Page 54

Now it was Mateo’s turn. He spun her in his arms and swept her up in a passionate kiss, his fingers doing the same as Ezra’s to keep her still.

She couldn’t breathe or think as pure emotion took over.

Mateo hugged her tightly one last time before he stormed off in a way that oddly mimicked Ezra.

She watched and waved as they drove off and only allowed her tears to spill once they were out of sight.

But once her gaze fell on Vince, she felt stupid.

She turned, rushed inside, and hid in the bathroom under the guise of running herself a hot shower.

She did in the end, and stood under the spray with hot tears pouring down her cheeks. She could feel them leave, getting farther away by the second. The sense of their presence had become her safe place and now, it felt as if she’d been left stranded in the cold.

The bathroom door creaked and she suddenly found herself in Vince’s arms as he stepped into the shower with her.

She wrapped her arms around him, loving how he didn’t need a single word to calm her.

All he had to do was hold her against his broad, hairy chest and run his fingers over her back, periodically twisting them into her hair.

She closed her eyes, focusing on the water beating down on her, his heartbeat beneath her ear, and the sounds of his breaths as his lungs filled with air.

Once she felt composed again, she turned and began to wash herself, only to have Vince take over for her. He massaged her scalp, kneading her skin before rinsing her down and wrapping her into a fluffy towel.

“I didn’t get to spoil you ,” she protested as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom bridal style.

“There’s plenty of time for that.”

“Is that a promise that I’m allowed to spoil you with affection?”

“Mmhmm.” Vince nodded with the softest of smiles and kissed her forehead.

“I might suffocate you over the next week or so.”

Vince’s grin didn’t fade. He knelt down before her and began to dry her legs with a second towel. “How would you like to spend your day today?”

“How about you take me on our first date down to the village?”

Vince peered up at her, his grin widening into a full smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

She chose to wear one of her summer dresses, and paired it with a light cardigan and tights.

When it came to slipping into her shoes, Vince happily dropped to one knee and helped her slide each foot in, just like Ezra.

He’d matched his outfit to her dress with a blue button-up shirt and a nice pair of jeans.

“You look very handsome,” she complimented, adoring the way his cheeks flushed a precious pink. “And that blush is the cutest thing on you.”

Vince turned even redder and offered her his arm as they left the cabin. Arriving at the village, Vince guided her to the bakery and had her choose a morning treat and a juice. They sat down by the fountain, where it felt like weeks ago she’d spent hours drawing.

“That was really good,” she said, licking her fingertips for the rest of the icing.

“Would you like me to get you another?”

“That is very tempting.”

“If you don’t feel ready for me to leave you, we can go in together.”

Scarlett considered it, but shook her head. “I really like our spot and that group over there is already eyeing us. I think I feel okay staying here.”

“I will make it fast,” he promised with a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Thank you.”

She watched as he disappeared into the café and though he was walking fast, he didn’t spread anything hectic about his aura.

There was urgency to return to her, but nothing that made it seem as if he was losing his patience.

Then he was out of sight and though she knew she was safe, she felt awfully exposed.

She’d never been out without at least one guard.

If it hadn’t been Kurt, it would be Maximilian.

Once she left the pack, one of the three had always been with her.

She tried to focus on breathing and keeping her fear masked behind a smile as her gaze drifted over the water fountain.

She regretted not having thought about bringing her sketchbook, but then again, she was on a date with Vince, and he deserved her undivided attention.

“Where’s your scary boyfriend?”

Scarlett jolted, whipping her head around to see the same man that had approached her just a few days ago. And yes, the smarmy grin on his face was exactly the same as well. “I wouldn’t worry too much about him.”

“And why is that, kitten?”

Scarlett fought a grimace and had to suppress a gag. Her men were the only ones allowed to give her pet names. “The one that walks in the shadows and will cut your throat in the dark should keep you awake at night.”

Just as the words fell from her lips, Vince stepped up behind the man, quiet as a shadow. Silently, he stepped around the stranger using his body like a shield. The moment he kissed her, she felt safe and sound again and her tense muscles relaxed.

“Thank you,” she said, taking the sugar-glazed donut out of his hands.

Vince turned to watch the man sulk away. He clearly didn’t need words to bring his point across, the man retreating with his tail tucked between his legs.

“I hope it was okay to use you as a threat.”

Vince beamed down at her proudly. “We are your blades to use as you please. One word from your precious lips and heads will roll, and hearts carved out.”

“Why is that both scary and satisfying at the same time?”

“Is he the same man that approached you with Ezra?”

“Yes, but maybe he’s learned his lesson now and no heads need to be rolling.”

Vince grunted, but stared off in the direction the man had disappeared to. “As you wish.”