Johnson’s got this twisted habit.
He craves chaos.
Craves the thrill.
Every time he goes out drinking, he blacks out.
But no matter how drunk, no matter how many women are around-
He always wants me to come pick him up.
I lost count of the nights I was jolted awake by a call at 2 a.m.,
Dragging myself to whatever club he passed out in,
Pulling him off another girl’s lap, pretending it didn’t bother me.
ON
I used to undress him, clean the cigarette–and–whiskey stink off his clothes,
Lay him down gently in our bed, and shut the door.
I used to smile through the whispers.
Used to defend him.
Back then, it was part of being “Mrs. Johnson.”
Now? I just stepped aside and let them pass.
Bianca, the girl on his arm, gave me a tight look.
“You two have a fight?”
I shook my head.
“Nope. Just done playing.”
Maybe it was “fight.”
Maybe it was “done.”
Either way, something snapped in Johnson.
He shoved Bianca away, eyes burning.
“Scarlett! Are you serious right now?”
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Chapter 9
“You got complaints? Just say it–I’ll change, okay?”
His first time lowering himself like this.
Lucas looked stunned.
But I felt nothing.
I nodded toward the hallway.
“Excuse me.”
He grabbed my wrist.
“Scarlett, come home with me.”
Before I could answer, another hand stepped in-
Cool, firm. Pulled Johnson off me.
“Let her go.”
Kane.
Holding my coat. His voice calm but cutting.
“And who the hell are you?”
Johnson’s face twisted, already halfway to swinging.
I stepped between them with a sigh.
“Don’t start.”
Just two words-
And it was like I hit pause.
Johnson froze.
Stared at me, like he didn’t recognize me.
“You’re taking his side?”
“Who is this guy?”
I looked him in the eye.
Didn’t flinch.
“Does it matter? We’re over, Johnson.”
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His lips parted, maybe to argue, maybe to beg-
Didn’t care.
I smiled at Lucas, gave him a little wave, and walked right past them.
Even as I stepped out of the building,
I could feel Johnson’s bitter stare burning a hole in my back.
“Thanks for that.” I murmured.
Walking beside Kane, suddenly shy.
He nodded.
“That was Johnson? Damn, your taste was awful.”
I burst out laughing.
If only he knew I used to have the biggest crush on him.
Before I could stop myself, I blurted it out.
“Kane… what if I told you I used to like you back in school?”
He stopped.
Looked away.
“Then I’d say… you had terrible taste.”
I blinked.
He still wouldn’t meet my eyes.
“Back then, I was weak. Let a lot of things slip away.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant.
Opened my mouth to ask-
But he cut in.
“I’ll send you the address and time for the interview. Be ready.”
My brain did a full 180.
I grinned.
“Thank you. Really.”
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Chapter 9
For the first time in forever,
It felt like things might finally… be okay.
(e)
