Page 32 of A Twisted Arrangement

He says it with a knowing smirk that I promptly ignore.

“Where is she?”

“Don’t worry. She’s fine, just passed out.”

I scan the room, and sure enough, Scarlet’s wrapped in a large crochet blanket where she’s tucked into the corner of the couch.

“How did she get like this?”

“I’m not sure, but my wife and I are going to have a long chat about it.”

I choke on my laugh. “Please, that girl has you so whipped it’s not even funny.”

He doesn’t bother denying it, just stands back so I can lift Scarlet, legs dangling over one arm and supporting her back with the other. She snuggles into my chest, nose pressing into me before mumbling, “Ou—smell—ood.”

I brush back the hair that’s fallen into her face, but she’s out cold again.

“Thanks for calling me, Dam.”

Damon laughs. “Just be prepared for whatever plan they came up with. They had notes that I could barely make out, but whatever it was, it had to do with you.”

I kiss the top of Scarlet’s head. “I don’t doubt it.”

Damon’s gaze softens on me. “I’m happy for you. Don’t mess it up.”

“Don’t worry. There’s no getting away from her now,” I say and hold her tighter as her fingers twist into the fabric of my shirt.

Four days left, Little Sparrow.

Scarlet clings to me when I try to put her in the passenger seat, and a part of me feels like an absolute asshole for being so happy about it. There’s no fucking way she’d want me to see this, but I’m not disappointed that I have. Fight it all she wants, I’m going to prove to her that we’ve always been meant to be together. Not that she doesn’t have the right to be pissed. I’ve always known she would be, but I just don’t care. At least not enough to stop me. I left her alone because it’s what she needed. She needed to break out of the holds her family had on her. The space and time to spread her wings and stand on her own feet.

I know if I’d stayed, then I wouldn’t have been able to keep away from her, and even if she’s pissed now, back then, she’d have given in to me. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t listen to her only wish?

I disentangle Scarlet’s fingers from my shirt and adjust her on the seat. She’s already snoring softly by the time I get her seat belt on her. She’s so fucking adorable like this.

Forcing myself to back away, I take several breaths before rounding the car and climbing behind the wheel.

For the first time ever, my girl is coming to my place, and I’m not sure how I’ll ever let her leave.

It’s quiet this late at night, only a few hours before dawn, but I take my time, making sure to drive as carefully as possible. My girl is in no state to be shifted around. She moans, shifting so her shoulders press into the seat, and rests her head on it.

“Where did you go?” Her voice is soft and breathy, and it pulls at my heart. It’s been a long time since I heard her speak to me like that.

I wrap my fingers around her thigh, steadying her. “I didn’t go anywhere.”

“Liar.”

I swallow hard at the thought of her waiting. I’d watched her over the years any chance I got. She’d gone out on her share of dates. Not that I’d let her have an actual relationship. Oliver clued me in when anyone got too close. One of my main hobbies was chasing any guy that got near her, more than willing to provide the necessary incentive to stop them from coming back. They’re lucky none of them died because I definitely didn’t have a grip on myself when I saw them get close.

Not that I ever gave her space. She couldn’t know that though, and even now, I’m the one waiting for her.

My place is off the main road, only a few blocks from hers, situated in the most exclusive part of the city. There’d been two other offers that I’d easily doubled.

One of my men approaches me when we pull up, ready to take my keys.

“You all good, boss?” He looks into the car where Scarlet’s still passed out, her shirt buttons popped open, revealing the top of her breast.

“I suggest you look away before it’s the last thing you see.”

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