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.

go when her phone started

in an instant. She shoved Nicholas away, harder than she meant

into the cabinet behind him,

forcing herself to

the university tonight? Someone told me they saw you with Nick. He's so impulsive-did

always seemed to think Nicholas lived to antagonize Scarlette, for

She had no idea what the person who saw them might have told her mom. She quickly used

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

look too happy, so I just wanted to check in. You know your brother-if he makes you mad, don't hold back. Tell

that, but Scarlette knew better. Any time she fought back, she could feel the whole family pulling

truth a

boy. She'd never be the one with

as she thought about everything between them lately. The anxiety felt suffocating, like she was constantly waiting

out and those videos Nicholas kept

"Scarlette?" Rose prompted gently.

and forced

thinking... maybe it's time to set Nicholas up

of hand, and