And this is really going to fucking suck, because no matter how much I want things to be different, they’re still exactly as they should be.
She’s untouchable, and I know better.
“Nothing, Scarlett. I’m going to do nothing. Have a good night. Thank you for coming to Legend tonight.” I turn away because I can’t watch the disappointment crush her. If I see it, it’ll break my resolve.
As I stride in the other direction, I tell myself she dodged a bullet. Tomorrow, the thrill Scarlett got from walking on the wild side will be gone, and she’ll be relieved it didn’t go any further. I’m doing the only thing keeping us both from making a giant mistake.
Walking away without looking back.
Thirty-Six
Scarlett
“Nothing, Scarlett. I’m going to do nothing.”
The words echo in my head with all the finality of a guilty verdict. Stabbing pain jabs me in the chest as he turns and walks away.
“Oh shit,” Harlow whispers, and I’m reminded that Legend and I were not, in fact, all alone on the planet. “That stings.”
I give her my best fake smile. “I’m starving. Anyone else feel like grabbing some food?”
All three of my friends wear as much sympathy on their faces as makeup, like they just witnessed something utterly humiliating.
Oh, wait. They did.
Kelsey recovers first. “Fuck yes, I want to eat. Dolly’s is around the corner. They’ve got thebestbiscuits and gravy, and since I only eat that shit once a year, I think I’m due.” She glances at Harlow and Monroe with an expression that can only be described as militant. “You girls in?”
I know firsthand that Monroe doesn’t eat anything that’s not organic, so there’s no way she’s going to eat at a greasy spoon that would be more at home in Nashville, since Dolly’s Diner is named for the legendary country star.
“Count us in.” Harlow answers for them both before facing Q. “We don’t need a hotel. Thanks for the offer, but we can take care of ourselves. Make sure to tell your boss he’s an idiot.”
“Harlow!” Her name squeaks out of my mouth.
Q’s smile borders on apologetic, and his dark brown eyes meet mine. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Priest. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done tonight.”
I hear what he’s said, but my mind is still on Gabriel.
Nothing.
I can’t get the word out of my brain. Even though humiliation burns my cheeks, I straighten my shoulders and hold out my hand.
“It was our pleasure, Mr. Quinterro. Please let Mr. Legend know I’ll be back to fulfill my side of our agreement. Good evening.”
Q shakes my proffered hand and pitches his voice low so that only I can hear it. “It’s better for both of you if you don’t get any ideas about Legend, Ms. Priest.”
“It’s none of your concern, Mr. Quinterro,” I reply in my haughtiest tone.
A smile ghosts over his lips. “Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you’d be good for him. But God knows, he’ll never let you get close enough to try.”
He makes the statements like he’s talking to himself, and not aloud. Some of my humiliation fades away as he studies my face.
“We’ll see you next week, Ms. Priest. Take care.”
* * *
“He looked like he was going to fuck you right on the dance floor.” Monroe, who doesn’t know how to whisper, speaks loud enough to make two tables of diners spin around and stare at us. “Like pick you up and put you on his dick and bang you right there for God and everyone to see.”
Harlow tosses a sugar packet at her face. “Shhh. You’re making her get all red again.”