Chapter 4
Scarlett's POV
Night fell over the Black Gold bar, Texas's most luxurious watering hole bathed in neon lights.
I strutted in wearing a tight black dress, my mission clear—find that bastard cowboy who'd been avoiding me all day.
"Scarlett?" A delighted voice called out. "What are YOU doing in a place like this?"
I turned to see my best friend Amber Martinez approaching, stunning in a backless red dress, her blonde hair cascading like silk, curves that made every man in the room stare.
"Amber? You're here too?"
"Of course, I'm hunting for tonight's prey." She grinned wickedly, linking arms with me. "But YOU'RE the mystery. Shouldn't you be home planning your wedding?"
"Don't mention that DAMN wedding." I rolled my eyes.
"Oh..." Amber drew out the word. "Let me guess—you're here for someone special? Like... a certain man who's got you all twisted up?"
"You're imagining things."
"Please, honey. That outfit screams 'come and get me.' This level of sexy isn't for casual drinking. So spill—who is he?"
My eyes involuntarily swept to the corner, my heart instantly racing.
Colt stood there in a black security uniform that hugged his solid frame, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly.
"Holy shit..." Amber followed my gaze and gasped. "THAT security guard? Damn, that body, that face—he's walking SEX!"
"Shut up." My face flushed.
"Wait, wait, let me get a better look..." Amber squinted. "Hold on, that's the cowboy who saved you, isn't it? No wonder you've been so distracted lately."
"I haven't..."
"Honey, you might as well have 'I want him to fuck me' tattooed on your forehead." Amber teased mercilessly. "But seriously, a man that caliber... definitely worth the risk."
I glared at her. "Can you say something DECENT for once?"
"I AM being decent." Amber smirked. "In my professional opinion, a man like that would be absolutely incredible in bed..."
"AMBER!"
"Fine, fine, but you have to admit, just thinking about it gets you hot, right?"
We settled in the VIP section with champagne, but my attention stayed locked on Colt.
He seemed to sense my stare, glancing over briefly. When he saw me, his entire body visibly tensed before he quickly looked away.
"He's avoiding you," Amber observed keenly. "Which means he's definitely into you. Men only run from women who make them lose control."
Just then, commotion erupted across the bar.
Preston appeared with several friends, wearing that perfect smile I despised.
"Baby, what are you doing here?" Preston approached and sat beside me without invitation. "You should have told me—I was worried."
"I'm having drinks with friends. I don't need to report in," I said coldly.
"Of course, I'll always support your freedom." Preston's smile brightened as he deliberately spoke loudly. "But as your fiancé, I still worry. A place like this... attracts all kinds."
His gaze deliberately swept toward Colt.
I saw Colt's fists clench in the distance, his jaw tight.
"Darling," Preston suddenly leaned closer, voice gentle but eyes dangerous, "let's go home tonight and have a proper talk, okay? About the wedding... and other things."
His hand began roaming my back suggestively.
"Preston..." I tried pushing him away.
"Don't be shy, baby." His lips suddenly found my neck. "We're getting married soon anyway."
I wanted to slap him, but noticed Colt's face had turned ashen, hands balled into fists, clearly fighting for control.
A mischievous idea struck me. If this damn cowboy kept running from me, maybe some jealousy would wake him up!
Instead of pushing Preston away, I leaned into him cooperatively.
"You're right," I said loudly on purpose. "Since we're getting married soon..."
Colt's expression darkened further as he turned to leave.
"I need some air." I stood up.
"I'll come with you." Preston started rising.
"No need, I want to be alone." I stopped him. "I'll be right back."
In the alley behind the bar, Colt leaned against the wall smoking.
Under the dim streetlight, his profile was sharp but brooding. One cigarette after another, smoke drifting in the night breeze.
"Smoking's bad for you," I approached him.
Seeing me, Colt's expression grew colder as he crushed his cigarette and started to leave.
"Wait." I blocked his path.
"Move." His voice was ice-cold.
"No." I crossed my arms. "We need to talk."
"Nothing to talk about." He tried sidestepping me. "You have your fiancé. Don't need a lowlife like me."
"Lowlife? Who called you that?"
"Reality." He sneered. "That little scene in there wasn't clear enough? You two lovebirds were... DISGUSTING."
The last word was ground out through clenched teeth.
Satisfaction surged through me. This bastard was actually JEALOUS!
"Disgusting?" I taunted deliberately. "Why disgusting? Didn't you say we're perfectly matched?"
"Think whatever you want." He turned away. "None of my business anyway."
Just then, Preston's voice echoed from the bar: "Scarlett? Baby, where are you?"
Colt's face changed, his steps faltering.
I suddenly had a deliciously evil idea, calling out loudly: "I'm here!"
Then I turned to Colt with malicious glee. "You know what? Preston just said he wants to 'talk' tonight. I think he means more than just talking..."
Colt's face went livid. "You..."
"Yes, we're getting married soon." I continued needling him. "As an engaged couple, intimacy is perfectly normal, right? Tonight we might..."
"ENOUGH!" Colt exploded, grabbing my wrist.
"Scarlett? Are you outside?" Preston's voice grew closer.
Madness flashed in Colt's eyes as he dragged me toward the employee break room at the alley's end.
"What are you—"
He shoved the door open, pulled me inside, then slammed it shut and locked it.
In the cramped space with just a worn couch and lockers, we were pressed against each other, the air instantly thick with tension.
"Now..." His voice was low and dangerous, jealousy burning in his eyes. "Tell me again what you're planning to do with him tonight?"
Seeing him lose control sent wicked pleasure through me.
Finally... I'd successfully provoked this beast.
"Why should I tell you?" I challenged. "You said it was none of your business."
"Damn it..." He slammed me against the wall, his burning breath on my face. "Do you know what you're doing?"
"Perfectly." I rose on my tiptoes, lips nearly touching his. "Question is... what are YOU going to do about it?"
The next second, he completely snapped.
Colt's mouth crashed down on mine, all his jealousy, rage, and desire exploding in that kiss.
I responded eagerly, wrapping my arms around his neck. This was exactly what I wanted—to make him lose all reason.
His hands roamed my body roughly, sliding from my waist to my ass, squeezing hard. I couldn't help but gasp, my body instantly sensitized.
"You're MINE..." he growled against my lips. "Don't you dare let anyone else..."
His hand found my breast, kneading through the thin fabric. My body reacted instantly, heat pooling between my legs as desire crashed over me like a tidal wave.
"God, Colt..." I panted.
His touch grew bolder, lifting my skirt, his burning palm finding my inner thigh. My legs instinctively parted slightly, my body melting completely in his arms.
"Fuck!" His fingers brushed my most sensitive spot. "You're so wet..."
I closed my eyes in shame, but my body honestly welcomed his touch.
Just as everything was about to spiral out of control, shocked voices came from outside.
"Jesus! Someone's in there!" A bar employee called out. "Manager, the break room's occupied!"
Colt instantly sobered, releasing me. We were both breathing hard, clothes disheveled, faces flushed.
"I... I have to go." He straightened his clothes, unable to meet my eyes.
"Colt..."
"Nothing happened tonight." He closed his eyes painfully. "Forget all of this."
With that, he rushed from the break room.
I leaned against the wall, my body still trembling from our encounter, a satisfied smile playing on my lips.
Jealousy... such an interesting catalyst.
