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I get scared when I hear the fear in her voice. I don’t know what she’s talking about, but my sobs turned to whimpers as she continued.

“I’m working on a solution, something more permanent. You know what that means, right?” She slid her hand under the bed, and I took hold of it. “It means forever. You’ll be safe forever.”

Her hand squeezed mine tighter. I wanted to be safe forever.

When I woke up, I was still under the bed. There was a fluffy blanket pushed around me, but my hand was empty. So was my heart.

Regret churns in my gut as the memory fades. I never even spoke to Jazz again, then she took off, and we never saw her again. She tried to save me, but at eight years old, I didn’t understand the monsters don’t just live under your bed and in your closet. They come over and sit at your table. They buy your mother perfume and bring candy. Before I could fully understand just what the monsters were capable of, a woman with a clipboard was knocking on the door, asking my mum lots of questions.

Questions she didn’t like. I heard Jazz’s name, and I ran into the room from the special hiding spot I went to anytime someone knocked. It had been weeks since she left. I didn’t understand the concept of time, but my hair was now short and spikey, like a pixie.

“Who is this boy?” she questioned my mother. “Where’s the girl?” I looked down at my faded romper and denim.

“I’m no boy.” I lifted my chin in defiance. “I’m Scarlett.”

“She’s here,” the lady called out. My mum started yelling and saying bad words.

The rest is a blur. The Coppers came and took me away in a real police car.

Next thing I knew, we’re pulling up to Everlend Estate and the rest is history.

My skin burns as I realize my hair is now dry and I’ve been holding the dryer in the same place for who knows how long. Shutting it off, I toss it down into a basket, followed by my round brush.

Bracing my hands on either side of the counter, I fight the wave of nausea that sweeps over me before rushing to the toilet to wretch up the contents of my stomach. It’s like my body is trying to purge itself of the awful memory. When I’m certain I’m finished, I brush my teeth and rinse out my mouth with a handful of cold water before dabbing a cool cloth to my flushed face. I wipe away the tears and memory of shame. Thankfully, my makeup isn’t done yet.

Deep, even breaths help me center as I let the smell of coconut erase the stench of smoke. Going back to my room, a quick glance at the clock lets ne know that I need to move it along. Teddy will be here anytime.

Putting on my favorite playlist, I crank the music loud enough to drown out my emotions. The day started out so lovely, but now I’m drowning in melancholy thoughts, so I let the songs wash over me and chase away the ghosts.

I try not to think too much as I put on my makeup. The familiar routine of the blenders and brushes on my skin is soothing. I choose a deep lipstick to match my nails. Glancing at the bottom, I see it’s called Poison Apple. How fitting.

I roll my eyes at my bizarre luck, careful not to mess up my mascara. I seriously never noticed the name of the lipstick before, and it just happened to be the one that paired well with my polish. It would seem fate is playing a bit of a joke on me. That or the girl at the beauty counter.

Before I dress, I grab a large glass of wine to drink while I get ready, needing something to take the edge off. When the smooth taste of the white wine is sliding across my tongue, my nerves start to settle a bit. The buttery richness with hints of citrus is just what I need.

Reaching on my vanity, I grab a black glass bottle and spray my neck and shoulders with Tom Ford Black Orchid. I then take extra care to press some on the backs of my wrists, inside my elbow, and behind my ears. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, enjoying the alluring scent of floral and dark spice. My favorite perfume.

If sin were an enchanting scent, it would smell like this, I’m certain of it.

Dressed in black lace undergarments, I decide to wear stockings rather than my normal bare legs. The Queen would approve, but maybe not the garters. I smile to myself as I slowly roll on the silky black nylons. Up one leg, over the knee, and fastening it to my garter belt, before repeating the process. My feet slide into black beaded heels, then step into my body-hugging gown as there’s a knock at the door. Perfect timing.

Answering the door, I see it is in fact Teddy.

I smile as I greet him and step back into the flat. “Looking very dashing in your tux, Teddy Bear.”

“You look beautiful, Scarlett,” he compliments as I stand in front of him holding my hands over my heavily beaded bodice to keep it in place. He follows me in before shutting the door behind himself.

“Care to zip me up?” I ask, turning my exposed back to him and pointing.

He clears his throat.

“Come on. It’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” I poke fun at him. “One of the boys, remember?”

“Sure thing, Scarlett,” he sighs, stepping forward and quickly zipping me up. “Can’t you ever be ready on time?” I know he’s only teasing.

“Where is the fun in that?” I retort.

“Well, you certainly don’t look like one of the boys tonight.” He smiles at me, resting his hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes. “You should be very proud.” My heart swells at his compliment.