Page 131 of The Scars Within
My lips parted. I forgot how to think, how tobreathe.
“There’s a natural phenomenon happening tonight,” he said, his voice soft yet deep. “The stars will be dancing soon, with a beautiful display of colored lights. I found us a front-row seat.”
I looked around at the floating flames, mesmerized by how they flickered in the air. I reached up, fingers hovering close to one. Even if I wasn’t a fire elemental, I knew Rhodes wouldn’t let his flames harm me.
“Nobody has ever done anything like this for me before,” I admitted, keeping my eyes on the glowing flames.
“It’s about time that changed.”
Rhodes stepped closer, bringing his hands in front of him. My breath hitched as I saw what he was holding.
It was my favorite mug—the one his brother had shattered into tiny pieces. I reached out, carefully taking it from him. My fingers grazed its uneven surface. The cracks were visible, winding through the ceramic like scars.
“You glued it back together?” I drew back to meet his stare.
“I did.”
“But why?”
His eyes softened. “Not everything that shatters has to stay broken, Scarlet.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
And in that moment, I knew that even though I have been letting my guard down brick-by-brick with him, that my heart is already his. The cracks in the mug mirrored the cracks in my own defenses, but instead of fear, I felt a sense of peace. I slowly shook my head, not in disbelief but in quiet acceptance.
“You have no idea,” I whispered, my voice barely audible as I held the mug close, “how much this means to me.”
“I know that you live in a constant feeling of pain,” Rhodes said gently, his voice soft but unwavering. “Even when your smile lights up a room, there’s still that ounce of heartache deep within.”
He raised a hand to my jaw, his thumb lightly brushing my cheek. “I know that you doubt every little good thing you have. When life feels like it’s going overboard, I want you to know that you can always take it out on me. No matter what it is, I’ll take all you’ve got.”
A flame sparked through my veins, the surge of emotion almost overwhelming, yet I felt no fear. I stepped to the side and carefully placed my mug and heels on the ground.
Then, I stepped out into the rain, rushing into the heart of the storm.
I pulled his face to mine, pressing my lips urgently against his. He responded instantly, cupping my nape and pulling me closer. My lips parted for him, and the low, rumbling moan that escaped him made me tremble. Our hearts beat in perfect synchrony, the intensity of the moment only amplified by the crackling flames dancing around us.
This feels like chaos.
This feels like utter destruction.
This feelsright.
And if this is what it’s like to be lost, I’m not sure I’ll ever want to be found. I don’t need words to understand how he feels—his actions speak louder than any declaration.
He showed up.
And he stayed.
Taking the lead, I began to explore his body, signaling him to do the same. My fingers slid beneath his suit coat, helping him shrug it off.
“Scarlet,” he moaned, his voice full of desire.
I melted into his touch, allowing myself to fully breathe and embrace this moment, living my life on my own terms. I reached behind my back,unfastening the clasps of my dress. As the gown fell limply over my shoulders, it didn’t completely slip off.
Rhodes lifted me into his arms, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around him. His hands tightened around my thighs, holding me securely. From this angle, he looked up at me, his eyes filled with admiration.
“Absolutely beautiful,” he whispered, his breath warm against my skin before his lips met mine again.
