Page 16 of House of Scarlett
“He said he couldn’t have me.”
Bodhi’s big arms cross over his chest, and he looks forbidding as hell. “He trying to be noble and save you from himself or some shit?”
“I don’t need to be saved,” I say, slapping the table. Bodhi chuckles, and it pisses me off. “And he needs to pull his head out of his ass. Typical man.”
“Maybe he’s doing you a favor. Could be a good thing.”
“I refuse to believe that Gabriel Legend is that awful of a person that he needs to save me from himself.”
As soon as I say his name, Bodhi’s chair squeals against the concrete as he shoves it back and stands.
“Who the hell did you say?”
I stare up at the mountain of a man, and for the first time since our initial training session, apprehension fills me. Did I really just tell him Gabriel’s name?
“Why?” I lower my voice.
Bodhi must realize he’s freaking me out, because he lowers himself back into his chair, but his expression is stormy. “You said Gabriel Legend.” He says the name like a curse.
My mouth goes dry. “Yes. Why are you reacting like that?”
“You need to stay the fuck away from him. Nothing good can come from that.”
“What are you talking about? Why would you say that?”
Bodhi’s lips press into a thin line. “Because I almost killed him once, and if we get back into the cage again, I still might.”
Eight
Scarlett
I stareup at my trainer, but my jaw is in the vicinity of the floor. “How ... how could you say that?”
Bodhi bristles like a beast held back by only a very delicate chain. “Because it’s the truth. Stay the hell away from him. A guy like that can’t give you what you need. Find someone from your own world.”
“But you said—”
Bodhi shakes his head. “Forget what I said. You and Legend are never going to happen. He’s trash. Stay the fuck away from him before he destroys your perfect life.”
The protein shake in front of me has lost all appeal. I pick it up and nod at Bodhi as a dull pain thrums in my belly.
“I appreciate your input, but you don’t know him.”
“And you do?”
Do I?How well can you know someone after only two weeks?Well enough to know I want to know him better.
“Thanks for the protein shake, Bodhi. I’ll see you next session.” With freezing fingers wrapped around the cup, I ignore the hurt welling up inside me, grab my bag, and walk out of the café. Bodhi’s words chase after me all the way home.
“Find someone from your own world ... You and Legend are never going to happen.”
“What does he know?” I mumble, clutching my bag to my middle after I slide into the back seat of a cab.
My phone slips onto my lap, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign from the universe telling me to text him.
I could send him a message. Keep it casual. Ask him if the club attendance is still up. Ask him if Bump and Roux are doing okay. Just ... keep the lines of communication open.
Right. I could just act like he didn’t fuck me and tell me to leave.
