Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Scarlett’s POV

After they’d eaten, Lucian brought me a small plate of leftovers. I accepted it without a word, knowing it was all I’d get. When Clay

took out a fresh blanket for himself and went to bed, I spread the thin blanket he’d given me across the floor and lay down. The cold seeped through me almost immediately, and despite my attempts to curl up tightly, my body wouldn’t stop shivering.

Sometime deep into the night, I was so numb from the cold that I didn’t register footsteps until they were close. A figure moved

quietly, the faint clink of glass suggesting he’d poured himself a drink.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly, but I was too frozen to respond. My body shook uncontrollably, my teeth chattering beyond my

control.

Then, I felt myself lifted from the floor, strong arms pulling me close. I was too weak and too cold to protest, barely able to register

my discomfort as I was carried into a warmer, softer space. He laid me down on a bed and slipped under the covers, his arms

wrapping around me, his body pressing close to mine in an attempt to share warmth.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be warm now,” he murmured gently, and I knew by his voice that it was Clay. He held me firmly, radiating

warmth that began to ease the shivers wracking my body.

Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence, and Lucian’s voice cut through the darkness. “Clay, what do you think you’re

doing?”

I felt Clay’s hold tense slightly as he replied, “What are you doing in my room?”

“I heard movements and came to check,” Lucian said, though his voice held a suspicious edge.

“Liar,” Clay shot back, his tone both sharp and weary. “You just came to snoop.”

Lucian fell silent, and I held my breath, feeling the tension between them. It was as if they were two opposing forces–the kindness Clay had shown me standing in stark contrast to Lucian’s hostility.

“She’s freezing, Lucian,” Clay said softly, trying to convey a gentleness I hadn’t seen before. Lucian didn’t reply, just stood there, seemingly torn. Moments later, another voice–Maxwell’s–filtered through the room.

“Is she getting better?” he asked, sounding uncharacteristically concerned. It struck me as strange; they’d barely ever entered each other’s rooms, so why were they all here now?

“Not fast enough,” Clay answered, his voice holding a trace of worry. My body continued to tremble uncontrollably despite the

warmth. Then I felt th

mattress dip behind me, and someone’s strong arms wrapped around my back, pressing their warmth into

1. me. It was Maxwell.

“Goddess, she’s cold,” he murmured, his voice close, and I, it was him who had slipped in beside me. Their bodies began to

vibrate gently, creating a soft hum of heat that spread through me, easing the relentless chill. Finally, cocooned between them,

5

m

1/2

15:48 Fri, Jun 5 M

Chapter 12

ل

drifted off into a deep, exhausted sleep.

When I woke the next morning, the bed was empty. Sunlight filtered in through the window, and I realized was already late. I got up/quickly, my body still feeling the lingering warmth they’d left behind, and set to work cleaning the apartment as I’d been

instructed. In Lucian’s room, I found a traveling bag on the floor with a note attached, bearing my name.

Opening the bag, I discovered clothes–sweaters, jeans, a towel, lotion, deodorant, and essentials for women. A rare smile touched

my lips. It had to be Clay’s doing. I couldn’t imagine Lucian or Maxwell showing me even this small kindness. I took a long bath,

reveling in the warmth of the water, and then dressed in jeans, a cardigan, and thick socks. For the first time, I felt a hint of

comfort, and it reminded me of how much I had missed those small things.

Later, when they returned in the afternoon, Lucian’s gaze fell on me, assessing. “How are you feeling now?” he asked, his voice

careful, as though reluctant to show any softness.

“I am better,” I replied coolly, keeping my face impassive. I wasn’t about to thank them. They’d taken everything from me–my

inheritance, my freedom–and left me angry and trapped in a life I hadn’t chosen. No amount of clothes or kindness would change

that. I met Lucian’s gaze, letting my resentment simmer just below the surface.

Comments

Michele Gremillion

it’s going to take a miracle for her to ever forgive the 3 alphas.

7 days ago

14

5