Red and her Wolfe

By

Blythe Reid

Description

They call me The Wolfe.

I hunt women the way a wolf hunts lambs.

And I just found my latest prey.

She’s a long way from home.

We meet on the plane.

And there’s nothing as vulnerable as a girl who’s homesick after her first trip abroad.

The girls I’m used to want my money and my looks.

This girl is too innocent for either of those things.

She wants me because of the way we lock eyes.

The way we instantly hit it off.

The way we seem to have been made for each other.

And I want her because I’m The Wolfe.

I hunt innocent young women like her.

It’s what I do.

But sometimes, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Table of Contents

Description

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

Insider Group

About the Author

Introduction

Want the sexy extended Epilogue to Red and her Wolfe?

Join my Insider Group and we’ll get it right over to you. It’s a fun way to connect and get all the juicy details before we release a new book. I’d love to see you there and share some goodies that no one else gets! Come join us.

Give me my FREE extended epilogue!!!

Chapter 1

Lucien

The air was different as Adam and I stepped off the plane. We finally arrived in Paris, France, and our month-long vacation was about to begin. For weeks, Adam and I planned this trip, eager to escape New York for a little while. We were just one summer away from the start of our senior year, and neither of us were ready for college to end. This trip was our last hurrah, one month of reckless fun to propel us into adulthood. I, for one, could not wait.

“Man, I can’t believe we’re here,” Adam said as we stepped out of the tunnel and emerged inside the airport. “We’re in Paris!”

“Crazy, right?” I said without emotion. I was excited, but not like Adam. While I’d spent my life traveling and having adventures, Adam had been more sheltered. He hadn’t seen much outside of New York.

“Thanks for paying for this,” Adam said softly as we walked. “It means a lot.”

I shrugged. “Hey, I didn’t want to come alone. What fun would that have been?”

Adam laughed. “You’ve got a point. This trip is going to be fucking awesome.”

“Of course, it is,” I said easily. “This is our final escape before the real world takes over. Next year is going to be all about figuring out our lives. After that, who knows when our next adventure will be?”

“Knowing you, it won’t be long,” Adam scoffed. “I know you, Lucien. You can’t go longer than a few weeks without doing something insane.”

“That’s true,” I said, shrugging. “But who knows? Maybe I’ll change this year.”

Adam just snorted and shook his head. I knew he didn’t believe me. Hell, I didn’t believe me, but it sounded good to say. The truth was, I didn’t know what the next year was going to hold for me. Senior year at NYU would be insane in more ways than one. Not only would I have to choose a career for myself, but I would be running the frat for the first time. Just two months ago, I was elected President of Delta Pi. I was already working on some kickass party plans.

“Luggage is late,” Adam said, pointing to a sign above our heads. “We’ll have to wait.”

“There’s a bar over there,” I said, nodding a few feet in front of us.

Adam and I headed to the bar and collapsed on a couple of barstools. The flight was a long one, and neither of us had slept. We were both too energized about being in France for an entire month. We didn’t want to waste a single second sleeping, even on the plane ride. Now though, I wished I’d shut my eyes for a little while because I was already starting to fade.

We ordered a couple beers and sipped them while we waited. Both Adam and I were champion drinkers, but we paced ourselves that day. We didn’t need to start our vacation off with a hangover and jetlag.

“So,” Adam said. “What do you have planned for us this year, Mr. President?”

I rolled my eyes and took a long swig of my beer. Most of the guys had started calling me “Mr. President” the second I was elected. It was annoying, but also oddly empowering. Every time I heard it, a sense of energy surged through my body. This position was meant for me. Since freshman year, I knew I wanted it. Delta Pi was my life. They were my brothers, my family. We did everything together, and I was determined to give them all an amazing year.

“A few things,” I said, shrugging. “Nothing I can talk about just yet. Not until the first meeting.”

“Come on,” Adam whined. “I won’t say anything. Just tell me.”

“You tell me,” I evaded. “What do you want to do this year?”

“Party,” Adam answered simply.

“Well, that’s innovative,” I said. I was being snarky, but I didn’t care. I finished my first beer and ordered another.

Adam shrugged. “I have a few ideas. But I don’t want to step on tradition.”

“Only one party is tradition,” I reminded him. “And you know which one that is.”

“We’re doing it this year?” he asked.

“Every year,” I said firmly. “For over twenty years, Delta Pi has thrown that party. I’d be ousted if I tried to do away with it.” 

“Probably true,” Adam said.

“I’m thinking we’ll have ten parties this year,” I said. “One for each month. We’ll make some of them themed, you know? ‘Back to School,’ ‘Halloween,’ ‘Fucksgiving,’ that kind of thing.”

Adam laughed. “‘Fucksgiving.’ I like it.”

“Thought you would,” I said. “Don’t tell the guys yet. I’ll announce it all at the first meeting, okay?”

I stared at him with authority in my eyes. The last thing I needed was to show favoritism to Adam. If anyone caught wind of the fact that I was letting Adam in on the planning process, I would have a mutiny on my hands. I wanted my term as President to go smoothly. I wanted to be remembered well, as one of the best leaders Delta Pi ever had.

While we sat at the bar, Adam and I continued to drink and discuss plans for the following year. We talked about life after graduation and what we each wanted to do. I wasn’t sure where my life would take me, but I was certain about one thing: I didn’t want to work for my father’s company.

He owned a logging business, Wolfe Logging and Trucking. I’d grown up around the business and knew everything about it, but it didn’t excite me. The idea of spending my entire life working for my dad made me miserable. I couldn’t imagine making that my career.

As we talked, we were joined by a flight attendant who sat a couple stools away from me. She was sexy in an older woman way. When I glanced at her, I saw that she was wearing slightly too much makeup, but her figure was amazing. She looked to be in her late-thirties, but she was still in shape. Her breasts were perky, and her hips had just the right amount of curve to peak my interest.

It wasn’t long before I realized my interest was returned. She glanced at me every few seconds, batting her eyelashes suggestively. I grinned to myself and ordered her a drink. When the bartender placed it in front of her, I raised my own glass and nodded. She smiled gratefully and sipped her drink, all the while flirting with me with her eyes.

I didn’t usually go for older women. The cougar complex wasn’t my style, but I was on vacation, and so far, there hadn’t been much to do. Until our luggage arrived, Adam and I were stuck at the airport. I’d already grown bored with Adam’s conversation, and I longed for a brief reprieve. The sexy flight attendant seemed like the perfect distraction.

“Be right back,” I said, setting my beer down and jumping to my feet. Adam frowned but didn’t say a word.

I closed the distance between myself and the flight attendant easily. She grinned at me as I approached, but I didn’t smile back. Instead, I fixed my dark brown eyes on her hazel ones and leaned close to her.

“Did you like the drink?” I asked.

“It was delicious,” she said, smiling and lifting her empty glass. “Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure,” I said. “I wondered if you might take a walk with me.”

“I’d love to,” she said without hesitation.

I took her hand and led her away from the bar. Adam watched us go with an amused expression. He and I both knew what this woman wanted from me, and it wasn’t quality conversation. She took one look at my young, muscular body and decided I was her meat of the day. As we walked through the airport, I kept my eyes peeled for a deserted corridor. When I found it, I pulled her into a bathroom.

“You don’t waste any time,” she said appreciatively.

“Would you rather talk a while?” I asked sincerely, my dark eyes staring deeply into hers. “I can be a perfect gentleman if you’d like.”

While I spoke, I stepped closer to her, running my fingertips up her arm. She shivered at my touch, and I could feel desire radiating off her. She wanted my cock… badly.

“No,” she whispered. “I don’t want a gentleman.”

I glanced around to make sure the bathroom was empty. Once I was certain it was, I locked the outer door and turned back to face her. She watched me closely, her breathing becoming ragged already. Just my presence was enough to turn her on.

I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her against me. She was short. Shorter than I first thought, but that didn’t matter. At six foot, one inch, I was used to being the tallest person in the room. With her body pressed firmly against me, I could feel the curve of her breasts. My hands gripped her hips, and I kissed her hungrily.

There wasn’t time for slow and gentle. We could be interrupted at any moment. I kissed her roughly, shoving my tongue in her mouth and moving my hands to her blouse. In one motion, I ripped her buttons apart, letting her breasts burst free. She wore a red, lacy bra that looked amazing against her olive skin.

Shoving her bra aside, I pushed her back against the bathroom wall and took her nipple in my mouth. She gasped while I sucked on her, my teeth pulling gently. My other hand slid down her leg to the hem of her skirt. I lifted it up quickly, searching for her panties. When I found them, I yanked them down, and she let them slide to her ankles.

Her movement and moans told me she wanted this just as much as I did. We were strangers who would probably never meet again, and that, more than anything, was my motivation. I turned her around, pressing her breasts and face against the wall. Quickly, I pulled my erection free from my jeans and pulled a condom out of my pocket. In seconds, I was inside of her.

She rocked her hips backward, pressing herself against me. My thrusts were hard and rough, and she fucking loved it.

I groaned. “I love the sound of your pussy sucking at me, pretty girl.”

“I love how good you fuck me,” she murmured sensually. “Harder. Fuck me harder. I’m so close to coming.”

“Fuck yeah,” I growled and slammed into her harder than ever. She moaned and slapped her hands against the wall.

I could feel myself getting close, and I wanted her to finish first. Reaching my hand around her front, I found her clit and massaged her while I continued to thrust inside her. The noises she made were too much. When she screamed out her orgasm, I came right behind her, thrusting one last time and pulsing inside of her.

She was panting when I pulled out and discarded the condom. By the time she turned around, I’d already put myself away and was in the middle of washing my hands. She stared at me greedily while she pulled her panties back up and tried to button her torn blouse as best she could.

“Well,” she said. “I didn’t expect that to happen today.”

“Surprise,” I said, grinning and turning back around to face her.

“You want my number?” she asked. “We can have a few more surprises like that.”

“No,” I said simply and left the bathroom. The sound of her letting out an aggravated gasp wasn’t the first time I’d let someone down… and it wouldn’t be the last for sure.

When I made it back to the bar, Adam was sitting in the same spot, nursing his beer. I slid on the barstool beside him without a word. He glanced at me and snickered, shaking his head.

“What?” I asked.

“So much for ‘changing’ this year,” he said. I grinned and ordered another drink.

Chapter 2

Scarlet

My feet were curled beneath me as I leaned back against my pillows. I opened my book to the marked page and smiled to myself. With my schoolwork and chores, I couldn’t read as much as I wished. It had been almost two weeks since I last opened Flames of Sorrow.

No one understood my love for romance novels, but I was obsessed. They were my one escape, my way of stepping away from reality. When I read, I believed in soul mates and passionate love. I could experience exciting things through the characters in these books.

Flames of Sorrow was about a couple who were doomed to spend eternity apart. They were both immortal and therefore, destined to live forever. The only negative was that they could never be together. If they so much as looked at each other, they each began to develop a horrible illness.

Still, they managed to spend one day together every five years. If they kept their time together limited, they wouldn’t get sick. One day was never enough, but it was all they had. They were willing to risk everything simply to be together.

I’d read Flames of Sorrow many times before, but I always came back to it. To me, it embodied the definition of true love. They loved each other with a passion I’d never known. Plus, the sex scenes were amazing.

I found myself hiding in my room late at night, reading the scenes to myself, imagining what it would feel like to act them out with a man. I knew it was just a fantasy, something I could only dream about enjoying one day. Still, it was my fantasy, and it got me through my mundane life.

As I read, I lost myself in the pages. I became Annabella, faithfully waiting for Diego to find his way back to me. I was her and she was me. In those moments, I became one with my book, and I loved every single second of it. Until my mother entered my room without knocking and pulled me back to reality with a painful thump.

I jumped, shutting the book quickly and looking at her attentively. My nerves were immediately on edge. My mother didn’t approve of my extracurricular activities, and she made her opinions known every chance she got.

“Scarlet,” Mom said, shaking her head. “Why on Earth are you wasting your time with this nonsense?”

“I like it,” I said with a shrug. Her disapproval bothered me, but I tucked the book under my pillow all the same. If it was out of sight, she would forget about it quickly.

Claire Timms was not your typical mother. She was more protective than anyone else in the world. Having been homeschooled most of my life, I was ecstatic to start college, but my mother made sure I didn’t leave home. Instead, I attended the local college and took classes there.

I tried to persuade my mom to let me move into a dorm room, but she refused. She said it was too dangerous, that I would be exposed to horrible things. I didn’t know enough to argue with her, but deep down, I thought she was wrong. I saw the fun college students had, and I was desperate to partake.

“You’ve read it a thousand times,” Mom said, rolling her eyes.

“Not that many,” I said. “Besides, I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to read anything. Now that school’s over, I can finally enjoy myself again.”

“You can,” she admitted with a nod. “But, you need to pick better ways to spend your time. Those novels just fill your head with all kinds of fantasies, Scarlet. They aren’t real. Men like that, they just don’t exist.”

“Maybe they do,” I said softly. “Somewhere.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, her phone rang. With a glance at me, she pulled it from her pocket and answered.

“Hello?” she said. There was a pause and then. “Oh, Mom! How are you doing?”

I listened while my mom spoke to my grandmother. Ever since my grandfather passed away, they tried to talk more often. Before, we only called my grandmother on holidays and special occasions. We almost never went to visit, and she rarely every came to see us. Still, she was my mom’s mother, and they loved each other.

“What do you mean?” I heard my mom ask. She frowned, listening closely. “Mmhmm. Yes, I understand. Yeah. Okay.”

While my mom talked, I thought about returning to my book. She would be distracted for another few minutes, giving me time to read at least a page or two. Once she got off the phone, she would berate me again, but it would be worth it. I’d been waiting weeks to delve back into the world of Flames of Sorrow.

Just as I inched my hand under the pillow and closed my fingers around the book, she hung up. I sighed and released the book, leaving it hidden. When I turned back to my mom, she was staring at me with concern etched on her face. I immediately forgot about my book and sat up straighter. It wasn’t often that my mom looked at me that way. Her usual expression was somewhere between fear and disappointment, but she’d never seemed so worried before.

“What?” I asked. “What’s wrong? Is Grandmother okay?”

“Physically, yes,” she said. She sighed and sat down on my bed, placing her hand gently on my knee. “But she isn’t doing well. Emotionally speaking.”

“Because of Grandpa?” I asked.

My heart ached for my grandmother. I couldn’t even imagine what it felt like to be in love, let alone to lose that love. She’d been married for years, my entire life, and I knew they loved each other dearly. Even though I only saw them occasionally, I could tell how connected they were. When he died, we were all sad, but I knew it was worse for my grandmother. It broke her.

“Yes,” Mom nodded. “She’s just struggling right now. I’m not sure how much longer she can be alone, if I’m being honest. She needs help.”

I placed my hand on top of my mom’s and squeezed gently. She smiled at me gratefully, and we sat together in silence. Mom sheltered me because she loved me. That much, I knew. Despite my desire to run away from home and start my own life, I knew her intentions were good. She wasn’t a bad mother. She was simply a scared mother.

“Will you go stay with her?” I asked softly.

Part of me hoped she would say yes. Then, maybe I’d be able to sneak out for a few nights. She’d be gone, so she would never know. I felt guilty for thinking of myself in that moment, but I couldn’t help it. Any way I could achieve some semblance of freedom was appealing, no matter what I had to do to get it.

“I can’t,” Mom said. “Not with business the way it is. This is peak season for the fashion industry. I can’t just up and leave right now.”

I could tell from her tone that she felt guilty. It was eating her alive that she couldn’t help her mother. I knew she would fly to New York tomorrow if she could. My selfish thoughts flew from my mind, and I wrapped my arm around my mom’s shoulders. She sighed and leaned into me, letting me comfort her for a moment.

As we sat there, my mind began to spin. I didn’t want to continue thinking selfishly, but my brain took over. My thoughts went wild as I realized there was a perfect option, something that would make everyone happy.

“What if I went?” I asked, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice.

“What?” Mom asked.

“It could work,” I said simply. “Grandmother needs the company, and you’re too busy, but I’m not. I could finish my final year of college there, in New York. I could take care of her and still get my degree. It’s perfect.”

Before I even finished speaking, my mom was shaking her head. Deep down, I doubted she’d ever go for it, but the idea seemed so perfect to me. Grandmother needed companionship, Mom needed to stay in France, and I needed freedom.

If I could transfer to college in New York, we could all get exactly what we needed. To my mother though, it was the beginning of the end. If she even considered letting me leave the country, she would have to relinquish her control over me, which she was not ready to do.

“No,” she said firmly. “I don’t like it.”

“Mom,” I said calmly. “Just think about it. This could be the perfect solution. For everyone.”

“I don’t think so,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s too dangerous. There are too many things that could happen.”

“Bad things can happen here,” I reminded her.

“Yes, but I’m here,” she said simply.

“And Grandmother is there,” I argued. “She’ll keep an eye on me.”

“I don’t like it,” Mom said. “I just don’t. No.”

I groaned and threw myself back against my pillows. While we talked, I tried to keep myself calm and relaxed. There was no reason for my mom to say no. She knew, even if she wouldn’t admit it, that this was a perfect plan. She just wasn’t ready to let me go.

“I’m twenty-one,” I said softly. I stared up at the ceiling and tried to keep my anger at bay. “I’m an adult.”

“But you’re still my child, and I said no,” she snapped. I didn’t have to look at her to know she was angry. I’d pushed her too far, and now, she was laying down the law.

“What will you do about Grandmother, then?” I asked. My voice was light, but we both knew I meant it as a challenge. If she wasn’t going to let me go, then I wasn’t going to be nice. It was immature of me, but I didn’t care.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I’ll figure something out.”

With that, she stood up and left me alone in my room. I rolled my eyes and continued staring at the ceiling. As much as I wanted to continue the argument, I knew it was no use. When Claire Timms made up her mind that was it. No one, not even God himself, could change it.

As I laid on my bed, I let my mind wander to New York. I imagined what it would be like to live with my grandmother for a time. I didn’t know her well, but what I did know was good. She was nice and real. When we saw her, she was always blunt with her opinions. When I was little, it made me blush, but the older I became, the more I appreciated it. I wished I could be more like her.

I pulled my book out from beneath my pillow and opened it. Resting it on my lap, I tried to focus on the words in front of me, but I couldn’t. My head was still spinning with thoughts of New York. My mom was probably right, men like Diego didn’t exist in real life. Real men were sex crazed and selfish, or so she said. Still, I hoped she was wrong. I hoped that somewhere, there was a man out there who would sweep me off my feet.

As I returned to the world of Annabella and Diego, I pictured myself in New York. I wondered if the man of my dreams was somewhere in the world. Maybe he wasn’t in Paris or even France, but he could still exist. Who knows? Maybe he was waiting for me in New York. I would never have a chance to meet him if I wasn’t allowed to leave France.

Sighing, I sunk down in my bed and disappeared in my book, wishing my mother would find a way to change her mind.

Chapter 3

Lucien

Adam and I partied our way through France. We mostly stayed in Paris, venturing out only a few miles in each direction. There was so much to do in Paris that we were never bored. Our days were spent sleeping and eating, while our nights were filled with reckless debauchery.

When we planned this trip, we swore we would return to the States with unforgettable memories and insane stories. So far, we’d managed to obtain both. I was satisfied with our vacation, but I wasn’t at all ready for it to end.

We’d been in France for a month, and our last day approached ominously. We left our hotel rooms and walked down to the lobby. The hotel had a restaurant where we ate most of our meals. They served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the location couldn’t be more convenient.

We made our way to our usual table and sat down heavily. Adam and I were both hungover from the previous night, and neither of us could wait for a good meal. We ordered a huge breakfast and ate everything in sight, not bothering to speak until the food was gone.

After guzzling coffee, I began to feel human again. My head was still heavy, but I could think clearly again. Without looking, I knew my eyes were bloodshot. They burned slightly from the sunlight, and I wished I’d brought my shades down. Across from me, Adam leaned back in his chair. His eyes were squeezed tightly closed, and his hand rested on his stomach. I could tell he wasn’t feeling well yet, but the food had helped us both.

“God,” Adam moaned. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this hungover.”

“You said that yesterday,” I reminded him. “And the day before that. And the day before that.”

“Well, I meant it every time,” he said. “I’ve just gotten progressively more hungover throughout this entire trip.”

“You wanna call it?” I asked. “Just stay in tonight?”

“Hell no,” Adam said, sitting up abruptly. His eyes locked on my face, and I could tell I’d pissed him off. I grinned and he rolled his eyes. “You were just fucking with me, weren’t you?”

I shrugged. “Of course. It’s our last night in France. I’m not letting you waste it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said. “But I will need more sleep before we commence with the festivities.”

I nodded. “Agreed. You go up, and I’ll pay the bill.”

“Meet back here at six?” he asked.

“Seven,” I corrected. “Nothing good opens until eight anyway.”

Adam nodded and stood up. With a wave, he left the restaurant and headed toward the elevators. I watched him go for a few seconds before I pulled out my wallet and threw some money on the table. It was too much, but I didn’t care. When the waitress tried to hand me change, I waved her away and leaned back in my chair.

I knew I should follow Adam’s lead and go upstairs. I desperately needed to rest if we were going out again that night, but I wasn’t ready to move yet. The coffee and food revived me slightly, but not entirely.

Sitting there, I watched the other hotel guests wander by. Most of them seemed to be American, and I figured they were also on vacation. I’d heard about this hotel, and I knew it was mostly home to tourists, which was why I chose it. Single women flocked to tourist traps. It was the best way to pick up easy women.

Neither Adam nor I had any trouble picking up women during our trip. France was full of available, gorgeous, exotic beauties. Whether they were locals, students, or tourists, they were all just looking for a good time. A good time was exactly what Adam and I provided. In total, we’d had close to fifty women that month between the two of us.

Part of me knew it was excessive, but I didn’t care. My motto during this vacation was “Fuck it.” Whatever happened, happened, and I was open to anything. My entire life would be drastically changing course soon enough. The least I could do was let myself enjoy a little reckless abandon in the meantime.

When I finally felt strong enough to move, I pushed myself up and left the restaurant. I stumbled toward the elevators and pressed the button for my floor. Adam and I were in adjoining rooms on the fifth floor. We thought about sharing to save money, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth it. After the second night of us both bringing women back to the hotel, we knew we’d made the right decision. No one wants to fight for privacy while on vacation.

I made it to my room and shoved open the door. My eyes were already starting to droop as I collapsed on my bed. The food in my stomach was nice, and I finally felt well enough to get some real sleep. I hugged my pillow tightly to my chest and drifted off, not waking until the sun was beginning to set.

Frantically, I searched for my phone and checked the time. It was after eight, and I had three missed calls from Adam. I groaned and called him back.

“Where are you?” he asked by way of hello.

“I’m on my way,” I muttered. “Just woke up, man.”

“Get down here,” he snapped. “I’m ready to go.”

“Let me shower first,” I said.

“Seriously Lucien?” he asked.

“Dude, I stink,” I said bluntly. “No woman will give me the time of day smelling the way I do.”

“We’re already late,” Adam whined.

I rolled my eyes and sat up in bed. Adam was a fun wingman, but I was growing sick of him. After an entire month in his company, I was ready to be done with him. I missed the other guys at Delta Pi. There, I could have a new wingman every night, trading them out as I needed.

“I’ll hurry,” I said. “Stop being a whiny bitch and wait.”

Adam started to argue again, but I hung up on him. This was supposed to be a vacation. I didn’t need my friend nagging me for being late. Besides, it was our last night in France, and I wasn’t going to let his annoyances ruin the evening.

I climbed out of bed and hurried to the bathroom where I quickly jumped in the shower. Washing myself took only two minutes, but I stood under the stream of warm water for another five. I let it wake me up, rejuvenating me.

When I was done, I turned off the water and got dressed. That night, I wore black jeans and a tight-fitting v neck t-shirt. It hugged my biceps perfectly and showed off the sleeve tattoo on my left arm. I knew no woman would be able to resist me. I quickly styled my short black hair and brushed my teeth. Once I was ready, I glanced in the mirror and grinned. This was going to be a fantastic night.

When I stepped into the lobby, I half expected to find Adam gone. He’d been so pissed on the phone that I didn’t think he would wait around for me, but he did. He was sitting on a couch just beside the hotel entrance. I grinned at him when I walked up. He jumped to his feet and left the hotel without a word. I chuckled and followed him outside.

“Still pissed?” I asked as we walked down the sidewalk.

We knew where the closest bars were and which ones to frequent. There was one just two blocks away that was always a great time. It was mostly locals, which gave it a more authentic French feel. We loved it. I knew without having to ask that Adam was leading us there.

He ignored my question and continued walking. I shrugged, not bothered enough to press the issue. If he wanted to act like an angry girlfriend, then that was his loss. I was ready for a great last night. He could sulk all he wanted. I wouldn’t let it bother me.

When we reached the bar, we stepped inside and moved immediately toward our usual barstools.

“Back again,” the bartender asked in English, his French accent heavy.

“Closest bar to the hotel,” I said. “It’s our last night in town, so we didn’t want to venture out too far.”

“Last night?” he asked. “Well, these are on the house then.”

He poured us each a shot of whiskey and placed them in front of us. We raised our glasses to him and took a drink while he turned to help another customer. Adam and I sat in silence, drinking our whiskey and surveying the bar.

Despite my being late, it was still early in the night. The bar was mostly empty except for a few groups spread out sporadically. I scanned the room, searching for a suitable conquest. Out of the five women in the bar, only one was mildly attractive. I shook my head and turned back around.

“Nothing,” I groaned. “Not a damn thing.”

“What?” Adam asked.

“Women,” I said simply.

“Ah,” Adam nodded. “Well, it’s still early. More will show up.”

“Exactly,” I said. “Which is why you shouldn’t be pissed at me for being late. If anything, you should thank me.”

“Sure,” Adam said. He sipped his whiskey and shook his head. “You’re a real dick sometimes, Lucien.”

“Don’t I know it.”

It was another hour before the bar began to fill. I kept my eyes peeled, constantly searching for someone who might catch my interest. No one did. I was beginning to give up hope when two blondes stepped through the door and caught my attention. I grinned and nudged Adam with my shoulder.

“What?” he asked. I nodded toward the women. They were settling into a table by the door. Adam just shook his head and said, “Go for it.”

I shrugged and jumped off the barstool. Adam had become less and less fun with each passing night. I knew he was growing exhausted with the constant drinking and sex, but I wasn’t ready for it to end.

I was charismatic and charming as hell. Women flocked to me like lambs, so of course I was going to take advantage of it. It didn’t make me a bad person. It just made me a man.

Adam didn’t seem to understand the life I led. The first couple weeks, he was totally on board. He had as many women as me, and he loved it. Then, he slowly stopped enjoying himself. I didn’t care enough to find out why. This was my vacation, and Adam was just along for the ride.

The blondes looked up as I sat down at their table. They smiled nervously while I struck up a conversation. I could tell they were taken aback by my confidence, but deep down, they loved it. Not five minutes later, I had them eating out of my hand. Two hours later, we were all drunk and ready for the real fun to begin.

I led the women over to Adam and slapped him on the back. He winced and spun around to face me.

“Come on,” I whispered. “I got you one, too.”

“Nah,” he said. “I need some sleep tonight. I’m just gonna head back to the hotel.”

“Suit yourself,” I said.

With that, I turned back to the women and offered them each an arm. They giggled and let me escort them into the street. We walked together all the way back to the hotel where I led them to my room. We were all laughing as we stumbled through the door.

The girls found their way to my bed without coaxing. I watched them lie down beside each other, stroking each other’s legs gently. My jeans were tight around my dick as I turned to close the door. Adam was walking past right at that moment. I caught his eye, and he shot me a thumbs-up sign. I wiggled my eyebrows at him and shut the door, ready to partake in my last French adventure.

Chapter 4

Scarlet

When I first suggested this idea to my mother, she shot it down without a second thought. I never imagined she would change her mind, but she did. Two weeks later, she came into my room and announced that she would let me go to New York. She’d already signed me up for classes at NYU, so I could finish my degree without any trouble.

My grandmother was expecting me at the end of the month. At first, I couldn’t believe my ears. Surely, this was just a joke. There was no way my mom, Claire Timms, would allow her daughter to leave France unsupervised. I felt like I was living in a dream.

But, the dream was a reality. Over the next two weeks, I packed up my room and made all the necessary arrangements. My mother hovered nervously every day, not wanting to let me out of her sight. More than once, I considered asking her why she changed her mind, but I was afraid to rock the boat. All that mattered was that I was going. I was finally venturing out on my own. Freedom was mine for the taking.

The day before my flight was set to leave, I sat in my room, triple checking my bags. I wanted to make sure I had everything I would need. The last thing I wanted was to forget something and give my mom cause to call me back home. If I made even one mistake, she might change her mind again and lock me up forever. I couldn’t risk it, so I spent the entire day repacking every single item in my suitcases.

My clothes were tucked carefully in one suitcase with my books and knickknacks in another. My toiletries were in a third suitcase, and my carry-on bag held my laptop and my copy of Flames of Sorrow. I knew I could never survive without it.

Even if I didn’t read it while in New York, just having it with me would be a comfort. It was like my own personal guidebook, the story to which I set my life. New York was going to be a new beginning, and I wanted to do it right.

After I was sure everything was properly packed, I sat down on my bed and smiled to myself. I still couldn’t believe this was happening. Everything felt surreal, like I was living in a fantasy world that could be snatched away from me at any given moment. To calm myself down, I picked up my plane ticket and held it tightly between my fingers. This ticket was the only tangible proof I had that I was leaving. Without it, my future would come to an earth shattering halt. As long as I held it in my hands, my mother couldn’t change her mind. She just couldn’t.

“Do you have everything?” Mom asked, poking her head into my room.

“I do,” I said with a smile. “I’ve triple checked every single bag. I’m good to go.”

“Are you sure?” Mom asked, glancing at the suitcases on the floor.

I could tell she was itching to check them herself, but something stopped her. She clenched her fingers together, her eyes darting around the room nervously. I wanted to laugh at the sight, but I knew better. I only had one more day before I was free. Just one more day, and then my life would be my own.

“I’m positive,” I promised. “Mom, I swear. I have everything.”

“Your winter clothes?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Your textbooks?”

“Yes,” I said.

“And what about your hair dryer?” she asked. “You don’t want to buy a new one in New York.”

“I have it,” I said calmly. “Mom, I have everything. I swear.”

Mom nodded and continued looking around the room. She seemed to be searching for a sign that I was lying, something that proved I wasn’t ready to leave. There wasn’t anything for her to find. I’d made sure of that. I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way, especially not my mom’s fears.

“Listen,” Mom said. She sat down beside me and fixed me with an intense gaze. My stomach clenched, terrified of what she might say. “There are a few things we should discuss before you leave.”

“Okay,” I said slowly. “What things?”

My mom took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She seemed to be working up to something, and I wasn’t sure what it could be. In my mind, there wasn’t anything terrible in New York. It was a place full of possibilities. It was the city where my real life would finally begin. I couldn’t imagine anything that would make my mother worry so much.

“I’ve told you your entire life to be careful,” she said. “I need you to remember that now, more than ever. New York is going to be a different world. There are people and things you aren’t familiar with, and you need to prepare yourself for that.”

“I know,” I said with a nod.

Her tone suggested something dark and grotesque, but I was simply excited to experience new things. While she was warning me against everything, I was mentally preparing myself to dive right in.

“Your grandmother will look after you,” Mom said. “She’ll keep an eye on you, but she’s not me. She’s more carefree and lax. She’s not one to set a lot of rules or boundaries, so you’ll have to do that for yourself. You’re an adult now, Scarlet, and you’re old enough to know right from wrong. I expect you to remember that while you’re away.”

“I will,” I promised.

I knew she meant well and that she was only warning me to keep me safe, but her words were like nails against a chalkboard. She was treating me like a six-year-old girl, not the twenty-one-year-old woman I was. She didn’t realize how much I was capable of, and she didn’t realize I could survive without her.

“Another thing,” Mom continued. “NYU is different. It’s a different college, full of different people. They aren’t going to have the same morals as you. They’ll be…”

She hesitated, unable to continue. I knew what her worries were. She was afraid I would become sexually promiscuous in the big city. She lived in fear of me rebelling, becoming pregnant, and completely ruining my life. No matter what I did to show her I was a responsible person, she never believed me.

“What I want you to remember,” Mom said. “You don’t have to do anything just because other people do it. Drinking. Drugs. Sex. Those aren’t things that you need to experience.”

“Mom,” I said, but she cut me off with a look.

“Scarlet, I know you want more freedom,” she said. “I’m not blind. I can see how excited you are for this new adventure, and I’m excited for you. You may not believe that, but I am. I just want to make sure you’re safe. You need to be careful and smart. You can’t just lose yourself the second you leave home.”

“I won’t,” I promised. “Mom, I’m leaving home, but I’m still me. I’m still the same person I’ve always been, okay? My morals aren’t going to fly out the window the second the plane lands.”

“I certainly hope not,” she said softly. “I would like to think I taught you better than that.”

“You did,” I said. “I’m just going to spend time with Grandmother and finish school. That’s all.”

“Make sure to help your grandmother,” she said firmly. “She’ll keep an eye on you, but you’re there for her, okay?”

“I know,” I said. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

“I’m a mother,” she said. “I have everything to worry about.”

I tried not to roll my eyes, but she was being ridiculous. Of course, I wasn’t going to fly off the handle in New York. I didn’t plan to become a loose woman who slept with every man she met. I wasn’t going to get drunk and high every day of the week. I wanted to experience life away from home, but I wasn’t stupid. I was just young and excited. More excited than I’d ever been before.

“I’ll be okay,” I said. I smiled and took her hand in mine. “I will be. Everything will be fine.”

She nodded but didn’t return my smile. I knew she didn’t believe me. Every second I was in New York would be another second of her own personal nightmare. Her precious daughter was leaving her to explore a new city in a faraway country. She wouldn’t be able to watch me every second of every day anymore. She would have to trust me.

“Don’t take the subway,” she said suddenly. “It’s dangerous. People get raped and murdered on the subway every day. It’s not worth the risk.”

“Mom, I can’t just walk everywhere,” I said with a small laugh.

“Take a cab,” she said simply. I wanted to argue, but I didn’t see the point. Once I was safely in New York, she wouldn’t be able to control me anymore.

I wondered how Grandmother would be. She wasn’t like my mom, but she was still my grandmother. I was sure there would be some rules and boundaries set, but I didn’t know what they would be. I told myself not to worry about it. Nothing Grandmother did could come close to the way my mother treated me. I’d basically been locked away for twenty-one years, so anything would be a definite improvement.

“Check your bags again,” Mom said as she stood up to leave. “I don’t want you to forget anything.”

“I checked,” I said.

“Check again,” she demanded.

With that, she left. The door was wide open behind her, and the sight annoyed me more than anything she said. I just wanted half a second of privacy, just a minute to be by myself.

I stood up and walked toward the door, pushing it gently closed. I hoped she wouldn’t hear the click and come to investigate. If only for a few seconds, I wanted true privacy. I felt like I couldn’t even think with my mom around.

I went to sit back down on my bed. Leaning back against the pillows, I closed my eyes and cleared my head. I didn’t want to dwell on my mom’s warnings. I simply wanted to dream of New York. In just a few short hours, I would be on a plane heading toward the rest of my life.

As I picked up my plane ticket, I smiled to myself. I didn’t know what New York held for me, but I knew it would be better than my life in France. There was so much to explore and discover in New York, and I couldn’t wait to start. I was even excited to spend time with my Grandmother. From what I knew of her, she seemed great. I knew I would learn a lot from her, and that maybe, she would learn something from me. Whatever happened, I just hoped Grandmother would treat me like an adult. I’d spent years being sheltered, and I was ready to break free.

More than anything, I hoped New York would hold love. I’d never been in love. I’d never had a real boyfriend. Even friends were hard to come by with a mother as strict as mine. That was what I looked forward to, the ability to meet new people and to make friends.

I wondered if I would find true love in New York, or if I would discover the true meaning of the word passion. I held the plane ticket to my chest and closed my eyes, praying that New York would be everything I dreamed of.

Chapter 5

Lucien

We arrived at the airport earlier than we planned. After checking our bags and working our way through security, we found our gate. We still had over two hours before the plane would board, and neither of us wanted to sit around and wait. Instead, we went into a gift shop and bought some food and a few magazines.

We were both too hungover to drink, but the idea of sitting around doing nothing for two hours sounded like torture. With our purchases in hand, we found two seats by the gate and settled in.

Adam and I ate our way through four sandwiches and three bags of chips. We broke up a bag of skittles and shared a chocolate bar. By the time we washed it all down with a soda, we were full and ready to leave. But we still had over an hour to wait.

“This is miserable,” I complained. “We shouldn’t have left the hotel so damn early.”

“At least we aren’t late,” Adam said. “It would be worse if we missed our flight.”

“Would it?” I asked. “A few more days in France doesn’t sound bad.”

“Aren’t you ready to get home?” Adam asked.

I shot him a scathing look without replying. He knew me well enough to know the answer to his question. The last thing I wanted to do was return to my normal life. I’d been having a blast in France, and I was dreading the return to reality.

Even with senior year to look forward to, I wasn’t ready to be back in New York. France felt like a reprieve from all my problems. The second I stepped foot in New York, everything would change. These last few minutes in Paris were my final moments of relaxation. I would have stayed forever if I could.

“Aren’t you at least excited to get back to Delta Pi?” Adam asked.

“Of course,” I said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to leave. Some of us actually enjoyed this vacation.”

“What does that mean?” Adam asked.

I snorted. “Just screwing with you. You really should’ve taken one of those blondes last night. God, they were amazing.”

“I’m sure,” Adam said, laughing. “But having both probably didn’t hurt.”

I grinned. “Not one bit. Perfect way to end this trip.”

“Do you ever think about having a real girlfriend?” Adam asked suddenly. “Like, actually settling down one day?”

“God no,” I scoffed. “Why on Earth would I do that?”

Adam shrugged. “I don’t know. For love?”

“Love is overrated,” I said with authority. “The only things women want me more for are my body or my money. I’m happy to share my body with them, but my money? No. It’s not worth it.”

“It could be worth it,” Adam argued. “If you found the right girl.”

“No such thing,” I said. “They’re all the same. Just gold-digging naggers.”

Adam laughed. “Damn, that’s harsh.”

“Maybe,” I said, “But it’s the truth.”

“I don’t think so, man,” Adam said. “Love is real. There’s someone out there for everyone, even you.”

“You sound like such a chick right now,” I groaned. “What the hell happened to you?”

He laughed. “Nothing. I’m just not you.”

“Clearly.”

We fell silent for a while, just waiting for the minutes to tick by. When I checked my watch, I saw that we had half an hour left. I groaned and leaned my head back against my seat. Adam handed me a magazine and I nodded gratefully. I wasn’t at all interested in reading, but it was better than staring at the ceiling.

I flipped open the cover and mindlessly turned the pages. Nothing caught my eye. I closed the magazine with frustration and glanced around. Adam was captivated by his magazine, and I didn’t want to bother him. Instead, I looked around the terminal, searching for a bar. When I found one, I half-rose from my seat until I heard a nervous voice coming from my right.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. I have a ticket. Why can’t I get on the flight?”

I glanced over to see a girl about my age standing at the ticket counter. She had her hands on the counter, and her green eyes were wide with fear. My eyes were instantly drawn to her long, red hair. It flowed down her back smoothly, and I found myself wishing I could run my fingers through it. Shaking my head, I got rid of those thoughts and focused on her conversation.

“We’re overbooked,” the gate attendant said. “I’m sorry, but there’s just no room on the flight. We have to bump someone and since yours was the last ticket purchased, it has to be you.”

The girl stared at the gate attendant in horror. I could tell she was at a total loss. She’d clearly never been in this situation before. Judging by the way she kept tapping her foot, she was incredibly nervous.

I didn’t know what compelled me to do it, but I was suddenly on my feet. The girl just looked so lost and helpless that I couldn’t resist. I hurried toward the counter and stepped up beside her. Smiling kindly at her, I turned my attention to the gate attendant.

“Is there a problem?” I asked.

“No sir,” the gate attendant said. “I’m just explaining our policy to this young lady. There’s no need to get involved.”

Her voice was firm, and her eyes were set. She didn’t want me to cause a scene in the middle of the airport, but I wasn’t happy about the situation. This beautiful girl was standing alone at the ticket counter, asking for help, and no one came to her rescue. So, I did.

“And what policy is that?” I asked. I kept my voice level, calm.

“Sir, we’ve overbooked the flight,” the attendant explained. “So, unfortunately, we have to bump someone. I’ve just informed this young lady that she’s been bumped.”

I nodded. “I see. Well, my friend and I actually bought an extra ticket because we like to have space on our flights, but if this woman needs the seat, it’s all hers.”

“You don’t have to do this,” the girl whispered to me. I glanced at her and smiled encouragingly. She smiled back, her cheeks blushing slightly.

“You have an extra ticket?” the attendant asked with a frown.

“I do,” I said. I pulled out my boarding passes and handed them to her.

She nodded. “I see. Well, that seems fine then.”

I smiled. “Perfect.”

The attendant typed something on her computer and then printed out a new boarding pass for the girl beside me. She handed it to her, and we turned away from the counter. I looked at the girl kindly and waited for her to speak. She was blushing brighter than ever and seemed to be at a loss for words. The sight was incredibly endearing.

“You really didn’t have to do that,” she said softly. “I mean, thank you, but it wasn’t necessary.”

“It’s not a problem,” I said. “That policy is total bullshit anyway. Why would they sell more tickets than they could accommodate? It doesn’t make sense, does it?”

She laughed. “No, I guess it doesn’t.”

“What’s your name?” I asked, stepping closer to her.

“I’m Scarlet,” she said.

I smiled. “Well Scarlet, I’m Lucien.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Lucien.” She smiled and extended her hand to me. We shook hands, and then she looked down at her feet, nervous again.

I fought the urge to laugh at her discomfort. She was already embarrassed, and I didn’t want to make her feel even worse about herself. She looked so innocent standing there in the airport. With her dark red hair and emerald green eyes, she could have been a model, but she seemed completely unaware of her beauty. I could tell by the way she shifted her weight from one foot to the other that she wasn’t used to this much attention from a man, especially not one as attractive as me.

“So,” I said. “What’s in New York?”

“What?” Scarlet frowned.

“Why are you going to New York?” I asked.

“Oh,” she said, laughing. “My grandmother lives there.”

“I see,” I said. “That’s great.”

“Are you from there?” Scarlet asked.

I nodded. “I am. I go to NYU.”

Scarlet nodded back and glanced around again. She seemed incapable of looking me in the eye for longer than a few seconds at a time. I had never met a woman who was so jittery around me.

I couldn’t tell if it was me or just the situation. It wouldn’t have surprised me if Scarlet admitted that this was her first ever flight. She seemed uncomfortable in her own skin, but there was something about her that intrigued me. She was innocent and sheltered, that was obvious, but there was an excitement hidden behind her eyes. It told me there was much more to her than I first thought.

“Thank you again,” Scarlet said suddenly. “I know I already said that, but I just, I’m really grateful for your help.”

I smiled. “Of course. It was my pleasure.”

Scarlet smiled back, and I led her over to where Adam was still sitting. I introduced them and motioned for Scarlet to join us. She would be sitting with us on the flight, so it only made sense for her to sit with us while we waited.

It wasn’t long before the gate attendant began boarding the plane. Adam, Scarlet, and I were the first three people on board. We all had first class tickets, and we were able to bypass all the coach passengers. I was glad. After sitting in the airport for two hours, I was more than ready to be on the plane.

As we found our seats, Adam and I slipped easily into our row without a problem. Our carry-on bags were tucked safely overhead within seconds, but Scarlet seemed to be struggling. I’d given her the aisle seat, so she wouldn’t be stuck between Adam and I the whole flight, but she hadn’t sat down yet. Instead, she was standing in the aisle holding her bag above her head. She attempted to shove it in the overhead compartment, but it kept falling back down and hitting her in the head.

“Here,” I said, standing up. “Let me help you.”

“No, it’s okay,” Scarlet insisted. “I can do it.”

I watched for a few seconds while she tried and failed to put the bag away. Trying to keep the smile of amusement off my face, I took the bag from her gently.

“I’m taller,” I explained, “It’ll be easier for me.”

Scarlet smiled shyly and released the bag. Stepping to the side, she watched me stow her bag safely away. When I was done, I grinned and slid back into my seat. Scarlet was beat red when she sat down beside me. I fought the urge to laugh, yet again.

I wasn’t just amused by her, I was intrigued. Every time her cheeks flushed red, I found it incredibly alluring. She had no idea how gorgeous she really was, and I could tell from her nervous demeanor that she hadn’t traveled much in her life. This trip to New York was probably her first time leaving France. I was glad she was on my flight, if only so I could witness her experience firsthand.

I’d only just met Scarlet, and already, I wanted to know more about her. I was suddenly thrilled by the prospect of a long flight because it meant I would have time to talk to her. She was sitting beside me and wouldn’t have anywhere to go. As the rest of the passengers boarded the plane, I subtly watched Scarlet out of the corner of my eye. She was glancing around the plane, taking everything in with a vague smile on her face. Her green eyes were alive with energy, and her hands were shaking on her knees. At first, I thought she was nervous to fly, but I suddenly realized it wasn’t nerves that kept her moving. It was excitement.

Chapter 6

Scarlet

My whole life, I’d always known I was innocent. Compared to other people my age, I knew very little about the world. My experiences were extremely limited. Sometimes, humiliatingly so.

Still, I’d never felt as helpless as I did on the flight from Paris to New York. If it wasn’t for Lucien, I wouldn’t have been let on the plane at all. I was being bumped when this handsome stranger stepped in to save the day. He shut down the gate attendant with an easy confidence. A few short minutes later, my problem was solved.

My head was still spinning after everything, and I wasn’t sure what to think. Lucien was tall and gorgeous with dark brown eyes and short black hair. His t-shirt showed off his muscular body and huge tattoo. My eyes were immediately drawn to the tattoo. It was amazing. I’d always wanted one, but I never had the guts to do it. My mother would have killed me if I ever even considered marking my body permanently. Just the thought of her wrath made my stomach churn uncomfortably.

Still, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Lucien’s arm. The tattoo was enough to keep me captivated, but his bicep didn’t hurt either. I did my best to look away, but I was drawn to him again and again.

When we boarded the plane, I was so distracted by his presence that I couldn’t get my carry-on bag in the overhead compartment. Try as I might, I just couldn’t tuck it safely away. Each time I tried, it fell back down and knocked me on the head with a painful whack. I quickly became embarrassed, and when Lucien stood up to help me, I felt my cheeks flush red.

He took the bag from me easily and shoved it upward. When he moved, his body brushed against mine, and I inhaled sharply. He barely seemed to notice our contact, but it was all I could think about.

My head was instantly filled with his scent, and I felt light-headed and woozy. He smelled like lumber and testosterone. I couldn’t place where I’d smelled that smell before, but it reminded me of the woods, of being surrounded by trees and fresh air. I breathed in automatically, sucking in his scent one last time before he sat down.

I followed his lead, sliding into my seat and looking around the plane. Other passengers were boarding, and my excitement was growing. I was finally on the plane. In just a few minutes, we would take off and fly to New York! I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. That I’d really made it this far.

All the anxiety I’d felt in the airport suddenly left my body as I imagined what it would feel like to land in New York. For the hundredth time, I thought that my entire life was about to begin, and I couldn’t wait.

“So,” Lucien said beside me. “How long will you be in New York?”

“At least a year,” I said. “I’m going to help my grandmother, but I’m also finishing out my degree at NYU.”

“Oh, wow,” Lucien said sweetly. “That’s awesome. Adam and I go to school there, too.”

“Right, you mentioned that,” I said. “Do you like it?”

“It’s great,” Lucien said. “You’ll love it.”

“Well, I’m glad there will be at least one friendly face on campus,” I said. “Or two.”

I didn’t want to leave Adam out. He seemed nice enough, but my mind was completely occupied by Lucien. I’d barely noticed his friend until he introduced us in the airport. Then, I only paid attention long enough to learn his name.

Lucien smiled. “Definitely. We’ll be there to lend a hand if you need it. We’re actually in the Delta Pi fraternity, which is the most helpful frat on campus. All our members are great guys. You’ll have a lot of friends, if you need it.”

Lucien’s smile was sweet and kind. He had a way of putting me at ease without even trying. His comment about the fraternity would normally have set me on edge. If any other guy told me he was in a frat, I would have run in the opposite direction.

Even being a sheltered kid, I knew the reputation American fraternities had. They were notorious for recklessness and drunken behavior. I was eager to experience life, but I wasn’t exactly itching to partake in a frat party.

Still, I wasn’t worried at all. Lucien made Delta Pi sound like a family, not a fraternity. Everything about him made me feel relaxed and peaceful. It didn’t make sense, but I already trusted him. If my mother could have seen me, she would have lost her mind. This was her worst nightmare, but I trusted my gut. It told me Lucien was a nice guy. He was helpful and sweet, sincere and genuine. I was excited to get to know him better.

It didn’t hurt that he was unbelievably gorgeous. His tall, muscular body was a huge turn on. I’d checked out men before, but none as attractive as Lucien. Just looking at him made me blush. I couldn’t control my thoughts. When he spoke, I found myself watching his lips, wondering how soft they would feel against mine.

Lucien and I spent most of the flight lost in conversation. Adam joined us occasionally, but mostly, it was just Lucien and me. He told me all about his fraternity and how much he loved it. He was going to be president this year and he seemed so proud of himself.

His personality was infectious. I found myself laughing when he laughed, smiling when he smiled, and following every cue he gave. I felt completely swept away by him, but I wasn’t worried or afraid. If anything, I felt perfectly safe.

“Is your grandmother sick?” Lucien asked about halfway through the flight. I blinked at him and frowned, wondering why he would ask such a question. “You said you were going to New York to help your grandmother, so I just assumed. Is she ill?”

“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “She’s not sick or anything. She just lost her husband recently, and it’s been hard on her. She’s old and just doesn’t want to be alone anymore, you know? My mom wanted to come take care of her, but she couldn’t get away from work. So we decided that I’d fly out.”

“That’s really amazing of you,” Lucien said earnestly. “I don’t know any college girls who would give up their lives for their grandmother. You’re really kind, Scarlet.”

“It’s nothing,” I said with a shake of my head. “To be honest, this is as much for me as it is for her.”

“How so?” Lucien asked.

I was suspicious of his intentions, but I told myself to relax. His eyes were focused on mine, and he stared at me deeply, waiting patiently for my answer. Part of me wanted to change the subject so I wouldn’t have to admit my deepest secret, but a bigger part told me to keep talking. There was something about Lucien I couldn’t resist. He was so sincere, so kind. I couldn’t stop talking to him.

“Well,” I began. “I’m happy to help my grandmother. I really am, but I’m also excited to start a new life. I’ve been sheltered all my life. My mother homeschooled me through high school, and even when I started college, I stayed at home with her. I’ve never lived away from her, not once in my entire life. So, as happy as I am to spend time with my grandmother, I’m just as happy to be away from my mom.”

“Wow,” Lucien said with wide eyes. “That sounds rough.”

“It was,” I admitted. “And it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong. My mom was always insanely strict, but she loves me. She wasn’t mean or cruel or anything. She just wanted to protect me. She means well.”

“I’m sure she does,” Lucien said. “Moms can be overprotective that way. I guess all parents can be.”

“Are yours?” I asked.

I hoped he would say yes, so that we would have something in common. So far, I felt like we were total opposites. He seemed worldly and experienced, where I was sheltered and innocent. Everything about him contradicted everything about me. I was desperate for some connection, something that could bond us together.

“Kind of,” he said with a shrug. “They aren’t super protective, but my father expects me to follow in his footsteps. After graduation, he wants me to join the family business and work for him.”

“Is that what you want?” I asked. We’d spent most of the flight talking about me. I was eager to hear about him and his life.

He laughed. “No, not at all. Honestly, that is the last thing I want.”

“What do you want then?” I asked.

Lucien paused, his eyebrows knitted together. I could tell he was thinking about his answer, wanting to get it right.

“I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “I know that sounds silly, but it’s the truth. I really don’t know.”

“Well, that’s okay,” I said, smiling kindly. “I don’t know, either.”

“Really?” he asked. Relief crossed his face, like he was happy someone else was undecided.

“Really,” I nodded. “I’m just finishing school, and then, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“I guess we have that in common,” Lucien said.

I smiled wider and nodded. It felt good to share something with him. I suddenly felt less intimidated by his charismatic spirit. If someone as bright and lively as Lucien could be undecided about his future, then maybe I wasn’t as far behind as I thought. I was just like other people my age.

It felt nice to sit and talk with Lucien throughout the flight. Sooner than I wished, we were preparing to land in New York. I strained my neck, trying to see out the window. When I caught my first glimpse of the skyline, I felt like a child at Christmas time. My entire body vibrated with excitement.

I couldn’t wait to walk the streets of the city and lose myself in this new way of life. By the time the plane touched down, I was beyond ready for an adventure. I felt like I’d already had one, just by talking to Lucien. He was my first New York adventure, and I couldn’t wait to experience even more.

As we got off the plane, Lucien and Adam walked beside me, chatting my ear off about New York. They each told me about different restaurants and clubs I had to check out. I made a mental note to remember everything they said, but it was too much. I couldn’t possibly remember everything.

“Thanks guys,” I said with a laugh. “But I don’t think I can remember all of that.”

“Here,” Lucien said. He pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to me. “Give me yours. We’ll trade numbers. That way we can keep in touch. I can show you all these places myself.”

“Sure,” I said. I took his phone and handed him mine.

Typing my number into Lucien’s phone gave me such a rush of adrenaline that I felt more awake than ever. I hadn’t slept a wink on the plane, so I should have been exhausted, but I wasn’t. Just being in Lucien’s presence was enough to keep me energized.

“Thanks,” Lucien said when I handed his phone back. He gave me mine, and I tucked it in my back pocket. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, Scarlet.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I hope so.”

I watched as Lucien and Adam walked away, leaving me alone in the airport. At first, I couldn’t move. I felt cemented to the ground, just reliving everything about my flight. Then, with a smile on my face, I took my first step into New York.

Chapter 7

Lucien

We arrived back in New York early on Saturday morning. I was in desperate need of sleep, but I couldn’t turn my mind off. Ever since I met Scarlet, she had been occupying my every thought. I left the airport that day, unable to get her face out of my head.

Adam and I hailed a cab, letting it drive us to campus. We unloaded our bags at the frat house and disappeared into our rooms. As seniors and officers, we each had a single room in the house, so we enjoyed all the privacy we could ever desire.

Adam went to bed almost immediately. I closed the door of my room and slowly began to unpack my bags. As exhausted as I felt, I just wasn’t ready to succumb to sleep quite yet. I spent the morning unpacking and thinking about Scarlet.

I replayed our conversation in my mind, hearing her voice and seeing her bright green eyes sparkle. She was captivating beyond measure. My interest in her took me by surprise. She was gorgeous, yes, but she was also so much more than that.

My eyes began to droop slowly, and I knew it was time to rest. We had our first fraternity meeting the following afternoon, and I needed to be well rested.

I laid down in bed, pulling the covers over me and letting my eyes fall closed. It felt amazing to be back in my own bed. Paris had been a dream vacation, but I was glad to be back home. I never would have admitted it to Adam, but I too, had been growing weary of travel. Being back home made me realize just how much I missed the comfort of my own room.

Being back in the Delta Pi house felt right. I smiled to myself as I let sleep overcome me, ready for what my senior year would bring.

***

Sunday afternoon arrived all too soon. My jetlag hit me like a ton of bricks when my eyes flickered open.

I could tell it was late in the day by the amount of sunshine seeping through my curtains. The sun was high and bright, which meant the meeting would begin any second now. I frantically searched for my phone and checked the time. It was half past two. The meeting was due to start at three.

I sighed and leaned back against my pillow again. Jetlag was always the worst part of traveling. It was worse than all my hangovers combined.

When I finally dragged myself out of bed, my entire body felt heavy. I stretched and tried to regain some flexibility in my joints, but it was no use. I would feel stiff for the next few days.

Grudgingly, I pushed myself toward the bathroom and cranked the shower to full blast. I undressed and climbed inside, letting the water wash over my skin. As I stood in the shower, I thought about Scarlet once again. I pictured her face and smiled.

On the plane, I told myself I was only being my usual, charming self. I was using my talents to keep her interested in me. She was sexy and innocent, just the kind of girl I would have loved to corrupt.

Standing in the shower, I reassured myself that my interest in Scarlet was purely sexual. She was just like every other woman I seduced. We talked on the plane as a way to make her comfortable around me, to make her feel safe. Someone like Scarlet couldn’t be easily pulled into bed. She was sheltered and shy. She would need more coaxing than most women, a more subtle seduction.

When I finished my shower, I was still thinking about her, but I felt better now. I’d been worried that I couldn’t shake my thoughts of her, but now I knew it was just sexual desire and nothing more.

Eventually, I would get her in my bed, and then all my interest would fade. I’d played this game many times before, and I knew every level. Scarlet meant nothing more to me than another conquest. Telling myself that made me feel like the real Lucien Wolfe again. I got dressed and made my way downstairs, ready to start the first chapter meeting of the year.

The common room was deserted when I arrived. I wasn’t surprised. No one showed up early for the meetings except the president. This was my first meeting as president of Delta Pi, and I felt ready. I’d been waiting since freshman year to hold this kind of power, and now that I had it, I was eager to wield it.

I sat silently in the main chair and waited for the room to fill. As it did, I nodded and waved at my brothers. Most of them didn’t know I was already back from France, and they all had questions about my trip.

I silenced them with a simple look. This wasn’t the time for socializing. We could all catch up later, after the meeting.

Adam arrived last, rubbing his eyes. His hair was a mess, and I knew he’d been sleeping until minutes before. He looked even worse than I felt, and I didn’t blame him. Jetlag was a bitch that we’d both woken up with. The only difference was, I couldn’t succumb to it. As president, it was my job to maintain a certain image. That imagine had no place for weakness.

“Welcome back,” I said, once everyone was seated. “Glad to see everyone survived the summer.”

“Yeah, even us,” Adam said, laughing.

I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows at the room. Everyone, especially the younger guys, were dying to hear about our vacation. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction, not yet.

“Well,” I said. “Let’s just dive right in to the good stuff. I have a lot planned for us this year. Frankly, the bidding process has always bored me, so I’ll let Bryan handle the new recruits this year. Bryan, you good with being Pledge Captain?”

“Of course,” Bryan said, grinning sadistically. I knew Bryan was the right option because he always got off on torturing the new guys.

“Great,” I said with a nod. “Then, the next order of business is our philanthropy projects for the year. I have a few ideas lined up already, but if anyone has suggestions let me know, okay?”

Everyone nodded and I smiled. I knew exactly what they were all waiting for. Pledges and philanthropy were the most boring part of being in Delta Pi.

We all maintained the right image in public, but behind the scenes, we lived for one thing: parties. Delta Pi’s legacy was our parties. We threw the best ones on campus, and we weren’t shy about it.

Everyone, including the Dean himself, knew our reputation. As long as we kept our GPA’s up and stayed out of jail, he turned a blind eye to all our questionable activities.

“Okay,” I said. “Now for the stuff you guys actually give a damn about. Party planning.”

“Hell yes,” a few guys said. A couple more clapped their hands enthusiastically. Still more, sat up straighter in their chairs.

“What do you have planned for us, Pres?” Timothy asked.

I grinned at him and then turned to the room as a whole. “One a month,” I said simply. “I know we’ve usually kept things simple, with a big party every semester, but I want to shake things up this year. One party every month to celebrate something different. It’ll be insane, and we’ll most likely get in a lot of trouble, but I don’t care. I’m ready for this year to be fucking amazing.”

“Damn,” Bryan said. “That’s a big undertaking, Lucien.”

I nodded. “I know. But we can do it. What do you guys think? Let’s take a vote. All in favor?”

Almost everyone raised their hand. I grinned and clapped.

“That’s it then,” I said. “We’re doing it.”

“What about the party?” Timothy asked. “The tradition.”

“We’ll have it,” I said firmly. “Of course, we will. Delta Pi has been throwing that party for generations. I’m not messing with that tradition.”

“Let’s think about this for a second,” Bryan said slowly.

“What?” I asked.

I tried to keep my annoyance from showing, but I couldn’t help it. I’d been so excited about this meeting. I didn’t want anyone second guessing me or my plans.

“Are we sure we want to do this?” Bryan asked. “Maybe this year is the year to do away with it. I mean, if we’re having a party every month, there’s no reason to—”

“It’s not up for a debate,” I said firmly. “Look, we’re a democracy and everything, but come on. We can’t not have the party, not after all these years. Do you really want to be remembered as the class that broke a decades old tradition? Because I don’t.”

“We can’t,” Hunter said. “Lucien’s right. Can you imagine what the alums would say if they found out? They’d have all our balls for even considering this.”

“Okay,” Bryan said, raising his hands in surrender. “You win. We’ll do it.”

“Excellent,” I nodded. “Now, for the rest of the parties.”

I launched into an explanation about each party. I’d spent weeks planning my pitch and everyone loved it. By the time the meeting was over, I felt like the best president Delta Pi would ever have.

From the way my brothers were slapping me on the back as they left, I was sure they felt the same way. This idea was brilliant, and I’d come up with it. I would do down in the history books as the most legendary Delta President.

“Seems like everyone is on board,” Adam said, once the room was empty.

“I think so,” I said with a nod. “It’s a brilliant idea, don’t you think?”

“Of course,” Adam said. “It’s great, but…”

I looked at Adam suspiciously. He was watching me carefully, as if he was afraid to tell me something. I waited for him to speak again, but he didn’t.

“Spit it out,” I said. “What’s up, Adam?”

“I was just thinking,” Adam began. “About the party.”

“Which party?” I asked.

“You know which party,” Adam said testily. “Bryan had a point, Lucien. You can’t just ignore what he said. This party has been controversial for a long time.”

“Enough,” I said sharply. Adam was really starting to piss me off. This was definitely not how I wanted to start off my presidency.

“Look,” Adam said. “You may not like it, but I’m just telling you how it is. It may not be the best idea to continue this particular tradition, okay? Will you do me a favor? Will you just think about it?”

I glared at Adam. My anger bubbled just beneath the surface, and I struggled to keep it in check. First, Bryan interrupted my perfect meeting with his stupid idea, and now, Adam was bringing it back up.

First, he tested my patience in France, and now this. I was beginning to wonder why I put up with him. He’d been my best friend since freshman year, but lately, he and I just didn’t see eye to eye.

“We’re doing it,” I said with authority. “And that’s final. Are we clear?”

“Lucien,” Adam began, but I cut him off with a look.

“It’s one party,” I said. “One out of ten. Just one. It’s happening, Adam. Let it go.”

Adam just nodded and watched as I left the room in a hurry. I still felt angry, but it was subsiding quickly. Being away from Adam helped calm me down, and I decided to focus on the good rather than the bad.

Most of the guys were on board with my plan, and that was what mattered. The many outweighed the few. I refused to let Bryan and Adam’s ridiculous opinions ruin my year.

Chapter 8

Scarlet

I spent most of the weekend recovering from my jetlag. My grandmother let me sleep it off without once bothering me. It felt strange to live with someone who allowed me to have some semblance of privacy. I wasn’t used to being alone for long periods of time.

My mother had a way of poking her nose in my business every chance she got. She hated when I closed my door and often forced me to open it. It was just one way she maintained control over my life. Grandmother was different.

Immediately upon my arrival, she showed me to my room and left me be. She didn’t bother me again until I emerged on Monday morning, freshly showered and feeling slightly more alive.

“Good morning, Grandmother,” I said with a smile as I walked into the kitchen.

“Morning,” she said with a smile. “I made you breakfast. Figured you might be hungry after all that sleep.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” I said with a grimace. “Adjusting to the new time zone isn’t easy.”

“No need for apologies,” Grandmother said, waving my hand away with impatience. “Just eat. It’ll help you wake up. You’ll feel better.”

“Thank you,” I said, sitting down at the kitchen table and pouring myself a large cup of coffee.

Grandmother watched me closely with a sly grin. She knew I’d never had coffee before, not really. My mother didn’t believe in it. She felt it was just another addiction, which I did not need. I was eager to try it for the first time.

I lifted the cup to my lips and took a small sip before I winced and put the cup back down. It was awful, horrible, bitter, and strong. I’d never tasted anything so disgusting in my life.

“Add some cream and sugar,” Grandmother suggested, pushing a couple of bowls toward me.

I added a small amount of each and then tasted it again. This time, it was delicious. Still warm and strong, but the cream and sugar cut the edge. It was no longer bitter, and I found myself savoring each sip until it was gone. I still hadn’t eaten a bite.

“That’s amazing,” I said in awe.

“Welcome to the world of coffee drinkers,” Grandmother said wisely. “Don’t let your mother fool you. It’s a wonderful world we live in.”

I laughed and helped myself to some bacon and eggs. Grandmother and I didn’t talk much as we ate. We both enjoyed our food in silence, feeling comfortable just sitting beside each other.

Despite the limited amount of time we’d spent together in the past, I felt like I knew Grandmother well. She was kind and sweet, like all grandmothers, but there was also more to her. She had an authentic quality that made her seem younger and livelier than most elderly people.

As soft as she was with me, I could tell she was stronger than any woman I’d ever known. Her personality was one I appreciated, fun and understanding with a touch of wisdom and authority.

“So,” she said after we finished eating. “What parts of the city do you want to explore?”

“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. “I start classes on Wednesday, so I thought maybe I should map out my route beforehand. Just so I’m not late on the day of.”

“Smart,” Grandmother said with a nod. “But what else? Is there anything you’ve been dying to see?”

“The museums, I guess,” I said. “And Central Park.”

“Of course,” Grandmother said, smiling. “The basics. Make sure you venture out a little further though, okay?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You’ve seen so little in your lifetime,” she said kindly. “You could do with a little more experience.”

“That’s not what Mom thinks,” I said with a soft laugh.

“Well,” Grandmother said slowly. “Your mother and I don’t always agree.”

“I’m a little nervous about school,” I admitted. “I’ve never been to a public school before. Even my university back home was private and very exclusive. I never even lived on campus.”

“That was a mistake on Claire’s part,” Grandmother said firmly. “She had no business locking you up that way. You’re a young woman, and young women need to blossom. You, my dear girl, have had no chance for blossoming. It isn’t your fault, of course. It’s your mother’s. She had an obligation to you, and she failed. I think living here will be good for you.”

I was beyond shocked by her words. She and my mom had never been particularly close, but I never would’ve imagined she’d say such things about her. My mouth hung open as I tried my best to formulate a response.

I agreed with her, of course. My mom had always been too strict, keeping me from anything and everything fun.

“I’m surprised you think that,” I finally said. “I always assumed you were strict with her, just like she is with me.”

“God no,” Grandmother said, shaking her head. “I let her live, honey. How do you think she managed to find herself all the way in Paris, France? I never held back her adventurous spirit.”

“My mom doesn’t have an adventurous spirit,” I joked.

“You would be surprised,” Grandmother said. “You don’t know everything about Claire.”

“I suppose not,” I said, shrugging. “I’m just glad she finally let me come out here. When you first called, I immediately suggested this, but Mom said no. She hated the idea of sending me so far away without her. It took a long time for her to change her mind.”

“I know,” Grandmother said with that same grin. “Who do you think changed it?”

“You did?” I asked with wide eyes.

“Of course,” she said, as if it was obvious. “I’m her mother, Scarlet. Sometimes mothers have to step in when their children are making mistakes, even when it involves children of their own. So, I did. And, now you’re here. Voila.”

I laughed and nodded my head as if I was impressed. There were so many things about Grandmother that impressed me. Her ability to disagree with my mom so openly was astounding to me.

As her daughter, I lived in constant fear of her disapproval. Even when I wanted to argue, I very rarely did. She possessed such a strong presence that it often intimidated me. I saw now that Grandmother had the same presence. They were different, but somehow the same. Both strong. Both wise in their own ways. I wondered if maybe I was like them, too. If I possessed that presence I envied so much.

Deep down, I believed I did. I’d felt it all along, that strength bubbling up inside of me. I’d never had a chance to tap into it, though. With my mother’s rules and boundaries, I was kept weak. Safe. Here in New York, I knew that would all change.

I’d no longer be tied down to one place, to one person. I would be free to explore and experience things. Grandmother was already encouraging these things. She wanted me to see the city, to see the world. It felt liberating and terrifying, all at the same time. I wasn’t sure where to begin, but I knew school was the first step.

“I’m glad you’re going to NYU,” Grandmother said as if she could read my mind.

“Why?” I asked politely.

“It’s where I went,” she said simply.

“Really?” I asked. Yet another surprise.

She nodded and asked, “You didn’t know?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Mom never mentioned that.”

“I did,” she said. “It was such a long time ago. Decades. I’m sure everything is very different now, but you’ll learn a lot. And not just in the classroom either.”

“You think so?” I asked hopefully. I wanted her to be right.

“I do,” she said firmly. “I really do. This is your time, Scarlet. This is where you’ll find yourself.”

Her encouragement made me smile. I wondered how Grandmother could be so encouraging and wise, while my mom maintained a fearful, worried attitude. It seemed crazy to me how different they were in that respect.

Their opinions couldn’t have been further apart. Grandmother wanted New York to change me, and Mom did not. Grandmother hoped I would find adventure. Mom did not. Grandmother was already pushing me to find myself. Mom would rather I didn’t. After only two days in the city, I knew I had made the right decision by coming here. Grandmother was right. This was the place where I would find myself.

“Sometimes I really resent Mom for not letting me have a life,” I said softly. I didn’t want to speak negatively about my mother, but I felt like Grandmother would understand. “I know she’s always tried to protect me. I know that it’s her job as my mother, but it’s too much. I’m twenty-one, and I’ve never experienced anything. I have no idea what the world is like outside of my bubble back home. I feel totally unprepared for anything.”

“Which is why I think Claire made a huge mistake,” Grandmother said kindly. She leaned across the table and took my hand in her hers. She squeezed it gently and smiled at me, her green eyes a perfect reflection of my own. “Girls need to learn how to handle themselves in the real world, Scarlet. You’ll never know what to do in a situation until you’re in the middle of it. Without the experiences, you’ll never learn the lessons. Throwing ourselves into the world is the only way to truly learn anything at all.”

“I think you’re right,” I said thoughtfully. “Mom just doesn’t see it that way. She expects me to return home the same person I’ve always been, moral and obedient.”

“You won’t,” Grandmother said with confidence. “This city will change you, no matter what you do.”

I grinned. “I hope so.” 

Grandmother smiled back, but her eyes watched me closely. She wore glasses that magnified the green of her eyes, and when she looked at me, I felt like she surveyed my soul. We sat in silence for a few seconds while she considered me. I knew she wanted to say something, but she was still working out the right words.

“Claire is right about one thing,” she said suddenly.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“You should be careful,” she said sternly. Her tone was serious, more serious than it had been all morning. Her eyes were still locked on my face.

“I will be,” I promised automatically.

It was the same promise I’d made to my mother a hundred times before, but this time, it didn’t work. Grandmother shook her head at me. Her gaze never left my face.

“This city will change you, Scarlet,” she said. “And I hope it changes you for the better. I’m confident it will, but it can also be a wild forest at times. Dark and mysterious. Temptations lie around every corner, and if you’re not careful, you’ll fall into them.”

I contemplated her words for a moment, not sure what to say. She seemed so understanding just minutes before, and now, she sounded just like my mom. Warning me about the dangers that lie ahead, making sure I was aware of my surroundings.

I thought Grandmother trusted me, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe she simply wanted me to learn a few things, while remaining safe and protected.

“I promise to be careful,” I said. “I really do.”

“Live your life, Scarlet,” she said firmly. “That’s important. Just be careful while you do it. There’s plenty of good out there, but there’s also bad. Be sure to keep your eyes open so you can tell the difference.”

I nodded and tried to smile, but her gaze was still so intense that I couldn’t quite bring one to my face. Looking away from her, I thought about her warning. It was the same as my mother’s, but also different. Mom would’ve been happy if I never lived my life, but Grandmother insisted I do just that.

As I sat in Grandmother’s kitchen, I wasn’t sure what the city would bring me. Adventure. Experience. Excitement. Danger?

There was no way to know, but I was more than ready to find out.

Chapter 9

Lucien

Wednesday morning marked the first day of classes. I walked across campus slowly, dragging my feet behind me. I wasn’t looking forward to being back in the academic world. After a month-long vacation in France, my brain felt like mush.

My preparation for the year had been limited to planning Delta Pi parties and drinking beer. I didn’t even purchase my textbooks until yesterday afternoon, and I definitely hadn’t cracked them open. As I walked to class, I thought about what the year would hold.

I was ready for the social side. I’d been ready for that for a long time, but classes were something different. I’d never been academically minded, but I managed to keep an acceptable GPA for the sake of Delta Pi. Without a 3.0 GPA, I would be kicked out without hesitation.

As the leading fraternity on campus, we were expected to uphold certain standards. Now that I’d been made President, my responsibilities were even more important. If I failed, everyone would think Delta Pi was losing its luster. They would write us off as dumb frat guys and that would be the end of us. I couldn’t let that happen.

As much as I hated the idea of going to class, I knew I didn’t have a choice. I walked slower than ever until I reached the proper building. I stepped inside, letting the cool air condition blow against my face, before I found my classroom and slipped inside.

Despite my slow pace, I was still early. Class hadn’t begun, and there were several empty seats scattered throughout the room. With a glance, I chose a seat in the middle of the room. I hated being in the front, but I couldn’t always hear from the back. The middle was always preferable.

I took my seat and pulled my notebook from my backpack. Most students used laptops to take notes, but if I had my computer out, I’d just end up dicking around and not paying attention. I wasn’t one to take notes, but I should at least look attentive.

Without trying, I could keep my grades up. I wondered what I could do if I tried for once. I’d probably pull out a 4.0 and make it on the Dean’s List. The thought brought a sly smile to my face. I could do it, but I wouldn’t. My priority was Delta Pi, and nothing, not even my academic career, would stand in the way of that.

I wished I could spend my senior year partying. If I had it my way, seniors would take only easy classes to remain students, and that would be it. No professors would expect anything at all from them. They would be given free passes without a second thought.

Alas, that wasn’t the way it worked in higher education. Seniors, more than anyone else, were expected to perform well academically. Our hardest classes were taken in our final year, and it was torture. Still, I told myself it was just one more year. Just one more year, and then, I would be free. I would never again have to set foot inside a classroom.

Class started with the usual flurry of papers. The professor walked in without enthusiasm and began handing out copies of the syllabus. I took mine with a dramatic flourish, making a couple of girls around me giggle. I grinned at them and winked. They turned beat red and turned to whisper to each other.

I shook my head with amusement. Girls were so easy to please. Just a little bit of attention and boom, they were eating out of my hand. As class progressed, there was bang from the back of the classroom. Everyone turned around to see what caused the commotion.

When my eyes fell on her face, I smiled widely. Scarlet was late. She stood by the door with wide, fearful eyes. She’d just let the door slam behind her, and now, her embarrassment was evident. Her eyes darted from side to side as she tried to find an escape route.

“May we help you?” the professor called.

Scarlet jumped at the sound of his voice and shook her head quickly.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m just late.”

“Well, take a seat,” he said with a wave of his hand.

Scarlet nodded and hurried forward, glancing from side to side. She looked desperate and terrified. I was reminded again of her innocence as her eyes finally fell on my face. I smiled at her kindly and waved her over. There was an empty seat beside me. She sighed with relief and ran over, sliding between the row and falling into the empty seat.

“Oh my god,” she muttered. “That was mortifying.”

“You’re fine,” I said quietly. “It’s happened to all of us.”

She winced. “I doubt that. That professor hates me.”

“He doesn’t,” I assured her. “He doesn’t care, he just—”

The professor cleared his throat loudly, making Scarlet and I both jump violently. His eyes were locked on us, and he looked impatient. We both fell silent, and he glared at us for another few seconds before he finally began talking again.

I glanced at Scarlet and saw that she looked more embarrassed than ever. I put my hand on her knee to get her attention. When she looked at me, I smiled to let her know it was fine. No one was going to hate her. She smiled back, but her cheeks remained bright red throughout the rest of the class.

As the professor droned on and on, I barely heard him. I tried to pay attention. I even scribbled a few notes here and there, but nothing he said stuck in my brain. It didn’t matter. This was just the first class and nothing important ever happened in the first class.

Still, I felt ridiculous as I continued to look over at Scarlet. She was entranced, taking notes at lightning speed. I was certain she’d forgotten about me entirely. Her focus was solely on the professor and his lecture. By the time class ended, she’d filled two sheets of paper with her neat, swirly handwriting. I hadn’t filled a single one, but I’d memorized every freckle on her nose.

She was more beautiful than I remembered. Her red hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail, making her face look slimmer than usual. Her nose stood out prominently on her face, but it wasn’t unattractive. If anything, it made her eyes pop even more than they already did. In the classroom light, they were like emeralds sparkling beside me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them. I worried she would notice me staring at her, but she didn’t. She didn’t notice anything outside of the lecture.

When class finally ended, she closed her notebook and glanced over at me. I grinned at her and opened my mouth to speak, but she beat me to it.

“Thank you for saving me,” she said. “That was so humiliating.”

“It was nothing. Like I said, we’ve all been there.”

“Really?” she asked with doubt in her voice. If I was being honest, I hadn’t ever experienced that before, but I’d seen it happen a dozen times. It wasn’t at all uncommon to be late to class, especially on the first day of the semester.

“Really,” I said firmly. “Don’t let it bother you.”

“I’ll try not to,” she said, laughing nervously.

We packed away our things and stood up. As we followed the crowd out of the room, Scarlet and I stayed close to each other. I wanted to talk to her some more, but I wasn’t sure what to say. That was unusual for me, finding myself at a loss for words. Especially when it came to a pretty girl.

We’d already covered the embarrassing incident at the beginning of class, and there wasn’t much else to discuss. I knew she was wondering why I hadn’t called her yet, but I didn’t want to bring it up. Not if she didn’t.

Instead, I just walked beside her until we made it outside. The fresh air hit me, and I inhaled the smell of New York. It brought a smile to my face. No matter how long I lived here, I would always love it.

“So, where’s your next class?” I asked.

“Um,” Scarlet said. She reached around to grab her schedule from her backpack. Unfolding it, she frowned at it. “Not sure where the building is.”

I laughed. “Here. Let me see.”

I took it from her and saw that she had a short break coming up. Her next class didn’t start for an hour, and it wasn’t far from here. I smiled to myself, thinking that we could spend the hour together since I didn’t have a class either.

“It’s close by,” I said. “Just over here. I’ll show you.”

“Thanks,” she said.

I led her around a corner and down a few streets. We made it to the classroom building within ten minutes and found a coffee cart right outside. I bought her a cup of coffee, and we sat together on a bench to wait for her class to start.

She seemed more relaxed now. Her movements were less awkward than I remembered. She seemed at ease as we sat together, sipping our drinks.

“So, I’m sorry I haven’t called you yet,” I said suddenly, surprising even myself.

I swore I wouldn’t bring it up if she didn’t, and yet, I did. Immediately, I regretted my decision, but I couldn’t take it back.

“That’s okay,” Scarlet said with a shrug. She seemed to mean it.

“I’ve just been busy getting ready for classes,” I said. “Plus, the fraternity has been insane since I got back. There’s so much planning to do for this year. I just want everything to be perfect.”

“I’m sure it will be,” Scarlet said with a smile.

“You’ll have to come to a few of our parties,” I said brightly. “You’ll love it.”

Her face fell slightly at my invitation. I knew without knowing that she’d heard the reputation of American fraternities. She was nervous about the antics that might ensue at our parties.

“Don’t worry,” I said, putting her mind at ease. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

“It’s not?” she asked skeptically.

“No,” I shook my head. “Not at all. We aren’t the date rape kind of frat. I swear.”

She laughed. “Well, that’s good to know.”

“I know there are some like that,” I admitted. “But we aren’t one of them. Ask anyone. Delta Pi is the best frat on campus.”

“If you say so,” she teased. “But I did see a flyer for Omega Psi the other day. I thought I might check out their first party…”

She trailed off, a wicked grin on her face. I shook my head in mock disgust and slid away from her on the bench.

“I don’t associate with Omega Psi sympathizers,” I said seriously.

She laughed and said, “Sounds like a serious rivalry.”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

I pretended to be offended for a while longer before we both erupted in laughter and I moved closer to her again. Her class was about to start, and she needed to go, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I enjoyed talking to her.

“Can I take you to dinner tonight?” I asked.

Again, I surprised myself. I never made myself this available to a woman before. They were usually the ones pursuing me. It felt strange, but also unavoidable. Scarlet was new to the city and the school. She needed more effort than most. She wasn’t yet comfortable enough to put herself out there.

“Sure,” she said.

I could tell she was nervous, but also excited. Her eyes darted between my face and the classroom building.

“I’ll pick you up,” I said. “Can I get your address?”

“Yeah,” she said. She pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled her grandmother’s address on it before she handed it to me with a smile.

“Great,” I grinned. “Well, have fun in class. Don’t be late again.”

“Ha, ha,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“I’ll see you tonight,” I said.

She smiled and turned toward the building. I watched her disappear inside, already looking forward to dinner that night.

Chapter 10

Scarlet

My next class of the day dragged on endlessly. After my coffee with Lucien, everything went downhill. Being late to my first class was nothing compared to the rest of the day. I got lost three times, and no one would help me find my way.

I ended up having to ask a professor for help, and even she looked at me like I was an idiot. By the time I made it to my last class, I was exhausted and beaten down. I didn’t know if I could handle life in New York after all.

I left class with my bag thrown over my shoulder and made my way back home. My grandmother’s house wasn’t far, but I managed to get lost five times on the way. It took me over an hour to make it, and when I did, I’d forgotten all about my date with Lucien.

He asked me to dinner earlier in the day, and I was so excited to say yes. He was my first friend at NYU, and I couldn’t wait to spend more time with him. It didn’t hurt that he was also gorgeous as hell.

When I finally made it to my grandmother’s house, there was a strange car sitting out front. I frowned and wondered if Lucien had already arrived. Checking my phone, I realized it was much later than I thought.

I sighed as I walked up to the front door and let myself inside. My head was aching, and I just wanted to fall into bed, but I knew that wasn’t an option. Lucien was already there, sitting in the kitchen beside my grandmother. It was nice to see him there. After feeling alone and lost all day, seeing a familiar face felt nice. It felt safe.

“Hi there,” I said with a smile. “I see you beat me.”

“I did,” he said. “Sorry about that.”

“No worries,” I said. “I got a little lost on the way home.”

“That can happen,” Grandmother said. “This city is a confusing one.”

“It really is,” Lucien agreed.

“You don’t have to make me feel better,” I said, chuckling. “I basically spent the entire day lost.”

“It was just the first day,” Lucien reassured me.

“How were your classes?” Grandmother asked.

I looked at her, ready to tell her the truth, but I stopped myself.  She looked so happy and excited that I didn’t want to ruin her mood. It must have felt good for her to see that I’d already made a friend.

Her only hope for me was that I did well in school and lived my life. So far, she thought I was doing just that. I didn’t need to admit that my day had been absolutely miserable. I couldn’t tell her I was questioning whether moving to New York was a good idea. Instead, I smiled widely and nodded my head with excitement.

“It was great,” I said. “All my classes are really interesting. I think this semester is going to be amazing.”

“See?” Grandmother asked. “There was no reason to be nervous.”

“Not at all,” I said, grinning. “You were right.”

“Well,” Grandmother said, turning to Lucien. “Where are you going tonight?”

“I have a couple ideas,” Lucien said slyly. “We need to introduce Scarlet to the local cuisine.”

“There’s a great sushi place down the road,” Grandmother said.

“Sakura,” Lucien nodded. “I love that place. It was definitely one of my options for tonight.”

“Well, you better get going,” Grandmother said with a meaningful look at me.

I shook my head and smiled at her. She seemed more excited about my date than I was.

“I won’t be late,” I promised, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

She shrugged. “Whatever.” 

Lucien laughed and held the front door open for me. We walked silently toward his car. The whole way there, I was acutely aware of his hand swinging just beside mine. I had a sudden urge to grab it and interlock my fingers with his, but I resisted. This was just dinner. It felt like a date, but I couldn’t be sure. He may have just been being polite, welcoming the new girl and all that.

When we reached his car, Lucien held the door open for me, and I slid inside. I was impressed by his chivalry, though I wasn’t surprised. He’d proved himself to be a gentleman when we first met in the Paris airport. Not many people would’ve jumped up to help me the way he did. I knew then that he was one of the good ones.

As we pulled away from Grandmother’s house, I felt certain I was right. He drove quickly through the streets, weaving in and out of traffic like a true New Yorker, but I wasn’t scared. His driving was superb, and I wondered if there was anything he didn’t do well.

“So, where exactly are we going?” I asked. “To that sushi place?”

“Nah,” he shook his head. “I didn’t want to say this in front of your grandma, but that place is for old people.”

“Oh, really?” I laughed.

“Definitely,” he said. “It’s good food, but not really the right atmosphere. We’re going for something a little more fun tonight.”

“Where’s that?” I asked.

“It’s a surprise,” he said, grinning. “But it is in the realm of Asian food. I’m guessing you’ve never been to Chinatown?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Never.”

“Excellent,” he said.

His smile was brilliant and made my stomach flutter nervously. As we drove through the city, I looked out the window to keep from staring at Lucien. I knew I would never look away from him if I could help it.

In class that morning, it took all my strength not to stare at his face during the lecture. I forced myself to stay focused on my notes, but it was impossible. I wasn’t sure I would remember a single thing the professor discussed, but I did know exactly what Lucien’s tattoo looked like.

While we drove, I glanced at it again. He was still wearing the same short sleeve shirt from earlier, and it showed off his tattoo wonderfully. There was more of it tucked away beneath the fabric, but I could see most of it. I longed to reach over and trail my fingers along the ink, but I knew I shouldn’t. We barely knew each other, and random touches weren’t in our friendship description just yet. Still, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it, and eventually, he noticed my interest.

“Do you like it?” he asked, flexing his bicep slightly.

I blushed. “I do,” I said. “It’s so intricate.”

“It took two months to complete,” he said with a serious expression. “It was miserable, but so worth it. I’m obsessed.”

“I can see why,” I said. “It’s amazing.”

“Thank you.” He turned to smile at me, and my stomach flipped again.

Every time his eyes locked on mine, I felt like I was drowning. They were such a deep, dark brown. I could’ve easily lost myself in them.

We finally made it to Chinatown, and Lucien parked quickly. He hurried around to my side of the car and held my door open again. I smiled gratefully and jumped out of the car, eagerly looking around.

Chinatown was amazing. There were people everywhere, along with vendors and shop owners. I could tell some of the people on the streets were tourists, taking a late summer vacation. I felt like one of them, unsure of where to stand or how to act.

Luckily, Lucien helped me immediately. He took my hand and led me through the crowd. We hurried down the street until we reached a tiny restaurant on the corner. Lucien pulled me inside and the noise from the street disappeared.

I glanced around and saw that we were in a typical Chinese restaurant, just like the ones back home, but it felt different. It was more authentic somehow. Lucien led me further inside, and we found an empty table to sit at. When we sat down, a waiter brought us some menus and turned away without a word.

“What is this place?” I asked.

“The best Chinese food in town,” Lucien said with authority. “It. Is. Delicious.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” I said, scanning the menu.

I was no stranger to Chinese food, and I knew exactly what I wanted. We ordered quickly, and the food arrived almost immediately. I was impressed by the second bite. It truly was amazing Chinese food.

“What do you think?” Lucien asked.

“It’s delicious,” I said, repeating his words.

He grinned and kept eating. “So, tell me,” he said. “How was the rest of your day? I didn’t believe that bullshit you fed your grandmother.”

“Was I that obvious?” I asked.

“A little,” he said. “But I don’t think she noticed.”

“It was okay,” I said, shrugging. “It kind of sucked honestly, but the day’s looking up a bit now.”

Lucien smiled at my compliment, and we spent the rest of the evening shamelessly flirting with each other. I felt hot and excited the entire time. I’d never been on a date, and I had certainly never spent this much time flirting with a man.

He was sexy and interesting, smart and kind. My mother insisted the men from my romance novels weren’t real, but I felt like Lucien was as close as they came. He reminded me so much of the heroes in my books, the men who swept innocent women like me off their feet.

As we left the restaurant, Lucien reached for my hand and held it all the way to the car. He opened my door again, and I slid inside, feeling my stomach tighten nervously. I so badly wanted him to kiss me, but I was afraid he wouldn’t. Part of me thought he was just being nice, and he wasn’t attracted to me at all. I wasn’t sure if this was a real date or just two friends hanging out. Our flirting and hand holding seemed to indicate something more, but I was so inexperienced that I couldn’t know for certain.

We drove back to my grandmother’s in silence. When Lucien pulled up in front of the house, he shut off the engine and turned to face me. He smiled and leaned closer. I could smell his scent, and it made me light-headed.

“I had so much fun,” he said softly. “Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for dinner,” I said.

Instinctively, I leaned closer to him. My entire body longed to feel him. I’d never experienced this kind of desire before, and it was overwhelming.

When Lucien’s lips pressed against mine, a jolt of electricity shot through my body. His lips were soft and gentle against mine. He kissed me slowly, letting me get used to the sensations. As the kiss deepened, I felt myself growing more excited.

When his tongue slipped in my mouth, I moaned softly. Lucien’s hand found my thigh, and he slid his fingers up and down, making me shiver with desire. I wanted him so badly.

My nerves got the best of me, and I pulled away. My breathing was ragged, and I could feel my cheeks flush bright red. I was embarrassed, but I knew that kiss was leading somewhere intense, somewhere I wasn’t ready to go.

“You should know,” I said weakly. “I’m a virgin. I’ve never been with a man.”

I expected Lucien to become uncomfortable and leave immediately, but he didn’t. He simply smiled and rested his palm against my cheek.

“Okay,” he said. “I’m happy to take it slow.”

“Really?” I asked, snapping my head up to look into his eyes.

“Of course,” he said, laughing.

I smiled and we finished saying goodnight. He walked me to the door, and I slipped inside, unable to wipe the smile from my face. My day had been terrible, and then Lucien turned it around. I went to bed that night thinking that New York may not be half bad after all.

Chapter 11

Lucien

My date with Scarlet didn’t go exactly as I planned. I thought after one night out with me, she would be ready to fall into bed. Deep down, I knew she wasn’t experienced, and I suspected she was a virgin, but I hadn’t given it much thought.

After a trip to Chinatown and some heavy flirting, I thought she would be ready to go all the way. Our kiss was intense and full of desire. I could tell she wanted me, but when she pulled away, things changed.

Her confession about being a virgin wasn’t a surprise, but it was a disappointment. I covered my reaction well, making sure she didn’t see the irritation in my eyes. I told her I would go slow for her, but truly, I didn’t want to. I’d already spent more time than I wanted to on her.

Most women didn’t get longer than one night, and yet, Scarlet had already occupied my thoughts for days. I was constantly thinking about her, wanting to be near her, wanting to kiss her, to touch every part of her. After our date, that didn’t change. I went home Wednesday night, wishing I wasn’t alone in my bed. I imagined what it would be like to lie next to her, and to hear her moan my name, to feel how fucking wet she could get for me.

It was almost too much to take.

I thought about her all night and into my dreams. The next morning, I refused to let myself think about her. Instead, I focused on my plans for the night. It was the first night of pledge season, which meant we would have twenty new recruits joining us at the house. Bryan had the event set up and ready to go. He’d spent days planning and recruiting and now, it was time to get started.

We set everything up that day, all of us blowing off our classes. It wasn’t uncommon for Delta brothers to miss class in favor of fraternity obligations. Most professors on campus gave us a free pass when it came to these things. Unless we missed multiple classes in a row, no one cared. The Deltas were kings of the NYU campus, and everyone knew it. And me? I was their leader.

It was my job to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Even though Bryan was the Pledge Captain, I still had to oversee everything. Every single new recruit had to fit in with the Delta image. If they didn’t, it was my ass on the line.

Once the house was ready, I called all the brothers into the common room for a quick meeting. The new recruits would be arriving at sundown, which was only an hour away. I wanted everyone to be on the same page once they did.

“All right,” I said, clapping my hands to get everyone’s attention. “Just a few things before tonight. First of all, I want to thank Bryan for organizing this event so thoroughly. I knew we picked the right Pledge Captain. These guys don’t stand a fucking chance.”

Everyone laughed and cheered. Hazing was the best part of getting new pledges. We never went too far with the new guys. After all, they were just freshman. Just a couple of months ago, they were in high school, applying zit cream and wishing a girl would touch their dicks. Now, they were in college and trying to join a fraternity.

We didn’t want to scare them too much, but we also wanted to make sure they were Delta material. If they couldn’t take a little bit of hazing, they wouldn’t be able to hack it in the house.

“When I’m done,” I continued. “Bryan will go over the plan for the evening. He’s taking the lead. Remember, if any of the pledges get spooked, send them my way. I’ll handle it.”

Everyone nodded and waited silently for me to continue. This was my least favorite part of the frat. As much fun as hazing was, bringing in new recruits was a pain in the ass. They were so young and nervous. I had very little patience for them, but I knew it was a necessary evil. Without new recruits, the frat would fold.

“Keep in mind that we’re trying to uphold our reputation,” I said. “Most of these guys tonight won’t make the cut. We don’t let just anyone in, all right? They all must complete the hazing process and come out on the other side. If you see anyone who doesn’t fit in with the Delta mindset, let myself or Bryan know. We’ll take care of it. Any questions?”

No one spoke, and I nodded toward Bryan. He stood up and took my place at the front of the room so he could address everyone. I barely listened while he spoke. The hazing plan hadn’t changed much since my pledge year. We did the same things every time. I grew bored of it when I was a pledge, and I never regained my interest. I wanted nothing more than to skip this entire process, but I knew that wasn’t an option.

Still, I zoned out during Bryan’s speech and didn’t start paying attention again until the recruits started to arrive. They all filed inside, looking eager and nervous. Most of them were young and pimply, but a few were older students. I looked them over closely, trying to gauge their usefulness based on their appearance.

As the night progressed, Bryan slipped easily into his role. He led the night seamlessly, making my job even easier. All I did was stand aside and watch with narrowed eyes. My job was to observe and step in when needed. I hoped I wouldn’t be needed. I much preferred the observatory role.

Already, I could tell that three of the recruits weren’t going to make it and that two were. The two I was certain about were the ones who, like me, seemed bored by the proceedings. They listened attentively, but weren’t fazed by anything.

Bryan took them through the paces. The rest of the brothers helped, doing their part to seem menacing. They yelled and screamed, threatened and belittled. If it wasn’t so boring, it would have been funny. These guys wouldn’t hurt a fly, and we all knew it. It was slightly entertaining to watch them act tough.

When the hazing hit its peak for the night, a few of the guys began to look worried. They huddled in the corner, eyeing us nervously. Most of the recruits stepped forward without a problem, and eventually, the ones in the corner followed suit.

Only one kid remained pressed against the wall, watching everything with narrowed eyes. He looked scared to death and seconds away from bolting. The challenge wasn’t a difficult one, but it was weird. Probably the weirdest we had. The kid looked like he was going to bail at any second. I sighed and stepped in, motioning for him to follow me.

He walked over to me, and I leaned in close to him. I wanted everyone else to think he was being punished. 

“Can’t do it?” I asked softly. He just shook his head. “Come with me.”

He followed me out of the room. A few eyes were on us as we walked, but no one said a word. I glanced at some of the recruits and saw that they looked scared. I smirked to myself, knowing they were worried about their friend. Little did they know, he wasn’t going to be punished.

We stepped into the trophy room, which was just off the kitchen. The kid walked over to a leather chair and sat down. I could see that his hands were shaking, and I immediately felt sympathy for him. I never had trouble making it through my recruitment, but some guys did. This stuff could get rough, and everyone reacted differently.

“So, tell me,” I said, sitting down across from him. “What happened in there?”

“Nothing sir,” the kid squeaked. Calling us “sir” was part of the hazing, but I never found it funny.

“Cut that out,” I said. “You don’t have to call me ‘sir.’ Not in here.”

“Okay,” he said, still shaking.

“I just want to talk to you, that’s all,” I promised. “Everyone out there thinks I’m reaming your ass, and if you ever tell them differently, I will beat the shit out of you. Understood?”

“Yes,” he said quickly.

“Good,” I nodded. “Now listen, I know this stuff can get pretty rough. When I was a recruit, I got nervous, too.”

“You did?” he asked with wide eyes.

It was a lie, but I didn’t tell him that. “Yes,” I said. “But you get past it. You see, once you make it through all this shit, you’re one of us. You’re a brother, and brothers are forever, right?”

“I guess,” he said.

“We are,” I promised. “That’s the whole point of being in Delta, man. We’re all family here, and no matter what, we have your back. This hazing bullshit is just for fun, all right? It’s just a way to push your boundaries, to break you out of your shell. None of it really means anything.”

That wasn’t entirely true either. If a recruit couldn’t make it through most of the hazing, then we asked him to leave. This kid didn’t seem like the type, though. I got a feeling about him when I saw him hovering in the corner. He wanted to participate. He was just scared. After a little coaxing and reassuring, he would be fine.

“Listen,” I said, leaning closer to him. “You don’t have to do any of this. If you want to leave, you’re free to go. No one will think less of you. If we see you around campus, we’ll still say hey. We won’t blackball you from our parties or anything either. We won’t talk shit about you to other frats. We aren’t like that. We’re just looking to find some more brothers, that’s all.”

“I want to stay,” he said firmly. For the first time, he stopped shaking. His face was set, and there was a look of determination in his eyes.

“You sure?” I asked.

I leaned back and studied his face. I knew he was ready, but I wanted to push him a little further, just to make sure he was Delta material. If he caved, he wasn’t ready to be one of us.

“I’m sure,” he promised.

“All right,” I said. “Well, get back out there then. Get it done.”

He jumped up and hurried back to the common room. Once he was gone, I sat back and laughed to myself. It was so easy to play these new recruits. They were so fresh, so young.

By the time I made my way back to the common room, the night was over. Everyone was either leaving the house or heading up to bed. I saw Adam standing by the fireplace, and I walked over to him, shaking my head as I went.

“That kid was just like you freshman year,” I said.

“Really?” Adam laughed. “Think he’ll make it?”

“Definitely,” I said with confidence. “He just needed to be pushed. Once I made it a challenge for him, he jumped up. He’s Delta material, he just needed to realize he wanted it, you know?”

“I know,” Adam said. “Been there.”

“I remember,” I said not unkindly.

Adam had been nervous back then, too. Now, he was one of our senior officers. I knew this new kid would go far.

“Did you think any more about the party?” Adam asked suddenly.

I’d been focusing on the fire in the fireplace and hadn’t realized he was watching me. When I looked up, his eyes were dark with concern.

“I told you,” I sighed. “We’re doing it.”

“I figured,” Adam said. “Just thought I’d ask.”

“We’ll have a meeting next week to get it planned out,” I said. “We should start soon.”

“All right,” Adam said without argument.

I could tell from his tone that he disagreed with me, but I didn’t care. I was the Delta president, and it was my decision to make.

Chapter 12

Scarlet

As I walked between my classes on Thursday, I hoped to see Lucien hanging around. Everywhere I went, I looked around for him, but he was nowhere in sight. I wondered if he had any Thursday classes. I thought about texting him just to say hi, but I didn’t want to be clingy.

We’d only had one date. I wasn’t sure we’d progressed all the way to texting yet. This was yet another situation in which my lack of experience made things difficult.

By the time Friday arrived, I was giddy with excitement. Lucien and I had a class together today, so I knew I would see him again. I arrived thirty minutes early, not wanting a repeat of Wednesday’s awkwardness. I told myself I just didn’t want to deal with the embarrassment again, but really, I was eager to see Lucien.

I couldn’t wait to talk to him again, to hear his voice and his laugh. I hoped he might kiss me again, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. We would be in class after all. It wasn’t exactly the most romantic environment.

Still, as I took my seat, I couldn’t help but think about the way his lips felt against mine. I kept glancing around the room, desperate for a sign of him. As I looked, I let my mind wander to the other night.

Sitting in Lucien’s car, kissing him, had been the highlight of my week. I hadn’t made any other friends. Lucien was it. So, knowing that I had him made everything that much easier, but also knowing that he was attracted to me felt amazing. I was so worried he would run for the hills the second I told him about being a virgin, but he didn’t. He just smiled and said we could go slow.

Part of me wondered if this whole thing was too good to be true.

Was Lucien really as sweet as he seemed? Or was he just trying to manipulate me into being with him? Would he stick around just long enough to take my virginity and then leave me all alone? I couldn’t imagine he would do such a thing, but I was scared. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind, telling me that all men wanted just one thing: sex.

I tried to push these insecurities away, but they latched onto my psyche with a vice-like grip. No matter what I did, I couldn’t shake them. When the classroom finally began to fill, I shook myself and tried to relax. Lucien would arrive soon, and I didn’t want him to see that I was upset. He would ask me why, and I wouldn’t be able to explain. The last thing I wanted was for there to be any kind of awkwardness between us. We were only getting to know each other after all. There was no reason to let things get too serious too quickly.

When Lucien walked in the room, my stomach flipped. I felt butterflies fluttering around painfully, and I swallowed hard. My cheeks felt slightly warm, but I hoped Lucien wouldn’t notice.

I kept my eyes focused forward as he slid into the seat beside me. I felt it was him, but I didn’t look over right away. Despite my excitement, I didn’t want Lucien to know I’d been waiting for him. That, more than anything, would have been humiliating. So, instead, I waited a few seconds before I finally glanced at him.

“Oh,” I said brightly. “Hey!”

“Hey, you,” Lucien said flirtatiously. “I see you beat me today.”

“Well, I couldn’t be late again,” I said. “I think Professor Davidson would kick me out if I was.”

“Nah,” Lucien said, shaking his head. “He’s an old softie. He tries to seem tough, but deep down, he’s mush.”

“Have you taken him before?”

He nodded. “Last year. He’s a good guy. Nice and helpful.”

“That’s a relief,” I said. “I really thought he hated me after last time.”

“He doesn’t,” Lucien said, laughing. “I’m sure he forgot all about it. But it’s good that you got here early this time.”

I laughed and nodded. He was right. Being late twice in a row would make a bad impression to even the most lenient of professors. I was glad I arrived early, but it wasn’t because of Professor Davidson. It was for Lucien.

Being early allowed me to get settled before he arrived. I spent a long time wondering if he would sit by me again. Now that he had, I felt relieved. He clearly liked me, too. If he didn’t, there was no way he would have sought me out today.

We chatted a little before class began, flirting and laughing easily. Not for the first time, I was surprised by how easy Lucien was to talk to. He put me at ease in a way no one else ever had.

Once I started talking to him, I couldn’t stop. For some reason, he just made me feel comfortable. Safe. It was like he truly wanted to know everything about me, like his interest was more genuine than anyone else’s in the world.

It was an amazing feeling, but also one that scared me. I feared he was growing too comfortable with me too quickly. What if his interest faded soon, and I was left alone and heartbroken.

I tried not to let myself think such negative thoughts, but I couldn’t help it. This was all so new to me. I didn’t know how to navigate through any of it.

Lucien had such an amazing personality. He was so caring. As class began, I accidentally knocked my notebook to the ground, and he bent down to grab it without a word. When he picked it up, he arranged it on my desk for me, helping me settle in before class began. It was such a small thing, but it spoke volumes.

Professor Davidson started the lecture, and I did my best to listen. It was no use. Lucien was wearing a tight t-shirt with short sleeves again. I wondered if he owned any other clothes. I was sitting on his left, so I had a great view of his tattoo. My stomach tightened as I looked at him. Whenever he shifted position, his arm would flex, making his tattoo stand out more prominently.

As I looked it over, I noticed the various details of the image. It was a forest, full of wild brush and tall trees. The shading and color were amazing. When I found the wolf’s head hidden in the art, my mouth hung open in awe.

I knew the tattoo was intricate, but I’d never allowed myself to stare so openly before. My eyes trailed down his arm to his fingers. They were resting easily on his desk, and I longed to grab them. I wanted to trace his tattoo with my hand, sliding slowly downward until I reached his hand.

I imagined what his hands would feel like on my body. They were big and strong, just like everything else about him. We were sitting so close that I could smell his scent. It overwhelmed me all over again. He still smelled of lumber and testosterone.

Living in the city, I wasn’t sure how he could possibly smell like trees, but he did. He gave off an undeniable wilderness vibe that was animalistic and sexy. It drew me to him even more than before.

I let myself daydream as class progressed, imagining him being greedy for me, demanding so much of me. He was too much man for me, but I wanted to handle him, to make him insane with desire. His scent filled me nose and left my heart fluttering. My panties were going to be trashed after my daydreams fucked me over. The scent was intoxicating, and I knew, if we were any closer, it would consume me. He would consume me.

My body was on fire as I remembered our kiss. His lips pressed eagerly to mine, his tongue dancing smoothly in my mouth. I swallowed hard and shifted uncomfortably in my seat. With a glance at Lucien, I saw that he hadn’t noticed my discomfort. I was glad he couldn’t read my mind because my thoughts were just beginning.

In my mind, our kiss turned more passionate, more intense. We weren’t just kissing. We were making out, desperate to taste every inch of each other. When I imagined his lips sliding down to my neck, I felt myself shiver with excitement.

I could almost feel him kissing my neck, biting and nibbling me. Then, he moved lower, sliding his hands beneath my shirt and lifting it over my head. My bra was finally exposed, and he wasted no time in removing it.

Once my naked breasts were free, Lucien attacked them ferociously. My fantasy was so vivid that I felt my nipples harden, as if his mouth was really on them. When I imagined him sliding his hands up my skirt to remove my panties, a flood pooled between my legs.

I crossed my legs nervously, sitting back in my seat and trying to relax. My cheeks were on fire as my mind continued to spin wildly out of control. Lucien’s fingers were between my legs, stroking me slowly. I grew wetter by the second, and when he slid a finger inside me, I bit my lip to keep from gasping.

I’d always had an amazing imagination, and now, it was out of control. I could feel my orgasm building just from thoughts of Lucien. His imaginary fingers moved inside of me, his thumb on my clit. Our lips were pressed together while he brought me closer and closer.

Looking over at him, I saw that his attention was focused on Professor Davidson. Part of me was glad, but a bigger part wished he’d been looking at me. Maybe then, I would be able to tell if he wanted me as badly as I wanted him.

I trailed my eyes down his body, landing on the bulge in his jeans. He wasn’t hard, but I imagined he was. In my mind’s eye, I tugged those jeans off of him, letting his cock slide out and surprise me with its incredible girth.

There were so many sex scenes in my romance novels, and I imagined myself acting all of them out with Lucien. He would take me against a wall, pressing my face and breasts firmly against the cool surface while he pounded against me. Then, we could move to the shower, where the water would enhance every sensation. I thought about riding him, how I would move hard and fast, blowing his mind. I even imagined what Lucien’s cock would taste like in my mouth. I would have loved to give him head right there in that classroom, with everyone watching enviously.

“Hey,” Lucien said. I jumped as hot embarrassment covered me. He was smiling a little too knowingly. “You ready to go?”

“What?” I asked glancing around the room. Everyone was already packing up their things and leaving the classroom. Professor Davidson was nowhere in sight.

“I thought maybe we could get some coffee again,” he said. “Your next class doesn’t start for a while, right?

“Um, yeah,” I said, still trying to return to reality. I thought maybe ‘ready to go’ meant something more like, ‘bend over that desk and get ready for a spanking before I fuck you senseless’. I needed fresh air. “That’s right.”

“So,” he said. “Coffee?”

“Sure.” I smiled.

Lucien returned my smile and helped me pack away my things. He carried my bag for me as we left the room. My hands were shaking at my sides, and I could tell my cheeks were still flushed.

I took some soft breaths to calm my nerves. Between my legs, my body still hadn’t recovered from my daydream. It had been so real, so unbelievably vivid, that I wasn’t able to pull myself out of it entirely.

Walking beside Lucien made my desires even stronger. As I glanced at him, I remembered every single thing about my fantasy. His body looked strong and sexy while he walked, and I found myself checking him out shamelessly. I knew I needed to get a grip on myself. If Lucien knew what I was thinking. I shuddered at the thought.

Chapter 13

Lucien

It was Saturday afternoon, and the brothers were congregating in the common room. We were playing out another tradition: the telling of the story.

Our legendary party began many years ago for one reason, and each year, we communed to remember that reason. We went over the rules of the party, laying down the law in a formal ceremony, before we commenced the planning process. After many years of throwing the same party, there wasn’t much to plan, but it was tradition, and Deltas were big on tradition.

As the President, it was my job to tell the story and pass down my headdress. I sat on my bed, admiring the headdress I’d owned since the party last year. Winning the headdress wasn’t always indicative of a new president, but it usually was. If you were successful at the party, then you were almost certainly in line for the presidency.

Seeing the headdress sitting on my desk filled me with a sense of pride, but it also made me sad. This time next year, I would be gone, and a new president would be in my place. Sooner than I wished, my younger brothers would forget about me and move on, letting my memory fade with the other past presidents.

It was a depressing thought, and one I did not want to have. Today was a celebration, the most important ceremony in Delta history. Even our brotherhood ritual wasn’t as old as the telling of the story. The first party was thrown two years after the fraternity was founded. Back then, no one talked about it outside the walls of this house. It was still kept mostly secret, but rumors spread around campus each year. Most people knew what the party was about, but they kept their mouths shut and their opinions quiet.

I was excited for the party this year, more excited than I had ever been before. Having won last year, I felt sure I would succeed again this time around. Even if I won, the headdress would pass on to the runner up, the second-place brother.

The pressure was off. I could just relax and enjoy myself without having to prove anything. Still, my pride often got the better of me, and this time was no different. I found myself mentally preparing for a win, just so I could go out with a bang. If I had to leave the frat at the end of the year, I wanted to do so on top.

“Hey,” Adam said. “We’re ready for you downstairs.”

“Okay,” I said, standing up and taking a deep breath.

I’d heard the telling of the story three times before, and I knew it by heart. But I’d never told it myself. I’d always been in the audience, just one of the brothers listening and taking in the excitement. Now, it was my turn to create that excitement. I was nervous. This was my first real act as president, and I didn’t want to screw it up.

“You’ll be fine,” Adam said.

He walked over and picked up my headdress, placing it firmly on my head. Once it was in place, I immediately felt better.

The headdress was shaped like a wolf’s head, almost identical to the wolf head I had tattooed on my arm. The tattoo came before I ever saw the headdress, but I thought it was a sign that I was destined to run Delta one day. With the headdress atop my head, my confidence soared. I was ready to begin.

“I’ll be down in a second,” I said, waving Adam away.

He nodded and left without a word. I moved quickly to my mirror and made sure the headdress was straight.

I looked good with it on. The sight brought a cocky grin to my face as I remembered the night I earned it. This year, a new brother would take it from my head, and I would feel proud, happy to be a part of a never-ending tradition. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I stood up straighter, preparing myself for the story.

When I was ready, I left my room and walked slowly down the steps. The house was silent, and each of my footsteps sounded louder than normal as they echoed through the halls. When I reached the landing, I saw the candles were already lit. I nodded my approval and followed the line of candles into the common room.

My brothers were arranged in their spots, each holding a shimmering candle. There was no light other than the candles, and all the curtains were pulled tightly shut. Not a single ray of sunlight could seep through.

This was perfect, exactly as it had always been. I remembered the three other times I partook in this tradition. Before, I was standing beside the fireplace, holding a candle of my own. Now, I stood where countless others had stood before and cleared my throat loudly.

With a glance around the room, I reached behind me and picked a candle off the bookshelf. Holding it above my head, I recited the Delta Pi chant alone. Everyone listened patiently while I spoke each word slowly.

When I was done, they all repeated the chant back to me. Their voices blended together, and it gave me goosebumps. This was brotherhood. This was the stuff I lived for.

Once the opening rituals were complete, I blew out my candle and took a step forward. Looking from one face to another, I made eye contact which each brother. This wasn’t something other presidents did before, but I felt it was necessary. It was a way to bond me to them all, to show that I wasn’t just talking to the group, but to each of them individually.

A few of them grinned with excitement, and others shifted uncomfortably. Adam was right about one thing, this party had become a source of controversy over the years. Many brothers refused to actively partake, but most of us still saw the merit in participating.

“Most of you have participated in the telling of the story before,” I said, my voice carrying easily across the room. “For those of you who haven’t, welcome. This is the oldest tradition of the Delta Pi house. After tonight, you’ll be privy to one of our most important secrets. As brothers, we take our secrets to the grave. Nothing said in this room will ever leave it.”

There was a murmur of agreement throughout the room. I nodded and cleared my throat, ready to continue.

“Years ago,” I said. “The first Delta Pi brothers came up with an idea. An idea that would pave the road to what we know today as the Virgin Party. That name is never spoken outside of this room, but this is a party we’ve thrown every year for decades. Named for its intention, The Virgin Party challenges each of us to invite a virgin girl to the party. Once here, we will all mingle and flirt to our heart’s content. The goal of the evening is to leave with a girl you did not bring, to take her virginity, and bring her panties back here as proof. The first brother to succeed in this endeavor will be given the headdress sitting atop my head. Last year, I won this challenge and went on to become President of Delta Pi.”

I let my words sink it, staring intently at the freshman in front of me. I wanted each of them to find excitement in this party. The challenge was meant to motivate and inspire them. If they thought they could one day become the leader of our frat, then they would be more likely to participate.

“Now,” I said. “Not everyone who won has become president, but most have. Winning this challenge takes initiative, cunning, and intelligence. I for one, will be immensely proud of the next winner. Whoever I hand this headdress to will have my eternal praise.”

There was another murmur that spread quickly through the room. My eyes found Adam’s, and he fixed me with a disapproving stare. I looked away, not wanting him to ruin the day with his guilt trip.

When I looked around the room, I saw a few other’s wearing similar expressions. Not everyone approved of this party, and over the years, more and more brothers refused to participate. They would attend the party, but they wouldn’t invite a virgin, and they certainly wouldn’t take one home.

It was infuriating, but I couldn’t force them to partake. They were all capable of making their own decisions, but as more brothers took the moral high road, the number of available virgins decreased. We could only have enough women for all the brothers if everyone brought a girl, which hadn’t been the case for the past couple years.

“Listen,” I said as the murmuring died away. I knew it was time to address my brother’s concerns. “I know some of you have a few issues with this party. You feel it’s unkind or manipulative. In a way, it is. However, I want you all to remember that these girls are willing participants. Do they know about the party’s intention? No, they don’t. But, we do not ever force ourselves on these women. They are to be treated with respect and kindness. If someone says no, then you take that answer and you leave. If I so much as hear that any one of you pushed a girl into something she did not want to do, I will personally exile you from the house. Is that clear?”

Everyone nodded and I smiled. I felt that my warning would assuage anyone’s cause for concern. This party wasn’t the most gentlemanly thing to do, but it was fun for everyone. When I took Sarah Harvey’s virginity the previous year, she was thrilled. We had fun rolling around together, learning the feel of each other’s bodies. We even stayed friends afterward. To this day, if I saw her around campus, I threw my arms around her and hugged her close.

She wasn’t hurt by what I did. In fact, she liked me more for it. As long as our brothers remained respectful, no one should have a problem with the party.

When I was done with my speech, I sought out Adam’s eyes again. He just looked at me and shook his head, silently telling me that my speech wasn’t good enough. He was still worried, and he still disapproved.

I shrugged and moved on. If Adam wanted to be a killjoy then there wasn’t anything I could about it.

The ritual ended, and we all sat around to plan the details of the party. We agreed on the alcohol, the day, and the time. Everyone was ready and excited, save for the few brothers who were deadly silent.

They sat together in the corner, not speaking and barely looking any of us in the eye. They hated this idea, and we all knew it, but it wouldn’t change anything. The Virgin Party was tradition, and I would be damned if I let a few guys ruin it for the rest of us.

When we finished the planning process, I dismissed everyone to their Saturday night plans. Many of them slapped me on the back and looked longingly at my headdress as they passed. As was my custom, I remained in the common room until the last brother was gone. I half-expected Adam to stay behind and voice his disapproval again, but he didn’t. He was the first one out when the meeting ended.

I stood in the deserted common room for a while longer. There were things I wanted to do tonight, but I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. This would be the very last time I ever wore the wolf headdress, and I savored everyone second of it. Finally, I took it off and placed it on the mantle. I stared at it for a few more minutes before I turned and left it behind.

Chapter 14

Scarlet

A week had gone by, and I’d only seen Lucien in class. Every Wednesday and Friday, we sat together in Professor Davidson’s class and chatted. Sometimes we were flirtatious, and other times, we were just friendly.

Seeing him was by far the best part of my day, but I wondered if he was ever going to ask me out again. I was desperate for another kiss, and my daydreams were spinning wildly out of control.

When we said goodbye that Friday, I lingered for a few seconds, hoping he might ask me out for the weekend. He didn’t. He just smiled and walked away, leaving me alone to walk to my final class of the day.

It was a Literature course that I found interesting. There were only about ten people in the class, and I learned everyone’s name quickly, but I hadn’t spoken to them. Making friends wasn’t my forte. Being homeschooled most of my life prohibited me from learning certain social skills. At NYU, I felt shy and awkward.

The class went by quickly. There was a lively debate about Pride and Prejudice, in which I finally voiced my opinion. It was the first time I spoke in class, and I was happy with myself.

Pride and Prejudice wasn’t my usual brand of romance novel, but I’d read it countless times and felt I could converse intelligently. My professor seemed pleased with my responses, and when class ended, the guy who sat two rows away from me walked over to me with a smile. He stopped in front of my desk, and I tried to remember his name.

“Hi,” he said. “That was a great discussion, don’t you think?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It was.”

“I’m Bryan,” he said, holding his hand out to me. I shook it politely. “You’re Scarlet, right?”

“I am.” I smiled.

I was surprised that he remembered my name. My cheeks felt warm as he continued to smile down at me. He wasn’t as attractive as Lucien, but he was good-looking in a dumb-guy-with-a-dream sort of way. His eyes were bright blue and very pretty. He had a round, boyish face that made him seem trustworthy.

“So,” he said. “I’m in the Delta Pi fraternity. Have you heard of it?”

“Actually, I have,” I said. “My friend Lucien is your President, I think.”

“Lucien Wolfe?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I smiled.

“Lucien’s a great guy,” Bryan nodded. “He’s probably the best president we’ve had in a long time.”

I couldn’t tell if Bryan was being sincere, but I chose to trust him. His eyes were soft when he spoke, but his tone seemed strained. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he was jealous that I mentioned Lucien. I was oddly flattered.

“He’s cool,” I said, shrugging as if I didn’t really care.

In truth, I was still very much interested in Lucien, but Bryan seemed close to asking me out. I didn’t know if I was attracted to him. He seemed nice, and I was determined to experience new things at NYU. I knew I wouldn’t say no if he asked me out.

“Well,” Bryan said. “We’re having a party tomorrow night at the house, and I wanted to see if you would come. It’ll be really fun and totally low-key. The perfect introduction to the Deltas.”

Bryan’s invitation brought a smile to my face. I was happy that my instinct was correct, but I was also excited about the party. This was finally an opportunity to meet new people and set myself free a little bit. I would be able to drink and dance. It sounded like fun, but I also knew it would be a chance to see Lucien outside of class.

“Sure,” I said with a grin. “I’ll be there.”

“Awesome!” Bryan smiled back. “Well, I’ll see you there.”

“See you there,” I repeated.

Bryan waved and walked away, leaving me to pack up my things slowly.

I didn’t realize the girl who sat beside me was still in the room until Bryan was already gone. As I tucked my notebook and my copy of Pride and Prejudice safely into my bag, I caught her eye and saw that she was watching me.

I smiled nervously and looked away. I knew her name was Lexie, but we hadn’t yet spoken. She seemed eager to talk to me now.

“Listen,” she said, her tone serious. I glanced around the room to find that we were the only two left. “I know we don’t know each other, but that party is not a good idea.”

“Your name is Lexie, right?” I asked, not paying attention to her warning.

“Yes,” she nodded, clearly impatient. “And you’re Scarlet. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I said, trying to smile.

She continued to watch me closely, and I quickly became uncomfortable. With a nervous smile, I pushed myself to my feet and made my way out into the hallway. Lexie followed me closely. I glanced at her, letting her know it was okay to talk to me.

“I’m sorry to be so pushy,” she said. Her tone was softer this time, more kind. “I just… You’re new here, right?”

“I am,” I nodded. “This is my first semester.”

“You seem really sweet,” she said sincerely. “But you also seem kind of innocent. I don’t mean that as an insult, just an observation.”

She wasn’t wrong, but I didn’t appreciate her bluntness. Lexie seemed like a good person, but she was being pushy, and I didn’t understand why. Bryan invited me to a frat party, it wasn’t the end of the world.

She was starting to get on my nerves as she followed me outside. We walked together until we reached a coffee cart. I stopped to buy a latte, and Lexie got herself something too.

“It’s just a party,” I said when we both had our coffees. “I mean, it’s not a big deal.”

“I know,” she said. “I’m sure it won’t be, but since you’re new, I just thought I should warn you.”

“About what?” I asked.

“Delta Pi,” she answered simply.

“What about them?” I asked.

She hesitated for a fraction of a second, her eyes searching mine. Lexie had deep grey eyes that were unlike any I’d seen before. Her short blonde hair was cut in a pixie cut that made her look slightly edgy. She was pretty, but not in an obvious way. I got the feeling that she wrote poetry or played the guitar.

“They just don’t have the best reputation,” she explained. “You wouldn’t know, but they’re notorious for being the bad boys on campus.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. Lucien didn’t seem like a bad boy, and Bryan seemed even less the type. “The guys I know from Delta seem okay.”

“How many do you know?” she asked.

“Just two,” I admitted. “But they’re both really sweet.”

“I’m sure,” Lexie said, but she sounded anything but. “I just wanted you to know what you’re getting yourself into. Obviously, it’s up to you if you go or not, but I thought you should have all the information first.”

“Thanks,” I said with a smile.

I meant it. At first, Lexie annoyed me, but the more we talked, the more I began to appreciate her. She was honest in a refreshing way. I got the sense that she really was just trying to help me out. She didn’t want to impose her opinions on me, but she felt an obligation. It was nice, in a weird way.

“No problem,” she shrugged. “Us girls have to stick together, you know?”

“I do,” I smiled.

It was nice to have a fellow female to talk to. We found a bench and sat down to enjoy our coffee. We were both done with classes for the day, so we spent a few hours just sitting and talking.

I found out that Lexie was from Boston and moved to the city when she was just seventeen. She started college early, but she took a couple years off to travel around Europe. She was twenty-two and about to graduate.

From the way she spoke, she was worldly and extremely smart. I was happy we met. Finally making a friend on campus felt amazing. It was different than with Lucien or Bryan. They were both sweet and slightly flirtatious, but I wondered about their intentions. With Lexie, it was just fun.

“Listen,” I said after a couple hours of talking. “You should come with me tomorrow.”

“Hell no,” Lexie said. “Didn’t I just tell you how much I hate Delta Pi?”

“I know,” I said. “But that’s why you should come. I told you, I was a horribly sheltered child. I have literally no social experience. I could use a babysitter.”

“Nope,” Lexie said. “I like you, Scarlet, but there is no way I will set foot in that house. Not a chance in hell.”

“Fine,” I said.

“Are you still going to go?” Lexie asked.

She wasn’t pushing me one way or the other, but her eyes were anxious as she waited for my answer. I knew what she wanted to hear. She wanted me to say I wouldn’t step foot in that house either, but I couldn’t promise her that. Aside from the fact that I already told Bryan I would go, I wanted to see Lucien again. I knew he would be at the party, and I hoped I might even be able to get another kiss out of him.

“I’ll think about it,” I promised her, but I knew I wouldn’t.

She was my new friend, and I wanted to make her feel better, but I was excited about the party. It would be my first ever frat party. There was certain to be a ton of people, and I was eager to make new friends.

Now that Lexie and I had met, I felt less lonely. I knew I would have at least one friend on campus, but more couldn’t hurt. Even if Lucien didn’t pay attention to me at all tomorrow night, at least I could use the party as a way to meet new people.

“You’re totally gonna go,” Lexie sighed.

“What?” I asked, surprised that she could see right through me.

“You’re practically drooling with excitement,” she teased.

“I am excited to see Lucien,” I admitted.

“Lucien Wolfe?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “He was actually the first person I met here. Him and his friend Adam. They were on my plane from France.”

“Wow,” she said. “That’s an interesting introduction.”

“They’re nice,” I defended.

“They can be,” she said. “But they’re Deltas. Worse, Lucien is their leader.”

“President,” I corrected.

“Whatever,” she said. “Just be careful.”

“I will,” I said, using the same tone I always used with my mother.

Lexie rolled her eyes. She could tell I was just placating her, but she didn’t care. We’d only just become friends, but I already felt like I could be myself with her. She was worried, without being judgmental, which was a nice change of pace.

With my mom, it was all judgement all the time. Lexie just wanted me to be safe.

We said goodbye, and I headed back to my grandmother’s house. As I thought about our time together, I smiled. Lexie was my first real friend in New York. Lucien was great, but he was my crush more than my friend.

With Lexie, I could see us bonding more and more over time. I had a feeling we would share a lot of memories together, and I couldn’t wait. I hadn’t had a lot of friends back in Paris, and I hoped that by meeting Lexie, that would all change now.

Her warning about the frat party weighed on me, but I tried to relax. The party would be fun. Enjoyable. It was just going to be a night of reckless abandon, but I wouldn’t do anything stupid.

I knew Lexie’s warning was well-meant. She was being a friend. Still, I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience something new.

Chapter 15

Lucien

Our first party of the year was under way, and I couldn’t have been more excited. As the President, I wasn’t obligated to bring a girl, but I invited a couple freshman just in case the other guys didn’t. When they arrived, they each hugged me and quickly disappeared to get a drink.

I was thrilled to see so many girls there. Most of the brothers delivered. Everywhere I turned, a new girl was maneuvering her way through the room. I stood off to the side with Adam, watching over everything.

“You going to dive in?” Adam asked pointedly.

He eyed me with a smug expression that I wanted to smack off his face.

“Soon enough,” I said. “I want to make sure everyone’s taken care of first. Besides, I can’t win two years in a row.”

“True,” Adam said. “But you can defend your title. Even if you can’t keep the headdress, everyone will know you won.”

“I’m sure I will,” I said with a shrug.

I was concerned about winning, but I also didn’t want to give Adam the satisfaction of thinking he was right. My hesitation had nothing to do with morality and everything to do with my presidential responsibilities. If anything went wrong tonight, it would be on me. The fraternity was my job and mine alone. I was responsible, more than the other seniors and even the other officers. Before I dove in, I had to make sure the other brothers would behave themselves.

“Better hurry,” Adam said. “A couple guys already look ready to make their move.”

I glanced around and saw that he was right. Stephen and Andrew both had a girl on their arm. They were leading them toward to the bar, ready to ply them with more alcohol.

To me, getting the girls drunk was just a notch below cheating, but it wasn’t technically against the rules. If that was how they chose to seal the deal, then that was their business. Me? I preferred my women sober enough to enjoy the pleasure I gave them.

“Unless you changed your mind,” Adam said, pulling my attention back to him. “Maybe you finally agree with me. Maybe you think this entire thing is ridiculous and disgusting.”

“Nope,” I said with a shake of my head. “I haven’t changed my mind, and it’s not disgusting or ridiculous.”

“It’s both,” Adam said firmly. “These women deserve better.”

“No one is forcing them to be here,” I snapped.

“They’re drunk,” he said. “If they have sex tonight, it’ll be their first time, and then what? How do you think they’ll feel in the morning?”

“That’s not my problem,” I said. “They can make their own decisions.”

Adam just shook his head and walked away. He grabbed a beer and made his rounds. His job tonight was self-assigned. He was determined to make sure the brothers behaved. He didn’t want anyone acting like an ass and forcing themselves on the girls.

If a brother was too drunk or too handsy, Adam sent them upstairs and banned them from the party. I didn’t approve of his tactics, but it wasn’t worth fighting. He had his opinions, and I had mine. They didn’t have to agree.

With Adam gone, I began scanning the room for my conquest of the night. There were a few options, all young and attractive. A couple blondes caught my eye, but it wasn’t until I saw a flash of red hair that I did a double take.

With a frown, I took a step forward and narrowed my eyes. There was a group of people standing by the fireplace, all with a drink in their hands. It was mostly guys with only one woman standing among them. The woman was a strikingly beautiful red head with emerald green eyes. I recognized her immediately. Without thinking, I hurried across the room.

When I joined the group, I noticed that all eyes were on Scarlet. She was standing in the middle of the group, laughing and sloshing a bit of beer down her shirt.

My stomach felt tight as I watched her. She looked pretty, but she was obviously drunk. I had never seen her drunk, and I wasn’t sure she’d ever had so much as a sip of alcohol before tonight.

My jaw clenched as I looked at the men surrounding her. These guys were my brothers, my friends. I trusted all of them, but the idea of them taking Scarlet home filled me with rage.

Trying to keep myself in check, I took a long drink of my beer and breathed slowly through my nose. As president, it wouldn’t have been right for me to steal a girl away from the others, but I longed to whisk Scarlet safely upstairs.

The more she laughed, the more the guys stared at her with excitement in their eyes. They were all vying for her attention, and I knew she would end up with one of them. The thought made me sick. I couldn’t stand the idea of her being with one of my brothers. When Bryan’s hand grazed her lower back, I knew it was time to act.

“Hey, you,” I said, taking a step forward and claiming Scarlet’s attention.

Her eyes found my face, and they lit up with joy. “Lucien!” she exclaimed. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you!”

“What are you doing here?” I asked her, keeping the irritation out of my voice.

“Bryan invited me!” she said loudly.

She turned around and shot Bryan a playful grin. He smiled back until I shot him a glare. He quickly looked away and hurried off to flirt with someone else. I knew I wasn’t being fair, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t let one of these imbeciles take Scarlet’s virginity.

“You’re drunk,” I said, placing my hand on her arm to steady her.

“I’m not!” she argued.

“Have you ever been drunk before?” I asked.

“No,” she admitted.

“Then, how do you know you aren’t drunk now?” I asked.

My challenge was too much for her drunken brain to process. She blinked at me, her eyes blurry and unfocused. The sight made my heart ache in a way that surprised me. I’d never been into drunk girls, but I’d also never felt the need to protect them before. With Scarlet, that need was strong.

“You’re drunk,” I said again. “Come on, come upstairs with me.”

“Really, Lucien?” Tucker, one of the brothers, said. He shook his head angrily at me. “You’re just going to cock block all of us?”

“Shut up, Tucker,” I snapped. “You’re drunk, too.”

With that, I turned back to Scarlet and wrapped my arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head against me and put her arms around my waist. Holding her protectively against my chest, I walked her through the crowd and up the stairs.

I caught Adam’s eyes as I passed, and he looked at me with a silent question. Unable to explain, I just shook my head and kept walking. I knew I would have to explain myself to Adam later, but now wasn’t the time. My main priority was getting Scarlet safely away from the horny brothers of my fraternity.

We walked slowly up the stairs and down the hall to my room. No one was allowed upstairs during the party, so we would have privacy. As we slipped into my room, Scarlet’s grip on my waist tightened. It sent a warm feeling shooting through my chest. I didn’t recognize the feeling and it worried me.

I never expected to care about Scarlet. She was just a girl I was trying to seduce. I never thought to invite her to the party because she was my own personal conquest. I didn’t want to share her with the Deltas, but that didn’t mean I felt something for her. Did it?

I kicked the door closed behind us and sat Scarlet down on my bed. Walking over to my mini fridge, I grabbed her a bottle of water and put it firmly in her hand.

“Drink,” I said. “It’ll help you,”

“Thanks,” she grinned.

She opened the bottle and took a small sip. When she closed the lid, she looked at me coquettishly. Her smile was flirtatious and sexy. I wanted to lean over and kiss her, but I knew it wasn’t the right time.

Tonight wasn’t our night. All I wanted to do was save her from herself. I didn’t know her well, but I knew she wouldn’t want to lose her virginity tonight. Not like this.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her again, my voice softer this time.

“Bryan invited me,” she explained again.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

When I did, she grabbed my hand and pressed her lips to my palm. I inhaled sharply at the sensation. Her lips were soft and slightly wet from the water. They felt cold against my skin. I immediately felt turned on.

“I want you,” she told me firmly.

Her eyes locked on my face, and she leaned forward, her lips searching for mine.

I pulled away quickly, stopping her. She frowned and sat back on the bed. Even her pout was sexy.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded. “Don’t you want me?”

“Of course, I do,” I said. “But tonight is not the night.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“It’s just not,” I said evasively. I wasn’t allowed to tell her the truth about this party, and I wasn’t about to break my own rules.

“But I want you,” she said again. “I’ve wanted you since we met in Paris.”

Again, she sat up and leaned forward. This time, I couldn’t bring myself to move away. I let her kiss me, and soon, I was kissing her back. Our tongues found each other, and I tasted the alcohol on her breath. It was enough to pull me back to reality.

“I want to have sex with you,” she whispered, her voice so innocent. I pulled away, but it did little good.

She climbed off the bed and crawled into my lap. I groaned and tried to push her away, but her lips were on mine quickly. Her drunk hands were fumbling with my shirt, trying desperately to pull it over my head. I moved her hands and pinned them to her side.

“We can’t,” I said firmly. “Scarlet, you’re drunk. We can’t do this tonight.”

The sadness on her face almost broke my heart. I could see her insecurities whirling around in her mind, and I wanted nothing more than to put her at ease. More than anything, I wanted to take her right there in my bed. I knew without knowing that it would feel amazing to bury myself inside of her. Having sex was for my parents. I wanted to fuck her up the side of a wall, lick at her sweet folds until she wet my face, slid my fingers deep into her ass only to watch her convulse. I didn’t want to have sex. I wanted to fuck. Badly. Holding back was going to be the death of me.

She laid back on my bed and crossed her arm. She was trying to seem angry, but she only looked sad.

“I want to.” She tried arguing, but it wasn’t going to get her anywhere. I was fighting a much bigger fight inside of my head.

“We can’t tonight,” I said softly. I moved forward, positioning myself over her on the bed. “But, there are other things we can do.”

“Like what?” she said, her eyes widening with interest.

“Like this,” I whispered.

I ducked down and slowly lifted her skirt. She jumped slightly beneath me, but she didn’t move. When I glanced at her for permission, she nodded eagerly. No panties. Fuck me. Her breathing became ragged and I wanted to suffocate the pretty thing in lust. Maybe she wasn’t as innocent as she played to be? I didn’t care. I wanted to taste her no matter what.

She lifted her hips slightly, already ready for me. So fucking ready for me.

She gasped when I lowered my face between her legs. My tongue found her clit easily, and with one lick, I felt her excitement rush. She was wet and writhing by the time I hit my rhythm. Her moans were uninhibited and full of wonder. It was music to my ears and fuel to my aching cock.

Chapter 16

Scarlet

With alcohol coursing through my veins, I felt more relaxed than ever before. Every bone in my body felt like jelly. My muscles were loose. My head was light and fluffy as I leaned it back against Lucien’s pillow. The fact that I was on Lucien’s bed didn’t escape my notice. Even in my drunken state, I knew this was a monumental moment in my life. For the first time, I was in a man’s bed.

He leaned over me, his rustic scent overwhelming my senses. My desire to kiss him was strong as he moved his body over mine. He told me we couldn’t have sex, no matter how badly I wanted to. Instead, he said there were other things we could do.

My mind was racing as he lowered himself to lift my skirt. My previously relaxed body came alive in an instant. I shook and shivered beneath him. His hands were all over me. I didn’t stop him. I didn’t want to stop him. Everything he did felt amazing, and when his tongue found my clit, the sensations were unlike anything I’d ever felt. 

I was no stranger to masturbation, but nothing I did to myself came too close to the things Lucien was doing with his tongue. He licked me slowly, as if he was savoring the taste of me. I could barely breathe as he fell into a steady rhythm. With each stoke of this talented tongue, I gasped and panted. My moans were uncontrollable, they escaped from my lips without my permission. The alcohol kept my embarrassment at bay, letting me feel nothing but undeniable ecstasy.

“You taste so good, Scarlet.” He pulled my pussy into his warm mouth and made a deep growling sound that had me crying out in please.

“Holy shit,” I whined. “That’s so good.”

Lucien didn’t hesitate. At the sound of my voice, his tongue sped up. He pressed it harder against me, and my legs began to tremble. I’d never had an orgasm before, so I didn’t know how it would feel, but I knew I was getting close. My body shook and my heart raced in my chest. Lucien licked me harder and faster still. I tangled my fingers in his hair and pulled gently, desperate for something stable to hold onto.

My body rocked and jerked violently as waves of pleasure coursed through my body. I wasn’t prepared for the sensations that flooded through me. When I finished, I screamed out loudly. I didn’t have control over myself or my body.

I collapsed on the bed. My breathing was ragged, and I couldn’t stop panting. When Lucien crawled up to lay next to me, I glanced at him with a weak smile.

“That was…” I began, but I couldn’t finish my thought. The after effects of the orgasm were still working their way through my body, making me shake.

“That was just the beginning. Next time, when you’re not drunk… it’s your turn.” His voice had me wanting more. So much more. He was going to turn me into the whore my mother worried all young girls would be. I had been worried up to that point too, but for the pleasure he provided… he could call me anything he wanted to.

Lucien leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. He grinned at me and then laid back down. Together, we laid on his bed and let the sounds of the party lull us to sleep.

***

Sunlight poured through the windows, seeping its way between Lucien’s curtains. When I first opened my eyes, I wasn’t sure where I was. I vaguely remembered the party, but as the morning light overwhelmed me, I began to piece together last night’s events.

I was downstairs, enjoying the party with a few guys. After my first few beers, things began to blur together. I was dancing and laughing, sipping my drink, when Lucien appeared by my side. I remembered being thrilled to see him. My heart leaped when my eyes fell on his face. He was there, finally coming over to talk to me! Then, he swept me away upstairs.

At the time, I thought he wanted me. I hoped he was whisking me to his room where he would have his way with me, but when I brought up the idea of sex, he shut me down. He insisted I was too drunk. As I remembered his rejection, a blush crept onto my cheeks. I threw myself at him, and he turned me down. I was humiliated. But then, something changed. His eyes grew dark and hungry as he hovered above me.

Lucien was my first ever sexual experience. We didn’t have sex, and we didn’t go further than oral sex, but it was everything to me. The way his tongue moved against my sensitive skin. The way he looked down between my legs. Just remembering it was enough to make me sweat with desire. I glanced to my left and saw that Lucien was still lying beside me. His eyes were closed tight against the bright sun, but he looked handsome. Peaceful.

I smiled to myself and looked up at the ceiling. With him beside me, it was impossible not to remember the way he made my body feel. My first-ever orgasm was burned into my memory, and I knew it would never leave me. I would remember last night forever.

The smile wouldn’t leave my face as I laid there, wondering what to do next. Was I supposed to leave before he woke up? Or was I supposed to pretend to be asleep? I’d never been in this situation before, and I didn’t know how to handle it.

As I considered my options, I felt Lucien begin to stir beside me. I glanced over to see his eyes flickering open. He frowned and stretched, letting himself adjust to being awake. When his eyes fell on my face, he grinned broadly and shifted closer to me. The subtle motion was enough to ignite a fire between my legs. I wanted to feel him there again, to relive that experience.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Morning,” I said back, keeping my voice flat and steady. I didn’t want to give away how badly I still wanted him.

Lucien frowned and considered my face. His eyes trailed from my own down to my mouth. I knew I looked horrible. I could feel how puffy my eyes were, and my mouth tasted terrible. Last night was the first time I’d ever had alcohol, and the aftertaste was the worst thing in the world. The beer tasted great at the time, but now, I wished I’d never drunk it.

“Don’t worry,” Lucien said softly. His tone was soothing. “We didn’t have sex, I promise. I wouldn’t do that, not while you were drunk.”

His words surprised me. Here I was, thinking he would want me to leave at any moment, while he was just worried I didn’t remember what happened. I laughed softly with relief.

“I remember,” I assured him. “I wasn’t that drunk.”

“Still, you were too drunk for anything big to happen between us,” he said.

“I was,” I said with a nod. “Thank you for being such a gentleman.”

Our eyes met and neither of us looked away. In that moment, I thought about everything that happened since I first met Lucien. Ever since that day in the Paris airport, my mind had been occupied by thoughts of him. I fantasized and dreamed of what it would be like to be with him. When he first kissed me, I didn’t think it would ever go further, and now, I was lying in his bed.

“I wasn’t a total gentleman,” he said softly. His voice was rough from sleep and it made my stomach clench nervously. He looked and sounded so sexy that I found it hard not to kiss him right then.

“I remember that, too,” I said just as softly.

Our eyes were still locked on each other’s. My desperation to feel his soft lips grew with every second that passed. I wanted to feel close to him again. After last night, I never wanted to stop being near him. Still, I didn’t know what he was thinking. To him, last night could have just been a casual thing. This was college, after all. Casual hookups were common between friends, right?

I didn’t know the protocol for a morning like this one. Lying in his bed felt nice. Looking in his eyes felt amazing. Remembering last night reignited desire inside me. All my emotions were clear, but I didn’t know how to act. Again, I considered whether I should leave. My eyes darted to the door and then back to Lucien’s face.

“Do you need to go?” he asked politely. His tone no longer had the same, sexy quality, and I suddenly wished I hadn’t glanced at the door. “Will your grandmother be worried about you?”

“Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “She wants me to enjoy myself though. She’s big on telling me to live my life.”

“Wow,” he said with a chuckle. “That doesn’t sound very grandmotherly.”

“Well, my mom is really strict,” I said.

He nodded. “I remember you saying something about that before.”

“I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life until now,” I continued. “And my grandmother doesn’t agree with it. She thinks my mom is too hard on me, so I think she’s trying to overcorrect.”

“Lucky you,” he said. He grinned wickedly and my stomach flipped.

He was gorgeous, and I knew the longer I laid there, the more I would want to kiss him. Besides, he was right. As understanding as Grandmother was, she would be wondering where I was. I stayed out all night without even calling. I knew I should get home before she really began to worry.

“You’re right, though,” I said with a sigh. “I should probably get going.”

I sat up slowly, feeling a slight pounding in my temples. My stomach felt a little weak, but I felt okay. After my first night of drinking, I expected a killer hangover, but it wasn’t bad. I just needed to eat and get some fresh air. Then I would be back to normal.

When I climbed out of Lucien’s bed, he sat up quickly and watched me. I searched for my shoes and then slipped them on my feet. There wasn’t anything left to do except leave, but I didn’t know how to say goodbye. I stood there for a few seconds, feeling awkward.

“I’ll see you later,” I said lamely.

“Wait,” Lucien said. He jumped out of bed and walked over to me. “I’d like to take you out again.”

“What?” I blinked, sure that I’d misheard him.

“On a real date,” he clarified. “If that’s something you want.”

I was shocked. From everything I’d heard about the Delta Pi fraternity from Lexie, I thought this would have been the end of my fling with Lucien. One night and then, nothing. Lucien’s invitation was more than welcomed, but it was the last thing I expected.

I smiled. “Of course. I would love that.”

“Great.” He smiled like he was relieved by my answer. I couldn’t imagine why. Like I would have possibly said no to that offer. “How’s tonight?”

I nodded. “Sure. What time should I be ready?”

“Seven,” he said firmly. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Sounds perfect,” I said. I was still smiling and I couldn’t stop. Lucien had that effect on me. He could always ensure I stayed in a good mood.

“I’ll see you then,” he said.

I nodded and turned toward the door. When I reached it, I turned back to wave at him one last time. As I walked through the frat house, I was still smiling.

I hurried out of the house and down the street. My grandmother’s house was more than a few blocks away, but I wanted to walk. The fresh air felt great on my skin. Plus, it gave me more time to relive the events of last night. I bit my lip and blushed to myself as I remembered the look in Lucien’s eyes right before he went down on me.

Chapter 17

Lucien

“Hey, man,” Adam said, poking his head in my room. “You up?”

“Yeah,” I said. I pulled myself to a sitting position in bed and gestured for him to come inside. He had that look in his eyes that told me he wanted to talk. “Come on in.”

Adam stepped through the door and pushed it closed behind him. It shut with a snap as he walked across the room and sat in my desk chair. I’d been lying in bed ever since Scarlet left, just thinking about last night and everything it meant. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been with a woman all night and didn’t sleep with her.

“How was your night?” Adam asked pointedly. His eyes were narrowed with suspicion. I rolled my own eyes and sat up straighter. I knew what he was thinking, and I also knew it wasn’t true or fair.

“It was fine,” I said with an attitude. “I didn’t sleep with her.”

“You didn’t?” Adam asked.

I took great satisfaction in the shock on his face. It bothered me that he thought so little of me. “You really thought I would?” I snapped.

“Well, you brought her upstairs,” he said. “What was I supposed to think?”

“Don’t you remember the rules I set?” I asked. I’d been frustrated with Adam lately, but I was more offended that he would expect me to take advantage of a drunk girl.

“I was just asking, man,” Adam said defensively. “Just asking.”

“Well, nothing happened,” I said. “Not really, anyway.”

Adam raised his eyebrows at me. He waited for me to elaborate, and when I didn’t, he sighed and leaned back in the chair.

“I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions, okay?” Adam said.

“It’s fine,” I said. “She wanted to hook up, but I said no. She was drunk, and it was her first time being drunk. So, I didn’t think she was in the right frame of mind to lose her virginity. Plus, I wouldn’t want to win that way. It’s not the same if the girl isn’t really herself.”

“You know that’s what the party has always been about, right?” Adam said. “Taking a girl’s virginity at all costs. You used to defend it.”

“I know,” I said. I didn’t know what had gotten into me, but I was suddenly beginning to see Adam’s point. The party always seemed fun and harmless to me. Until last night. When I saw Scarlet standing in the middle of all those guys, I felt a burning rage rise inside me. I couldn’t stand the idea that she would be taken advantage of. And it occurred to me then, for the first time, that every virgin at the party was somebody’s Scarlet. None of them deserved to be a part of our stupid game. The thought made me feel sick.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Adam said. “And that it was the last one we have to partake in.”

“The rest of the parties will be fun,” I promised. “No more of this bullshit controversy. Everyone can get on board with what I have planned for the rest of the year.”

“I’m sure,” Adam said with a grin. “I can’t wait.”

“Me neither, man,” I said. I leaned back on my bed and exhaled slowly.

It surprised me how much I agreed with Adam. Before, I’d been ready to fight him to make sure the Virgin Party took place. There was no way I was going to let anyone stand in the way. Now, I was glad it was behind us. I didn’t even care which brother won last night. Whoever would be my successor just didn’t matter anymore. I felt like I was the real winner because I was going to see Scarlet again tonight.

Ever since I met Scarlet, I felt myself changing. I wasn’t sure I liked the changes I felt, but I decided to just roll with it. I’d never been the kind of guy to run from a challenge, and that’s what I saw Scarlet as. She was a challenge, an interesting, intriguing challenge.

For a while, I let myself be distracted by the fraternity. After our first date, I tried not to think about her. I threw myself entirely into party planning, never letting my mind wander to Scarlet for too long.

Now, I wanted to rectify that. After last night, I was more enamored with her than ever. I used to see her as slightly awkward and nervous. She was beautiful and innocent. Delicate and unsure of herself. Last night changed things between us.

I no longer pictured her as innocent or delicate. She was wild and passionate, but she didn’t know it yet. I could tell from the way her hips rose to meet my tongue and the way she moaned with abandon that she was looking to be set free. All her life, she’d been shut away and never allowed to experience life. After last night, I knew she would be itching for more.

As I thought about her, I forgot that Adam was still in my room. He was looking at me with a slight frown on his face. I knew he could tell something was different about me, but he didn’t press the issue. Part of me wanted to tell him how I felt about Scarlet, to let him know exactly what was going on with me. I knew that he, unlike most of the brothers, would understand. Still, a bigger part wanted to keep it to myself for as long as possible. My feelings for Scarlet were new and unfamiliar. I’d never let myself get this invested in a woman before. It was my little secret, too personal to share.

***

When I arrived at Scarlet’s house, I parked out front and made my way to the front door. I knew her grandmother would want to see me before we left. After just one conversation, she seemed perfectly smitten with me. It helped my chances with Scarlet if I was in good with her grandmother. Without that, I didn’t know how long Scarlet’s interest in me would last.

I raised my fist to knock, but the door swung open before my knuckles could connect with the wood. Scarlet was standing in the doorway with pink cheeks, her green eyes sparkling in the evening light. I smiled at her as she stepped aside to let me by.

“Hi,” she said. “Sorry, I just saw you coming when I came downstairs.”

I laughed. “No problem. Is your grandmother here?”

Scarlet nodded. “In the kitchen.” She motioned for me to follow her and I did happily.

As we walked, I noticed Scarlet’s outfit, and my stomach flipped. She wore a tight dress that showed off her hips and butt. With every step she took, my eyes were drawn to her lower half. I forced myself to look away. I didn’t want to be caught admiring her ass, although it was so easily admirable. Instead, I stared at the back of her head, noticing that she had curled her usually straight hair. It made the red look darker, more elegant. I longed to run my fingers through her curls.

We stepped into the kitchen, and I smiled when I saw her grandmother sitting at the table. I walked over and extended my hand.

“It’s good to see you again,” I said politely. “How are you?”

“I’m just fine,” she said, taking my hand in both of hers. “I see you’re taking my Scarlet out again.”

“I couldn’t resist,” I said, glancing playfully at Scarlet. “Just look at her.”

“She is quite beautiful, isn’t she?” her grandmother said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

“She’s gorgeous,” I agreed.

“Okay,” Scarlet said. “On that note, maybe we should get going.”

“Oh, don’t be shy,” her grandmother said. “It’s a compliment, after all.”

“I know,” Scarlet said, but her cheeks blushed all the same. I knew she wasn’t used to guys complimenting her beauty, but I couldn’t help it.

“We should go,” I agreed. “I won’t keep her out too late.”

“Have fun!”

“Bye, Grandmother,” Scarlet said, bending down to place a kiss on her cheek.

I took Scarlet’s hand, and we walked back to the front of the house. We stepped outside, and Scarlet sighed loudly.

“Sorry about that,” she said. “She’s just excited.”

“I like her,” I said honestly. “She seems cool.”

Scarlet shrugged. “She can be.”

I opened the car door for her and she slid easily inside. As I walked around to get behind the wheel, I felt my palms begin to sweat. I didn’t know why. I couldn’t remember ever being nervous on a date.

“So,” I said, once inside the car. “I thought we could venture out a little more tonight. Do you like Indian food?”

“Love it,” Scarlet said.

“Great, there’s a place in Brooklyn that will make your toes curl,” I said.

My words were harmless, but once they left my mouth, I saw Scarlet’s cheeks blush. I smiled apologetically but didn’t speak again. Our eyes were glued to each other, and I knew she was thinking the same thing I was. Nothing could make her toes curl like I had the night before.

I tried to keep my desire in check as I put the car in drive and drove us toward Brooklyn, but it was hard. Her dress was tight and short. I could see the bare skin of her thighs as I drove. It was teasing me mercilessly, begging to be touched.

We made it to the restaurant just in time. My heart was pounding the entire drive. I tried to keep up the conversation, but it was difficult. All I could think about was how good Scarlet looked.

As we stepped out of the car, I took her hand in mine and led the way to the restaurant. We ate dinner, and the conversation was easier. I was still desperate to touch her bare skin, but with the table between us, it was easier to keep my head on straight.

“That was interesting,” Scarlet said with a laugh when we were done eating.

“You didn’t like it?” I asked.

“It was good,” Scarlet said enthusiastically. “Just unlike any Indian food I’ve ever had before.”

“Well, you have an advantage,” I teased. “You grew up much closer to the real thing.”

“This is true,” she said. “But Indian food isn’t as prominent in France as say, England.”

“Think of it as an adventure,” I said playfully. “You’re all for those, right?”

“I am,” she said. Her eyes were dark with desire as she spoke. “I think last night proved that.”

“I would agree.” I leaned over the table, wanting to be as close to her as possible. She followed my lead, leaning forward and exposing her cleavage. I felt myself harden slightly at the sight. God, she was sexy.

“Speaking of last night,” Scarlet said. Her voice was low and husky. It turned me on even more. “I meant what I said about having sex with you.”

My stomach flipped, and I felt my body heat up. Her words were the biggest turn on of the night. When she first mentioned it, she was drunk, so it was easy to turn down her offer, but now? With her wearing that tight, revealing dress? It took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to lunge across the table and rip the dress from her body.

“Next weekend,” I said. My voice was weaker than I intended. “My parents won’t be home, so I can take you to their place. It’s upstate and beautiful. We’ll have more privacy there than at the Delta house.”

Scarlet’s smile was both joyful and seductive. She nodded slowly and moved her foot closer to me beneath the table. As she played with my ankle, I felt my stomach flip again. It was so easy for Scarlet to turn me on. Just by looking at me the right way, she could make my erection grow with a ferocity I’d never felt before. I couldn’t think of anything other than getting her alone. She had no idea the effect she could have.

Chapter 18

Scarlet

I came down for breakfast on Monday morning to find my grandmother at the stove. She was making banana pancakes, and they smelled amazing. I walked over to her and kissed her cheek, inhaling the delicious smell.

“Smells awesome,” I said as I poured myself some coffee and sat down.

“Thank you,” she said. “They’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

Grandmother finished cooking and came over to the table. She set the pancakes down and watched while I helped myself. I ate in silence, waiting for her to join me, but she didn’t. Her eyes were glued to my face. I could tell she wanted to talk about something, but she was waiting for the right time.

After a few minutes, I could no longer take the staring. I smiled and cleared my throat, setting down my fork and folding my hands in front of me.

“What is it, Grandmother?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” she asked, feigning innocence.

I laughed. “I can tell you want to say something. So, come on. What is it?”

“How was your date?” she asked. Her smile was meaningful and brought a laugh to my lips. I shook my head, amused by her interest.

“It was amazing,” I said. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed myself more. Lucien is just so charming. The more time I spend around him, the more I like him.”

“He seems like a wonderful young man,” Grandmother said with an approving nod. “Not many his age would take the time to come in and talk to an old woman each time he visits.”

“He likes you,” I said. “He thinks you’re cool.”

“I am cool,” she said proudly.

I laughed and nodded my agreement. In so many ways, my grandmother was the coolest woman I knew. She was loving and caring in a way that made me feel safe and understood. She also encouraged me to experience new things and have adventures. It was a nice change from being with my mother. I’d never felt more like myself than I did in New York.

“I just hope he likes me,” I said, speaking more to myself than Grandmother.

My insecurities were rearing their ugly head yet again. When I was with Lucien, I felt confident and sexy, but being alone made that confidence disappear. I worried I wasn’t experienced or sexual enough to keep him interested.

“He seems to,” Grandmother said. “Why else would he continue to take you out?”

“I really hope so,” I said. “It’s just that Mom used to warn me about men. She said they were nothing like the characters in my romance novels and that I shouldn’t get my hopes up. She said I would probably never find one worth having, that they’re all manipulators and liars.”

“Well, your mother is jaded,” Grandmother said with a shrug. “She believes the worst because it helps her. She doesn’t want to get hurt.”

“But isn’t love worth it?” I asked.

“Of course, it is,” Grandmother said kindly.

“I think so, too,” I said, smiling. “I don’t think I love Lucien yet, but maybe I could. When I saw him at that Delta Pi party on Saturday night, I felt such a rush of affection. I went there to have fun and make friends, but when I saw Lucien, I only wanted to be with him.”

“You went to a Delta Pi party?” Grandmother asked, her tone more serious than before.

“Yes,” I said. “It was the first one of the year. One of the brothers invited me.”

“Lucien?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Another brother. His name is Bryan. He’s in my Literature class.”

“You said it was the first party of the year?” she asked.

I frowned. There was something different about Grandmother now. Just moments before, she was excited and happy to talk about my feelings for Lucien. She was practically glowing. I could tell she was thrilled that I was finally putting myself out there, but now, she looked worried and upset. Her eyes were dark, and her eyebrows were knitted together. I’d never seen her look so concerned.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you have fun at the party?” she asked, not answering my question. “Everyone treated you well?”

“Of course,” I said. I was more confused than ever. “The guys were great, and I even chatted with a few new girlfriends. I did drink a little bit, but I wasn’t too drunk. Lucien and I spent most of the night together, just the two of us.”

I didn’t tell her what happened between Lucien and me, but her eyes narrowed as I spoke. From everything she’d said about Lucien, I didn’t think she would mind that I spent most of Saturday night with him. Besides, we didn’t have sex.

“Oh,” she said. I waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. She just sipped her coffee and avoided my eyes.

“Grandmother,” I said. “Is there something wrong? Should I not have gone to the party?”

She looked at me intensely for a few seconds, not saying a word. Her eyes were still dark with concern, but her face was kind and open. She wasn’t angry with me, that much was clear, but she also wasn’t happy. I didn’t understand why, and I waited patiently for an explanation that never came.

“Of course, you should have gone,” she said with a smile. The smile was broad and bright, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just glad you had such a wonderful time.”

I tried to smile back, but it felt more like a grimace. No matter what my grandmother said, I knew something wasn’t right. Her mood shifted too drastically when I mentioned the party. I wanted to ask her more, but I didn’t feel like I should. She was obviously upset and didn’t want to talk about it.

As I finished breakfast, I remembered Lexie’s warning about the Delta Pi fraternity. Grandmother’s concern seemed to match Lexie’s, and I wondered if Delta Pi’s reputation extended back to the time Grandmother attended NYU.

***

My classes on Mondays ended early, so I met Lexie for lunch at a local deli. I’d never been there before, so I let her order her favorite for me, and we sat down together to eat. We talked about classes for a while before the conversation took a more serious, interesting turn. I could tell Lexie was itching to find out if I went to the Delta party, but she didn’t want to pry. We’d only just become friends, and I could tell she was afraid to push the boundaries too early.

“So,” I said, clearing my throat. “I went to the Delta party this weekend.”

Lexie’s eyes widened instantly. She laid her sandwich back on the table and looked at me with concern. She seemed to be preparing herself for the worst.

“How was it?” she asked.

“It was actually really fun,” I said with a soft laugh. “I know you were worried about me, and I appreciate it, but nothing bad happened at all. The guys were nice, and I even met a couple girls to chat with for a while. It was great.”

“Wow,” Lexie said. “I’m glad you had fun, but I’m really surprised. That frat has a terrible reputation. I was really worried something bad might happen to you.”

“Nope,” I said with a shrug. “Only good things. Really, really good things.”

I grinned down at the table as I remembered my sexual encounter with Lucien. Just the memory brought a blush to my cheeks and made my body light up with desire. I couldn’t wait to spend the entire weekend with him. I knew exactly what would happen, and I was ready.

“What happened?” Lexie asked suspiciously.

When I looked back up at Lexie, I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to tell her everything. She was my first real girlfriend, and I desperately needed someone to talk to about Lucien, but I worried she would disapprove or judge me. After all, she was against me going to the party in the first place.

“Okay,” I said. “But if I tell you, you have to promise not to judge me, okay?”

“I would never,” Lexie said with a serious tone.

I believed her. Despite having only just met, I already trusted Lexie. Maybe it was my naïveté or just my desire to have a friend, but I believed she was a good person.

“Well,” I began. “I was dancing with a group of people when Lucien came over. Lucien Wolfe.”

“I know him,” Lexie nodded.

“I was drunk,” I admitted. “But not blackout drunk. I had a few beers. It was the first time I had ever had so much as a sip of alcohol.”

“Seriously?” Lexie’s eyes widened in surprise.

I nodded. “Yup. So, I was having a really great time. Everyone was nice, and then, Lucien came up and kind of pulled me upstairs without a word. He asked why I was there, and he seemed upset by it.”

“Why?” Lexie asked with a frown.

“I have no idea,” I said. “At first, I thought maybe he was annoyed by me? Like, he just didn’t want me around? Then, when we were upstairs, I realized he was actually just worried about me. He didn’t want me to do anything I might regret.”

“And did you?” Lexie asked.

“No,” I said. “I told Lucien that I wanted to have sex with him.”

Lexie’s mouth fell open, and she stared at me in shock. She didn’t seem like the type to be shy about boldness. She herself was very blunt.

“Have you ever?” she asked.

“No,” I admitted. “Like I told you, my experience is extremely limited.”

“Did you and Lucien…?”

“No,” I said again. “He refused. Which was a huge hit to my ego, you know? But then, I realized it was actually really sweet. He said I was too drunk, and he didn’t think it was a good idea. He didn’t want me to lose my virginity while I was drunk.”

“Wow,” Lexie said. “Lucien Wolfe said that?”

I nodded. “We did… other stuff, though. Not sex or anything, but we fooled around a little bit.”

“You feel okay about that?” she asked.

“I really do,” I said with confidence. “Lucien was so sweet.”

“Men can be deceiving,” Lexie warned. She took a sip of her drink.

“Lucien’s not like that,” I said. “I mean, he took care of me. Most guys wouldn’t have done that, right?”

“Probably not,” she admitted. “But seriously, be careful. You’re new to all of this, and I don’t want to see you get hurt, Scarlet.”

“I know,” I said with a smile. “I like Lucien. He’s great. He took me out Saturday night on a real date, and he invited me to go away with him this weekend.”

“You’re not going, are you?” Lexie asked.

I laughed. “Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because you don’t know him that well yet,” Lexie pointed out.

“But I feel like I do,” I argued. “I really, really like him, Lexie.”

Lexie sighed and reached across the table to take my hand. She squeezed it gently and smiled at me.

“You’re a catch, Scarlet,” she said. “I know you’re eager to experience new things, but just remember that you don’t have to do anything. Make him work for you.”

I squeezed her hand back and smiled. She was a great friend. I knew she was only looking out for me, but she didn’t understand. Lucien and I had known each other for weeks now. I was ready to take things to the next level with him. After the frat party, I knew he cared about me. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have turned down my offer to sleep with him. Despite Lexie’s concerns, I trusted Lucien completely.

As we finished lunch, I daydreamed about what the weekend would bring.

Chapter 19

Lucien

The drive to Scarlet’s house felt longer than normal. I sat in traffic, tapping my foot anxiously. I couldn’t wait to get away for the weekend. As much as I fought against joining my family’s business, my childhood home was an amazing place to grow up. I knew Scarlet would love it. She would be blown away by the beauty and wilderness.

Driving to her house, I pictured her face. I pictured the way her eyes would light up with excitement the second we pulled into the driveway. A smile was plastered on my face when I finally made it to her grandmother’s house.

I jumped out of the car and jogged to the front door. Knocking, I stood back and waited for someone to answer. I was eager to leave, but I knew Scarlet’s grandmother would want to see me.

It made me nervous to think about taking Scarlet away for the weekend. Even though her grandmother seemed to approve of me, this was a big deal to most people. An entire weekend away held some hefty implications that I wasn’t sure her grandmother would be okay with.

My worries were unfounded. When Scarlet appeared at the door to let me inside, she told me her grandmother wasn’t there. She was spending the day in the city with some friends. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to explain my intentions.

“So, are you ready to go?” I asked.

“Just about,” she said. She had a duffel bag thrown over her arm and a purse in her other hand. When she grabbed her keys, she turned back to me with a grin. “Now, I’m ready.”

“Wait,” I said, looking her up and down. She was wearing jeans and a thin t-shirt. “You might want to grab a coat, just in case. It gets chilly a little sooner up there.”

“Okay,” Scarlet said. She set her bags down on the floor and walked to the coat closet by the front door. She pulled it open and grabbed a red coat off a coat hanger. Throwing it over her arm, she leaned over to pick up her bags again.

“I got it,” I said. I brushed her hand away and grabbed her duffel bag, letting her take her purse.

“Such a gentleman,” she teased.

“I do try,” I said with a grin.

We left Scarlet’s house quickly, making sure to lock up behind us. Scarlet slid into the front seat while I loaded her bag in the trunk, where mine was already safely tucked away. The sight of our bags lying next to each other made me smile again. This weekend was going to be amazing. Two full days, just Scarlet and me. I didn’t even care if we slept together, I was just excited to spend time alone with her.

As I climbed behind the wheel, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d won. When I first met Scarlet, I saw her as a challenge. She was sweet and naïve, vulnerable in an adorable way. I knew seducing her would take some effort and now, I felt like I did it. She was here, in my car, ready to take the next step. The strange part wasn’t that I won, but that I didn’t care that I won. Sitting beside Scarlet, driving out of the city, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. She was no longer a challenge. She was just a beautiful girl, a beautiful girl who I was taking home with me for the weekend.

***

We arrived at my parent’s place late that night. Scarlet had dozed off a few times on the drive, but when we pulled up, she was very much awake.

“Oh my god,” she gasped as we turned the final corner.

I grinned as I took in the sights that I knew so well. Scarlet’s excitement was exactly what I expected. My childhood home sat in the middle of a twenty-acre lot. It was designed to resemble a small, log cabin in the woods. There was a wrap-around porch, and it had a cottage-like feel to it. As a kid, I always wished my parents would build something more lavish, something that wasn’t quite so humble. We had the money, so I never understood why we didn’t spend it.

“It’s kind of small,” I began. “But, it’s roomier on the inside.”

“It’s gorgeous,” Scarlet said.

“And it’s better during the day,” I said. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you down to the lake. It’s through the woods a little way, but it’s the most beautiful part of our property.”

“That sounds amazing,” Scarlet said.

I pulled up in front of the house, and we jumped out. Grabbing the bags from the trunk, I led Scarlet up the front steps to the porch. She continued to look around as we stepped inside. Her eyes were wide with interest as she took in the cozy living room and humble kitchen. The winding staircase, which led to my room, was her favorite part.

“This is so cute,” she gushed. “I always wanted a winding staircase. They remind me of fairy tales. I told my mom it would make me feel like a princess, but she said no. Surprise, surprise.”

“That’s probably why I always hated it,” I said, laughing. “It’s too cutesy for my taste.”

“Cutesy?” she asked. “It’s classic. Comfortable.”

“Whatever you say, Princess Scarlet,” I teased.

She playfully hit me on the arm, and I grinned. After I put our bags away upstairs, I came back down to give Scarlet the tour. There wasn’t much to see inside, but I walked her around the porch and showed her the different parts of our land. It was difficult to see at night, but she got the general idea. Her favorite part, even more than the staircase, was the stars.

“They’re so bright out here,” she said softly. “You can’t see a single one in the city.”

“I know,” I sighed. “I used to sit out here for hours and just count them.”

“You did?” she asked.

“Of course,” I said. “Wouldn’t you?”

“I would,” she said, nodding. “I guess I just pictured you as being more restless. I can’t really imagine you just sitting around looking at the stars.”

“Well, I guess you have a lot to learn about me,” I said with a grin.

“I guess so.”

Scarlet’s smile was breathtaking. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have her here with me. From the way the guys acted at the party, she could have had any guy she wanted on campus, and yet, she wanted to be with me. My happiness took me by surprise. I didn’t know what was happening to me. When did I become the guy who was happy just being with one girl?

Scarlet and I spent that night just talking and laughing. Nothing happened between us, not even a kiss. When we went to bed, I took the couch to be respectful. She made it clear she wanted to have sex this weekend, but I was willing to take my time with her. We only just arrived at the house. We didn’t need to jump into bed together right away.

So, that night was spent on the couch, with my mind constantly wandering up that spiral staircase to where Scarlet was lying in my old bed. I barely slept. Thoughts of Scarlet spun around my mind, keeping me wide awake and restless. More than once, I considered slipping upstairs and having my way with her. But I stopped myself. We would have plenty of time for that tomorrow and the day after.

When Scarlet woke up Saturday morning, she came downstairs fully dressed. She was wearing jeans and a long sleeve black shirt. Her red coat was tied around her neck, and it cascaded over her shoulders like a cape. It made her hair look even more vivid. She looked gorgeous.

“Good morning,” I said. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she said shyly. “I thought we’d go check out that lake this morning.”

“Absolutely,” I said. “Just let me get dressed.”

“Okay,” she said. “Do you mind if I get some food together? We can eat breakfast out there.”

“Sounds great,” I called as I made my way to the bathroom.

I got dressed quickly, hurrying back out to meet Scarlet. She had some food packed away in a bag, which I took from her and carried outside. We set off down the back path toward the lake. It was still early, and the air was thick with a chilly fog. Scarlet shivered and pulled her coat over arms.

“Good idea about the coat,” she said, laughing.

“It gets cold out here,” I said with a nod. “But I love it. I’ve never been able to stand the heat. In the winter, I used to camp out back because I loved the weather so much.”

“Did you like growing up out here?” she asked.

“Sometimes,” I said with a shrug. “Other times, I wished for more.”

“I think we all did that,” she said with understanding.

“Grass is always greener, that sort of thing,” I said.

She nodded. “Yeah. But it isn’t really, is it? I mean, eventually where you are is exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

“You think so?” I asked. This was something I’d always wondered about. I never truly felt like I belonged anywhere.

“I do,” she said with confidence. “Take me for example. I spent my entire life living in France with my mother, never really feeling like myself. Then, in the blink of an eye, I moved to New York. Now, I feel more like the real me than I ever have before.”

I smiled as we stepped off the path and the lake came into view. Scarlet’s face lit up when she saw the beauty surrounding us. I’d seen it a thousand times before, but I always loved it.

Scarlet was right. She seemed more comfortable in her own skin. When we first met, she was awkward and a little weird. Now, she still had that same clumsy charm about her, but she blushed less often. She stood with confidence and certainty. It was an amazing sight to behold.

We spread out on the ground to eat breakfast and keep talking. As the day progressed, the sun began to warm us, and Scarlet pulled off her wrap and discarded it on the ground. When she did, I noticed how much her shirt showed off her breasts. I swallowed hard and tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help it.

“Are you okay?” Scarlet asked, scooting closer to me and putting her hand on my leg.

“I’m great,” I said. “I just got distracted for a second. I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“What distracted you?” she asked.

“You,” I answered. “You distracted me.”

Scarlet’s green eyes stared deeply into mine. She seemed to appreciate my answer, and the more I looked at her, the more desperately I wanted to kiss her. So, I did.

When our lips finally met, she sighed against my mouth, and the sound was almost too much. Her lips were soft and urgent against mine. My tongue slid in her mouth, and I tasted her slowly, wanting more.

Scarlet pulled away for a second to look at me. There was something behind her eyes, a mix of desire and uncertainty.

“I want to,” she whispered. Her voice was deep and sexy.

I kissed her again, slowly pulling her into my lap as I did. She straddled me easily, her hands tangling themselves in my hair. Our kiss was more insistent this time. We kissed each other hungrily, our hands roaming freely over each other’s bodies.

When I slid my hands down to grab the bottom of Scarlet’s shirt, I paused for a fraction of a second and pulled away. I looked at her questioningly, making sure that she was sure she wanted this.

She didn’t speak. Instead, she reached down and pulled her shirt over her head, throwing it on the grass beside us. Her bra was red and lacy. It fit tightly against her breasts, and the sight made my dick twitch with desire. I couldn’t control myself for another second. I flipped her onto her back and ravaged her with my lips.

Chapter 20

Scarlet

Lucien’s eyes were dark with desire as he flipped me over. I laid on my back, breathing heavily while his mouth found my chest. He kissed the skin around my bra, sliding his hands under my back to unhook it. As he slid it over my shoulders, I was overcome with insecurity. What if he didn’t like what he saw?

Before I had a chance to let my mind spin out of control, Lucien was throwing my bra onto the grass. My breasts were exposed to the air, and I felt my nipples harden. Lucien groaned at the sight and attacked them with his tongue. He licked and teased one nipple at a time, massaging the other between his able fingers. My body felt hot as I lifted my hands to push my hair off my face. Lucien knew just what to do to drive me crazy.

His lips moved lower, kissing their way down my stomach. I remembered the way it felt when he went down on me, and I was desperate to feel that again. Only this time, I wanted more. I wanted all of him.

When Lucien’s lips reached my jeans. He unbuttoned them slowly and pulled the zipper down. His eyes were locked on mine as he moved, silently asking me for permission. I appreciated how careful he was with me, but I was ready. I’d wanted this for a long time now.

“I want you,” I said again.

His answering grin was mischievous, and he slid my jeans down. I lifted my hips to help him, letting him pull them all the way off. When he did, I suddenly became aware what I was lying in front of him wearing nothing but my panties, while he was still fully clothed.

Without a word, I sat up and pulled his face to mine. I kissed him hungrily, frantically searching for the bottom of his shirt. When I found it, I broke our kiss to lift it over his head. My eyes fell immediately on his chest. He was muscular, and his bare skin made me swallow hard. I ran my fingers over the tattoo on his arm and then down his abs, feeling every inch of him.

I kissed his chest, taking my time to play with him. Pushing him backward, I climbed on top of him, throwing one leg on either side. My lips roamed freely over his naked chest and stomach. I tasted him slowly, wanting to remember every second of this moment. As I kissed him, his breathing sped up, and I could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

“You’re torturing me,” he groaned.

“I’m playing,” I whispered back.

My fingers reached his pants, and I slowly pulled them off. I yanked his boxers down next, desperate to see all of him. His dick sprung out, already hard and ready. The sight made my stomach flip. I’d never seen a naked man in person before. Lucien was gorgeous. Sexy and handsome all at the same time.

I let my eyes trail over his body, memorizing every inch. When I climbed back on top of him and lowered my lips to his, his hands grabbed my hips and squeezed. Instinctively, I rubbed myself against his cock, causing him to moan loudly against my lips. I loved the sound, so I did it again. And again. Until finally, Lucien flipped me over and pinned me down.

His eyes were glued to mine as he slid his hand between my legs. He tucked his fingers inside my panties and watched me closely. He played with my folds, feeling how wet I already was. When he found my clit, I gasped and arched my back. He grinned and rubbed me gently, taking his time to make me as wet as possible.

Lucien pulled my panties off, leaving me completely exposed. I thought I would feel nervous or awkward, but the only thing coursing through my veins was animalistic desire. I wanted him, every single inch of him, inside of me.

He kissed me slowly and slid one finger into me. The sensation was new and exciting. When he moved it in and out, I felt my legs begin to shake. The faster he moved, the harder it became to breathe. I could feel my orgasm building, but I wasn’t ready. I wanted his cock inside of me. I was ready.

I reached down and pulled his hand away. He looked at me with concern, as if he’d done something wrong. I pulled his lips to mine and kissed him deeply.

“Did you bring a condom?” I asked.

He nodded and reached for his jeans. Pulling the condom out of his pocket, he ripped it open and slid it onto his hard, throbbing cock. He positioned himself above me, rubbing himself against my wet folds.

As he was about to slide inside me, I changed my mind.

“Wait,” I said, sitting up quickly.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “We don’t have to.”

“No,” I said. “I just want to be on top.”

He grinned and laid down, letting me climb on top of him. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I let my body take over. With my hands on Lucien’s chest, I slowly lowered myself onto his erection. I didn’t feel anything at first and then, there was a sharp blinding pain that made me gasp and wince. I froze, letting my body get used to the feel of him. Once I did, I lowered myself further until finally, he was all the way inside me.

My breathing was ragged as I adjusted. He felt huge, filling me up completely. The initial pain was gone, and all I felt was a hunger burning in my gut. I closed my eyes and rocked my hips back and forth slowly. Lucien groaned at the movements, and my confidence soared.

As I got used to the feeling, I moved faster. I rode him as hard as I could, while still making sure to take my time. I didn’t want to rush anything, not the first time.

The pleasure I felt with him inside me was unlike any other. It drove me forward, allowing me to ride him with abandon. He gripped my ass while I moved, squeezing it harder with each thrust. I looked at his face. He was panting, and his grunts matched my movements. As I watched him, I felt myself get closer to an orgasm. I slowed my pace, unable to keep myself moving.

Lucien took that as an invitation. Still inside of me, he rolled us over and laid me on my back. I wrapped my legs around his waist while he thrusted in and out. He kissed my lips lightly and moved faster than ever.

“Oh my god,” I moaned. He took me harder, pounding against me mercilessly.

While he moved, his breathing became ragged. My breasts bounced to his rhythm, and he buried his face in them.

“Lucien,” I whispered. “Oh god.”

“Does that feel good, baby?” he asked, leaning up to whisper in my ear. His arms were wrapped around me. I felt like I was in a cocoon. He was all around me and inside me, completely overwhelming my senses.

I couldn’t answer his question. My orgasm surprised me. I screamed and jerked beneath him, my pleasure overtaking me. I dug my fingernails into his back, and he moaned, still thrusting. I could tell he was close. His movements were more urgent, more insistent.

When he finished, he grunted loudly and his face grew bright red. He collapsed against me, and I could feel his cock throbbing inside of me. It felt amazing. I ran my fingers gently up his sweaty back, trying to slow down my breathing.

“This might hurt a little bit,” he said gently. He pulled out quickly and I gasped. It was painful, but only for a second.

Lucien laid down beside me and pulled me into his chest. I let him hold me while I rested my head on his shoulder. My fingers were busy stroking his chest, and he ran his free hand down to my hips, stroking my skin softly.

“Are you okay?” he asked once our breathing returned to normal. “Was that okay?”

“I’m fine,” I promised. “I’m more than fine. That was better than I imagined.”

“I’m glad,” he whispered, leaning over to place a gentle kiss on my head.

I felt safe lying in his arms. My hair was sprawled out messily around us and I knew my face was flushed, but I didn’t feel self-conscious. Lucien made me feel sexy and confident. The way he looked at me told me he wanted me just as badly as I wanted him. Having sex with him was everything I wanted and more. I’d pictured the moment I would lose my virginity a million times and with Lucien, it was exactly how I dreamed it would be.

Lucien held me closely as the day grew warmer. My skin was burning from the sex and the heat. After a while, we were both sweating and knew it was time to head back to the house. Lucien handed me my clothes and watched me while I got dressed. He had a smile on his face.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“You’re just so beautiful,” he said with a laugh. “Sometimes it surprises me.”

His compliment made my stomach fill with butterflies. When we were both dressed, Lucien took my hand and led me back toward the path. We walked in silence, neither of us needing to speak until we reached the house.

We walked into the living room, and I sat down on the couch. Lucien got us each a glass of water and came over to join me. We spent the rest of the afternoon just talking. About our lives, our dreams, everything. I’d never felt so connected to another person before, and I never wanted the connection to end.

“Thank you for today,” I said. “By the lake.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said, smiling.

“I do,” I insisted. “You made it special, so thank you.”

Lucien kissed me, his hand stroking my hair softly. When we pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine and sighed deeply.

“God, you’re so damn sexy,” he said with frustration.

“What?” I laughed.

“I can’t even kiss you without getting hard,” he complained.

“Oh?” I said, raising my eyebrows and glancing at his crotch. Sure enough, there was a bulge forming between his legs. I grinned and climbed onto his lap, straddling him. “What would happen if I did this?”

I kissed his neck and grinded against his bulge. He moaned and squeezed my ass, burying his face in my hair.

“You’re killing me, Scarlet,” he breathed.

I kissed his lips hard and fast, pouring every ounce of desire I had into that one kiss. Lucien came alive beneath me. He grabbed me and held me tightly to his body, kissing me back with an intense passion. Without warning, he lifted us both off the couch. My legs were wrapped tightly around him as he carried me up the stairs to his bedroom. We never broke our kiss, not until he threw me backward onto the bed.

Grinning, Lucien climbed on top of me and kissed me again. He tore the clothes from my body without hesitation. My body responded to him immediately. I was wet and ready when he slid inside me. He took me harder this time, knowing I could handle him. My screams were loud and desperate while another orgasm rocked my body.

When we finished, I knew I could do this forever. Lucien was sweet and gentle, but also raw and animalistic. He was everything I imagined and more. My mom told me the characters in my romance novels weren’t real, and I knew she was right. Lucien wasn’t like them. He was better. A real-life Prince Charming. I never wanted the weekend to end.

Chapter 21

One Month Later

Lucien

After that weekend, Scarlet and I became inseparable. When we weren’t in class or with our other friends, we were together. We spent weekends together and week nights. I found myself shirking my Delta Pi responsibilities in favor of hanging out with her. I barely got the next party of the year planned in time. The guys were frustrated with me, but they didn’t give me a hard time. Only a couple of them knew about Scarlet, and I wanted to keep it that way. Our relationship was private, personal.

I stopped at a coffee shop on the way to class one day. It was Professor Davidson’s class, the one I had with Scarlet, and I wanted to get us each some caffeine to help us stay awake. We’d spent the weekend together and neither of us had recovered. Mondays were always hard, but after a few days with Scarlet, they were damn near impossible. My entire body protested waking up in the morning, and I had to drag myself through the day. Coffee was a must.

Stepping up to the counter, I ordered mine and Scarlet’s usual. I paid, then stepped aside to wait for the drinks to be made. While I waited, I noticed Adam walk in. He saw me, and I waved him over. We hadn’t talked much lately. Between classes and Scarlet, I was too busy.

“Hey man,” Adam said. “Where have you been lately?”

“Just around,” I said with a shrug. “Things are insane this year, you know?”

He nodded. “Yeah, that party was awesome the other night, though. You did a hell of a job planning it.”

I grinned. “Thanks. Next month’s will be even better. I’ve already started thinking of ideas.”

“I’m sure,” Adam said. “Can’t wait.”

The barista called out my name and placed two cups on the counter. I smiled my thanks and grabbed the cups. When I turned back to Adam, he was frowning at the drinks in my hand.

“Coffee much?” he asked.

“One’s for Scarlet,” I said. “We have a class together this morning.”

“Oh,” Adam said with a nod. “Scarlet.”

“Yup.”

Adam was eyeing me closely. He knew something was up with Scarlet and me, but he didn’t know the details. Of all the Delta brothers, I trusted Adam the most. We’d been best friends since freshman year, and I knew I could tell him stuff. Still, I wasn’t ready to tell him everything about Scarlet.

“So,” Adam said. “You’re still seeing her?”

I nodded. “Yeah, why?”

“No reason,” Adam said evasively, but his eyes said something different. I tried to keep my defensive nature at bay, but it was hard. The judgmental expression on his face irritated me.

“What is it?” I demanded. “Just spit it out, man. I don’t have time for this.”

“I just don’t think you should be seeing her,” Adam said finally.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Look,” Adam began. “I know this is going to make me sound like a dick, but I’m your best friend. It’s my job to tell you the truth.”

“And what’s the truth?” I pressed.

“Scarlet isn’t the kind of girl you need to be messing around with,” Adam said firmly. “Lucien, I know you. I know how you are and this girl, she’s sweet and innocent. She’s naïve. You’re just going to break her heart. Do you really want to put her through that?”

“I’m not going to break her heart,” I snapped. “And she’s not as innocent as you think.”

“Maybe not anymore,” Adam said pointedly. “But she’s too innocent to be played by you.”

I stared at Adam blankly. My irritation was quickly turning into anger, and I didn’t want to start yelling in the middle of the coffee shop.

“Who the hell do you think you are, man?” I said, keeping my voice low. “This is none of your damn business.”

“Maybe not,” Adam admitted. “But I wouldn’t be a very good friend if I didn’t tell you what I think.”

“What?” I demanded. “You think I’m not good enough for her?”

“It’s not about being good enough,” Adam said. “It’s about being serious enough. I saw this girl, okay? I know the way she looks at you. She wants something real, something serious. She isn’t looking to just fuck for a while and then part ways. She’s falling for you.”

I knew Adam was right, but I’d never thought of Scarlet’s feelings as a bad thing before. In fact, I hadn’t really thought much about it at all. We were just having so much fun together that I never took the time to worry about anything else.

“It’s not just about her,” Adam continued. “Is this really what you want? To be tied down during your senior year?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But I like her, man.”

“I know you do,” Adam nodded. “And that’s great. I’m just saying, you need to make sure this is really what you want. Because, if you don’t, you’re going to destroy her and yourself.”

“I gotta go,” I said. “Class is about to start.”

“Look,” Adam said. “I didn’t mean to bust on you, okay? I’m just looking out for you.”

“I know,” I said. “No worries.”

With that, I turned and left the coffee shop. The coffees were warm in my hands as I walked to class. It wasn’t far, but the walk was long enough for my mind to wander. I replayed Adam’s words in my head, wondering if he was right.

At first, I was pissed. What right did Adam have to tell me how to live? He didn’t know anything about me and Scarlet. We were great together and nothing else mattered. So what if she was falling for me? What did that matter? If anything, that just made what we had more important. Besides, I wasn’t the kind of guy to break her heart. Was I?

As I stepped into the classroom, I instinctively looked around for Scarlet’s hair. She was always easy to spot, a bright red head in a sea of blondes and brunettes. Like always, I smiled when I saw her and hurried to join her. I slid into my usual seat and handed her the coffee.

“Thank you,” she said. “I was seriously craving some caffeine.”

“I figured,” I said. I tried to keep my smile, but it was hard. My conversation with Adam was still running on a loop in my brain.

“This weekend was fun,” Scarlet said teasingly as she leaned closer to me. She kissed my cheek gently and waited for me to turn my head. I knew she wanted a real kiss, but I couldn’t bring myself to deliver. I felt awkward and uncomfortable just sitting beside her.

Scarlet sat back in her seat once class began. She kept glancing at me with a frown on her face, but she didn’t speak, and neither did I. I didn’t know what to say. How could I explain to her what just happened with Adam? She wouldn’t understand his concern, and if she did, she would just dismiss it. Scarlet had a way of ignoring things she didn’t like. It might have been her naïveté or just her desire to be happy, but either way, it sometimes got in the way of reality.

For the past month, I’d loved being with Scarlet. No matter how much time we spent together, I never grew sick of her. We could be together for hours or days, and I was fine. More than fine. Every time we kissed, I felt my body ache for hers. When we had sex, it was like puzzle pieces coming together. We were crazy and rough, but also intensely intimate. It was by far the best sex I’d ever had. Until today, I never imagined ending it.

I wanted to push Adam’s words away without a second thought, but I couldn’t. Part of me knew he was right. I wasn’t the kind of guy to commit to one woman. I was the guy who slept with flight attendants in airports and had threesomes in France. I was the Delta Pi President who met and deflowered a girl all within one hour. I was a legend, a playboy, but I was not a boyfriend.

All through class, I couldn’t shake Adam’s warnings. He told me to get out now, before things got messy. I hated the idea because I loved being with Scarlet, but it made sense. It was smart. Why spend time with this girl just to leave her in the end? The longer we lasted, the harder she would take the breakup. It would crush her. It would destroy the happiness she worked so hard to find for herself. I cared about her enough to want to spare her that pain.

Still, I didn’t know how I could just turn my back on her now. After all the nights we spent together and all the conversations we’d had, we were bonded. We were connected. I couldn’t just sever that connection. I still wasn’t even sure I wanted to.

As class ended, I cursed Adam for running into me at the coffee shop. If I’d never seen him, everything would be fine. I wouldn’t feel so confused, so conflicted. Scarlet and I would be leaving class holding hands and laughing, just like we always did. Instead, class ended and I stood up without a word. I didn’t wait for Scarlet before I left the room. I could feel her behind me, following closely, but I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t bring myself to face her.

“Hey,” Scarlet said once we made it outside. She grabbed my arm and turned me around to face her. “What’s up? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I said too quickly. “I just feel really sick all of a sudden.”

“Oh,” Scarlet said, her forehead furrowing with concern. “What hurts?”

“Everything,” I said. “I think I just need to get home. I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”

She nodded. “Sure. Get some rest.”

“Yeah, I will.”

I turned and hurried away, wanting to put as much distance between us as possible. Even that small amount of conversation was too much. I knew it wasn’t right to lie to her, but I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t be around her until I figured out what I wanted. Adam’s damn warning was still echoing loudly in my head.

When I reached the Delta house, I disappeared into my room and collapsed on my bed. My head was spinning, and I hated the feeling. Never in my life had I spent this much time and energy worrying about a girl. If I even bothered to take a woman out on a date, the goal was sex. Once we had sex, I was gone. I was out the door before she could even open her eyes in the morning. I didn’t waste time wooing girls, and I certainly didn’t stick around for an entire month afterward. I felt like I was drifting further away from the person I used to be.

I laid in my bed for the rest of the day, just thinking. Maybe Adam was right. This was not the way I wanted to spend my senior year, lying in bed stressing over a girl. Scarlet was great, but was she really worth all of this? Was she worth wasting my senior year and all the opportunities that came with it? I didn’t know the answer to these questions, but I knew Adam’s words rung true. I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. I wasn’t the kind of guy to commit, and I didn’t know if I ever would be.

Chapter 22

Scarlet

Lexie and I left class that day arm in arm. Over the past month, we’d grown closer. My relationship with Lucien took up a lot of my time, but when we weren’t together, I was with Lexie. She quickly became my best friend, and I couldn’t imagine not having her around to talk to. Whenever anything new happened with Lucien, Lexie was my first call. Before moving to New York, I never had a girlfriend. I was beyond grateful when I found Lexie.

“So,” she said as we walked. “Finish telling me what happened.”

“I don’t even know,” I said weakly. “He came into class this morning and he was just, weird. He brought me coffee, which was sweet, but we barely talked. Then, he practically ran away from me after class. He said he wasn’t feeling well, but I don’t know. It was just weird.”

“Sounds like it,” Lexie said thoughtfully. “Maybe he really was sick.”

“Maybe,” I said, nodding. “I’m probably just reading into it.”

“You are,” Lexie said with confidence. “Lucien cares about you.”

I laughed. “Since when did you become such a Lucien advocate? You used to hate him.”

“I never hated him,” she defended. “I just didn’t trust him, but he’s proven himself over time. I mean, he wouldn’t have stuck around for an entire month if he wasn’t really into you.”

I smiled. “This is true. God, Lexie, am I crazy?”

“For what?” she asked.

“For totally falling for him?”

My fear was evident in my voice. Lexie leaned close to me and shook her head.

“No,” she said. “You are not crazy. You’re just a normal girl.”

“That doesn’t sound like a compliment,” I groaned.

She laughed. “It’s not.” I nudged her with my hip and she laughed harder.

It was easy to be with Lexie. I could talk about my feelings without fear of judgement. She told me everything about her love life, and I did the same. We talked about everything with an open-minded policy. No matter how emotional one of us was, the other just listened. I had no idea what I would do without her.

While we walked, my phone began to ring in my pocket. I detached myself from Lexie to pull it out. When I looked down at the screen, I saw that it was my mom. We hadn’t talked in a long time, and I was actually happy she was calling. I couldn’t wait to tell her about my new life and how happy I was.

“I should take this,” I told Lexie. “It’s my mom.”

“No worries,” she said. “I gotta go.”

I waved at Lexie and then answered the phone.

“Hi,” I said brightly. “I’m glad you called.”

“You are?” my mom asked. She sounded pleasantly surprised.

“I am,” I said. “We haven’t talked in forever. How are you? How’s work?”

“Work is fine,” she said. “Just busy as always. How are your classes going?”

“Really well,” I said proudly. “I shouldn’t have any problem graduating on time.”

“Are you learning anything?” she asked suspiciously. My mom always hated American schools. For some reason, she believed them to be inferior to European schools.

“I’m learning a ton,” I promised. “And not just in class.”

“Oh?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “This city is teaching me so much. I learn something new every single day. I’m obsessed, Mom. I love it here.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well,” she said without emotion.

“I’m doing great!” I gushed. Now that we were talking, I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to tell her everything. “I met this amazing girl named Lexie. She’s my best friend. You would love her.”

“I’m sure I would,” Mom said.

“And, I’m seeing this guy. Lucien,” I said. “He’s… Mom, he’s perfect. I know that sounds cliché and immature, but he’s so amazing. Every time we’re together I get butterflies. I can’t even tell you how much I—”

“You have a boyfriend?” she interrupted.

“Um,” I paused. “I’m not sure if I would call him a boyfriend. I mean, we’ve been seeing each other for about a month now.”

“You didn’t think that was something you should tell me?” she snapped.

“I would have,” I said. “But we haven’t talked lately. I’m telling you now.”

“After a month,” she said.

“Well,” I began, but I didn’t know what else to say. My mom was never supportive of me having a life, but I thought things would be different now. After all, I was almost twenty-two and living in a different country. I didn’t think boys were really a concern anymore.

“I’m extremely disappointed right now,” she said. “I sent you there to help your grandmother, Scarlet, not frolic around with some boy.”

“I am helping,” I said quickly. “Grandmother and I spend time together all the time. She really likes Lucien.”

“She’s met him?” Mom asked.

“Of course,” I said.

“She didn’t tell me, either,” Mom said, speaking more to herself than to me.

“It’s not a big deal,” I said. “It’s just one guy, Mom. I’m not out sleeping with half the school.”

“Are you sleeping with this boy?!”

I realized my mistake too late. Despite my desire to tell my mother about my life, I never intended to divulge so much. The fact that I lost my virginity was personal and no one’s business but my own.

“I—” I said, but she didn’t let me finish.

“You need to come home,” she said firmly. “You’re obviously not doing well in New York. This was a mistake.”

“No,” I said. “Mom, you’re overreacting. I’m halfway through the semester. I can’t leave now! Besides, Grandmother needs me.”

“I can’t trust you to make the right decisions,” she said. “You’re coming home.”

“This is insane!” I snapped. “You’re just angry because I’m finally living my life! You never wanted me to experience anything, and now that I am, you’re throwing a hissy fit. Grow up, Mom. That’s what I’m trying to do!”

“Don’t you dare speak to me that way,” she snarled. “I am your mother.”

“You’re not my mother, you’re my prison guard!” I yelled. “God, I had to travel halfway across the world just to go to my first frat party. Do you see how ridiculous that is? Mom, you’re out of control. I’m an adult.”

“That’s enough!” she yelled back. “First, I find out you’re dating some strange boy, and now, you’re saying you went to a frat party. You are completely out of control. What frat party was this?”

“It was Delta Pi,” I said. “It was their first party of the year, but what does that even matter?”

My mother didn’t answer. Instead, she hung up on me without a word. The line went dead, and I was left standing in the middle of the sidewalk, staring open-mouthed at my phone. My heart was pounding from our fight, and I couldn’t believe what just happened.

When I saw my mom’s name on my phone’s screen, I’d been excited. I couldn’t wait to tell her about my life. I was so sure she would be happy for me. After all, I was an adult now, and she was my mom. Weren’t mothers supposed to want the best for their daughters? Weren’t they supposed to encourage and support them?

When I was finally over my shock, I stuffed my phone in my pocket and made my way back home. My grandmother would be waiting for me to start dinner. Monday nights were my night to cook, and I didn’t want to let my foul mood keep her waiting. She didn’t deserve that. I hurried through the streets, not slowing down until I reached the front door. With a sigh, I stepped inside and tossed my bag to the ground.

“Grandmother!” I called.

“In the kitchen, dear,” she called back.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” I said as I walked over to her. “You won’t believe what just happened. Mom called me.”

“I know,” she said. “She called me, too.”

I stopped dead and stared at my grandmother. Her eyes were already on mine, and she looked serious. Her forehead creased with worry, and her green eyes were darker than I’d ever seen them. I immediately knew something was wrong. Slowly, I sat down beside her and waited for her to tell me what happened.

“You mother called me after she spoke with you,” Grandmother began. “She’s insisting you go home, back to France.”

I nodded. “I know. But, it’s only because—”

Grandmother held up her hand to silence me. “She filled me in. And I don’t want to get in the middle of you and Claire, Scarlet. That’s not my place. All I’m doing is relaying the message. Your mother wants you home.”

“What about you?” I asked. “You need me here.”

“Claire already called an in-home nursing service,” she said. “Apparently, she can get someone out here quickly.”

I felt the wind knocked out of me. I stared at my grandmother in utter shock. Nothing about this made any sense. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I was doing well in school and making friends. I’d even found myself a nice guy to spend time with. Everything about my life was perfect here. New York was the first place that ever truly felt like home. I knew who I wanted to be and who I was. I couldn’t just give it all up and move back.

“Grandmother,” I said softly. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Of course, not,” she said kindly. “This isn’t my decision.”

“Okay,” I said with a nod. “I’ll be upstairs.”

“All right,” she said.

I got up and hurried to my room. Closing the door behind me, I fell on my bed and set my emotions free. Tears of anger and sadness streamed down my cheeks as I remembered my mother’s harsh words.

She told me she was disappointed in me. That, more than anything, cut me like a knife. After all the effort I put into building a life for myself, it broke my heart that she would just dismiss it like that. And not just dismiss it, but actually be angry at me for it.

I couldn’t stand the idea of just leaving New York behind. My classes were interesting, and I was doing really well in them. My grades were great, and I was happy. If I left now, I would lose credits, and it would take longer for me to graduate. It didn’t make sense to leave, but I knew my mom wouldn’t care about that. All she cared about was keeping me in line. If she wanted me home, then she wouldn’t give up until I obeyed.

Still, as I laid there thinking about my options, one thing kept circling through my head. I didn’t have to listen to her. At twenty-two years old, I was an adult. I could make my own decisions about where I wanted to live and who I wanted to spend time with. My mom, despite her controlling nature, held no true power over me. If I decided to stay in New York, there wasn’t a thing she could do about it.

For the first time in my life, I considered disobeying my mother. Other than a few white lies here and there, I always did what she said. She spent my entire life making sure I feared her, but now, that was no longer the case. I wasn’t afraid of her anymore, but the idea of telling her no still made me nervous. I didn’t want to sever ties with my mom if I didn’t have to, but I couldn’t just blindly listen to her anymore.

I didn’t know what to do. My head was spinning, and I grew more confused by the second. I decided the only way I could make this decision was if I talked to Lucien. Sitting up in bed, I grabbed my phone and dialed his number.

Chapter 23

Lucien

I didn’t leave my room all day. After my morning class with Scarlet, I couldn’t face anyone else. I blew off the rest of my classes and hid in my room. I knew it was immature, but I didn’t care. Today was a shitty day, and I was beyond ready for it to end. It started out great, with me eager to see Scarlet. I couldn’t wait to get to class. Then, Adam intervened and everything changed. I no longer knew what to do.

When my phone rang that night, I knew it was Scarlet before I even looked at it. I turned it over and stared at the ceiling. I wasn’t ready to talk to her yet, not after today. She knew something was wrong after class, and I lied to her.

Lying wasn’t new to me. I could spin my words better than most people, but I’d never lied to Scarlet before. It made my stomach clench painfully. As I remembered the confused look on her face, my phone rang again. I turned it over. It was her again.

I sighed and tossed it to the end of my bed. My frustrations weren’t her fault, but I couldn’t bear the thought of hearing her voice right now. I closed my eyes and prayed she would stop calling, but when I heard my phone begin to ring again, I knew I wouldn’t get that lucky. She was being more insistent than usual. I could tell she wasn’t going to stop until I answered. Reluctantly, I grabbed the phone.

“Hello?” I said, resting it against my ear.

“Lucien,” she said. Her voice was tight. “I’m sorry to call so much, but this is really important. I need to talk to you.”

“Now isn’t really a good time,” I said lamely.

She sniffled on the other end, and I felt my heart ache. I didn’t want to hurt her. “I know,” she said. “I’m sorry. Can you meet me at the park? Please. It’s really important.”

I closed my eyes and put my hand over my face. She was pushing me too hard, and I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t ready to see her, but I couldn’t just say no. There was obviously something wrong. She sounded like she’d been crying, and I knew she wouldn’t have called so many times if it wasn’t important.

“Okay,” I said. “Sure. I’ll meet you there.”

“Now?” she asked hopefully.

“Yeah,” I sighed. “I’m on my way.”

“Thank you,” she said. I could hear the relief in her voice. It only made my guilt that much worse.

“See you in a minute,” I said, hanging up before she could say anything else.

It took me a few minutes to climb out of bed. I’d been lying down for so long that my muscles were sore and tight. I had to stretch for a few minutes before I could leave. When I did, I took my time, walking slowly down the stairs and out onto the street.

The park was only a few blocks away, positioned perfectly between the Delta house and Scarlet’s grandmother’s place. We’d met there a million times before. In a way, it was our spot. Scarlet said it reminded her of being by the lake at my parent’s house. I used to find that charming, but now, I felt tense as I approached our usual bench.

Scarlet was already there, staring ahead and waiting for me. When she saw me, her face lit up, and my guilt worsened. I hated feeling this way. I didn’t want to hurt her or myself, but I didn’t know what to do or say. Scarlet’s feelings for me were strong, that much was clear, but mine weren’t as clear. I cared about her, and if it weren’t for Adam, I wouldn’t have second guessed anything.

Still, as I sat down beside her, I found myself wishing I was anywhere else. Just looking at her face made my stomach clench painfully. Her eyes were red and swollen. My suspicions were right. She’d definitely been crying.

“I’m sorry to drag you out here,” Scarlet said. “I just really needed to see you.”

“What happened?” I asked.

“My mom called me today,” Scarlet began. “I was so excited to talk to her. I wanted to tell her everything about my new life, you know? But when I did, she freaked out. She lost her mind over the fact that I went to a frat party and that I’ve been seeing you. She demanded that I come home.”

“She what?” I asked. My emotions were suddenly put on hold as I registered what Scarlet said.

She nodded. “Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either. She hung up on me, and when I got home, Grandmother told me my mom called her. Apparently, she’s setting up an in-home nursing service for Grandmother so that I can leave. She wants me back in France as soon as possible.”

My mouth hung open as Scarlet spoke. I closed it slowly, shaking my head back and forth. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Scarlet’s mother sounded completely insane.

“You said your mom was strict, but I had no idea,” I said. “That’s fucking crazy.”

“It’s insane!” Scarlet said angrily. “I can’t believe she would do this to me. I moved here to help Grandmother, and that’s what I’m doing. Why shouldn’t I have a life in the meantime? I’m doing well in school. I’ve made friends. Most mothers would be proud, right? I don’t understand why my mom can’t just let me live my life.”

I shrugged. “Because she’s a mom. They’re controlling sometimes.”

“She is beyond controlling,” Scarlet argued. “I thought it was bad before, when I lived with her, but now? I never imagined she would do something like this. She went so far as to call my grandmother. She’s demanding I go home immediately.”

I shook my head again and looked around us. The park was basically empty. The sun was already setting, and everyone was going home. This was our favorite time to be here, at dusk when the world was still and silent. It was our reprieve from the lights and noises of the city. Every other time I sat on this bench with Scarlet, I felt at peace. Now, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. She was upset with her mom and wanted comfort, but I couldn’t give it to her. All I could do was sit there and let her talk.

“I don’t want to leave,” she whispered.

I looked back at her quickly. Her eyes were brimming with tears again. I couldn’t move a muscle. Part of me wanted to slide over and wrap her up in my arms. I wanted to hold her tightly until she calmed down. It was within my power to make her feel better, but I couldn’t do it.

Instead, I just sat there and watched the tears roll down her cheeks, waiting for her to say more. At first, she didn’t. She just cried silently for a while. When she finally turned to face me, her eyes were open and vulnerable.

“My life is perfect here,” she said. “I have everything I could ever want. School is amazing. Lexie is such a good friend. And you. I don’t want to leave you, not now.”

“Scarlet,” I said softly.

“Just listen,” she said, silencing me with a look. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, and I know we haven’t defined whatever this is between us, but I like you, Lucien. I like you so much. I don’t want this to end, and if I leave, it will.”

“But you can’t just disobey your mom,” I said.

“Can’t I?” she asked eagerly. She moved closer to me and took my hands in hers. “Would it be so bad if I did?”

“For her, it would be,” I said. I wanted to pull my hands away from her, but I couldn’t. She was holding onto me too tightly.

“That doesn’t matter!” she insisted. “I’m an adult. This is my life. I’ve built a life here, one that’s entirely my own. I can’t just let her rip me away from it. I don’t have to. I don’t have to listen to her. Not anymore.”

“Do you really want to do that?” I asked. “Do you want to risk your relationship with your mom?”

“I think so,” she said. “Besides, this is her doing anyway. She is the one who’s demanding I leave. She is the one tearing me away from everything that makes me happy. If our relationship suffers, it’s her fault. Not mine. I shouldn’t feel guilty about living my own life. Everyone else my age is doing the exact same thing. Most of them are worse off than me! I have direction. I’m about to graduate college, for god’s sake! She should be happy for me!”

Scarlet’s rant was intense and full of anger. I could tell she needed to get everything off her chest, but I was barely listening. Once she mentioned her feelings for me as a reason for her to stay, I shut down. My hands began to sweat, and all I could think about was running away. I wanted to sprint out of the park and never look back. Scarlet was already too attached to me. Adam was right. I couldn’t let this go on any longer.

“Scarlet,” I said, stopping her rant mid-sentence. “You should go.”

“What?” She blinked.

“To France,” I said. “I think you should go back to France.”

“If you’re just saying that to protect my relationship with my mom…”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. I pulled my hands free from her grasp and rubbed them on my jeans. “That’s not it.”

“Then, what is it?” she asked. Her voice was raw and emotional. The sound made my ears burn. I didn’t know how much longer I could handle sitting there.

“I’m not the guy you think I am,” I said slowly. “You have this romantic image of me, of us, and it’s not true. It’s partly my fault. I let you feel this way. I led you on without meaning to, and I’m sorry, Scarlet, but this isn’t a relationship. You and me, we aren’t together. Not in the way you want us to be.”

“But,” Scarlet said. “We are. We spend every spare second together, Lucien. You can’t tell me that doesn’t mean something.”

“It doesn’t,” I said firmly. “We’ve just been having fun. That’s no reason to stay in New York. If your mother wants you back in France, then that’s where you should be.”

Scarlet’s eyes were wide as I spoke. Her tears were back and flowing freely down her cheeks. She didn’t even bother to wipe them away. To spare myself the pain of having to see her cry, I looked away. I watched the trees rustle in the wind and the birds fly by. Scarlet remained sitting beside me, silently crying and secretly hoping I would change my mind.

I wouldn’t. I couldn’t. Not after everything I just said. I’d ripped off the band aid, and now, the wound was exposed and painful. Scarlet’s tears didn’t stop. When I finally glanced at her again, she was still staring at me in disbelief. Without a word, she rose to her feet and slowly made her way down the path, away from me.

As I sat there, I watched her disappear into the darkness. She became a tiny pinprick in the distance, and then, she was gone. I kept staring at that same spot, unable to look away. The sight of her tears was still burned into my eyes. I couldn’t believe I’d hurt her that way. She was just an innocent, beautiful girl who deserved better than I could give her. I’d broken her heart, and I didn’t even know why.

What was wrong with me?

Chapter 24

Scarlet

After my conversation with Lucien, everything changed. All the fight left my body, and I was ready to obey my mother’s orders. I walked back to my grandmother’s house in a fog, hearing Lucien’s voice echoing painfully in my ears. Every time I remembered the dismissive tone in his voice, I winced and shook my head.

The pain I felt was a deep, physical pain that affected everything from my head to my organs. I could feel my heart breaking inside my chest. In that moment, I would have done anything to stop the pain.

When I made it back home, I let myself inside and went straight to my room. I could hear Grandmother moving around in the kitchen, so I knew she was still awake, but I couldn’t face her. I was worried that she, like my mother, was disappointed with my choices.

Ever since I moved to New York, I hadn’t been myself. I was more free and light-hearted. I made decisions based on emotions, not logic. For a long time, I thought the change was a good one, but now, I was no longer sure of anything.

I believed Lucien cared for me. We weren’t in love, not yet, but it felt like we were heading in that direction. Even though we never had “the talk,” our relationship felt real. Committed. I wasn’t seeing anyone else, and I didn’t believe he was either. But I was wrong.

What I thought was a sweet, caring guy was just another manipulative frat boy who would do anything for sex. I laid down on my bed and tried not to think about him. I had an important decision to make, and I needed to put Lucien out of my mind.

A few minutes later, I knew it was impossible. Lucien was tied to so much of my life in New York that I couldn’t just take him out of the equation. If I stayed, it would feel like I was staying for him. If I left, it would feel like I was running away from his rejection. Neither decision felt right.

In just one day, my entire life had flipped on its head. My confusion had hit an all-time high, and I didn’t want to move for fear of making yet another wrong decision. I felt frozen in place and in time, unable to lift so much as a single finger.

When I finally got up the nerve to move, I knew what to do. I didn’t want to succumb to my mother’s demands, but I no longer saw any other option. Hours before, I was ready to fight for my life in New York with every ounce of strength I possessed. I was so certain my life here meant something. That it was real. But I was wrong about Lucien. I was wrong about everything between us, and now, I didn’t know what was real anymore. If I could be so easily manipulated, maybe my mother was right. Maybe I wasn’t ready to be on my own.

The thought made me want to cry all over again, but I’d run out of tears. I’d spend the better part of the evening crying. I was done. There was no longer any time to be emotional. It was time to be rational, just like my mother taught me. Despite my anger toward her, I trusted her. She was right about Lucien, so she must be right about everything else. If she wanted me home, I would go.

I picked up my phone and slowly dialed my mother’s number. With the first ring, I felt my stomach tighten painfully. I didn’t know if she would answer. She was so angry with me before that she hung up without a goodbye. It wouldn’t have surprised me at all if she ignored my phone calls for a few days. Still, I hoped she wouldn’t.

After my time in the park, I needed the comfort of my mother’s voice. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but she was still my mom, and my heart was breaking. I just wanted her to promise everything would be okay.

“Scarlet,” she said when she answered.

“Hi, Mom,” I said softly, my voice weak and defeated. “I’m ready to come home.”

***

Two days later, I was standing in my bedroom at Grandmother’s house, just staring around the room. It was time to pack my things, but I couldn’t bring myself to start. The second I packed, my decision would be final. In so many ways, it was already final, but this was the last step before it was over. My time in New York was about to end, and I didn’t know if I was ready.

As I moved around the room, my eyes fell on my copy of Flames of Sorrow. I walked over to it and ran my fingers over the cover, feeling the rise and fall of the letters. This book had been my comfort, my inspiration, and my best friend for years. When I had no one, I had the characters within these pages. I believed everything they told me about love and friendship. I put my faith in a fictional world, and it betrayed me. It was wrong about everything. Love wasn’t eternal. Men didn’t wait forever for their soulmates. Men lied and manipulated to get what they wanted.

Angrily, I picked up the book and threw it in the trash can. I stared at it sitting there, growing angrier by the second. I quickly covered it up with spare scraps of paper so I wouldn’t have to look at it any longer. Just the sight of it made me sick to my stomach. How could I have been so stupid? How could I have let myself get led on that way? I lost my virginity to a guy who didn’t even care about me. In the blink of an eye, I became the cliché college girl, and I hated myself for it.

Finally, I began to pack. I folded my clothes neatly and laid them in my suitcase, making sure everything fit perfectly. When everything felt out of control, I took pleasure in organization. It felt like I was once again returning to my previous self, the shy girl from Paris, France who was home schooled and sheltered, the girl who wanted adventure but was happy to listen to her mother without argument. With every item I packed, a piece of my old self fell firmly back in place. In a way, it was painful and sad, but also comforting.

When Grandmother came to join me, she didn’t say a word. She sat on the edge of the bed and watched me closely. Her eyes were kind and understanding, but there was something else mixed into her expression.

Part of me wondered if she was disappointed with my decision to leave, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask her. I didn’t think I could take yet another person being upset with me. After fighting with my mom and being rejected by Lucien, I’d hit my emotional breaking point.

“What made you change your mind, Scarlet?” Grandmother finally asked.

I looked at her, my standard answer poised on my lips. When my mother asked me this same question two days ago, I lied. I told her I realized she was right, that my life in New York wasn’t a healthy one. It wasn’t true, but it pleased her.

With my grandmother, I knew she wouldn’t believe me. No matter how much bullshit I spouted at her, she would see right through me. Lucien was the last thing I wanted to talk about, but I didn’t have a choice. Grandmother was the one person I couldn’t lie to.

“I talked to Lucien,” I said. “And he said I should go.”

“So, you’re leaving because of a boy?” Grandmother asked.

“No,” I said, shaking my head firmly. “I’m leaving because I was wrong about everything, Grandmother. I thought I was ready to really be an adult and be on my own. I was making my own choices, and they felt like good ones. Then, I realized they weren’t. I wasn’t being smart. I was being naïve and immature. Everything that felt right, was wrong.”

“Like what?” Grandmother asked.

“Like Lucien,” I said. “My mom was right. Men aren’t worth it. They just lie and hurt you. They say whatever they can to get you into bed and once they do, they’re just done with you.”

“Is that what Lucien did?” Grandmother asked.

“It was my fault,” I said. “I was too stupid to realize the truth. That’s why I’m leaving, Grandmother. Mom was right. I’m not ready for this. For any of it. If I can’t even see when a guy is using me, then how I can I trust any of my decisions?”

Grandmother smiled kindly and moved closer to me on the bed. She placed her hand gently on my leg and looked in my eyes. The amount of understanding in her expression was enough to make my eyes well with tears. No one had ever looked at me with so much sympathy and love before. It was overwhelming.

“You aren’t stupid,” she said softly. “You did the same thing every woman has done before you. You let your heart lead you, and that is never the wrong choice.”

“But, it was,” I argued. “He didn’t care about me.”

“Maybe not,” Grandmother said. “But you cared about him, right?”

“Yes,” I said. “Of course, I did.”

“Then, what was wrong about it?” Grandmother asked. “Tell me, where was the mistake?”

“He hurt me,” I said simply.

“And that makes it a mistake?” she asked.

“Doesn’t it?” I asked.

“No,” she shook her head. “It hurts, and it will probably hurt for a long time, but that just means it was real. It doesn’t make it wrong or a mistake. It doesn’t make you stupid or untrustworthy. I’ve watched you closely since you’ve been here, Scarlet. From what I’ve seen, you haven’t made a single bad decision. You’ve just made decisions. You’ve experienced life in ways you never would have back home. Once you get over this pain, you’ll realize just how much you learned from your time here. You’ll realize it was worth it.”

Grandmother’s words warmed my heart. For the first time in days, I didn’t feel like a failure. I wasn’t sure I believed her, but it felt nice to hear.

“You don’t think I should leave, do you?” I asked, suddenly coming to that realization.

“I think,” she began. “That going home could be a really good thing. You’ve lived here, you’ve learned, and now you’re leaving. That’s a natural progression. But I also think staying could be a good choice, too. That’s the thing, Scarlet. Sometimes there isn’t a right or a wrong choice. You just have to do what you feel is right.”

“What if I can’t trust myself?” I asked.

“You can,” she smiled softly. “You just have to remember that you can.”

I nodded and looked away. It was all too much for me to take in. I was already leaving. There was no way around that fact. The second I gave in to my mom’s wish, I lost my ability to fight. The decision was made, and that was it.

Still, I let my grandmother’s words comfort me in my decision. She was right about one thing, decisions were complicated. Sometimes, they aren’t wrong or right. Sometimes, they just are. I didn’t know if my choice to leave would be for the best or the worst, but I was making it. That was one thing I learned during my time in New York, how to choose. Before, I let other people decide my life for me. Now, I was the one in control. If that was the only thing I took away from New York, then I would be okay. At least I’d learned something.

Chapter 25

Lucien

Thanksgiving break was just around the corner, which meant my class work was piling up more every day. I sat in the Delta Pi common room with my books strewn all around me and tried to focus. No matter how long I stared at the words in front of me, I couldn’t seem to retain any information.

Studying was never my favorite activity, but I could usually do just enough to get by. Now, I wasn’t sure I could do even that. After Scarlet and I talked, I felt like I was living in a fog, unable to see clearly.

Most of my day was spent trying to study. I moved from subject to subject, just hoping something would stick, while my mind continued to revolve around Scarlet. I couldn’t get our last conversation out of my head.

The look on her face was one of betrayal and pain. It broke me to see her that way, but I kept telling myself it was for the best. She deserved more than someone like me. She deserved a man who could truly commit to her and make her happy. I wasn’t that guy. I’d never been that guy.

While I sat there, the brothers came in and out. Some stopped to chat for a few seconds, while others left me to my studies. It was all the same to me. I didn’t want to talk to any of them. They couldn’t possibly understand the emotions I was feeling. I barely understood them myself.

If I even tried to share them with one of my brothers, they would laugh it off, making a joke that was supposed to make me feel better. It wouldn’t. It would only serve to piss me off and make me sink lower into my depression.

With my Communications book opened to the proper chapter, I laid my head down on top of it and closed my eyes. I didn’t think I could take another second of staring at black and white pages. Nothing I read made any sense anymore. I needed to rest, or I would be completely useless for the rest of the day.

I squeezed my eyes tightly closed and tried to block out the lights and noises around me. From where I sat, I could hear thundering footsteps from upstairs and raucous laughter. It reminded me of the way I used to be: carefree and light-hearted, fun and relaxed. I was no longer any of those things.

When I finally sat back up, I exhaled slowly and blinked my eyes a few times. It was time to get back to work. I couldn’t let my failed relationship with Scarlet define my entire senior year. This was my final year on campus, and it was already almost halfway over. The last thing I wanted was to leave school without making as many memories as possible. There were parties to plan and alcohol to drink, women to have and brothers to mock. My entire life was ahead of me, and I was just watching it pass me by while I dwelled on one girl.

“Hey man,” a voice said from behind me. I glanced behind me to see Adam making his way over to my table. He sat down across from me. “Studying?”

“Trying to,” I said. “Can’t focus.”

“It’s a few days before break and you’re trying to study here?” Adam scoffed. “Go to the library or something. You know all the guys get rowdy this time of year.”

“I know,” I sighed. “I just didn’t want to pack all this shit up and haul it over there.”

“Might be worth it,” Adam said with a shrug.

“Maybe,” I said. “Though I probably wouldn’t be able to focus, even if I had peace and quiet.”

“Why not?” Adam asked with a frown.

“Just distracted,” I said evasively. “Can’t clear my head.”

“Gotcha,” Adam said.

For the first time in a while, I found myself wanting to talk to Adam. We hadn’t really been best friends lately. Ever since we got back from France, we’d gone our separate ways. I assumed it was just because we needed space after spending an entire month together, but now I wasn’t so sure. I realized I might have been avoiding him, just to keep from having to face my issues. As I sat there with him, I didn’t want to hide anymore. I wanted to talk to him about Scarlet and everything else. Maybe he would be able to make sense of my feelings for me.

“So,” Adam said, just as I was about to open my mouth. “I haven’t seen you with anyone lately.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“We’ve had a few get-togethers,” Adam said. “And you didn’t bring any girls. Not even Scarlet.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Scarlet and I are done. She moved back to France.”

“Wait, what?!” Adam asked, suddenly sitting up straighter. “What the hell? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It’s not important,” I said, hoping Adam would believe me. Just seconds before, I was ready to tell him everything, and yet, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. “I ended it. She was all conflicted about leaving because of me. I knew it wasn’t right to let her stay here just for me.”

“Why not?” Adam asked.

“You said it yourself,” I said. “I’m not good enough for her. She’s sweet and kind of perfect. Everything about her screams girlfriend material, and I am not boyfriend material.”

“I didn’t say that,” Adam said softly.

I looked at him in disbelief. That was exactly what he said. That day in the coffee shop, when everything changed between Scarlet and me, Adam told me to walk away before I broke her heart. He made me realize just how bad I was for her and how much I could really hurt her. It was because of him that I distanced myself from Scarlet in the first place.

“Look,” Adam continued. “What I said that day came out wrong, okay? I just wanted you to be careful. I saw you slipping into something pretty serious, and I wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing. That’s all. I wasn’t saying you weren’t good enough or that you shouldn’t be with Scarlet.”

“You said I would hurt her,” I finished for him. He was right. I did hurt her.

“Without meaning to,” Adam said. “Yeah, I thought you might lead her on accidentally. Like I said, I just wanted to bring it your attention so you could be aware of what you were doing. If you wanted something real with her, then great. If you didn’t, then great. I just thought you needed to make a decision. That’s all.”

“Well, I did,” I sighed. “I told her to go back to France.”

“Is that what she wanted?” Adam asked.

“I don’t know,” I said. It was true. I barely listened to Scarlet that night in the park. “Her mom wanted her to leave. She said she wasn’t happy with the way Scarlet was living her life here in New York. Scarlet wanted to fight her on it because she wasn’t ready to leave me, but I told her to go. I told her I wasn’t a good enough reason to stay.”

“Because you didn’t want a relationship with her?” Adam asked.

“I don’t know what I wanted,” I admitted. “For that entire month, I wasn’t thinking. I was just kind of living moment to moment. I loved being with Scarlet. She was funny and witty and awkward and adorable. And the sex. God, the sex was great. But I never thought about it further than that. After you and I talked, I realized that you were right. She was getting attached and that scared me.”

“Why?” Adam asked. “If you liked her that much, then what was the problem?”

“Motherfucker, you were the one who said I was going to hurt her,” I snapped. “That was the problem. And no matter what else I felt, I didn’t want that. Scarlet didn’t deserve to get her heart broken by me.”

He didn’t seem fazed by my outburst. “But isn’t that what you did anyway?” Adam asked. “When you told her to leave?”

“I guess,” I nodded, feeling the fight drain out of me. “But it would have been worse later. If I let the relationship drag on for months and months, then she would have been completely crushed.”

“She would have been?” Adam asked. “Or you would have been?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Adam’s words rang true in my ears. I’d been so certain that I was making the right choice for Scarlet, but I never stopped to think what that choice meant for me. I wasn’t just protecting Scarlet from heart break, I was protecting myself. She would have been crushed if we broke up, that much was clear, but what about me? How would I have been affected by the split? I never took the time to think about it.

Now that I did, I realized Adam made a good point. If I was this distracted after she moved away when we weren’t even really together yet, how would I have felt if we’d dated for six months? Or a year? Or more? The thought made my chest ache painfully, and I knew the answer.

It would have been worse than painful. It would have been unbearable. The thought of having Scarlet to myself for that long, just to be torn away from her, was heart-wrenching. I couldn’t imagine how I would have survived it.

“I don’t know what to do,” I mumbled. “I’ve been fucking everything up, man.”

“It’s not too late to fix it,” Adam said.

“What are you talking about?” I asked. “She moved back to France. It’s over. I screwed up, and now, she’s gone.”

“She doesn’t have to be,” Adam said. “Look, I know this is partially my fault. I put doubts in your head, and I’m sorry about that. I didn’t realize how much you cared about her.”

“I didn’t either,” I admitted. “I just freaked out. You warned me, and then she told me about her mom, and all of a sudden, everything became too real. She wasn’t just something fun and exciting. She was real. We were real. I didn’t know how to deal with that, so I just…”

“Bailed?” Adam suggested.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I bailed. There’s no way I can make up for that. You weren’t there when she told me. She was waiting for me to tell her to stay. She wanted me to help her fight her mom. She thought I was this great guy who would take care of her and make all her problems better, but I wasn’t. I played right into the typical asshole role. I broke her heart, so I wouldn’t have to deal with the reality of our situation. God, what the hell is wrong with me?”

“A lot,” Adam joked.

“Not funny,” I snapped.

“Sorry,” Adam said. “But Lucien, this isn’t the end. You can still make it work with her.”

“How?” I demanded.

“Figure it out,” Adam said simply. “Look, if she means this much to you, then it’s worth it to try, right?”

I looked at Adam thoughtfully. Everything he said made sense. I couldn’t even study without thinking of Scarlet. No matter what I did, she occupied my mind all the time. Every day since she left, I’d been replaying our last conversation over and over again. When I laid in bed at night, I wished she was lying beside me. I dreamed about her naked body on top of mine. She was always, always with me.

A smile formed on my face as I realized Adam was right. Scarlet was more than worth it, and I hadn’t understood it until just now. I wasn’t the kind of guy to be a boyfriend, but I could be. For Scarlet, I knew I could be.

Chapter 26

Scarlet

Sitting at my old desk in my old bedroom, I worked on my old computer and sunk back into my old life. Everything was exactly the same as before I left. My mother hadn’t changed so much as a throw pillow in my absence. In a way, it was flattering that she wanted to keep my room the same, but it was also depressing.

The more I fell back into my old routine, the more New York felt like a dream. There were days when I wasn’t sure I’d ever moved away. If someone told me my time in America was all just a fairy tale I cooked up in my head, I would have believed them.

When I arrived back home, my mom and I didn’t speak for a while. We exchanged pleasantries, and she filled me in on what I’d missed: her fashion business was thriving, the neighbors to our left moved away, and my old dean agreed to let me resume my classes. I would have to finish some classes online, and for the most part, my entire schedule would be online. Next semester, I would be allowed to attend two classes on campus, but that was all. Everything else would be done within the confines of my childhood bedroom.

As much as I hated to admit it, there was a certain comfort that came with being back home. My room’s decorations were just the beginnings of the things that stayed the same. Without trying, my life became normal again. I slipped back into my boring self: shy and awkward, living vicariously through book characters and never arguing with my mother.

After a few days, I could see how happy my mom was to have me back. Her relief was palpable every time we came face to face. I tried not to let it upset me, but it was hard. While she became happier, I grew more miserable.

I tried to focus on my schoolwork for a few hours a day. It was more time than I needed to devote, but it kept me busy. At least my grades wouldn’t suffer. The rest of my life might have been spiraling into a black hole of despair, but my schoolwork was going great. That, more than anything, kept me sane. It gave me something to focus on, so I wouldn’t spend every second missing Grandmother and Lucien.

Lucien. It was impossible not to think about him. I tried to erase him from my memories, but I couldn’t. Whenever I had down time, I remembered our time together. I replayed that weekend in upstate New York, having sex down by the lake and talking late into the night.

My mind traveled over every conversation we shared, right up to that last one in the park. Whenever I landed on that, my heart would ache painfully, and I would feel tears brimming in my eyes. That was my cue to study or read or clean. I was willing to do anything to keep myself from shedding another tear over Lucien Wolfe.

As I sat at my computer, typing away and trying to keep my mind focused, there was a soft knock on my door. I turned to see my mother standing in my doorway. This was a new development since I’d returned home. While I was still made to keep my door wide open, my mom would now knock before she entered. It wasn’t exactly progress, but it was a step in the right direction. Her relief was so strong that she was willing to compromise in the tiniest of ways.

“May I come in?” she asked, though I didn’t know why. If I said no, she would just do it anyway.

I nodded. “Sure.”

I closed my computer and turned back around to face her. She sat down on my bed slowly, her eyes never leaving my face.

It was strange how much she resembled Grandmother. Before, I thought they were polar opposites, but after spending time with Grandmother, I saw the similarities they shared. All three of us had the same emerald eyes and sharp cheek bones. While I was the only one with bright red hair, Grandmother and Mom both had auburn locks that were the exact same shade. In a way, it was nice. It was like my own little reminder of Grandmother, who I missed desperately.

“I wondered if we could talk,” Mom said. She patted the bed beside her, asking me to join her. I tried to keep my impatience hidden as I walked over to her. When I sat down, she touched my knee gratefully and cleared her throat. “I just got off the phone with your grandmother.”

“Is she okay?” I asked frantically.

“Yes,” Mom assured me. “She’s just fine. The nursing service is taking great care of her. You don’t need to worry about that.”

“I will,” I argued. “I will worry about her.”

“She’s okay,” Mom insisted. “That’s not what I wanted to talk about. Your grandmother made me realize that I never explained myself to you.”

“Explained yourself?” I asked blankly. All my life, my mother had never once explained herself. She’s barely spoken three words about my father and her younger life, why in the hell would she start now? “About what?”

“About the reason I made you come home,” she said simply.

“Oh,” I said.

The reason she made me move back wasn’t a secret. She was disappointed in my choices and this was my punishment.

“I know it seemed harsh,” she began. Her voice was calm and even. Her expression was softer than I’d ever seen it, making her look even more like Grandmother. “But there are some things you don’t know. Some things that I think it’s time I told you.”

“Like what?” I asked.

“The party you went to,” she said. “The Delta Pi party?”

“Yeah?”

“I know about that party,” she said. “I probably know more about it than you do.”

“How?” I asked. I couldn’t make sense of her words. How could my mom possibly know anything about the Delta Pi fraternity?

“Your grandmother went to it many years ago,” she said. “Back when she was a student at NYU, one of the brothers invited her. He said he’d always had a crush on her and wanted to show her off to his friends. She was flattered, so she went. It wasn’t until later that she found out the real reason she was invited.”

“The real reason?” I asked.

“That party,” Mom continued. “The first Delta Pi party of the year is called the Virgin Party. Its sole purpose is to deflower girls.”

I blinked, unable to comprehend my mother’s words. What she said didn’t make sense. No one tried to deflower me at that party. In fact, Lucien refused to take my virginity that night.

“I think you’re confused,” I said slowly. “Mom, I didn’t lose my virginity at that party. No one tried to sleep with me.”

“Well,” she said. “Then you’re one of the lucky ones. Your grandmother wasn’t so lucky. She was taken advantage of that night. One of the brothers got her drunk, and they had sex. That was the night I was conceived, Scarlet. That’s how your grandmother got pregnant with me.”

“What?” I asked.

My mom nodded. “She was forced to drop out of school to raise me on her own. Back then, it was more than just frowned upon. Having a child out of wedlock was shameful. It ruined her.”

“But she was married,” I argued. “To Grandpa.”

“She was,” Mom nodded. “But that wasn’t until I was almost seven years old. Grandpa wasn’t my father, not biologically.”

“This doesn’t make sense,” I said. “That party wasn’t like that. No one tried anything.”

“Listen,” she said. “They all make a deal. The first brother to successfully deflower a virgin and bring back her panties wins. They’re presented with a ceremonial headdress that’s passed down each year. It’s their oldest, most disgusting tradition.”

I froze. Suddenly, I had a flash of the Delta Pi common room the night of that party. There was a giant wolf headdress sitting on a shelf. I saw it that night but didn’t think anything of it. Now, everything began to click into place. My mother was telling the truth.

“I don’t understand,” I said, speaking more to myself than my mom. “Lucien rejected me that night. I wanted to have sex, and he said no.”

“What?” she asked. “What do you mean he rejected you?”

“Lucien,” I said, turning to face her. “The guy I was seeing back in New York. I went to that party because someone else invited me. Bryan. This Delta Pi brother in my Lit class. He invited me, and I knew Lucien would be there, so I went. I got drunk and was dancing with some people when Lucien came over and pulled me upstairs. He seemed upset. He asked why I was there. Then, I tried to sleep with him, and he said no. He said he wouldn’t take my virginity while I was drunk. He said no, Mom. Why would he do that if the entire goal of the evening was to deflower a virgin?”

Mom’s frown deepened as I spoke. I knew she was upset that I drank and that I threw myself at a man, but I didn’t care. Her opinion of me no longer mattered. I just wanted answers.

“Maybe he really cared for you,” Mom said softly. She sounded reluctant. “I don’t know, Scarlet. I just know what that party is about. If Lucien protected you from those guys and even made sure your virginity stayed intact that night, then maybe he really did care about you.”

“He didn’t,” I said, shaking my head. “He ended things without a care. He said we were just having fun, that he wasn’t someone I should waste my time with.”

“He said that?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “After you told me to come home, I went to him. I told him I didn’t want to leave him, and he said I should go. He said he didn’t want me to stay for him, that he wasn’t the guy I thought he was.”

Mom paused for a few seconds, her frown slowly disappearing. She reached over and grabbed my hand gently.

“It sounds like he was trying to save you from him,” she said softly.

“What?” I asked.

“I don’t know him,” she said. “But from what you’re saying, it sounds like he just wanted to protect you. Like he didn’t want to hurt you.”

“He did hurt me,” I snapped. “He led me on. He let me believe I mattered. We had sex, and I fell for him, Mom. I really fell for him.”

“I know you did,” she said with a soft smile. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this.”

For the first time, my mother stroked my hair and held me against her. Her comfort was all I needed. I didn’t realize how much I’d been craving this kind of attention. I didn’t know what came over her, what made her suddenly stop being so strict, but I’d never felt safer.

“I thought he wanted me,” I said weakly. “I was stupid.”

“You weren’t,” she said firmly. “Scarlet, I think he did care about you. I think he just got scared and wanted to protect you both.”

“Everyone said he was a player,” I said. “Everyone told me he would break my heart, but I didn’t believe them. I didn’t listen.”

“Which is probably why he ended things,” she said. “He has a bad reputation, and he didn’t want to hurt you. He didn’t think he was good enough to really be with you.”

“I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”

“If you really like this boy,” she said. “Then it’s not too late to make it work. It’s not too late to fix things.”

I wanted to believe her, but I couldn’t. Lucien made himself clear that night in the park. Whatever else he may have felt for me didn’t matter anymore. He lived in New York, and I lived in France. We were separated by an entire world. Whatever my mom said about our feelings for each other, one thing was clear. It was too late.

Chapter 27

Lucien

My motorcycle was only for special occasions. I hauled it out when I wanted to impress a girl or when I needed to clear my head. It wasn’t often that I used it, but after everything with Scarlet, I was in desperate need of alone time. Riding along an open highway with the wind blowing against my skin always made me feel more in control. When I hit full speed, I could feel the stress begin to melt away.

I rode for hours, only stopping to refill the tank. My head was still spinning, but I felt better. My life didn’t feel so out of control anymore. As long as I was moving, I knew I would be okay.

Things with Scarlet may never be the same again, but I knew I had to figure out a way to try. It wouldn’t be easy with her in France and me in New York. I didn’t even have her mother’s address. I tried to call her cell phone twice, but it went straight to voicemail. The only connection I still had to her were my memories. My memories and her grandmother.

As I rode back into the city, I made my way toward her house. I thought about calling, but I didn’t want to second guess myself. If I slowed down, even for a second, I would talk myself out of trying. I’d been going back and forth for too long already. It was time to act.

There was a chance it would all blow up in my face, that Scarlet’s grandmother would slam the door in my face without a word. I didn’t know what Scarlet had told her about the way we ended things, but I knew it couldn’t be good. When I pulled up in front of the house, my nerves were at an all-time high.

I took a deep breath and walked to the door. Raising my fist, I knocked softly and tried to calm myself. This wouldn’t go well if I was anxious the entire time. I didn’t even know what I wanted to say to her. I just knew I wanted to talk to someone who knew Scarlet. I wanted to be in the house Scarlet called home, the place that was her safe haven in New York.

A strange woman opened the door with a frown. I was surprised to see her, so I didn’t know what to say at first. I just stood there silently, like an idiot, waiting for her to speak.

“Can I help you?” she asked suspiciously.

“Um,” I said. “My name is Lucien Wolfe and I’m here to see—”

“Let him in,” a voice called from somewhere inside the house.

The woman stood aside and let me cross over the threshold. I looked around, unsure of where the voice came from.

“She’s in the kitchen,” the woman said.

“Thank you.” I nodded and hurried forward. I stepped into the kitchen and saw her sitting at the table with a quizzical expression on her face. “Hi, Mrs. Timms.”

“Hello Lucien,” she said with a nod. “Sit down.”

I sat beside her and took a deep breath, preparing myself to speak. I still didn’t know what to say or even where to begin. Now that I was sitting in front of her, I felt like I shouldn’t be.

“I don’t really know why I’m here,” I admitted. “I just, I was driving around and I ended up here.”

“Scarlet’s not here,” she said kindly. “She already went back to France.”

I nodded. “I know. I’ve been thinking about her a lot. I can’t seem to get her out of my head. I keep replaying our last conversation.”

“She told me about that,” Mrs. Timms nodded. “Didn’t go very well, from what she said.”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I really did. Scarlet’s always been so sweet and kind and gentle. She deserves the world, and I can’t give her that. I couldn’t even give her a real relationship. All I did was hurt her.”

“Why?” she asked. “Why couldn’t you give her a real relationship?”

“I’ve never had one before,” I admitted. “All my relationships have been casual, never anything serious. I wouldn’t even know how to be a boyfriend.”

“But you were,” she said wisely. “That month you and Scarlet spent together, that was a relationship. Whether you called it one or not, it was.”

I shrugged. “I guess. I just didn’t want to hurt her worse later. The more time we spent together, the more attached we both became. It would have destroyed us to stay together any longer.”

“Why?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “That’s just what I thought at the time. I don’t know anything anymore.”

“Let’s have some coffee,” she said suddenly. She stood up and moved around the kitchen preparing the pot. When it was ready, she brought it and two coffee mugs over to the table. “Do you take cream or sugar?”

I shook my head. “No, black is fine.”

She smiled. “That’s how I like it, too. I can’t stand all that frilly stuff people put in coffee these days.”

I laughed and poured us each a cup. She smiled gratefully when I handed her one. We sipped our coffee in silence for a few minutes. There was still more to be said about me and Scarlet. I came here for a reason, but I wasn’t ready to admit it yet. The second I did, I would be putting myself out there in a way I never had before. For the first time in my life, I would truly be vulnerable.

“Why are you here, Lucien?” Mrs. Timms finally asked.

I cleared my throat and said, “I think I’m in love with Scarlet, and I don’t know what to do.”

That was the first time I’d said those words out loud. They spilled off my lips without pause, leaving me breathless and confused. I’d never said I loved a girl before, not once in my entire life. Part of me wanted to take it back, to say I was just confused and run out of the house screaming. Still, I remained sitting there, waiting for Scarlet’s grandmother to speak again. I knew that once the truth was out, I wouldn’t ever be able to take it back. As terrified as I was, I felt ready. Whatever might happen next, would happen. There was nothing left for me to do except wait.

“Well,” she said. “It’s about time you admitted that. If only you’d told her before she left.”

“I know,” I said with a shake of my head. “I’ll never stop regretting that decision. The only excuse I have is that I was scared. Part of me really believed I was wrong for her, that I wouldn’t do anything but break her heart. But I think I was mostly just afraid that she might break me. I’ve never cared about someone the way I care about Scarlet. It’s terrifying, but I want to fight for it. I want to fight for her.”

“What happened at that party?” Mrs. Timms asked.

Her question took me by surprise. That was the last thing I expected to come out of her mouth. “The party?” I asked blankly. “At the start of the year?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “I know all about that party. The Virgin Party. But I want to hear it from you. What happened between you and Scarlet?”

“Nothing,” I said truthfully. “I didn’t even invite her. One of the other brothers did.”

“She told me,” Mrs. Timms said. “But somehow, she ended up spending the night with you.”

“Nothing happened between us that night,” I promised her. “I won’t lie to you, we’ve slept together, but we didn’t that night. She was drunk. I wouldn’t have done that to her.”

“Why not?” Mrs. Timms challenged. “Isn’t that the whole point of the party?”

“Yeah,” I admitted. “But when I saw Scarlet talking to the other guys, I felt angry. Territorial. I knew I wanted to protect her, but I didn’t know why. When I took her upstairs, it wasn’t to sleep with her. It was to keep her safe.”

Mrs. Timms eyed me closely as I spoke. I could tell she was trying to see if I was trustworthy. If she decided I was lying, she would kick me out of her house without a second thought. I knew she liked me. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been having this conversation, but I worried it wouldn’t be enough. Without her grandmother’s help, I had no hope of seeing Scarlet again. There was no way she’d ever talk to me unless Mrs. Timms helped.

“Look,” I said, leaning closer to her across the table. “I know I messed up. I was stupid and selfish. Scarlet didn’t deserve anything I did, but I want to fix it. I want to make things right between us again. I don’t know how to do that, but I know I need your help.”

“You aren’t like the other boys from Delta Pi,” she said knowingly. “Not at all.”

It shocked me that Scarlet’s grandmother knew anything about my fraternity. She was old and distanced from college life. It didn’t make any sense. Then, I remembered that Mrs. Timms attended NYU years ago. Delta Pi was already in full force back then, the Virgin Party well underway. As I looked in Mrs. Timms eyes, I knew she’d had experience with my fraternity in the past.

Whatever happened back then, it wasn’t good. It left her with a horrible impression of the Delta Pi brothers. I didn’t know what it was, and I didn’t ask, but I immediately regretted my association with the fraternity. For the first time, I saw what our reputation truly was. It made me sick to my stomach.

“I’m trying not to be like them,” I said softly. “I won’t lie to you, Mrs. Timms. I was once. There was a time when I was worse than most of my brothers, but that time is gone. Scarlet changed me. She came into my life, and she made me realize who I wanted to be. I used to lie and manipulate to get my way, but that’s done. No matter what happens between Scarlet and me, I won’t go back to that life. I won’t.”

“I believe you.” She smiled and patted my hand gently before she leaned back in her seat. She seemed to be thinking about something very carefully. “I want to help you.”

“You do?” I asked hopefully. “Really?”

“I don’t know how much good it will do,” she warned. “Scarlet was pretty upset when she left for France. When she went to you that night, I think she expected you to beg her to stay. She wanted you to truly be her Prince Charming, and you weren’t. You were everything she’d been warned about, and it broke her heart. After that, she just shut down. She gave into her mother’s demands and left New York.”

“I know,” I said sadly. “I know.”

“But,” Mrs. Timms continued. “There may be a way for you to fix it. I may have an idea.”

My heart beat fast as Mrs. Timms explained her idea. It was slightly crazy, but also perfect. The idea made my stomach clench nervously. If it went wrong, I would be more than depressed. It would be like losing Scarlet all over again. This hope was just that, hope. It wasn’t a guarantee. I knew I would be risking my entire heart by doing this, but I didn’t care. Scarlet was worth it. I would do anything to get her back.

Chapter 28

Scarlet

My mom was busy getting Thanksgiving dinner prepared, so I drove to the airport to pick up Grandmother. Despite things being better between my mom and me, I was thrilled to have Grandmother with us for the holiday. I’d just left New York, but it felt like I’d been gone for months already. My life returned to normal so easily that it made me miss Grandmother even more. I enjoyed living with her so much. She was the first person to truly support and love me. I never wanted to leave her. The idea of some random nurse taking care of her made me angry. She deserved better than that.

I stood outside of the security gate, waiting for Grandmother to arrive. My excitement increased by the second as I thought about seeing her again. She, unlike anyone else, knew what Lucien meant to me. She would be more understanding of my pain than anyone else. My mother tried to comfort me, and sometimes, it really helped, but it wasn’t the same. Mom didn’t know Lucien. She never saw us together. She didn’t have a chance to fully understand how happy I’d been with him or how distraught I was to lose him.

Grandmother came around the corner with a wide smile on her face. I ran forward, ready to engulf her in a hug. She hurried toward me, throwing her arms around my neck when she reached me. I hugged her tightly, closing my eyes and breathing in her familiar smell. I never wanted to let her go.

“I missed you,” I said softly.

“Oh, my Scarlet,” she said back. “I’ve missed you, too.”

We continued to hug for a few seconds. I opened my eyes, smiling brightly, and saw a familiar face walking toward us. My entire body went stiff against Grandmother’s. I felt her sigh and let me go slowly. I looked from that familiar face to her and then back again, desperate for some kind of explanation.

“Why is he here?” I demanded.

“Just talk to him,” she said softly.

Lucien walked over to us and stopped a few feet away. He seemed afraid to approach me too quickly, as if I was a wild animal who might attack him. In that moment, I didn’t blame him. I felt like I might lose control at any second. Just seeing him standing there in front of me was enough to make me want to scream. I couldn’t believe he was here or that Grandmother didn’t warn me. She knew what he put me through. She knew how badly he hurt me. How could she do this to me?

“I can’t believe you brought him here,” I said to her, my voice low and angry. 

She didn’t respond. She just patted my back and smiled knowingly before she turned and walked away. I watched her disappear into the nearest bathroom. I knew she didn’t need to go. She was just giving Lucien and me a chance to be alone. It was the last thing I wanted. When I left New York, it was with the hope that I would never have to see his face again.

“What are you doing here?” I finally asked, turning back to face him.

He swallowed hard and took a step forward. I moved backward instinctively. I hated the effect he had on me. His was the last face I wanted to see, but I couldn’t bring myself to look away from it. He was still just as handsome as ever, drawing me in easily. I felt weak and vulnerable, and I hated it.

“I needed to see you,” he said softly. “After you left, I lost my mind, Scarlet. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I don’t care,” I snapped. “You don’t get to say those things to me. Not now. Not after everything.”

My voice was strong and steady. It surprised us both. I knew he was expecting me to be the same, weak girl I was when we met, but that girl was gone.

“I went to your grandmother’s house,” he continued. “I was out driving around, and I just sort of ended up there. It was like I was drawn to it. She and I ended up talking for a long time. We talked about everything. About you and me. About my feelings for you.”

“You said you didn’t have feelings for me,” I reminded him.

“I lied,” he said. “I was lying.”

“I don’t believe you,” I said, but my voice was softer.

I didn’t believe him yet, but I wanted to. I couldn’t help it. Just hearing his voice softened my resolve. I still cared about him.

“I don’t blame you,” he said. “I wouldn’t believe me either, but it’s the truth. I got scared, Scarlet.”

“Scared of what?” I asked.

“Of us,” he said. “Of you. You came into my life and completely changed everything, Scarlet. I never knew I could care about someone so much until I met you. It scared the shit out of me. And then, Adam told me not to hurt you. He warned me that you weren’t my usual type of girl that you were looking for something real. I realized he was right. You wanted a commitment, and I didn’t know if I could give that to you. I didn’t know if I should even try.”

“Then why are you here now?” I demanded.

“Because Adam was wrong,” he said. “And so was I. Before you, I wasn’t the kind of guy to commit. I wasn’t a boyfriend, but now, Scarlet, you’ve changed me. I fell in love with you, and you changed me. I’m not the same person anymore. I’m better. You made me better.”

“What did you say?” I breathed.

My entire body felt weak as I registered his words. I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

“I love you,” he said with a soft laugh. “I love you, Scarlet. I’m in love with you. I think I have been for a long time, but I was too scared and immature to admit it. I couldn’t bring myself to man up enough to really be with you. That was a mistake. I screwed up. I know that. But I want to fix it.”

My heart felt like it was on fire as I listened to Lucien’s words. Part of me wanted to turn around and run. I wanted to sink into the ground beneath my feet and never have to deal with this situation ever again. Lucien was everything I’d always wanted, but that was before he hurt me. He took my virginity, made me fall for him, and then left me. How was I supposed to trust him now?

I shook my head slowly, not sure what to say. I was afraid to move too much, terrified that I might make yet another mistake. Ever since I moved to New York, I felt like that was all I did. I made one mistake after another until finally, I came back home. What if forgiving Lucien was just another mistake?

“I’m scared to trust you again,” I said, my voice cracking. “You broke my heart, Lucien.”

“I know,” he said quickly. “And I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but I love you. God, I love you so much. Please, please believe that.”

“I do,” I said softly. “I believe you.”

Lucien’s sighed with relief and hurried forward. He pulled me against him and I melted. I rested my head on his chest and let him hold me while my pain faded away. Being back in his arms was all I needed. Everything suddenly made sense again.

When he kissed me, his lips were soft and careful. He was afraid to move too quickly and scare me away. I kissed him back, letting myself forgive him slowly. That one kiss wouldn’t fix everything, but it was a start. It was our start.

“I love you, too,” I said when we pulled away.

His smile was breathtaking.

“Are you two ready to go?” Grandmother asked from behind us.

I hadn’t realized she’d come back from the bathroom.

“Yes,” I said with an embarrassed laugh. “We’re ready.”

***

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious. My mom pulled out all the stops, making every American dish she could think of. Even though we’d lived in France for many years, it was still in her roots to celebrate the American holiday. Usually, it was just the two of us. I couldn’t remember the last time Grandmother joined us. It felt nice to have her and Lucien both there, celebrating alongside us.

Mom and Lucien cleaned up together, insisting that Grandmother and I rest. It was a shock to me because my mom always made me do chores. She was beginning to soften her rules where I was concerned, and I was grateful. Seeing me get my heart broken was enough for her to let up a little bit. She was still worried and concerned all the time, but she was also more understanding and kind than ever before.

I watched as the two of them did the dishes together. Mom was asking Lucien questions, and he answered them enthusiastically. I could tell how much they enjoyed getting to know each other. Mom seemed to really like Lucien, much to her surprise. She expected to hate him, but she couldn’t. Lucien was too charming. He wooed her just as easily as he wooed me. From the look on her face, she was extremely grateful to have him around. She talked his ear off the entire night.

While they spent time together, Grandmother and I caught up. It was such a short amount of time, but I hated being away from her. She told me all about Lucien’s visit and how she knew she could trust him.

At first, she wasn’t sure. She knew too much about the Delta Pi fraternity, and now, I understood. She was afraid that Lucien was just like the rest of them, but he wasn’t. He managed to prove himself to her, and she agreed to help him. She brought him to France so he could apologize to me in person.

“Here,” she said after we finished talking. “I brought you something.”

She reached beneath her chair and pulled out her purse. After rummaging inside it for a few seconds, she pulled out my old copy of Flames of Sorrow. It was the same copy I threw away in her house before I left. I stared at it in shock as I took it from her fingers. Running my hand over the cover, I smiled to myself. I never thought I would see this book again. I’d thrown it away out of spite and anger. I was hurt.

“I found it in the trash,” Grandmother said.

I nodded. “Yeah, I threw it out after Lucien ended things. I thought Mom was right, that love really didn’t exist.”

Grandmother reached over and took my hand. She glanced at Lucien who was still visiting with my mother and smiled to herself.

“True love does exist,” she said to me. “Even though it can hurt and break us, that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. The real thing sucks sometimes, Scarlet, but you can’t run from it. You can’t hide yourself away. That’s not how life works. You have to believe in love and in yourself. That’s the only way you’ll be happy.”

I hugged her quickly and then looked back down at my book. I’d forgotten all about it since I left New York. Somehow, I didn’t feel like I needed it anymore. I would hold onto it now, as a reminder of my grandmother’s advice, but I knew I wouldn’t read it again. I no longer needed to live vicariously through the couple in the book. Love finally existed in my reality, and I never wanted to run from it again. I never wanted to hide. I wanted to hold onto it with vigor and see where it would take me.

Chapter 29

Lucien

This was the biggest fundraiser in Delta Pi history and my first great act as President. It was my desire to spend my remaining time turning Delta Pi around and improving our reputation.

I couldn’t stand the fact that so many people saw us as playboy jackasses. It was a reputation we’d earned fairly, but one I was determined to rectify. This fundraiser was just the beginning. We were raising money for the Battered Women’s Shelter in New York. To me, it was the perfect way to make up for decades of Virgin parties.

Our reputation wouldn’t be fixed with just one fundraiser, but it was a start. We took a vote on it the day I returned from France. Most of the brothers were confused by my sudden change of heart, but they got on board quickly. The fundraiser vote passed easily, and we began planning immediately. It wasn’t long before everything was in place and the night was underway. So far, we’d made over ten thousand dollars, and the evening was just beginning. I felt confident we would make well over our goal before the event ended.

As I looked around the room, I smiled to myself. Things were turning themselves around. I felt proud of myself and of the fraternity. In time, people would begin to see us as philanthropists instead of womanizers. I knew we had generations to make up for, but all that mattered was that we tried.

I was thrilled when the fundraiser vote went through, but my second idea didn’t go over as well. Upon my return from France, I suggested we end the Virgin parties once and for all. I explained that they were holding us back from being a truly great fraternity. A few guys, like Adam, were instantly on board, but most were concerned. The Virgin Party was our oldest and strongest tradition. Not many brothers wanted to do away with it.

The vote hadn’t taken place yet, but I hoped it would soon. If I could end that one tradition before stepping down at the end of the year, I would consider my term as Delta Pi President a true success.

The fundraiser was in full swing. I made my rounds, mingling with all the important people in attendance. I made sure the brothers were doing their part to keep things happy and upbeat. Despite the fact that we were raising money for battered women, we wanted the evening to be a positive one. Our theme was hope, and we intended to fill as many hearts with it as we could.

“Looks like tonight is a success,” Adam said as I took a break from mingling. I stood off to the side of the room and observed.

“Hope so,” I said nervously. “We’ve never had an event like this before. I don’t know if we can pull it off.”

“We can,” Adam said with confidence. “Campus has been craving something like this for too long. Greek life here is a joke, and it’s time someone changed it. I’m glad it’s us.”

“Me too,” I said. “Do you think the brothers will get on board with disbanding the party? I’ve been worried about that a lot.”

“Don’t stress,” Adam advised. “All you can do is try, man. If the vote doesn’t pass, it doesn’t pass. At least there’s resistance now. Eventually, Delta will vote to get rid of it. If it’s not this year or next year, it’ll be soon. So many of the brothers are already antsy about it. It doesn’t feel right anymore, and they all know it. They’ll do the right thing.”

“I can’t say I share your confidence,” I said. “Not that long ago, I was one of them, remember? No one could have changed my mind.”

“But you did,” he pointed out. “If you, Lucien Wolfe, can change, then anyone can.”

“It’s all because of Scarlet,” I said laughing softly. “She changed me.”

It was true. I never would have moved forward with plans to change the fraternity if it hadn’t been for her. One night, in France, we stayed up talking into the night, and I told her all about my concerns. I admitted how ashamed I was of the Virgin Party and how much I wanted to get rid of it. She reminded me that, as President, I held some power over the brothers. She encouraged me to use it and even came up with the idea for the fundraiser.

She said she believed Delta Pi could fix its reputation if we just tried. I knew she was right, but that didn’t make the idea any less scary. Change is never easy, and when it comes to a fraternity as old as Delta, sometimes change felt utterly impossible.

“I’m glad you found her,” Adam said. “Scarlet’s good for you.”

“I know,” I said, grinning. “She’s amazing. You know, this whole thing was her idea. She told me not to say anything because she wanted me to take the credit, but it was all her. She thought of it and even came up with ways for me to do it. She’s brilliant.”

Adam laughed. “I can see that. Besides, we all knew she planned this. No one thought you were smart enough to pull this off.”

“Shut up,” I joked. “I was smart enough to win the presidency over you.”

“I didn’t want it,” Adam reminded me. “If I had, you wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

“Keep dreaming,” I laughed.

Adam pointed to the other side of the room, drawing my attention away from our conversation. Scarlet was standing in the entryway, wearing a stunning red dress that reached down to her toes. I was so damn glad she was back and that she had reenrolled in NYU. When she moved, it swirled around her ankles. She looked like a dream. I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in my entire life. My eyes were glued to her as she made her way across the room to join Adam and me.

“Hi boys,” she said nervously. She glanced around at the full room. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t be,” I said, pulling her to me for a quick kiss. “You haven’t missed much.”

“Just Lucien bragging about you,” Adam said. “Which he does all the time. So that’s nothing new.”

Scarlet laughed. “I’m sure that’s not true.” 

“Oh, please,” Adam said. “He literally never shuts up about you. It’s kind of annoying, to tell you the truth.”

“Shut up,” I said. I rolled my eyes and offered Scarlet my arm. “Let’s make the rounds.”

We left Adam to his own devices and circled through the room. I introduced Scarlet to everyone we passed, more than ready to show her off. When the event was finally planned, I found myself more excited about having Scarlet for my date than for the actual event. I knew I should feel guilty about that, but I didn’t.

She was gorgeous and brilliant. Anyone would have been lucky to be with her. I felt like a prince at a royal ball, parading his princess around for the whole world to see. It was the best honor I’d ever been given and it made the night that much more special.

After we finished making the rounds, we found a table to sit at. Scarlet’s feet were tired, and I needed a break from all the schmoozing. I checked the tally and saw that we’d already raised over twenty-five thousand dollars. I was in shock. No fraternity on campus had ever raised that much money in a single night. We would be in the papers for sure. I smiled as I realized our reputation was already improving. A few more events like this, and we would be the most well-liked frat on campus.

“What are you smiling about over there?” Scarlet asked, leaning into me.

“I’m just proud,” I said. “This event is going well, don’t you think?”

“Are you kidding?” Scarlet scoffed. “It’s amazing! You guys have raised so much money, I honestly can’t believe it.”

“It was all your idea,” I reminded her. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“All I did was make a few suggestions,” Scarlet said. “You did everything. You organized and planned the event. This was all you, Lucien. I can’t take credit for any of it.”

“You can,” he said. “No matter what I did, I did it all for you. You changed me, Scarlet. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it, I’m a new man because of you.”

She blushed deeply and placed a kiss on my lips. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it stirred something deep inside me. I felt myself harden, and I knew I needed to get a grip. This wasn’t the place to get excited, but I couldn’t help it. Scarlet looked sexy in that dress. I couldn’t tear my eyes from her body.

“I can’t wait for this thing to end,” I muttered. “So I can get you out of that dress.”

“Oh?” she asked playfully. “What makes you think I’m going home with you tonight?”

“Did you have other plans?” I asked with raised eyebrows. “Another date later perhaps?”

“Well, now that you mention it,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“That’s not funny,” I said, kissing her again. “You’re mine, Miss Scarlet. All mine.”

“I can live with that,” she said.

In that moment, the entire fundraiser melted away. I looked in Scarlet’s emerald eyes, and I lost all sense of time and space. I didn’t care that we were in a room full of people or that I was the host of this event. I didn’t care that our designated speaker was going on any minute now. Nothing mattered except the way Scarlet was looking at me.

I loved her so much, and I never wanted to lose her ever again. That little bit of time without her had been torturous. She was only gone for a short time, but I felt like I lost half of myself. I couldn’t be whole without Scarlet.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you, too,” she said. We kissed again just as the speaker stepped on stage. Pulling ourselves together, we turned our attention to the stage and fell silent.

The speaker was a woman who had been helped by the Battered Women’s Shelter many years ago. She was a survivor who went on to better her life and help other women like herself. She truly was an inspiration. Scarlet was moved to tears by her speech, and I grew emotional myself.

As I looked around the room, I saw that many people were crying as well. Even some of the Delta brothers were wiping their eyes discreetly. I knew this event was a great idea. We weren’t just helping the fraternity, but we were helping people who really needed it.

After the speech was over, even more donations flooded in. We ended the night with over forty thousand dollars. No one could believe it. As the Delta brothers lined up to say goodnight to our guests, we thanked everyone profusely for their generosity. The fundraiser officially ended, and everyone went out to celebrate.

“You guys coming?” Adam asked as he was about to leave. “We’re all going down to Duke’s.”

Duke’s was a bar I loved, but I wasn’t in the mood for it tonight. All I wanted to do was get Scarlet home and in bed. She’d been teasing me all night with her sexy body and unfairly arousing dress.

“Not this time,” I said. “I’m exhausted.”

“Uh huh,” Adam said with a grin. “I’m sure you are. You two have fun.”

“We will,” I said.

With that, I took Scarlet’s hand, and we left the fundraiser hall together. The weather was chilly that night, so I wrapped my suit coat around Scarlet’s shoulders and held her while we walked through the city. We didn’t talk the entire way home. We didn’t need to. After everything, just being together was enough.

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Scarlet

Two years after graduation, Lucien and I were still going strong. We moved in together in a small house in upstate New York. It was close to his parents’ and my grandmother even moved into a home nearby. Everyone I loved was right around the corner, with the exception of my mother.

I missed her often, but we talked on the phone every day. In the past two years, we’d traveled back and forth between New York and Paris more than we did during my entire childhood. It was amazing how much our relationship had improved.

One morning, I was lying in bed next to Lucien. I was barely awake, my eyes squeezed closed against the bright morning sun, when I felt his lips on my shoulder. He kissed me softly, letting his tongue slide over my naked skin. He kissed over my collar bone and down to my breasts. When he reached my stomach, I was finally ready to be awake. My eyes flickered open, and I moved my hands to his hair. I ran my fingers through it slowly, enjoying the feeling of him as he continued to kiss me.

“That’s a hell of a way to wake up,” I mumbled.

He crawled up to kiss my lips. His body pressed against mine, and I could feel his cock growing harder against my hip. I moaned against his lips and wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly to me. Our kiss intensified as we both woke up even more. Our bodies reacted easily to each other, grinding against each other and growing more desperate by the second.

Lucien’s hands were all over me, sliding beneath my tank top to grope my breasts, caressing my legs, and cupping my ass. I tugged at his t-shirt, yanking it over his head in one swift motion. Lucien sat up to pull his boxers off, and I joined him, throwing my tank top and panties to the floor. Now fully naked, we collided again, kissing and tasting every inch of each other.

Lucien’s mouth was everywhere, moving so quickly I could barely think straight. He was licking my nipples, then kissing my stomach, then burying his face between my legs. I was trembling and panting with desire, my entire body alive with sexual energy. Unable to take his teasing for another second, I flipped us over and pinned him to the bed.

I returned his torture, kissing his chest and stomach before putting his cock in my mouth. I swirled my tongue around him, taking pleasure in his desperate grunts. When he was just about to finish, I released him and climbed back up to kiss his lips.

“You’re the devil,” he said playfully.

“You love it,” I teased.

“Come here,” he groaned.

He grabbed me and threw me backward on the bed. Taking my legs and throwing them over his shoulders, Lucien positioned himself above me. I was sopping wet and ready for him when he finally slid inside me. I gasped and moaned at the sensation. He wasted no time, taking me roughly. My breasts bounced mercilessly, and I screamed with pleasure twice before Lucien even showed signs of being done.

“God,” I breathed. “Oh my god, Lucien!”

“I love you,” he grunted when he finally succumbed to his orgasm. “I love you so much.”

I loved him too. A brief wave of fear rolled through me over not having a condom, but I let it go. I wasn’t interested in messing up the moment. We would figure it out later.

Lucien fell onto the bed beside me, pulling me against his chest. He kissed my sweaty forehead while my legs continued to shake uncontrollably. Lucien could always bring me to my climax multiple times. He was amazing in so many ways, and sex was just one of them.

“That was a hell of a way to wake up,” I said again. “Holy shit.”

“I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself,” he said, laughing.

“What inspired that?” I asked, rolling over to face him.

“I saw you lying there,” he said. “You looked so damn sexy in that little tank top and your panties. I tried to control myself and behave, but I couldn’t. Really, it’s all your fault. You shouldn’t wear such things.”

“Well, I’ll be sure to buy some flannel pajamas later today,” I teased.

“Don’t you dare,” he growled.

He rolled over and pinned me to the bed. He kissed me softly, his strong hands smoothing back my hair. When our eyes met, I felt my heart melt inside my chest. Every time I looked at Lucien, it felt like the very first time. After two years together, I never got tired of being with him. When he wasn’t near me, I missed him with a powerful desperation, and when he was, he consumed me entirely. Our love was intense and passionate, but also sweet and innocent in the best way possible. Lucien took care of me, while still allowing me to grow into my own person. I never thought I would get so lucky.

As we laid together that morning, neither of us bothering to get dressed, I nestled against his chest and let my entire body relax. I was never more peaceful than when I was wrapped in Lucien’s arms. He could calm me down without a word and make all my stress disappear. It was amazing how well he knew me.

“I love you,” I whispered to him.

“I love you, too,” he said back.

I sat up to look in his eyes. He smiled at me and smoothed my hair down over my bare back. It tickled, making me squirm and giggle.

“I’m glad we moved here,” I said. “I love this little house.”

“It’s great, isn’t it?” Lucien asked. “When my mom showed it to me, I knew you would love it. It just screams Scarlet.”

“It really does,” I said, laughing. “How did you know?”

“Because I know you,” he said simply.

“How are you doing with this change?” I asked, cupping his cheek in my palm. “I know this wasn’t exactly what you wanted.”

A few months earlier, Lucien went to work at his family’s logging business. After graduation, we both jumped around between jobs for a while. Finally, I settled into my true role as a romance writer. Nothing had ever fit me better. I was able to write the same love stories that inspired me as a child. I felt fulfilled and beyond happy.

Lucien struggled for a long time. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, but he was determined to avoid his family’s life. No matter how much it called out to him, he ignored it. Finally, he realized it was the right thing for him. He decided to join the business, and we moved upstate.

“I’m happy,” he said simply. “I know I fought this for a long time. Too long. But it feels right. I think I was just scared to settle down too much. I was afraid that I might lose my adventurous spirit if I followed in my father’s footsteps.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” I said. “You’re still the same person you’ve always been. You’re just an adult now, that’s all.”

“Are you happy here?” he asked seriously. “I know how much you miss your mom. We never really discussed whether you wanted to move back to France.”

“No,” I said firmly. “France is great, and I do miss my mom, but this is my home. I was never really myself in France. I didn’t realize who I was meant to be until I moved here to New York. This is my home. This is where I want to be. Here. With you.”

“Are you sure?” Lucien asked.

His eyes were serious as he searched my face. I could tell he was worried that I was lying, that I was just telling him what he wanted to hear, but I wasn’t. I meant everything I said. I loved our little house in upstate New York, and I loved being close to his family and my grandmother. I even loved the logging company.

“Of course, I’m sure,” I said. “Lucien, I was just worried about you. I want you to be happy here, too.”

“I am,” he promised. “I really, really am.”

I smiled and kissed him slowly. He held the back of my head gently, keeping my lips pressed against his as long as possible. I felt him sigh against me, and I felt happier than I’d ever been. We were living a great life together, and I never wanted it to end.

When we pulled apart, Lucien was watching me with that same concerned expression. I frowned and sat up.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing,” he said, sitting up with me. “Nothing at all.”

“Then, why do you keep looking at me like that?” I demanded.

Lucien smiled and sighed again. He looked at me one last time before he leaned over and opened his bedside cabinet. I heard him move a few things around before he turned back around to face me. The smile was still plastered on his face, but he looked nervous as he cleared his throat.

I glanced from his face down to his hands and then back again. There weren’t words to describe the shock I felt when I saw that tiny black box tucked between his hands. My chest felt tight, and I stopped breathing for a few seconds. My heart was racing, and my head was spinning. I couldn’t believe this was happening. For a second, I thought the box might have been earrings or a bracelet. I couldn’t wrap my head around the truth until he opened the box and I saw the glittering diamond ring winking up at me.

“Oh my god,” I whispered.

“I know this isn’t the most traditional way to do this,” he said with a chuckle. “I had this whole big thing planned. Dinner and everything, but I just can’t wait any longer.”

Lucien cleared his throat again and held the box in one hand. With the other, he took mine and looked me in the eye. His expression was soft and open, more vulnerable than I’d ever seen him. My eyes filled with tears at the sight. I thought this was all just a dream, like I was still asleep and I would wake up any minute.

“Scarlet Amelia Timms,” Lucien said. “When I met you that day in the Paris airport, I never thought we would end up here. You were just this shy, adorable little thing that caught my eye, and then, you were so much more. I fell for you quickly. Faster than I wanted to. It scared the shit out of me, and I tried to fight it, but I couldn’t. You are everything to me, Scarlet. Everything. I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it.”

Lucien paused and cleared his throat again. I saw tears brimming in his eyes, and it made me melt. I was crying with earnest now. Tears poured down my cheeks with abandon. I didn’t care. I was too mesmerized by Lucien and the words coming out of his mouth.

“If the only thing I have is you,” he said. “I know I’ll be happy. I don’t need anything else, Scarlet. We could be broke and living on the side of the road, and I wouldn’t care. You are the only thing that I need, the only thing I want. I never, ever want to live a day on this Earth without you. So, please. Will you be my wife? Scarlet, will you marry me?”

I couldn’t speak. My emotions were too overwhelming. My vision was blurred from my tears, and all I could do was nod and cry. As I nodded, Lucien breathed a sigh of relief and kissed me deeply. When he pulled away, he took my left hand and slid the diamond ring on my ring finger. I stared at it through my tears, trying to believe it was real. I couldn’t stop crying as Lucien pulled me into his arms, held me close, and whispered “I love you” over and over again in my ear.

The End…

Insider Group

Want the sexy extended Epilogue to Red and her Wolfe?

Join my Insider Group and we’ll get it right over to you. It’s a fun way to connect and get all the juicy details before we release a new book. I’d love to see you there and share some goodies that no one else gets! Come join us.

Give me my FREE extended epilogue!!!

About the Author

Blythe is a sexy contemporary romance writer that has called Texas her home for over 30 years.  She is inspired to write from her love of reading.  As a young woman, Blythe enjoyed the company of a good romance novel and after reading several thousand wanted to become an author.

She hopes that you enjoy her unique story telling style and get wrapped up in the novel just as she did while writing it.  Make sure to connect with her by joining her Insider Group and look for more ways to connect coming soon.