Page 19 of Vermilion Desire

His arm naturally coils around my waist as he brings me closer to him. Cal’s throat rumbles, resembling a cough and an awkward throat-clearing motion.

We’re in public, but I feel no shame in showing my affection to the man that I love. Smooching my lips to his cheek, I let go of Mr. Wolf’s neck and create some space by taking one step back.

His back hair is messy; his eyes darken at the innocent kiss. I just need to break his control over his desires a little more to have him show his true self. I want to know what he wants; I desperately want to hear him say he wants me.

The need to hear his voice saying, ‘I love you’ is consuming.

“Why aren’t you at work?” Cal demands, glaring at the back of my head.

I spin around, my eyes noting a lot of stares directed at us. Good, this is what I want. The plan is in motion; I want everyone to see the envelope in the hands of two very capable detectives. My goal is not the nosy ones; I’m trying to lure the ones that have ill intentions towards me.

Braxton would definitely have eyes on me and everyone I am close to. This is the perfect chance to test out my theory to see just how scared he is and where his sense of confidence stands.

“I’m on my lunch break, Uncle Cal.” I pout, lips puckering innocently. “I wanted to come to visit you.”

He grunts again, passing the man in handcuffs off to another officer with an order to put him in lockup. “You could have brought food.”

“Something came up, and I couldn’t buy you guys something.”

Cal narrows his eyes, skepticism clinging to his wrinkles around his eyes. He tips his head towards an empty room that’s away from everyone else. Mr. Wolf splays his fingers around my shoulder and guides me to the room.

“What?” Curiosity laces my voice.

“I know you, Scarletta.” Cal scowls, glowering low in his voice. “What did you do?”

“I did nothing,” I admit, but I have no reason to hide the truth from him. “I met with Berkshire.”

“What!” his voice roars.

It is still within my expected response. I only flinch at the volume while Mr. Wolf’s hand puts painful pressure on my shoulder.

“His lawyer called, and I met with him. In public, if you must know. He didn’t do anything funny other than trying to get me to work for him.” The explanation is easy. I’m merely recalling the string of events without spilling too many pointless details.

“Why the hell does he want you to work for him?” Mr. Wolf snaps; the question is directed to no one and yet, he is expecting it to be answered.

I hum briefly. “I’m not sure.”

Cal takes a big step towards me. His adult demeanor comes in view as his usual casual posture leaves.

“I don’t know what he’s trying to do, but I don’t want you near a ten feet radius of him.”

I open my mouth to argue. “That’s unlikely—”

“I don’t want to give him any leverage to fuck up our case, Scarletta. You’re a smart girl, but he has money and access. He’s going to hurt you.”

It’s hard to contain the excited grin on my lips as glee begins to pop in my boiling blood. I’m actually very intrigued and excited to see what trick Braxton would pull to get this case tossed out.

I’m not doing this for the victim or her family. I’m not sabotaging this case for Mr. Wolf and Cal—I’m doing this for my own satisfaction of ripping that perfectionist mask off and watch him bleed with pathetic bellows.

“I won’t meet with Braxton again under one condition.” I lift one finger up, gauging Cal’s reaction, and he vehemently shakes his head.

“No condition, and you will do what I say.”

Mr. Wolf comes to the rescue, voice firm and deep. A rumble travels from his wide chest and ghosts over my spine as he keeps his hand on my shoulder, a hand symbolically representing his deep possession and vile obsession.

“Hear her out, Cal. She isn’t someone to be reckless.”

Cal clenches his fist and jerks his head. “I’ll say no if I don’t like it.”

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