Page 70 of House of Scarlett
She flicks a coy glance up at me. “And where will you be?”
“Inside you every fucking chance I get.”
* * *
The rest of the weekend passes so fast, I wish I could slow down time.
The club numbers are climbing steadily, but our financials still look like shit for the time being. When Monday morning rolls around, the only thing I wish I had to worry about was giving Scarlett the last dose of her pills, but the emails waiting in my inbox can’t be ignored.
Two of the investors have called for a meeting this week to discuss the viability of the club.
When I read the wordviability, my gut sinks. No fucking way are they going to force me into pulling the plug on it already. Not a fucking chance.
But that’s the problem with using other people’s money and getting it the way I did. I wasn’t in a position of power, and they knew it. Their lawyers added protective language to the agreements to make sure that I couldn’t operate without taking into account their opinions and wishes. Almost like a board of directors.
If I wanted the money, I didn’t have a choice. So I took their deal.
“Everything okay?” Scarlett asks from the kitchen table where she sips a double shot of espresso with her laptop open in front of her. “You’re really quiet.”
I close the email and shove my phone in my pocket. “Club stuff. It’s fine.”
“Anything I can help with?”
I shake my head. “I’ve gotta meet with my investors this week. They don’t like the numbers they’re seeing, but I’ll handle it.”
Scarlett’s lips press together. “We can get more people in the doors. I can keep making appearances. Whatever you need.”
I take the seat next to her and pick up her hand to play with her fingers. “You’ve done plenty.”
“Gabriel, please. I want to help.”
Her fingers are so different from mine. No scarred and busted knuckles. No calluses or rough skin.
I lift them to my lips and press a kiss to the back of them. “If you want to come to the club this weekend, I’d appreciate it.”
Her smile illuminates her whole face. “Of course I want to come. And since Amy has finally lifted her ban on me leaving the building, I’m getting back to normal today, if you know what I mean.”
I do know what she means, and I can’t fucking wait.
“Take it easy today. Don’t go running all over town. If there’s anything I can get for you—”
She silences me with a shake of her head. “I promise I’m not going to overdo it. I just have one really important errand to run, and after that, I’ll be here all day.” She leans over and presses her lips to mine. “Now, go do all the things you’ve let slide while you’ve been taking such good care of me. I know you have a ton on your plate. I appreciate every second you’ve spent with me, but it’s time for both of us to get back to work.”
She’s right. I have let a ton of shit go, or pushed it off on Q and Zoe, because I didn’t want to leave Scarlett’s side.
I haven’t trained since I sparred with Bohannon, and after our run-in with Bodhi Black, I know I need to get back in the gym. Whatever happens next, I need to be ready. Time to give my old trainer a call and get back to work.
Plus, Bump has been texting me damn near every hour, asking when I’ll be home because Roux misses me. I definitely miss the hell out of both of them.
“All right. You do you, and I’ll do me today. I’ll bring dinner by tonight, though.”
“Deal, boss.”
I can’t help but laugh. “That ain’t gonna stick either. Keep trying, ladybug.”
Forty-Two
Scarlett
