Craving Scarlett

|14|. At the Seaside

I know. I know. I'm an ass for updating late but last time I swear. I've created a schedule that will help me update every two days. I plan to finish this book by the end of the year! Big I know. So hound me if you don't see the next update which is on Wednesday. Do vote and comment your thoughts. Enjoy :)

★★★

I jerked my head towards the voice, my eyes widening when I caught sight of the lean figure in a sharp suit, ambling towards our table with a smirk on his face, a dainty woman perched on his arm. The shock of seeing him again after three years, hitting me like a kick to the solar plexus.

He gave a blindingly, bright smile, his perfectly chiselled, white teeth flashing, seemingly competing with the scented candles in the room for luminance.

His hair, although put together, was styled in that messy look that appeared to be a hit with the ladies. Many might find it sexy and endearing, but I knew it was a deliberate act on his part.

Looking at him now, it wasn't that hard to see why I'd been so taken with him, seven years ago. I appraised him clinically, like one would a rat they were dissecting at the lab.

"Damon," I greeted coldly. He looked thinner, the gaunt lines on his face sharper than ever. "Why are you here?"

He placed a hand to his heart as if hurt at my curt tone. He gave a small pout. "Ah, but I am wounded. Is that anyway to greet your husband? To be honest, this wasn't the welcome I was expecting. I thought you would be happy to see me."

He still hadn't changed. He was still the same selfish, egotistical man of before. Always assuming, the entire world should revolve around him and his wants. "Ex husband," I corrected through gritted teeth.

"What the hell is going on here?" Marco demanded, his cutting voice akin to that of whiplash. His puzzled frown met mine in inquiry. My eyes widened even further. I'd only just realized I hadn't told him I was married before. He shouldn't find out like this.

Before I could say anything, Damon beat me to it, stretching forth his hand to Marco. "Damon Jerkinson, at your service. We haven't gotten the chance to meet officially yet. I presume you are Marco De Santis?" He said, a charming smile sitting on his face.

Marco regarded the extended appendage like it was vermin he wasn't planning on touching anytime soon. "I wasn't talking to you, Mr. Jerkinson." He shot me a look. "Scarlett?"

OK, so no mia cara this time. No biggie. I swallowed. How could I explain this? I didn't even know where to start. I had to ease Marco into this but I couldn't do that, not with these two standing within earshot. And that smile. That sly, taunting smile that clearly told me he was enjoying this-immensely.

I saw no other easy way to do this. "This man here is my ex husband."

The words tumbled out of my mouth in a rush, a screaming silence following after, echoing in the confined space. I pleaded to Marco with my eyes to try and understand. I didn't mean for it to come out this way.

"I'm afraid Scarlett is quite right. We divorced-what-three years and counting and I'm sure you would understand if she didn't divulge that piece of information at the beginning of the relationship. It's not as if it's that important, right? She definitely isn't at fault," Damon stated, his expression one of earnestness. "I mean if you look at it, I was the one who exposed the secret in the first place, so really it's my fault."

If looks could, Damon would be six feet under by now. I ignored him and leaned across the table to squeeze Marco's hands, urging him to believe me. "Marco, I promise I wanted to tell you. I just-there was no right time. Marco?"