12

Scarlett Mila Marino

We leave the house in silence, the kind that makes my head buzz. God my head. I've got the worst headache from last night. I'm trying to piece together fragments, but its like trying to hold onto water. It keeps slipping away.

"Do you always look this miserable before parties?" Rowan asks getting into the car. I glance at him, surprised he's even talking to me. He's behind the wheel, eyes focused on the road ahead, but there's a flicker of amusement in his tone.

"This isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Pretending to be a doting wife to someone who'd rather not look at me while having a hangover." I reply, crossing my arms.

The car pulls up to the venue, a massive house that screams wealth and power. I sigh as I unbuckle my seatbelt. Preparing for a fight of forced laughter, and being paraded around like I'm a part of this. Perfect.

"Ready?" He asks, offering me his arm as we approach the entrance.

I hook my arm in his. "Let's get this over with." I mutter as I put on my best fake smile.

Inside, the party is in full swing, people are laughing, drinking and dancing. I'm tugged along, introduced to important people. Rowan is speaking with a few guys as I stand awkwardly beside. Nodding and smiling as if I care about their deals.

Rowan handles all the talking, knowing I don't care.

I look around and spot Ava.

What is she doing here? I grab Rowans attention by grabbing his hand. We have to pretend after all.

"Im just going to say hi to Ava." I say whispering to him.

He's standing so close, looking deep into my eyes, then he nods. "Don't go too far." He says.

I head toward her, eager to be around someone familiar.

When she spots me, she grins. "Scarlett!" She says pulling me into a quick hug. "You look amazing. I was wondering if I'd see you tonight." She adds.

I laugh. Feeling a little lighter. "Yeah, you know how it is. Obligations." I say.

"So...you and Rowan, huh?" She says with a smirk on her face.

I would love to tell her about our fake marriage. But I don't know how much I can trust her. So I stick to the plan.

"Yeah. He's...my person." I even cringe while saying it. Almost laughing at myself.

"Never thought those words would come out of your mouth." Ava says shocked.

"Neither did I." I admit.

Ava and I keep talking. She really made this day a little better. But every so often, I catch Rowan glancing in our direction.

I step away from Ava to grab a drink, needing a moment to breathe. As I make my way towards the bar, I feel someone brush past me a little too close. I ignore it at first, thinking it's just the press of bodies in a crowded room.

But then I feel a hand graze my lower back and slide down to my ass, I freeze.

I spin around, my pulse spiking, and see a man staring back at me with a smug grin plastered on his face. He's older, dressed like he belongs here, but his eyes are dark, predatory.

"Nice dress, fits you perfectly." He slurs, leaning in closer.

I step back, jaw clenched. "Take your hand off me."

He chuckles like I'm some kind of joke. "Oh, don't be like that sweetheart. We're just having a good time, right?"

My blood is boiling, fists tightening by my sides. I could knock him out cold in seconds, but I hesitate. Not because I can't handle him, but because this party is important to Rowan's business. And the last thing I need is to make a scene.

"You're feisty, i like that." He says.

Before I can think twice, I'm ready to hit him. But then I hear Rowan's voice, calm, dark and lethal from behind me.

"Touch my wife again and you'll lose that hand."

When the man doesn't do as he said in a second Rowan steps forward. The man barely has time to react. Rowan's hand shoots out, gripping the man's wrist like a vice. With one swift movement Rowan breaks the guys hand. The sound is sickening, the crack of bone.

The man stumbles backwards screaming.

The room goes silent for a quick second. All eyes turning to us.

I whirl to face Rowan, chest heaving. "I had that under control, you didn't have to break his fucking hand." I say a little too loud, forgetting about our deal for a moment. Now people are definitely looking.

I don't need anyone, especially him, saving me.

"I know you did, Mila." He says, not an ounce of doubt in his voice.

"Then why..." I start but get cut off.

"Because you're my wife." He says, quieter now.

His eyes meet my gaze. I stare at him, speechless. Without waiting for my response he grabs my hand. "Let's go." He says finally, as we leave.

And even though I'm angry, though I hate the idea of needing anyone's help, I can't help but feel safe around him. For once I don't have to protect myself, because I know, no matter what he'll be there.

And that scares me even more.

Loved writing this one!