Her Escape

Chapter 10

What Happened to You

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." – Brad Melzer

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"If it isn't my favorite redhead," Scarlett beamed as she walked through the door.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, glancing down at the date and time on the computer screen in front of me. Last time I checked, it was still Tuesday. But it was also entirely possible that time could have somehow escaped me. I haven't exactly been in the right headspace lately.

"Darius promised me some private lessons." A small blush made its way onto Scarlett's face as she averted her gaze.

"Did he now?" A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips.

"Shut up." She rolled her eyes. "Anyway – after you get off work tonight, you and I are going out to eat."

It was my turn to roll my eyes. "What did I tell you about springing up last-minute plans on me?"

"It's the only way to convince you to go."

"Scarlett."

"Lexie."

"Don't Lexie me." I gave her a pointed look, folding my arms across my chest.

"Pretty please!" Scarlett pouted, batting her eyelashes. "We haven't hung out in forever. Plus, you bailed on me the other two times."

Because it's better this way for everyone, I thought as I tried to keep my face as neutral as possible.

"What are you pressuring Lexie into now?" Darius asked as he emerged from the weight room, stopping right in front of Scarlett. His tone was playful and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, meanwhile Scarlett pinned him with a glare.

"I'm not pressuring her into anything!" She defended, narrowing her eyes. "Lexie, tell him."

"What she said." I couldn't help but laugh, as I watched the two of them continue to bicker.

"Sure." Darius replied, playfully shaking his head. 

"Shut up, pendejo." Scarlett once again rolled her eyes, readjusting the duffle bag on her shoulder.

"Do you see how mean she is to me?" He feigned hurt, shifting his gaze between Scarlett and I. Then, looking down at Scarlett he asked, "You ready, Tiger?"

"To kick your ass?" She bit back. "Hell yeah!"

"Sure." Darius snorted, placing his hands on her shoulders and guiding her towards the weight room. "See you later, Lexie."

I nodded, shaking my head in amusement. Compared to Darius, Scarlett was a midget. He had to be at least 6 feet tall and nothing but pure muscle, yet I believed her when she said she was going to kick his ass. She was definitely tougher than she looked on the outside, and I'm pretty sure Darius was going to go easy on her – hell, he might even let her kick his ass.

I gathered he had a soft spot for her, even if he wasn't going to be admitting it to anyone any time soon.

The two of them had an interesting arrangement. Whenever one or the other was horny, they'd call each other up. I had a feeling Scarlett was a little more invested in their arrangement than Darius was, but she was hell bent on denying it.

"Don't forget about dinner after work!" Scarlett called out over her shoulder, and I couldn't help but shake my head.

Once both of them were out of sight, I leaned forward and buried my face in my hands.