All Chapters of SECRETS AND SEDUCTIONS: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

~SCARLETT. "Arrggghh!" My eyes sprang open as I shot upright, my chest heaving. Uncontrollably, my hands trembled with sweat plastering my hair to my face. "Scar." Warm hands covered mine, steadying me. "It's okay. You're safe." Turning sharply, Jake's concerned face came into focus. "How…" My voice faltered. Darting my eyes around the room, I took in the familiar surroundings bathed in soft morning light. It was just a dream. My breath seized as the realization settled in. Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them. He pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. "Shh," he murmured, rubbing my back. "I'm here. Whatever it was, it's over now." I sobbed into his chest, the vividness of the nightmare refusing to let go. It felt so real: the blood, the man, the gunshot. After what felt like ages, my cries quieted to soft hiccups. Jake cupped my face, using his thumbs to brush away the tears. "Do you want to talk

~SCARLETT. The room felt like stepping into a completely different world. The walls were painted a deep black, with red streaks running along the edges. There was a distinct scent of leather, metal, and something else I couldn't quite place, in the air. In the center of the room stood a tall metal frame with ropes hanging neatly from it. Nearby, a low leather bench had cuffs dangling from its corners, which was worn from use. My eyes moved across the space, taking in the paddles, whips, and other tools I didn't recognize, all carefully arranged. A chair in the corner had thick leather straps, both elegant and a little intimidating. Mirrors covered one wall, reflecting everything back at me. For a moment, I caught sight of my own reflection—wide-eyed, breathless, and completely out of place. "What is this?" I whispered, barely finding my voice. Lily stood behind me, her arms crossed as she watched me through the mirror with a small, knowing smile playing on he

~LIAM. I watched as she froze at the sound of my voice. Her body went rigid, and I could feel a shift in the air. Honestly, I'd planned to wait until she showed up at the cabana tonight to lay everything out for her, but seeing how hard she was pushing me away, I knew the bastard had finally won her over. I had no choice but to pull my card. Silently, I thanked whatever goddamn forces had conspired to put me here. Of all the places she could've been, she had to show up at the Verdant Lounge. I came here for a meeting that never took place, and fate had delivered her straight into my path. She turned to face me, disbelief and anger mixing on her face. "What…what did you just say?" Taking a step closer, I let my words land with precision. "You heard me, Green Eyes. The idiot you call a boyfriend has been fucking someone else this entire time." She shook her head, the conflict clear in her eyes, as if she wanted to believe me but was unable to.

~SCARLETT. I don't know how long I'd been locked in here. Hours? Days? Time had become meaningless. The last time Jake had opened the door, he tried to talk to me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. I was too shocked and too hurt. I ignored him completely, and after a long, heavy sigh, he said, "When you're ready to listen, I'll let you out." Then he left, locking the door behind him. Since then, I had been curled up on the cold floor, staring blankly at the wall. The tears had long since dried, leaving me hollow. The ache in my chest remained, but it had dulled, replaced by a suffocating numbness. The reality was clear: I couldn't call for help. Lily had once told me these rooms were soundproof, so screaming would only drain me further. I was alone. Completely and utterly alone. No one was coming to save me. If I wanted out, it was up to me. The faint sound of the door unlocking snapped me out of my daze. My body ten

~SCARLETT. It has been a week since Liam pulled me out of the pool and carried me to his suite. Seven days of feeling like a shell of myself. Seven days that should've been enough to patch me back together, or at least stop the cracks from spreading. But if anything, they had grown deeper. I felt numb. Empty. Like I was watching my own life from the outside. I ate only because Liam forced me to. I barely spoke. Most days, I just lay on the bed he had insisted I take while he slept on the couch, staring at the ceiling until my eyes burned. The faint swirls in the plaster had become my only distraction, my constant in a world that was falling apart. Liam, somehow, hadn't lost his patience. Yet. But it was only a matter of time. People always leave at the end of the day. This morning was no different. I haven't moved since he left two hours ago. He'd said something about picking up food, but I hadn't responded. What was the point? He'd ju