Outside, they were both bathed in the cool evening air as soon as they stepped out.
The tension in her shoulders slackened slightly. She hadn't expected her words to leave such a painful weight on her chest, but what else could she do?
Looking at the large, warm hand holding her smaller one, she felt a sliver of relief. He had come with her.
A slight ripple stirred in her heart, but she quickly reminded herself not to hope for too much. After all, he had only married her by mistake, leaving his fiancée behind. And with Scarlett's temperament, she was certain she would soon be kicked out of the marriage.
She dared not hope for anything more.
Slowly, she twisted her hand in an attempt to pull it away, but to her surprise, his grip remained firm. She hadn't expected such strength when the touch itself had felt so gentle.
She lifted her gaze to meet his. "Can you let go now?" she asked softly, tiredness etched in her brow.
"Why let go?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
She took a deep breath and kept silent, allowing him to lead her to the car. Looking at the rickety vehicle he had agreed to squat in, Scarlet sighed. Yet deep down, she knew—he couldn't be hers.
Lucian, still holding her hand in one of his, forcefully yanked open the car door and helped her settle inside before walking around to enter through the other side.
Once seated, Lucian took a deep breath, stretched his hand, and turned the ignition. First try. Second try. Third try. Yet, the engine wouldn't start.
Frustrated, he slammed his hand against the steering wheel.
Scarlet flinched at the outburst. Guilt surged in her chest. Maybe she shouldn't have insisted on using a different car. If they had arrived in his luxury vehicle, he might have been respected, and perhaps he wouldn't have lost his temper over this old piece of metal.
But knowing her family too well, she knew that would have been the end of any peace in her life. She doubted they wouldn't have tried to pressure her into hiring Ruby or making her his assistant.
"I'm sorry," she muttered from beside him.
Hearing her soft voice, Lucian glanced at her. "It was never your fault. Brandon just really wants to piss me off," he scowled.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone. "Brandon, get the car over here in five minutes," he said flatly.
Scarlet could already imagine Brandon's pale face on the other end of the call. She felt sorry for him. Once again, she had implicated an innocent man. Racing through an hour-long trip in five minutes could only mean one thing—inviting death.
"Can you give him thirty minutes? The distance is too far," she pleaded, meeting his gaze.
He studied her face for a moment, taking in her oval features and distinctive beauty. Then, he nodded lightly. "It's not impossible—but can you meet one condition?"
"He's a true capitalist," she screamed internally, "seeking profit at every turn."
Still, as long as it bought Brandon some time, it was worth it. She nodded.
Lucian didn't miss the way her brows furrowed, likely thinking of the worst. A glint of mischief flashed in his eyes. He leaned closer, his breath fanning against her neck.
"What about... a kiss?" he smirked.
The words echoed in her head at several decibels. She hadn't considered that. Her palms became sweaty, her heart pounding wildly. Her gaze darted everywhere—anywhere but his face.
Lucian stifled a laugh, clearly enjoying how cornered she looked.
"I'm waiting. And remember, he might already be boarding the car," he taunted.
Scarlet took a deep breath, lowering her head. No, she couldn't do it. The image of Scarlett cuddling him in the office replayed in her mind. Her breath grew ragged. Her fists clenched.
"Two ladies kissing the same man… It's disgusting," she muttered.
Lucian's brows drew together. When had he kissed anyone, let alone two? Confused, he looked at her face.
"Are you serious?" he asked.
"Sure," she mumbled. Who wanted to kiss him anyway? Besides, with Brandon's skill, he'd surely arrive safely.
Consoling herself with that thought, she turned her head to the window, staring at the house in the distance. The place she once called home.
"Maybe Lucian is right," she mused silently. "It seems we really have to break off ties."
Lucian's fists clenched at the thought of what image she must have recalled. But then, he had never kissed anyone. A mischievous idea flashed through his mind.
"Why not cross that line… and stick to it?" he thought.
Without thinking further, he called her name. "Scarlet."
She turned her head to meet his gaze—and his lips crashed onto hers, squarely and without warning.
Her eyes widened in shock, so much so that she forgot his tongue was trying to press into her mouth.
As she opened her lips to say something, Lucian pulled her closer, one hand holding the back of her head as he deepened the kiss.
Scarlet frantically patted his shoulders in an attempt to push him away, but it was like trying to move a mountain. His hold was firm. Overwhelming. She felt her strength drain as her resistance melted.
With a sigh, her struggling ceased.
Sensing her surrender, Lucian's hands gently caressed her back. He knew he should stop. He knew he had to. But he didn't. He wanted more.
Scarlet, now noticing the sudden tenderness in his touch and his hand coursing over her back, felt her alarm bells ring loud and clear in her head.
"Lucian, stop!" she shrieked, though it came out muffled. She struggled again, and this time, he let her go.
Seeing her flushed face and ragged breathing sent a strange wave of satisfaction coursing through him.
"I think having my first kiss at this age isn't too late," he said with a smirk.
Scarlet's eyes widened. "First kiss?" she mumbled.
"Surprised, right?" he teased, gently brushing aside the strands of hair on her face. He sighed.
Scarlet took a deep breath. She couldn't ask more. This was a matter of the heart, and right now, she wasn't ready to discuss any of it.
"It's stuffy in here," she said.
"Let's take a stroll then," Lucian offered.
Carefully, he alighted from the car, walked over to her side, and opened the door. He extended a hand and led her out.
Scarlet didn't object and followed him. The soft breeze kissed her skin, and a sense of relief washed over her.