Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Scarlette almost laughed, more out of exasperation than anything else. She lifted her hand, ready to slap him again, but he was too fast-his fingers caught her wrist before she could land the hit.

Then his hand slid from her neck to the back of her head, pulling her in for a hard, punishing kiss.

Scarlette knew she didn't stand a chance against his strength, so she bit his lip, sharp and fierce.

He let go immediately, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. "You're really mad, huh?"

Scarlette didn't bother to answer. She turned away and unlocked her front door.

She'd barely kicked off her shoes before Nicholas wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin brushing her shoulder.

"Come on, what's the big deal?" he murmured. "Just don't meet up with him again and I promise I won't lose my temper. Let's compromise, alright? Seriously, what is it he can do for you that I can't?”

Scarlette just felt tired. She didn't have it in her to argue anymore.

With Nicholas, talking was pointless.

He'd been coddled his whole life, handed everything, never having to figure out how the world really worked. In his eyes, there was nothing he couldn't fix with a word, a gesture, or a little force.

Trying to explain anything to him was exhausting.

was about to tell him to let go when her phone started ringing in her

screen, and her expression changed in an instant. She shoved Nicholas

it coming-he stumbled into the cabinet behind him, half laughing

call, forcing herself to sound calm.

over by the university tonight? Someone told me they saw you

seemed to think Nicholas lived to antagonize Scarlette, for

idea what the person who saw them might have

campus. Ran into Nick by chance, and we argued a little, but it was nothing. Sorry to make you

so I just wanted to check in. You know your brother-if he makes you mad,

better. Any time

learned the truth a long

family's golden boy. She'd never be the one with the right

thought about everything between them lately. The anxiety felt

always afraid their ugly secret would come out and those videos Nicholas kept were like a knife

"Scarlette?" Rose prompted gently.

and forced a smile.

and were actually thinking... maybe it's time

out of hand, and