Chapter 101 Drowning in Joy
Ever since Owen's incident, Scarlett had been fighting alone, weathering every storm that came her way. Add Wesley's torment to the mix, and she'd forgotten what it felt like to be cared for.
In this moment, she felt Ambrose's protection wrap around her. The fortress walls she'd built around herself cracked open.
She leaned into his embrace, silent, savoring the flutter of warmth in her chest.
In the quiet living room, their silhouettes nestled together painted a picture of peace.
Scarlett didn't let herself overthink what Ambrose's intentions were. He'd extended his hand—she'd take it.
Finding the children was all that mattered right now. Everything else could wait.
Ambrose moved into Lakeside Garden with his suitcase in tow. Scarlett didn't object, but she did show him to the guest room.
He watched her drag his luggage into the spare bedroom, then leaned lazily against the doorframe, one eyebrow raised. "I can't stay in your room?"
Scarlett set his suitcase by the closet before turning to face him. "I don't want the kids knowing about us yet."
Ambrose's expression shifted from casual to something darker.
She stepped closer, tilting her head to meet his gaze. "Yara's sensitive. If you're in my room, she'll think she's not the most important person to me anymore. It'll make her anxious."
"Besides, we're under the same roof. Does it really matter if we share a room?"
Her words wrapped around him like silk thread, binding him before he could protest.
A low chuckle escaped his lips. "You always use this tactic on me. If I said no, Yara probably wouldn't even let me stay here, would she?"
A smile tugged at Scarlett's mouth—beautiful and unconscious. "She absolutely would."
Something darkened in Ambrose's eyes. His hand cupped her chin, tilting her face up as he captured her lips with sudden urgency.
Scarlett didn't understand why he was suddenly kissing her, but she had no time to analyze it. Ambrose swept her into his arms, striding into the room. His foot kicked the door shut behind them.
He laid her on the bed, his weight pressing down as he deepened the kiss. Whatever triggered this, Scarlett didn't know—she only knew he was consuming her whole.
The kiss rapidly escalated into something more. Clothes disappeared. In her half-dazed state, Scarlett remembered something and pressed against his chest.
"Shower first."
Ambrose was already past the point of waiting, but he couldn't deny her request. He leaned close to her ear. "Let's change venues then."
He scooped her up and headed for the bathroom.
Ambrose's new venue was the bathroom.
Warm water cascaded over their skin, mingling with the intoxicating rhythm of their bodies. This was more intense than usual. She clung to his neck, head thrown back, water streaming from above as she surrendered to the drowning pleasure.
When she finally came back to herself, she lowered her head, instinctively kissing Ambrose—from his lips down to his throat, teeth grazing lightly. His guttural groan sent tremors through her entire body.
In that moment, they both discovered what perfect synchrony felt like.
The water stopped. Minutes later, Ambrose carried Scarlett out, wrapped in a towel. He laid her exhausted form on the bed, then disappeared into her room to retrieve a hairdryer.
Scarlett kept her eyes closed. One session at lunch, another just now—she was too tired to even speak. She couldn't fathom how Ambrose wasn't equally wiped out.
"All dry. Take me back to my room now," she murmured before drifting into sleep.
Ambrose studied her flushed cheeks, a smile playing at his lips. Her hair was soft as silk—like a cat's fur. And her skin was even softer. He had plenty of firsthand experience with that.
The next morning, Scarlett woke to Yara's voice.
She opened her eyes to find her daughter perched at her bedside, wide-eyed and waiting.
"Mommy, time to get up."
Scarlett rubbed her sleepy eyes. "What time is it?"
"Seven thirty." A deep voice answered.
She followed the sound and spotted Ambrose—crisp dress shirt, tailored slacks, looking every bit the composed executive. No trace of last night's wildness.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. Was he here?
"Mommy, we're gonna be late." Yara urged.
"Yara, your mom looks tired. Let her sleep a bit longer. I will take you to school." Ambrose interjected.
Yara immediately turned back to Scarlett. "Mommy, did you have nightmares again last night?"
Scarlett's mind raced. She couldn't exactly tell the truth, but knowing Yara wouldn't stop asking until she got an answer, she decided to go with the nightmare excuse.
"Yes."
"Mommy, then I'll sleep with you tonight so you won't have bad dreams." Yara's small hand stroked Scarlett's forehead soothingly.
Ambrose frowned. "Yara, you're old enough to sleep on your own now. Look at Hayden—he never asks to sleep with me."
Yara turned to look up at him. "Ambrose, Hayden doesn't sleep with you because you're not soft and cozy. But he loves sleeping with my mommy."
Ambrose fell silent.
Yara turned to Hayden. "Hayden, do you want to sleep with Mommy tonight?"
Hayden glanced up. Despite Ambrose's pointed looks, he ignored them completely.
"Yes."
Ambrose fell silent again.
Scarlett's lips twitched. Only the kids could render Ambrose speechless.
"Ambrose, let's go. Let Mommy rest more. You can take us to preschool." Yara took charge like a little adult, leading Ambrose toward the door.
He let himself be guided out obediently.
After they left, Scarlett stretched luxuriously. Having Ambrose around meant he could help with the school runs.
Just as she finished stretching, the door opened again. Ambrose strode back in, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her breathless.
"That's to soothe my ego after being roasted by children," he murmured against her lips.
Scarlett's cheeks flushed, but she didn't argue.
"The kids didn't ask why you're here?"
"They did."
Before Scarlett could ask what he'd said, Yara's voice rang out.
"Ambrose, did you sneak into Mommy's room? Boys aren't supposed to go into girls' rooms without permission!"
Ambrose fell completely silent.
Scarlett ducked her head to hide her smile. Looked like Ambrose wouldn't be able to waltz into her room whenever he pleased anymore. Not with Yara standing guard.
After the kids left for school, Scarlett had breakfast and headed to the Boleyn Group.
When she arrived, the design department was still buzzing with yesterday's celebratory energy.
Scarlett made herself a coffee and settled in for the day's work. She'd barely taken a sip when her phone rang—an unfamiliar number. She answered anyway.
"Scarlett, it's Orion." A low, familiar voice came through the line.