Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 180

hapter 180

So I stayed, wrapping my arm around her just a bit right), willing my warmth to seep into her, to bring her back. Whatever happened next, i was ready to

face it.

“Clay?” Scarlett’s voice was soft, barely a whisper, but it was enough to pull me from my thoughts. At first, I thought mast have dozed off, the Merwed and Lucian, but then she shifted beside me, and I felt her warmth returning.

She was finally awake. Relief washed over me, and I managed to get out of bed, keeping my back to her. I was grateful she was okay, but part of me feared hearing anything painful she might say. I was already carrying enough weight, and I just wanted to keep my foleys on the fact that she’d come through.

“You passed out,” I explained, keeping my voice steady. “Maxwell brought you here. We would’ve taken you to your room, Bat you were so cold. We had to keep you warm. Nothing more.”

I finally turned to look at her, and the sight stopped me. Her eyes were red and puffy, and I could see the trails of tears on her cheeks. Before I could men think, I crossed the room and took her into my arms.

“What’s the matter, Scarlett?” I asked, keeping my tone gentle, not wanting to push her too much. She didn’t answer, only clung to my shirt as if afraid I’d vanish. Her grip was tight, and I could feel the rawness of her need, a vulnerability that broke down every barrier I’d carefully maintained. So I just held her, letting her cry, her quiet sobs racking her body as she released the weight she’d been carrying alone.

Eventually, her tears slowed, and she looked up at me, her eyes searching mine, filled with a deep, unsettling fear.

“Am I evil?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

I frowned, taken aback by the question.

“Why would you say that about yourself? You’re one of the most gentle souls I’ve ever met,” I said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Flattery doesn’t suit you, Clay,” she said, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice.

“Well, other than the intense scowl you get when you’re mad,” I added, giving her a playful smile. She laughed, then tried to mimic the scowl, scrunching

her face in a way that made us both laugh. I couldn’t believe this was happening-that she was here, smiling and talking to me. It felt almost unreal, like miracle. But then, as the reality sank in, I remembered that Lucian had set her free, had told her she could leave and live her life however she wanted.

Maybe that was why she seemed lighter, happier.

“Elsa’s back,” I said, letting my hand drop gently. “She’ll want to see you when you’re ready.”

I began to pull away, giving her space, but her hand held onto mine, her fingers warm and firm. “Stay… hold me, Clay,” she murmured, her voice soft and

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