Page 58 of The Aries Alliance
I scratched the back of my neck, wanting to soften the blow about my conversation in the president’s office. Before I could pretty up my words, Scarlett reached for my chin and held it, her eyes piercing.
“If we’re in this together, I need you to be honest. Protection means that you’re transparent. I don’t want to be blindsided by them or you.”
I reached for her wrists and pushed them gently to her sides.
“And being in our alliance means that you have to trust me when I say some things aren’t worth repeating. I care about your mental wellness, so every bit of noise isn’t healthy for you to absorb. Even if you’re being placed in the middle of harm, I have my ways to protect you.” I pulled Scarlett in and massaged her butt.
Although her muscles relaxed, she shook her head.
“I hear you, but what are you going to do? It’s your job to do what they tell you to do.”
I swallowed and took a big breath, knowing Scarlett was right.
“It won’t get that far.”
“But what if it does?” Her voice quivered, reminding me how dangerous our mission was.
“Do you trust me?”
She looked away and bit her nail again.
“I want to, . . . but trust takes time.”
I nodded.
“Prepare your village. Everything they know is about to be exposed. If they aren’t willing to be in the heat, alert them that there’s still time to back out. When you give me the green light, I’ll contact the media.”
Scarlett jerked her head toward me.
“And say what?”
“The truth. I’ll give the powers that be one bite and see if it will throw them off the warpath. Stay calm and know I’ve got you.”
“Do you, though?” Scarlett stared at me with uncertainty and fear.
At this point, only time would convince her that I had her back.
Was I overpromising? We had strategized our moves meticulously, yet the reality of what we were getting into wasoverwhelming. Even with good intentions, was it possible for everyone to be in position at the right time?
“You good?” Scarlett stared at me as I pondered our next move.
“Yes. Just going over everything in my head and thinking how brave you are. It takes a special person to stand up for their beliefs when it’s easier to stop pushing.”
Scarlett smiled.
“Thanks for saying that and for everything.”
“It’s nothing.”
Scarlett sat in my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“But it is. I’d never be brave enough to do this alone.” She leaned into me and planted a sweet kiss on my lips.
In that peck, calmness radiated from Scarlett. My doubts about devouring her slowly disappeared, leaving me with unmitigated lust for the woman on my lap.
I cocked my head and licked my lips.
“Did I ever tell you that social justice makes me horny? Your independence and fire that matches my energy in every way.”
