Page 31 of Only Ever Mine

She was grateful, but she wasn’t used to someone stepping in for her. She’d spent too long fighting her own battles.

And I hated that.

I ran a hand down my face, exhaling hard.

She needed a break. And so did I.

I grabbed my phone and shot her a text.

Me:Come away with me this weekend.

I stared at the screen, waiting for the little dots to appear.

When they didn’t, I added:

Me:Somewhere quiet. No press, no bullshit. Just us.

A few seconds later, my phone vibrated.

Scarlett:Christian…

I could already hear her hesitance. Could see the way she’d bite her lip, debating.

Me:Say yes.

A long pause. Then?—

Scarlett:Where?

A smirk pulled at my lips.

Me:Surprise.

She left me on read, but I knew she was thinking about it. And I also knew she’d say yes.

I made the arrangements in record time. A lake house my family owned, a few hours outside the city, secluded and quiet.

A place where no one would bother us. Where she could breathe. Where I could have her all to myself.

Two days.

That was all I wanted.

Two days to show her that what was happening between us was real.

Scarlett met me at a small private airstrip just after sunset.

She stepped out of the car, her bag slung over her shoulder, looking more beautiful than she had any right to.

Casual, simple—ripped jeans, an off-the-shoulder sweater that hinted at smooth skin underneath—but stunning.

I opened the plane door for her, watching as she hesitated at the bottom of the steps.

“You still have time to run,” I teased.

Her lips twitched. “I thought you said it was a surprise.”

“It is.”

---