Chapter 24 I'm not leaving you.
CHAPTER 24
I'm not leaving you.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
“Scarlett!” Eve gasps in horror.
My cheeks flush in shame, and I murmur, “I’m sorry.”
“What are you doing!” She whispers.
“I don’t know! I was arranging my clothes, and he walked in, saying we need to bridge the physical gap between us. It was supposed to be just a dance, and then he was touching me. Everything spiralled out of control.” I grumble, absolutely mortified.
“Would you have fucked if I hadn’t walked in?” She demands seriously.
I shake my head, “No, No, we would not. I would have stopped it eventually. It’s just, it got in my head, and I forgot everything. He was so warm, and his hands …” I stop, filled with so much shame.
“It’s okay, it’s alright. I don’t blame you. He’s a big bag of candy,” She takes my hand, and we sit on the bed.
“I know he is very handsome, and you want to jump his bones, but you must not. If you do, if you keep blurring the lines, everything will come apart. You have to remember why we are doing this. I’ll get you a vibrator, and you can imagine him as you touch yourself, just don’t touch him. If you want things to be smoother between you, too, then try for a friendship, not a relationship, because when things eventually fall apart, you’ll be stuck in a very unpleasant deal. Do you understand?” She says earnestly.
“Find a limit and stick to it. Don’t go beyond. Kisses are okay, a few touch here and there, but don’t widen your limit or it’ll all spiral out of control.” She warns.
I nod, shame clinging to me, “I know. Why are you so chill? I’m freaking out.”
“I have something to tell you.” She confesses, and my brows raise.
“What is it?”
“I got a call back from Studio 360 in Los Angeles. They want to see me tomorrow evening. They received the pictures I sent a few months ago, and they probably saw that I was given photo credit on your post. They want to see me, and I have to leave tonight.” She whispers cautiously.
I am so confused. One thing is clear – she’s leaving. She’s leaving.
“When will you be back?” I ask softly.
“I’ll be back before the event on Saturday. I won’t leave you alone.” She promises, and I nod, heart stinging a little.
“Just make sure you don’t sign anything. Bring it back so Damian can go over it with you. Do you have enough money?” I ask, worried.
“Of course, I have enough money. Rick is torn. He doesn’t want to leave you alone with Roman with no security, so he spoke to Roman hours ago and is currently investigating the perfect candidate for you.” She explains.
“Oh? Am I not supposed to be there and make the ultimate choice?” I frown, insulted.
“I came to call you, but got distracted.” She points out, and I flush.
“Why don’t you put on some clothes and follow me downstairs?” She suggests with a warm smile, and I nod.
I quickly pull on a basic top and shorts. Then, we walk downstairs together. My whole body is still shivering from the aftermath of that kiss. No one has ever touched me like that. No one has ever made me feel that way. He saw me seem him, and I saw him see me. For a moment, time suspended, everything faded away, and it was just us, but it means nothing.
Moments later, we get downstairs, and I am hit by a visceral awareness.
My chest caves in immediately, and goosebumps flood my body.
Rick is standing there with a man and a woman, but Roman is also there, arms folded, brows furrowed as he stares at the candidates.
I try to make myself small. I try to make him not see me, but he does. I have a feeling that he always will.
Rick glances at me and smiles, “Scarlett, this is Rue Monet, and Russel Windsor. They are the final candidates. You have to choose between them.”
Everyone turns to look at me, including him. I focus my attention on Rue and Russel. Rue is beautiful and dark-skinned. She is wearing a beautiful navy blue suit with cape sleeves. Russel has on a black tee and brown slacks. They both have a wonderful fashion sense, which is not what I should be focusing on.
“Hi.” I smile, doing my best to ignore Roman, even if I can feel his intrusive gaze drilling into my back.
“Why don’t you tell us how you intend to protect Scarlett if push comes to shove? As a socialite and the wife of an infamous billionaire, she is going to face some stalkers, jealous people, aggressive men, and just society’s bullshit that thinks she is not worthy of being with Roman. What can you do to protect her from them?” Eve goes straight to the point, and I am grateful because I had no question.
“Infamous?” Roman scoffs, but I ignore him.
Rue smiles at me and speaks. “By understanding her first. I’ll learn her routines, her tells, what makes her hesitate, what makes her reckless. I’ll stay close without suffocating her, redirect danger before she feels it, and step in only when she can’t protect herself. She won’t feel guarded. She’ll feel safe.”
Russel answers calmly, “By minimising exposure. I’ll manage her movements, secure all locations in advance, maintain a tight perimeter, and coordinate with surveillance at all times. Protection works best when the protected is predictable.”
Their answers are so different, and I feel overwhelmed. I don’t want to be here. This is a big house, but I have never felt so stifled, especially with Roman burrowing a hole into my back.
“You know what? I’ll leave this to you. I need some air.” I decide, my jaws clenched.
“Take a walk.” Roman orders coldly.
I don’t look at him; instead, I grab my phone and the nearest car keys. “I don’t need a walk. I need something more. I need a drive. You have many cars, I’m sure you won’t miss this one.”
“Scarlett,” He hisses, annoyed, but I ignore him and make a beeline for the door.
I don’t get far because he catches up to me, grabs my wrist and leads me outside, away from everyone.
The look on his face is visceral. His brows are furrowed, his gaze is dark, and his shoulders are tense. He is standing so close, towering over me, and my body is so aware of him.
“You have so many cars, Roman. I just need to clear my head. I’m not leaving you. I’m not running away.” I grumble, my heart racing.
“Take the Aston Martin.” He states, takes the key from my hands and gives me another.