Page 26 of Rule
“No doubt,” he replies with a slow smile. “Are you okay?”
Shrugging my shoulders, not in an act of nonchalance, but of uncertainty. “I guess so.”
“Scarlet, I’m sorry.”
"Shh," I whisper. "I consented, remember? And I’m fine, I promise. It’s just weird. I don’t know what happened.”
“You were perfect. Youareperfect.”
Leaning forward to kiss him, I blink and yawn.
"Are you sure you're okay with it?" he asks again.
"Positive," I reply, my eyes shining with sincerity. "We explored this together, and that's what matters."
We have ventured into uncharted territory, but our love has remained constant – a beacon that guides us through the darkness and back to one another.
Hugo’s expression of contentment warms me from within as we bask in the afterglow of fantasy fulfillment. “I'm glad I could be part of fulfilling your fantasy.”
“Thank you, Scarlet," he says, his voice cracking with emotion. “I never imagined this would actually happen. I love you so much.”
"Love is about trust and exploration. We trusted each other enough to explore something new together."
Before he can respond, the door to the bedroom creaks open, and Max, Tristan, Miles, and Adam enter.
"Scarlet," Max says, concern etched on his face as he crosses the room and sits on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Better than ever," I reply with a small laugh. "A little drowsy, maybe, but otherwise fine."
"Good," Tristan murmurs, stroking my hair back from my forehead. "We were worried about you."
"No need. I was in good hands."
"Can we get you anything?" Miles asks, standing at the foot of the bed, his gaze warm and caring.
“Water, please.”
"Of course," Adam says, already handing me a bottle. "Here you go," he says tenderly.
"Thank you.” I take a small sip and then gulp the rest back, suddenly my mouth is so dry. It must be the effects of the sleeping tablet. “Don’t suppose anyone got a recording?” I ask to astounded faces.
“Erm…”
Snorting into my hand, I say, “Yes, of course, I want to see it.”
“Next time,” Max mutters.
“Next time…”
“No, there won’t be a next time,” Hugo says forcefully. “I don’t want you to go through that again.”
“Go through that? You make it sound like a trauma. It wasn’t. Hugo, please, don’t feel so guilty about it. I love that I could do this for you.”
He looks down, his cheeks turning pink. “We don’t have to do it again.”
“We’ll talk about it another time.” He isn’t in the headspace to discuss this rationally. He feels guilty, but he shouldn’t. I hope he knows that when the dust settles.
"Let's get you cleaned up," Max suggests, his voice gentle.
