Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 43

Scarlett

Chapter 43

Scarlett’s POV

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Hearing Clay’s voice in my head first thing in the morning was both comforting and exciting. His tone, deep and just a little playful, tugged at something in my chest, making my heart flutter. The memory of Lucian’s arms around warmth, but the thrill of having Clay at my door made me feel a different kind of anticipation.

me last night filled me with

“I’m at your door, Scarlett. Open up, or I’ll break it down,” he teased, and I couldn’t help but laugh, his humour chasing away any lingering sleepiness. When I opened the door, there he was, looking effortlessly attractive in blue jeans and a simple white shirt The air outside was brisk, but he seemed unfazed, his cinnamon scent mingling with the aroma wafting from a picnic basket he held.

I let him in, and he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, his lips warm against my skin. I excused myself to freshen up, and his scent lingered, taking over my senses. I quickly showered and dressed in layers, knowing how bitterly cold it was outside. Part of me wished I could dress lighter, more alluring, but the weather demanded practical warmth over style. When I returned, bundled up in jeans, a thick jacket, and a woolly hat, Clay gave me an approving look, smiling as I joined him.

“That was fast,” he said, amusement glinting his

eyes. He held out his hand, and I took it, my pulse quickening as his fingers

laced through mine. Without warning, he pulled me close and captured my lips in a kiss. At first, I was stunned, stiff with surprise,

but I quickly melted into it, his kiss soft and unhurried, patient and gentle. It was nothing like Lucian’s fierce and consuming kiss;

Clay’s was tender, a warm, steady spark that stirred desire without rushing it.

As we pulled back to catch our breaths, he looked at me with dark, intense eyes, his expression filled with promise and care. I could

feel my cheeks flush under his gaze, and he held onto me a moment longer, as if savoring the closeness.

I smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the layers of clothing I wore. This was my second

kiss with Clay, but it felt a as magical and new as the first, a quiet, steady magic that left me wanting more.

“I’ve been wanting to do that since I woke up,” Clay confessed, and I could feel the weight of his sincerity in his words. His eyes

held a flicker of sadness, a frustration that I hadn’t seen before.

“Damn Thomas,” he muttered, the anger bubbling to the surface. Sensing his frustration, I reached out and held his hand, hoping to

ease his tension.

“If he hadn’t filled our heads with lies, we would have come for you ourselves, married you properly. We were jerks about it,” he

admitted, his voice tinged with regret. I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around him, letting him hold me as he breathed in my scent. I felt him calm, his shoulders easing as he held me tightly, grounding us both in a moment of understanding.

When I finally pulled away, he offered me a small, warm smile. “Shall we?” he asked, gesturing toward the door. I nodded, following him outside, but my gaze instinctively drifted back to the apartment, wondering if Lucian was awake.

Clay gently turned my head back to face him, his grin playful. “Lucian had his time. Today is mine,” he teased, laughing softly. His laughter was contagious, though I couldn’t help but look at him with a question in my eyes, curious about the humour in his words.

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Chapter 43

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“Among the three of us,” he explained, still chuckling, “Lucian was the last I ever expected to come around. But he was the first to accept the bond.” He gave me a knowing look, his expression warm and understanding. “I bet you understand him now, Scarlett. His love is as deep as his hatred. Once he let go of his anger, there was no holding him back.”

I nodded, understanding more clearly than ever. Lucian’s acceptance had surprised me, too, but his intensity, his depth, it all made sense now. And standing here with Clay, I felt like I was slowly piecing together the complex bonds that tied us all, each moment bringing us closer, in ways I hadn’t imagined.

The swift, unexpected change in our relationship was mind–boggling, but I was grateful for it. Clay’s warmth and sincerity seemed to come from a place of genuine care, a side of him I’d rarely glimpsed before. Once we stepped outside, I turned to him curiously.

“Where are you taking me?”

He grinned, slipping into the driver’s seat of a rugged jeep. “The mountains,” he replied, glancing over as I fasto

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“I see you’re road–compliant,” he teased, and I couldn’t help but smile back. He started the engine, and we pulled away froman

the

pack house, the scenery changing as we ventured into the wild, open stretches of the North. After a while, he pulled out his phone

and made a quick call.

“Hey, Maxwell, let Lucian know I’m taking Scarlett to the mountains. He shouldn’t be mad,” Clay said, listening as Maxwell

responded. He hung up, his eyes flicking to me with a playful glint. “Didn’t exactly tell Lucian about this plan,” he laughed, a

mischievousness in his tone I hadn’t expected.

His carefree demeanour was refreshing. Though Clay had never been outright cruel, he’d kept a cautious distance, his kindness

always careful and measured. Now, seeing him like this, relaxed and open, was like discovering a hidden layer of him, one I found

myself hoping wouldn’t disappear.

Comments

Michele Gremillion

1 Comments >

oh how destinies change. each one will probably have their chance, lucien had his now clay gets his time and I’m sure max will get his chance next.

7 days ago

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