Echoes of Three Souls

Chapter 20: Slow Steps Forward

Scarlett POV

Closing the door after watching Maeve's car disappear into the distance, I leaned against it, drawing in a shaky breath. I couldn't believe what had just happened. Her sweet, breathless moans still echoed in my mind, weaving into me with a sweetness I hadn't anticipated. She was so vulnerable yet so open to me, surrendering her beautiful, soft body in a way that stirred something deep inside. The way she let me take control, guiding her movements, was intoxicating.

I sighed, a smile forming on my lips before a wave of longing washed over me, stealing my breath. I wanted to be there with her now, still in her presence, easing her back into herself. God, I felt the need to hold her through the night, to soothe her, run my fingers through her hair, and let her know she was safe. A pang of guilt twisted my stomach. Cuddles and whispered reassurances weren't enough; she deserved more. I wanted to tuck her in, bathe her in warmth, and remind her she wasn't alone.

Scarlett: Just wanted to check in, bunny. Let me know if you're home safe, okay?

A few minutes had passed, and she still hadn't texted back. Anxiety stirred in me, an all-too-familiar feeling that seemed to linger whenever Maeve crossed my mind. I shouldn't have let things go as far as they did tonight. What if it had been too much for her? I could easily picture her lost in her own thoughts, overthinking every detail, worrying if she'd disappointed me.

I was pacing, trying to shake off the gnawing tension, when I heard the front door open and the quiet thud of shoes on the hardwood floor.

"Lettie?" Reese's voice was warm and low, a familiar comfort in the silence. He crossed the room, his dark eyes locking onto mine, concern etching into his features. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to hide the tremor of worry in my voice.

"What's wrong, angel?" he murmured, his tone gentle but probing. There was no point hiding anything from Reese. He read me better than anyone.

"I'm worried I messed up, Reese." The words tumbled out before I could stop them, feeling raw, almost vulnerable. He set his jacket and bag down in one smooth motion, stepping forward to wrap me in his strong arms. I leaned into him, the tension in my chest loosening just a fraction under his touch.

"Tell me, angel," he said softly, his voice grounding me. Just then, the soft ping of my phone broke through the silence. I pulled away from his embrace and reached for it, heart pounding as I saw Maeve's message.

Maeve: Got home safe and sound.

I sighed, the relief settling into me, though something about her message felt... hollow, somehow. I could almost sense the lingering doubt in her words. Reese must have noticed the shift in my expression because his hand gently squeezed my shoulder, grounding me. I made eye contact with Reese, he knew that she had come over this evening as he was a part of the group text where she asked if she could stop by. But he didn't know about the event that occurred this evening.

"This evening got a little intense with Bunny," I murmured, letting out a shaky breath. The weight of it all lingered as though Maeve's innocent, trusting eyes were still watching me. I looked at Reese, feeling my heart pound as I recounted the night.

"Our little bunny came over tonight with a fresh batch of homemade cookies, Reese," I began, a soft smile breaking through the tension. "She wanted to thank us... for being there for her. She just looked so sweet, so open, standing there with her hair a little messy, a nervous smile on her face, and I could tell she'd spent all evening working on those cookies just for us." I sighed, the memory filling me with warmth.

"I offered her some tea and invited her to stay for a bit. The conversation flowed so naturally, and... well, I could see she was nervous but excited. She kept looking at me with these soft, hopeful eyes." I hesitated, my face heating as I remembered how our closeness grew—how, bit by bit, I felt her leaning into me, her cheeks pink as she let herself relax.