Chapter 38 What Everyone Thinks They Know
POV Scarlett:
The world stops spinning when Liam’s tongue invades my mouth. Without an ounce of gentleness, he devours me as if my lips were the sweetest fruit he’s ever tasted. I’m so shocked by his action that he finds no resistance when he sucks my tongue into his mouth, moving it in a way that’s downright indecent. What the hell is wrong with these brothers? Why did they all choose today to kiss me?
First it was Ethan—at lunchtime, he cornered me at the bedroom door, reminding me far too well of what he’s capable of against one. Then came Noah; I was in the kitchen helping him wash the dishes after Liam left to run an errand for me, and he simply shouted a loud “fuck it,” lifted me onto the kitchen island, and attacked my mouth. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would have…
“Fuck,” Liam groans, the rough sound slipping from his lips along with the curse, pulling me back to reality—to the fact that my tongue is buried in his mouth, and how wrong that is.
A little shaken by everything that’s happened in the past few hours, I place my hands on his chest and push him away. I cannot be involved with the Blackwell brothers. No way am I entering another polyamorous relationship. What I had with the Hawthornes was amazing, unforgettable—but it was also my greatest heartbreak. I can’t think only of my own wants and desires, even if kissing each of them has awakened something inside me… It’s wrong. My baby comes first, and I refuse to take away what could be his future—
A father and three uncles. A family.
“You have to stop this,” I say, my voice trembling, my eyes full of tears. “I... I’m not willing to do this.”
Feeling my legs shake, I force myself into the bathroom and lock the door. I need to stay away from these brothers for a while; all this intensity is too much. Maybe it’s time to visit my father and try… something, anything that will make him listen, maybe even forgive me. I’d go back home if he asked me to. Would he ask? There’s only one way to know.
...
Standing in front of my house, I take a deep breath, pretending that across the street, inside the car, there aren’t three Blackwell brothers watching me with serious expressions. I tried to leave the house saying I needed to see my father—that despite everything he said and did, he’s still my father, and I still care about him. Ethan, who was already home, looked at me so sternly that for a second I thought he wouldn’t let me go, which would’ve caused an argument—because he doesn’t own me. But all he did was sigh and say he’d drive me. I couldn’t refuse, and before I knew it, Liam and Noah had climbed into the car with us without even asking if they could come along.
The drive was painfully awkward, the silence pure torture. Did they talk about the kisses? Because I could swear Ethan kept throwing side glances at Liam and Noah—and they did the same to him. I sincerely hope they didn’t say anything. The last thing I need right now is tension between us.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I clap my hands, hoping my father will answer the door. I need to see him. I need to know he’s eating, that he’s… I stop my train of thought when I see the figure that appears at the gate. My father looks worn out; his steps are unsteady, his body swaying. He’s been drinking—that much is obvious. His eyes widen in disbelief when he realizes it’s me. It takes less than a second for his indifferent smile to spread. I gather my courage and take a step forward.
“Dad…”
“What the fuck is my whore of a daughter doing here?” he cuts me off, shouting loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
“I… I just wanted to know if you’re okay. If you need anything.” His mocking laugh makes me swallow hard. I hear car doors open, and my eyes dart to the Blackwell brothers’ car. All three are standing outside, arms crossed, eyes fixed on me. I quickly look away, back to my father. “Have you been eating?” The pain in my chest at seeing him like this is indescribable. Even when I lived with him, he barely ate—and now, without me... I don’t even want to imagine what he’s been through since that night he threw me out.
My father stumbles toward me, opening the gate. His movements are so slow that for a moment I consider helping him. My whole body trembles with anxiety—will he…? Before I can guess his next move, his hand strikes my face. The tears fall instantly. My father hates me, and that will never change. The sad illusion I’d been holding onto will never happen. He will never forgive me.
“So you’re with them now? Back to being the slut who sleeps with more than one man?” His hand lifts again, and I close my eyes, bracing for another hit—but instead, I feel strong arms wrap around me.
“Come with me, princess.” Noah’s calm voice makes me nod without protest. All I want right now is a place to cry. Deep down, I knew this could happen, but I never imagined he’d actually hit me. He didn’t even listen. “Keep your eyes closed and wrap your arms around my neck. I’ll carry you—like the princess you are.” I do as he says, pressing my forehead to his chest while I wrap my arms around his neck.
“YOU’RE A DISGRACE! A WHORE!” I tremble in Noah’s arms as my father’s insults echo behind us. The man I love most in this world is the same one who’s hurt me the most. I swallow the sob clawing its way up my throat. It’s clear he wants nothing to do with me—and that means he’ll never want anything to do with this baby, either.
“I’ll tell you a secret,” Noah says softly. “Promise not to tell my brothers?”
I frown, opening my eyes and lifting my head, meeting his mischievous grin—the same one he gave me the day I wrote asshole on his brother’s car. He doesn’t even flinch at the insults still being shouted at me.
“What?” I ask, my voice breaking, tears still streaming down my face.
“I know where Ethan hides his action movies—rare editions. I know where Liam hides his chocolates. And best of all…” He leans in to whisper in my ear. “I know where Damian’s limitless credit card is.”
I make a face, not understanding what that has to do with anything.