Chapter 14

Lucien She was fire. And I was starting to think I liked the burn too much. Scarlett sat beside me—tense, arms folded, breathing sharp like every inhale cost her pride. We hadn’t spoken since she slid into the seat with that glare that promised bloodshed. But now, after thirty silent minutes of winding roads and pine-lined highways, her body had relaxed just slightly. When I glanced over again, she had fallen asleep. Her head was tilted toward the window with her lips parted just enough. A few strands of that wild, auburn hair clung to her cheek. She looked beautiful. Her lip sparkled as the sun rays touched it. I had the strange urge to taste it. Know what she tasted like. I should’ve looked away. Should’ve kept my eyes on the damn road. But I didn’t. My attention kept moving from the road and back to her. I watched her. And something twisted deep in my chest—tight and unfamiliar. Three hours. That’s how long this drive was. My Beta was still running it, on foot. I hadn’t expected him