Book I - 5

SCARLET 

Since I had nowhere to go, I went to the reception and tried to book myself a room, but there was already a reservation under my name. Luke might have had it prepared for me—or maybe Thomas. Luke was no gentleman. Certainly, he was nothing like his father. If only I knew he was a jerk like this, I wouldn’t have fantasized about him for the last six years.

I dragged my suitcase with me and stepped into the elevator as soon as I got my key card. Good thing my room was a suite. I freaking needed a good bath.

First, I dug into my suitcase and laid out the only dress I could ever bring. A Burberry crimson backless dress with a hem two inches above the knee and a pair of Christian Louboutin silver stilettos. Fortunately, I also got my charms and my ruby necklace. I touched the gem with my finger and briefly admired its beauty.

I wasn’t greedy, and I’d never imagined myself wearing these extravagant things before Mom’s marriage. It’s not that I desired any of it, but when Mom married Thomas, I wouldn’t deny that I also lived in luxury. My stepfather was generous. He provided things for me. I lived in an apartment leased in my name in Cambridge, paid for my education, and provided me everything I needed—not to mention he was also a good adviser.

However, there were times I wondered what Luke thought of me.

Did he think I wanted his father’s fortune? Was that why he couldn’t like me or accept me as his stepsister? Thomas did mention that I needed to sign papers for the transfer of assets, but I didn’t want any of it. I had had enough of the material things. But who knows? Maybe he changed his mind.

Enough thinking about Luke.

My mind screamed at me. I had to get moving. I stepped into the bathroom and had a delightful bath.

Shortly after, I slid everything on, hurriedly did a smokey-eye look, and finished the evening makeup with a touch of red lipstick. All I needed to do now was inform Thomas about my arrival at the party and get myself an Uber. However, I stopped as I noticed the blinking of my notifications.

13 missed calls from Thomas

2 missed calls from Jax and another message from him

I ignored Thomas’s missed calls because I was a bad daughter and opened Jax’s message.

Jax: Have you arrived yet?

I bit my fingernail, thinking of a reply.

Me: Yes. I just arrived. Thank you. Can I just call you later? I need to get an Uber.

Jax: Getting out already? Good for you. I’m stuck with my family tonight.

I giggled. I was about to be stuck with my family, too.

Me: I’m starting to count. It’s going to be three weeks, and you still didn’t find a date.

Jax: Except there’s still one woman in NY that I haven’t fucked. Just tell me if you want to advance our meet-up.

Me: Hey, I really need to go. I’m over-dressed tonight and might ruin my makeup if I don’t go now. I’m going to be late.

Jax: Do you have a date?

I didn’t answer and texted Thomas instead.

On my way, Thomas. See you later :* – Scar

I was about to put my phone in my purse, but my phone buzzed. It was Jax again.

“Damn it,” I cursed but answered the call anyway. “What? I’m busy.”

“Then why did you pick up the phone?”

“Because the sound of my voice makes you hard,” I joked. I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, Jax. I told you I’m busy.”

“Funny,” he said, but he didn’t sound pleased. “You didn’t answer my question. You have a date?”

Did he call just to ask me that? “So what if I have?”

He groaned. “That’s not such a good idea for you to fuck someone else before me. Can’t you wait for us to meet? Then you’re free to go.”

I sighed in frustration. “Don’t push your possessive shit over me. I don’t know how your brain works—but for someone who fucks different women weekly, you had the guts to say that to me?”

“So, you’re really going out tonight, huh? Where are you going?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“No reason. I’m just asking.”

I rolled my eyes. “Where else? To meet my family. I’m not going on a date. Happy now?”

“I thought it wasn’t until tomorrow.” His tone softened. “It’s a boring night for us, isn’t it?”

“Mine should be heartbreaking. I miss my mother,” I said. It’s like Jax grew on me. I loved talking about personal things with him because, unlike the others, he would only listen, literally, without speaking. “Can I call you later?”

“Always.” I heard him chuckle before he finally hung up.