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He shrugged and pushed some papers aside, making room on the desk for her.

Once she was settled and he was rubbing her outer thigh, he answered.

“I was the third born son, and my family tradition dictates that the eldest gets everything. There was no reason for me to stay around and watch the idiot get all he doesn’t deserve. ”

“Do you only dislike the eldest?”

“Both of them are idiots, but Adrian always knew he’d get everything, so he didn’t have to prove himself. Fabian wasn’t very talented but has a huge ego.”

“But you had the ambition to forge your own path.”

“You make it sound so noble.”

“Do you still have contact with them?”

“Very little. We talk on birthdays and such, but that’s about it.”

“Any bad blood?”

“Jealousy, mostly from Adrian but I kind of enjoy it. He keeps saying that I’m only a good hunter because I have Ezra and Vince.”

“Don’t most hunt in teams?”

“Yeah, Adrian included, but they aren’t as good. Whenever you are comfortable, I would like you to meet them.”

“You do?”

“Of course.”

“How will they feel about me?”

“I don’t really care how they feel, as long as they are respectful towards you.”

Scarlett hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”

“How did your studying go before I so rudely interrupted you?” Mateo asked, changing the subject.

“Good. It’s repetitive, but I think that’s a good thing.” She turned her head towards the window, looking towards the workshop. “I haven’t seen Vince in a while.”

“He spends most of his time out there. It keeps him sane to work with his hands.”

“What calms you?”

“Cooking if I’m just restless, but when I’m really upset, I need a workout, something to let out the frustration. Ezra usually figures out when I’m in a bad mood and ramps me up so he can get in a good fight.”

Scarlett scoffed. “Ezra? Poking the bear? I can’t believe it.”

“You seem to have a way with him. He is much better behaved with you around.”

“I do feel like he’s warming up, but I can’t read him. Like, one moment he’s tame as a kitten and then he just explodes.”

“With time, you’ll figure it out. Just know you are already making a difference.”

“You should know best; you feel him all the time.” Her gaze drifted back to the workshop. “Does Vince want to be alone when he’s in there?”

“When it comes to Ezra, yes. All he does is fuck everything up. You, on the other hand, would be a whole different story. You’re always allowed to check on us in our private spaces.”

She nodded and leaned in for a kiss. Mateo was soft and gentle, his thumbs stroking her thighs. She could still barely wrap her mind around them being okay with sharing her. Sure, jealousy was still an issue, but they actively encouraged her to seek all three of them out—especially Mateo.

He set her free but once she reached the doorway, she turned back around. “Thank you. For everything.”

In the workshop, Vince was still working on the wooden roses, though it was on a different part of the dresser. Scarlett leaned against the barn doors, catching his attention.

“I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I’m sorry.”

“There is no need to apologise, I just wanted to come check on you.”

He set the tool aside and straightened his back, as if to say she had his full attention. “I lost track of time.”

“Good. That means you’re enjoying what you’re doing.”

Vince tilted his head curiously. “You’re not upset.”

Though it was clearly meant as a statement she answered with a smile. “I’m not. I’ve actually been busy studying for my driver’s license. I was hoping you could teach me a little more, so once I have passed my theoretical test, I can do my practical one.”

“Of course.” The sense of pride in his tone warmed her heart. “I can take you out on a quiet road some time once you feel comfortable and we can practice parking.”

“That would mean a lot to me. I didn’t feel like you were annoyed by the mistakes I made.”

Vince dipped his gaze, the most precious flush creeping up his neck and darkening his cheeks. “I’m glad you felt comfortable to make those mistakes.”

“Mateo is putting a work-out routine together for me. If I’m able to move after, maybe we can drive then?”

“You are a busy woman.”

“I can’t sit around being lazy all day. I mean, I was obviously made aware that I could do nothing all day, but I don’t want to.”

“You seem to find ways to keep yourself busy very easily so that won’t be a problem.”

“Will I see you at dinner?”

“You will.”

“Maybe we can all watch a movie together after. Unless you’re on a deadline?”

Vince shook his head. “I’m not.”

“Perfect.” Scarlett turned to leave but Vince called her back, and the gruff edge to his voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Scarlett, come here, please.”

With burning cheeks she did as he’d asked.

Once she was close enough, he took her hand in his and tugged to close the space between them.

His head bent down, and her body instinctively stretched to her tiptoes, meeting him for a kiss.

His free hand grabbed her neck and she moulded into his every curve, pressing her lips hard to his.

Vince pulled back just as quickly as he’d kissed her, leaving her dizzy and breathless and softly sweeping his lips across her forehead. “Thank you for coming to see me.”