Chapter 7

7

SCARLET

T he warm water lapped against my skin as I sank deeper into the hot tub, letting out a contented sigh. Noms settled in beside me, her blonde hair piled high on her head.

"God, I needed this," I murmured, closing my eyes.

"You and me both, babe," Noms replied, her voice low and soothing. "So, what's going on?"

"Honestly, far too much, Noms. But we can just enjoy this for now, you tell me all about Steve's latest antics and how Ray's doing, and we can dive into my stuff later on." I said as I watched one of the massage ladies pass by the open doorway that led inside to the massage room.

"Of course," she said with a bob of her head as she settled back.

I listened intently as Noms filled me in on her latest update with Steve. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke.

"So, get this. Steve's still dead set on marrying me. He's even agreed to the crazy allowance."

I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? How much we talking?"

Noms leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Enough to make your head spin, honey."

"Damn," I muttered, sinking lower into the bubbling water. "You gonna take it?"

She shrugged, her shoulders breaking the surface. "I don't know. It's tempting, but... I'm not exactly the settle-down type, you know? And kids? Hard pass. Although he's not said a thing about kids thankfully."

"Steve would want you all to himself, huh?"

"Bingo. No more fun on the side for this girl. But he'd spoil me rotten."

I thought about my time with the Silvestri brothers, the luxury and the danger all wrapped up in one messy package. "Steve's just a businessman, right?"

Noms nodded. "Born with a silver spoon. Took over daddy's empire. Mommy was loaded too."

"If it's not blood money..." I mused, trailing off. "Maybe you should consider it. Less risky than your current gig. And Steve's no spring chicken. You could have it easy as a trophy wife."

Noms snorted. "Yeah, until I start showing my age and he trades me in for a newer model."

I grinned, a plan forming. "Does he want a prenup?"

"Doesn't look like it. Why?"

"Well, if he pulls that stunt, you could always take half of everything."

Noms' eyes widened, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Now that's an idea..."

"Steve was a decent guy, though. I doubt he'd do it," I added, recalling him from that first, fateful night.

"Yeah, same," Noms agreed. "I'll think about it."

We soaked in silence for a while, enjoying the jets that massaged our tired muscles. After what felt like hours of pampering - facials, massages, mani-pedis - we found ourselves wrapped in fluffy robes, lounging in a pristine relaxation area.

A server brought over a beautifully arranged charcuterie board and two glasses of sparkling water. I eyed the security detail hovering near the entrance, grateful they kept their distance.

"So," Noms whispered, leaning in close. "How're you really holding up?"

I picked at a piece of cheese, avoiding her gaze. "I don't know, Noms. It's all so fucked up."

"That's putting it mildly," she snorted. "Have you thought about what you're gonna do?"

I shrugged, popping an olive into my mouth. "Can't do much until I know for sure if I'm... you know."

Noms nodded, her blue eyes filled with concern. "And if you are?"

"I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely audible. "Part of me wants to get rid of it. But another part..."

"Scar," Noms interrupted, gripping my hand. "You can't seriously be considering keeping it."

I pulled away, suddenly defensive. "And what if I am?" I'd not told her the latest issue with Cristian. I couldn't explain why I felt the need to protect him right now, and telling her would shatter any hope I had of them ever getting along.

If that wasn't fucked up, then I wasn't sure what was, but I couldn't help how I felt right now.

"Honey, these men kept you captive. They're crime bosses. One of them..." she trailed off, not bothering to say the words of what Cristian had done, putting us in this whole mess.

"I know what they are," I hissed. "You don't think I know that?"

Noms held up her hands in surrender. "I'm just worried about you. This isn't healthy."

I deflated, the fight leaving me as quickly as it came. "Nothing about this situation is healthy."

We fell silent for a moment, the weight settling on our shoulders like it had many times before.

"What if..." Noms began, her voice hesitant. "What if we made a break for it? Right now?"

My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but I quelled it instantly.

"I can't," I whispered, knowing it was a far-fetched thought, nothing I could entertain. "They'd hunt me down. It's not just about the deal anymore. If I'm pregnant..."

Noms squeezed my hand. "Then get rid of it. We'll find a way. You don't owe them anything."

The words sliced deep whether she meant for them to or not. Get rid of it. Abort. The thought of destroying the life potentially growing inside me made me physically ill. I couldn't kill an unborn baby. I'd held Lily's lifeless body, and it had shattered a part of me. I just couldn't do it.

"I can't do that," I choked out, surprising myself with the certainty in my voice.

Noms pulled back, studying my face. "Scar, honey... don't tell me you actually want this baby."

I couldn't meet her eyes. "I don't know what I want. But I know I can't... I won't do that."

She sighed, nodding after a moment, understanding flaring in her eyes.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "This whole situation is fucked, Noms. I know that."

"At least you can see it," she muttered, shaking her head. "So what's the deal with the other two? Tyrone and Julian? You said they've been nicer to you?"

I nodded, picking at a loose thread on my robe. "They're... different. Showing me a whole other side, you know? Tyrone's been protective, in his own way. And Julian..." I trailed off, thinking about our quiet moments together, Kenny curled up between us.

Noms leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "And Cristian? What about him? Our last few calls, you didn't say a thing about him."

I gritted my teeth, the emotions swirling in my gut. The pain, the betrayal, the helplessness. "He's... he's not been near me since things blew up over all this," I said, carefully omitting the details of what he'd done.

"Good," Noms spat. "He should stay the fuck away."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I couldn't bring myself to tell her about his latest transgression.

"Even with the other two acting somewhat normal," Noms continued, her voice low and urgent, "he's the one I'm worried about long-term. He's a loose cannon, Scar."

I knew she was right. Cristian was unpredictable, dangerous. But I couldn't help thinking about his own past pain. The shot to the head that had scrambled his brains, the loss of Tessa and their unborn child. Maybe this was his twisted way of making things right, of having the family that Tessa had stolen from him.

But why did I have to shoulder that burden? Pay for the heartache she caused?

"I know," I whispered, more to myself than to Noms. "I know he's dangerous. But..."

"But what?" Noms pressed, her eyes searching mine like I was insane for even entertaining any other thought.

I shook my head, unable to put my conflicted feelings into words. How could I explain the strange mix of fear, anger, and... something else I felt towards Cristian? How could I make her understand when I didn't even understand it myself?

"Nothing," I said finally. "You're right. He's unpredictable. I need to be careful."

Noms nodded, but her eyes narrowed. Thankfully, she didn't push for more, and I popped another olive into my mouth. As we fell into silence, my mind wandered back to Cristian. To the pain in his eyes when he talked about Tessa, to the desperation in his voice when he spoke of us deserving a family.

It didn't excuse what he'd done. Nothing could. But a small part of me couldn't help but wonder if there was more to his actions than just cruelty and selfishness.

I pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on the present moment. On the warmth of the robe against my skin, the lingering scent of lavender from our massages, and the comforting presence of my best friend beside me.