlet.” I grab her hand and pull her toward the back rooms so we can head to my car. “Oh, and the guy by the door is still alive. See what you can get out of him.”
“With pleasure.” Vincent’s expression turns into the serpent he truly is, and he stalks toward the man as we pass through the door.
This night has certainly taken a turn. And maybe not quite for the worst.
Chapter 33
Scarlet
How I would have loved a carefree life. But I had to decide all those years ago to marry this motherfucker who’s refusing my divorce. I’ve been spending the last two days with my head buried in my computer, trying to dig up dirt on my soon-to-be ex-husband.
Well, it’s technically been a day and a few hours, but who’s counting? Willow even checked up on me and brought me some cake to make me feel better.
After I gave The Sanctum the information I had on Duval, Carter swept me away, back to his home, to check me over for hidden injuries. While he was busy stripping me down to my underwear and palpating every bone and muscle in my body, I was feeling really proud of myself. I needed an in with his brothers in arms. Because regardless of their syndicate, they are friends first. Maybe even family. I need them to trust me. I’m not 100% there yet, but damn it, I’m in.
Once I pulled myself out of that giddiness, I was in awe. I kept hoping Carter’s fingers would slip beneath my underwear instead of the clinical inspection I was receiving. Yet, he was getting me hot in a different way. He was careful. Delicate. And so thorough. Lifting my limbs and checking my joints like most doctors have been doing my whole life.
When I asked him about it, he said he’s been doing a lot of reading and learning about my condition. He even briefly spoke with a doctor who specializes in the subject so he would know what to look for. How to look. He did all of that...for me. So he could be prepared, since he knew that I couldn’t stay out of trouble.
How could I not be in awe of this? I wished it was just carnal excitement I was feeling...but it’s so much deeper than that.
And I’m afraid I might have to let him go.
It’s my own fault. I saw us getting closer, more comfortable, and I didn’t want to ruin it with serious talks about the future. I want more time with him before I reveal I’ll never give him what men inherently need—a child.
You assume, Scarlet. Is Carter really the brooding kind?
That little voice in my head gives me some hope. But I know it’s one of the reasons Bernard cheated on me. It was during our relationship that I decided I didn’t want children. I’d been on the fence for years before that, but I was too young to form a decision. So many times my ex belittled me for robbing him of the opportunity to perpetuate his family name. Spread his seed and all that bullshit.
It’s his right, of course. But I thought we could work through it like two decent people. Resolve it amicably. I was convinced he kept putting off the serious conversations because he was changing his mind too and wanted to stay together. Turns out he was just stalling, not because he planned to force it on me and get me pregnant, but because he had a more pressing interest.
Of which he reminded me over the phone yesterday evening as I was driving home from Carter’s. The only thing that kept me calm during the ride was the fact that I was in one of Carter’s cars. The man wasn’t joking when he said he’d give me one from his collection.
