Page 69 of The Aries Alliance
“Right on time.” She stepped back and reached for the doorknob.
I checked my watch and frowned, wondering who would drop by this time of day. Although I had no problem popping up on other people, I hated surprise visitors at my house.
Tiffany opened my door, inviting in the dusky evening sun and a radiant Scarlett.
“Hey, lady.”
“Hi, Tiffany.” Scarlett gave my sister a quick hug.
When Tiffany stepped back, I took in the fullness of my ally, who bit her lip and tilted her head, checking me out as she always did. In her look, I saw vulnerability and something else I couldn’t put my finger on. Whatever it was drew me like a magnet as her neat locs and form-fitting black jumpsuit reminded me of our first night together. She fascinated me then and drew me to her now.
Unlike the last time I saw her, Scarlett looked well-rested and content. Light makeup accentuated her beautiful features, especially her high cheekbones.
“Hello, War.” Her sweet voice sounded like a familiar song, tapping the recesses of my heart and awakening dormant desire I wanted to explore if Scarlett let me.
I reached for her, inhaled her vanilla goodness, and explored the dips and curves of her body. When she entered my arms and held me tight, my shoulders collapsed. This was what I wanted to come home to every day.
No one else understood my sacrifice like Scarlett. Our bond was more than trauma. It was strength built from a mutual understanding that we had each other’s backs.
“Scarlett.” I spoke her name as emotions filled me.
She held me tight and rubbed my back in small circles.
“Yes, War.”
“Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Thank you for standing up for me.”
While we embraced again, I heard Mama’s footsteps behind me. I turned toward her and extended Scarlett’s hand in mine.
Mommy rushed toward Scarlett and hugged her like Scarlett came from her womb. With boldness, she placed her hands on Scarlett’s cheeks, holding them in place as she examined Scarlett’s features.
Scarlett placed her arms around my mother. Together, they swayed back and forth in each other’s arms.
With her hands still on Scarlett, Mommy met my eyes.
“She’s the one, baby.”
My eyes widened, not expecting Mommy to say those words. For years, she swore she’d know who my soulmate was the minute she met her. I didn’t expect that confirmation to come today.
“O . . . kay. Mom, this is Dr. Scarlett Kane. Scarlett, meet my mother, Eloise Redmond.”
“It’s nice to meet you officially, Mrs. Redmond. Your son is such an honorable man. I’m so sorry for what you went through.” Scarlett whispered her last sentence as she rubbed my mother’s back with her fingers.
My chest puffed out, pleased at Scarlett’s compliment. No award had ever made me feel so good.
“Although I’d love to stay and get to know you better, I’ll leave you two alone. I’m sure you have a lot to discuss.” Mommy patted Scarlett’s bare shoulder, giving Tiffany a not-so-subtle head jerk that it was time for them to depart.
Tiffany nodded. The two of them said their goodbyes and left a couple of minutes later.
When we were alone, I led Scarlett to my den. She placed her hobo bag next to her and rested her hands in her lap.
“I won’t take up much of your time. I want to close the loop on our agreement.”
I cocked my head, genuinely confused by Scarlett’s statement.
“What does that mean?”
