Scarlet

by Aria Cole

  contents

  scarlet

  rights

  description

  dedication

  one

  two

  three

  four

  five

  six

  seven

  eight

  nine

  ten

  eleven

  twelve

  thirteen

  fourteen

  fifteen

  sixteen

  seventeen

  eighteen

  epilogue

  sneak peek

  one

  SCARLET

  BY

  ARIA COLE

  Copyright 2016 by Aria Cole

  Beau Loup's world is taken by storm when Scarlet Fair appears in his life.

  Her wild red hair haunts his thoughts and her luscious body makes his blood hum with life. She's the first woman to break him of his self-imposed seclusion to make him feel things he never dreamed possible. But she's all wrong for him.

  Private schools and garden parties fill the world Scarlet lives in, and Beau is a rough man with a craving that consumes. When he realizes she may be the only woman with the ability to soften his hard edges, he's determined to show her how a real man loves a woman, and then maybe he can convince her to stay for life. He'll do anything to be her everything and he's bent on making Little Red his. In his mind she already is.

  Warning: What happens when the big, bad wolf meets the sweet, redhead of his dreams? Hold onto your panties because we're about to find out!

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to two people. My heroes, the smuttiest safe beta readers I know, and to whom this book would be nothing without: Gi and Nichole, you are my rockstars! Thank you for all the love, dedication, support, and giggles!

  ONE

  Scarlet

  I stepped off the train, nerves twisting in my stomach as I looked for a cab. I juggled the duffel on my shoulder and swiped at the sticky heat dampening my forehead. It’d been a few years since I’d been to Gran’s house, summer jobs and studies taking up most of my time these days, but when she’d fallen sick, I knew I had to see her.

  I’d dropped everything and cleared my schedule, determined to be there for her all summer. Her frail voice had insisted that she was fine, she didn’t need any help, but I’d refused to hear otherwise. I’d missed her desperately, and I’d let life run away from me, forgetting what was really important. It was time I slowed down, appreciate the old home where I’d spent my childhood summers, and soak up all the love Gran had to give.

  A yellow cab sped up to the curb, the driver getting out of the cab and coming around for my bags. I rattled off the address of the old estate before sliding into the back seat, the driver packing my bags in the trunk before getting behind the wheel.

  “We’ll be there in approximately twelve minutes, ma’am.”

  I shot him a smile. My whole body was drained, and my mind was exhausted, but still excitement coursed through me as all the joyful memories of childhood started to emerge.

  My Gran, the greatest woman I know, ninety-two years young and so full of life. Going to her house has always been one of my most favorite summer traditions, but now the idea of going there made me sick with grief and sadness. I was going to my grandmother’s house to say goodbye before the cancer made her too frail and weak. I knew I shouldn’t be so sad⎯she had a full life of utter joy⎯ βυτ at one point, old age can’t be kept at bay any longer. My grandmother was my best friend. She was a sassy, sweet soul, and I wanted to spend all the time possible with her before she was gone.

  I glanced down at my lap, where I held a box of pastries purchased at a small Parisian bakery we both loved. My lips formed a smile as the memories of those Sundays, of spending hours in the kitchen secretly eating all these delicious baked confections, flooded my mind. The various flavors and types of pastry were to blame for the extra twenty pounds around my middle.

  The car rolled to a stop, and the cab driver got out, opening my door for me. I stepped out onto the stone driveway and peered up at the beautiful brick building that housed so many of my favorite childhood memories. Large, creamy pillars decorated either side of the two-story entry, a wide wraparound porch inviting visitors to stay and have a cup of coffee while overlooking the beautiful, impeccably manicured landscape. The view was breathtaking. It was like looking at a priceless piece by Monet. It was captivating and breathtaking.

  “Scarlet!” The excited call from Darla blared from the vast front door. Darla was in her late forties with flawless skin and a soft frame. Her smile was as bright as the sun on a hot summer day, and equally inviting. I ran to her and hugged her fiercely. I had always loved her and her vibrant personality. I had missed her almost as much as I missed Nana.

  “Oh, my pretty girl, I have missed you so much. I see you brought some baked goodies. I’ve been watching my figure, but you know how I never could resist those sweets. I swear since working for your gran I’ve gained fifty pounds. She is going to be so happy to see you, darling. I think you are exactly what she needs to lift her spirit.” Darla twisted a lock of my hair between her fingers. “You always had the most beautiful red curls. My sweet girl, how was your trip?”

  “I’ve missed you, too, Darla. I may have brought some of those apple turnovers you love so much,” I whispered conspiratorially.

  “This is going to be such a fantastic summer. Oh, and wait till you see the new looker that works for your gran. If only I was a few years younger.” She chuckled, and her deep laugh bounced merrily off the walls. When Darla laughed, the world took notice. Like Santa Claus at the mall with a young child on his lap, her laugh was pure joy.

  I found it a little sad that Gran hadn’t greeted me upon my arrival. That she wasn’t here hugging and kissing me meant only one thing: her illness had gotten worse, and now she couldn’t physically afford to disobey her doctor. At least I had Darla to make me feel a little more at home. “How is she, Darla?” My voice was laced with sadness and worry.

  “She has good days and bad ones. But she is still just as feisty and fiery.” Darla smiled and winked at me as her eyes twinkled with mischief. Even though Darla was making light of the situation, I knew it was only for my benefit. It was a ruse to keep my spirits up.

  After putting away my clothes and washing up in the bathroom after the long train ride, I wandered into the large bedroom that was still a shrine to my childhood, Gran had everything from my childhood out for display. I smiled that everything had remained as I left it, the only thing that changed was my single bed was now upgraded to an opulent king-sized version. I smiled, looking at all the trinkets from my childhood. Gran sure was teetering on borderline hoarder. I smiled cherishing all the love and devotion my Gran felt toward me, my whole life she had been my biggest champion and supporter.

  By afternoon, I was disappointed that I had yet to see Gran, but Darla had told me that she slept a lot now due to the medication the doctors had given her. I decided to take a walk around the grounds to dispel me from my dark thoughts and look at the new beautiful landscaping. Whoever the new landscaper was, he had a very detailed eye. Everything was beautiful and perfectly arranged.

  I felt a pang of guilt that I hadn’t seen all this in the past years. My friends, school, and summer activities became more important at times, and my family took a backseat. You only realize the mistakes you are making when it’s too late. I trailed my fingertips over the perfectly manicured hedge. I turned the corner and ran right into what seemed to be a wall but was, in fact, a giant, burly man. I stumbled, my arms thrusting out, and was about to fall flat on my behind when suddenly, two strong, rock-solid arms surrounded me. They wrapped around my waist, and stunning green eyes pierced right through me b
efore his lips parted and he breathed, “Are you okay?” His deep voice pounded through my ears, the sprinkling of an accent registering, and I remembered Darla’s comments about the French landscaper. My heart thundered as I lay speechless in his arms, swallowing the utter shock and surprise I felt. His dark emerald gaze held mine for another long beat, his touch on my body the only thing I could feel. I trembled with the new sensations pulsing through me.

  “Wow, your arms are huge…” I breathed and instantly wanted to go back in time a few minutes to erase the stupid words that had raced out of my mouth.

  I was unable to say anything else, my eyes still trained on his.

  His beautiful mouth curled into a crooked grin before his grip tightened around my waist and he hauled me against his body. “But they sure came in handy, didn’t they?”

  His words fell upon deaf ears. All I could think and feel was his body, this giant, stunning man holding me against him. His grip tightened again at that moment, almost taking my breath away. His presence was overwhelming, his broad shoulders and chiseled biceps stretching the thin fabric of his white T-shirt.

  I’d never seen a man like this before. He was broad and formidable, and I felt remarkably small wrapped up in his arms. I peered up at his face, which was just as stunning as his stature. A dark, well-kept beard and nearly jet black hair had me aching to feel the strands beneath my fingers.

  “I’m Beau Loup,” he whispered as a small smile curved his lips. His words danced around the air between us, my mind too scattered at that moment to say anything profound.

  “I am Scarlet Fair. My gran owns the house,” I introduced myself, feeling his gaze flutter across my skin, setting it on fire as he went.

  “Mm, glad to make your acquaintance, Ms. Fair.” His gaze finally landed on mine again. His intense stare penetrating me to my very core. “I hope to see more of you.” His words twisted in the wind, his tone and the wicked gleam in his eyes implying so much more. This man had a roguish charm about him, and if I wasn’t careful, I would fall as his prey.

  “Well, if you work here, it seems you will.” I pulled from his embrace and missed the warmth instantly. Beau Loup didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. Something about him was welcoming. Oddly enough, he reminded me of my father− big, rough, but completely kind-hearted.

  “Work and live.” His words pulled me from my thoughts.

  “You live here?” I nearly swallowed my tongue.

  His eyes rose in amusement before he answered. “I’ve got a place out back. Ms. Fair sold a corner lot to me a while ago.”

  I nodded slowly, my eyes tracing the stark lines of rigid muscle decorating his body. I could feel my face getting flushed.

  I twisted my hands together, my skin prickling with aroused awareness. “It was nice to meet you, Beau. I hope to run into you again.”

  “I’m sure you will.” He took my hand in his and lifted it to his lips. He placed a lingering kiss there, his gaze shooting a blaze of fire straight into my core, and his words hung in the air as he winked at me. Why wasn’t he leaving? Shoo, will you? At that moment I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had to leave. This man had me trapped, and I needed to get out. “Well, I must be going.” I quickly snatched my hand back from him and spun around so fast that I almost tripped. I noticed him lurch to catch me, and his face had lost that devastating smile, it now seemed to be marred with concern and worry. Just as quickly as that worry came, it vanished when he saw I hadn’t fallen.

  I swiftly ran off before I could embarrass myself any further. “Until next time, petite rouge.” As the distance grew between us, I could still hear his laughter following me.

  Sensations raced across my skin, curling my toes and prickling the hairs on the nape of my neck. The feeling of immediate danger seemed to course it’s way through my body, as if raging and combusting in my bloodstream.

  TWO

  Beau

  I normally didn’t spend my days up at the big house−I hired people for the menial tasks−but today I needed to work with my hands.

  I needed to feel tools in my hands, I loved crafting generic pieces of wood into something beautiful. It was a dream I had for as long as I can remember, to be an artist. The idea of taking something broken and showing its beauty again appealed to me, bringing old, neglected things back to life.

  I also found I loved working with Ms. Fair. I’d been taking care of the grounds of the estate for a while now, starting with backbreaking labor before I’d gotten my own landscaping and design company off the ground. Ms. Fair had only recently begun to ask me to custom design pieces for the estate after seeing an old handmade rocking chair I had made sitting in the bed of my truck.

  She often had sophisticated parties, with debutantes coming and going from the mansion, the wealthy women getting grabby and doe-eyed around me, acting out their sexy gardener fantasies, I had no doubt, but the gruff, cranky, overbearing asshole in me usually kept them at bay. But Scarlet wasn’t like any of those women, actually, I’ve never met a woman like her before in my life. She was a shy little thing who made me want to play and protect, the red blush and that innocent look in her eyes were sexy as hell. I couldn’t help smiling when she talked to me, I don’t think I had never smiled that long in my entire life. She looked so…cute…standing there with flaming red hair all wild and that cute little blush. I’d chuckled when she said her name, Scarlet. It suited her so well. She seemed to burn with a red-hot fire in a small package. Petite rouge.

  I thrust a hand through my hair, stalking off around the corner of the house, my mind still on the pretty little redheaded thing. I hadn’t been with a woman in years, and in truth, I hadn’t missed it much. Not until now.

  I turned, about to grab the shovel I’d come for, when I caught a glimpse of the gorgeous little woman walking away shaking that hot little ass. I just wanted to take a bite out of it. Dammit, she was so sexy. If I wasn’t careful, I would become consumed with having her in my bed and on my cock. I bet she would look so hot naked, all that milky white skin with the long fiery curls raging around her body.

  If Scarlet didn’t stay away from me, I would become consumed by her. There was something about her that made me lose all perspective. I wondered what she would sound like while I buried my tongue deep in her, tasting her sweetness, smelling her scent. I wanted my cock deep in her throat and then buried in what I envisaged was the sweetest pussy imaginable. I wanted her scent to surround me.

  I groaned quietly, then stalked off in the other direction, taking the long way back to my project in the backyard just to avoid her. It seems I’d need to do a lot of avoiding the next few weeks if I was going to keep my hands off her. Just feeling her form pressed against mine had launched lust into my system like never before, she just looked so damn sweet and felt so incredibly soft.

  After spending most of the day finishing up the brick patio, complete with hand-designed and carefully crafted furniture, I packed up my tools, eager to get home. I was desperate for a shower, layers of grime and sweat covering my skin, but a sense of satisfaction was embedded deep in my bones. Ms. Fair had given me free rein to design things the way I saw fit, which made me even more motivated to make sure things were made to perfection.

  Working for her was a complete joy. She was so vibrant and full of life, and a part of me thought she was a little bit on the dirty old bird side. I swear I caught her checking out my ass on more than one occasion.

  I dropped the bag of tools into my truck and headed for the front door. The lady of the house had told me to stop by after dinner, which was why I’d chosen to work right through it, before I stopped in to check the architectural plans she’d laid out for a greenhouse in the orchard.

  I tapped on the door lightly before stepping in, having felt more than welcomed in all these years I’d been coming here. Ms. Fair had always been generous, and in some ways, I felt more at home here than anywhere else, she had a way of making someone feel really at ease.

  I took a few ten
tative steps into the great foyer, peeking around an open doorway to find the formal dining room empty.

  “Oh, I suppose you’ve come for the blueprints. Give me just a minute, Beau.” Ms. Fair appeared out of another door, a small smile on her face as she shuffled through a small side table. “The patio looks gorgeous, even better than I’d envisioned.” Though her body may look weak, her smile was strong, and her eyes still danced.

  She passed me the roll of paper. “Thank you.”

  I nodded. “Hearing you say that makes all the hard work worth it. I think the hardwood you picked will weather nicely.” I was caught off guard when Scarlet came around the corner, waves of her fiery hair falling over one shoulder. My brain automatically went to thoughts of how those locks would feel in my fist as I kissed her so hard I bruised her lips. Those lips could make a man fall to his knees begging to just get a taste.

  “Oh, Scarlet, meet Beau Loup. He owns the company that maintains the grounds. He puts those muscles to good use taking care of this place.” Ms. Fair’s papery palm pressed at my forearm as she winked at her granddaughter.

  “I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting your stunning granddaughter.” I smiled at Scarlet, desperate to see the blush rise to her face. She was so adorable standing there, shuffling her feet. My smile got wider as I thought how much this sweet girl wanted to run for the hills with embarrassment.

  “Mr. Loup was so kind to catch me when I stumbled.” Scarlet’s honeyed voice floated between us.

  “As I said, it was my pleasure. It isn’t every day that a guy can play a knight in shining armor.”

  “I was just headed for bed, these days take a lot out of me, but I was just telling Scarlet my plans for the greenhouse. I thought maybe you could show her our plans before you head off for the night?” The elder woman’s warm eyes danced with mischief as she gazed up at me, batting her lashes. I smiled, thinking how she must have had men wrapped around her finger when she was young. She certainly had the charm now.