Page 107 of Clashing
I took Danny home and, per Scarlett’s instructions, stayed with him until she arrived. She fussed over him, and they went back and forth bickering, but the truth was, he wasn’t winning any fight with her. It made me feel a little better that even he had a hard time keeping up with Scarlett.
Although I wanted to check in with her about this not sleeping bullshit, watching her and Dan reminded me they needed family time. I let them be and drove home to take the dogs for a run and play.
After we got back, I jumped in the shower while Demon and Grayson passed out on their beds in the living room. I emerged from the bathroom to find a text on my phone.
Sugar:I want to see you. Come over.
She wants to see me.That was a good sign. I’d kept checking on her, but this was the first time she’d initiated. I was used to her demands. She rarelyaskedme to do anything. Bossy pain in my ass.
Me:Be right there.
I broke several speeding laws to get to her. On my way upstairs, I ignored the looks from my guys and Tammy. I entered the apartment, and the aroma of lavender assaulted my senses. Lavender incense. Lavender candles. Lavender oil.Someone’s trying to relax.My heart ached. She was trying so damn hard.
“Before you lecture me.” Scarlett’s slurred words accompanied swaying as she rose from the couch, glass of whiskey dangling from her fingertips. “I unlocked the door when I heard your bike.”
She knows what it sounds like.A smile battled with a frown as she stepped around the couch and stumbled. She caught herself on the armrest and whiskey splattered the ground, eliciting a giggle from her. “Oops.”
I approached and cupped her elbow to steady her after she set down her whiskey. “How much have you had?”
“Like . . . barely any.” She staggered, eyes glassy as she clasped the robe she wore shut. One step toward me, and she almost fell again.
I steadied her and clicked my tongue. “Clearly.”
“Don’t be all judgy,” she whined. Her head dropped against my chest, where I wanted it to remain. “You drink all the time.”
“I’m not judging you, Scar. I’m worried about you. Why’d you want to see me? Are you okay?”
“I wanted to see you because . . .” She circled her arms around my neck and pulled my lips down to hers. “This.”
It’d been far too fucking long since I’d tasted her. So long, and yet, the memories rushed in like they’d happened yesterday.Fuck.I tasted alcohol on her mouth.
“Scar.” I internally whimpered when I eased back and broke our kiss. “You’re too drunk. Come on, you need to go to bed.”
I tried to pick her up, but she dodged me and stumbled backwards toward the bedroom.
“I’ll go to bed.” She untied her robe, revealing bare skin underneath. “With you.”
“Jesus, Scarlett.” I averted my eyes and yanked her robe closed. “What are you trying to do to me?”
“I want you.” She threw her arms around me and kissed me. I groaned, holding her close and backing her into the bedroom. If I got her into bed, she’d probably pass out. I almost had her there when she lifted my shirt. Soft, addictive hands glided up my chest and I nearly shuddered.
Instead, I snatched her wrists and narrowed my eyes. “Bed.”
That vixen caught her delectable lip between her teeth. “You gonna spank me if I don’t?”
If there was some deity, it hated me.
Sweeping my arms under her legs and back, I lifted her and carried her across the room. “Don’t fucking start with me.”
She pouted and my cock wept.Too bad. Not until she’s sober.
“You don’t want me anymore?”
“Of course I want you. I want you when you’re fully conscious.” I laid her on the mattress. “Not about to pass out.”
“I wanted you before I got drunk, but I was too chicken to say anything.” She fiddled with her robe strap. “Don’t you want to fuck me?”
“I do, baby, but not like this.”
