Page 14 of Psycho Saints

My stomach churned. "But... I also think about how he was at times. The things he said." I swallowed hard, hating the words even as they left my mouth. "In his own twisted way, I know he cares for me, and it messes with me."

Tyrone remained silent, letting me work through my thoughts.

"I hate how he's gotten under my skin," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "How I still feel a flicker of something that isn't hatred towards him." I turned back to Tyrone, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I'm just as messed up as he is for not hating him with everything I have."

Tyrone set down his glass and took a step towards me. "You're not messed up, Scarlet. Feelings are complicated, especially in situations like this."

I laughed bitterly. "Situations like this? You mean being held captive, assaulted, and potentially impregnated against my will?"

He sighed and looked to the window as he worked his jaw.

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small. "I shouldn't feel anything but hatred for him. For any of you."

"But you do," Tyrone said softly, those dark eyes returning to mine. It wasn't a question.

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. The realization hit me hard – I cared for them, all of them, in some twisted, fucked-up way. Even Cristian, despite everything he'd done.

Now if that didn't make me just as crazy as them, I wasn't sure what would.

7

SCARLET

The warm water lapped against my skin as I sank deeper into the hot tub, letting out a contented sigh. Noms settled in beside me, her blonde hair piled high on her head.

"God, I needed this," I murmured, closing my eyes.

"You and me both, babe," Noms replied, her voice low and soothing. "So, what's going on?"

"Honestly, far too much, Noms. But we can just enjoy this for now, you tell me all about Steve's latest antics and how Ray's doing, and we can dive into my stuff later on." I said as I watched one of the massage ladies pass by the open doorway that led inside to the massage room.

"Of course," she said with a bob of her head as she settled back.

I listened intently as Noms filled me in on her latest update with Steve. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke.

"So, get this. Steve's still dead set on marrying me. He's even agreed to the crazy allowance."

I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? How much we talking?"

Noms leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Enough to make your head spin, honey."

"Damn," I muttered, sinking lower into the bubbling water. "You gonna take it?"

She shrugged, her shoulders breaking the surface. "I don't know. It's tempting, but... I'm not exactly the settle-down type, you know? And kids? Hard pass. Although he's not said a thing about kids thankfully."

"Steve would want you all to himself, huh?"

"Bingo. No more fun on the side for this girl. But he'd spoil me rotten."

I thought about my time with the Silvestri brothers, the luxury and the danger all wrapped up in one messy package. "Steve's just a businessman, right?"

Noms nodded. "Born with a silver spoon. Took over daddy's empire. Mommy was loaded too."

"If it's not blood money..." I mused, trailing off. "Maybe you should consider it. Less risky than your current gig. And Steve's no spring chicken. You could have it easy as a trophy wife."

Noms snorted. "Yeah, until I start showing my age and he trades me in for a newer model."

I grinned, a plan forming. "Does he want a prenup?"

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