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She nods before adding, “Yes.”

I have an urge to caress her and pull her close, but I refrain. If there’s one thing I know about Scarlett, it’s that she can be gun-shy when it comes to human contact, or rather, quite uncomfortable.

We’ve never touched in the five years I’ve known her, at least on purpose. There was that one accidental run-in at the park once, but not sure if that counts, especially since she looked like a deer in headlights after. I itch to do so, especially right now.

“What’s wrong?” My eyes plead with her.

“Nothing,” she says as she glances down at her feet.

I give her a minute just in case she changes her mind, but after a few beats, I realize she’s not going to. “Okay,” I sigh. I’m not going to force her to tell me anything, but I was hoping I was making strides these past few weeks.

“Nothing is wrong.” Words rush out. “Really.” After a moment, she adds in a low voice, “I hate the name Scar.”

“I hate the name Scar, too.”

Her head jerks back. “Really?”

“Yeah. It doesn’t fit you at all,” I say, meaning my words. “But I love your actual name.”

Yes, scarlet means red, and she’s technically classified as a redhead, but it’s more than that. The color red often signifies passion and courage, and she has both to a T.

“You do?” She blinks.

“Yeah, of course. You are my Lettie after all.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Her voice chokes, her words barely a whisper.

“You can ask me anything.” I mean every word.

“Why do you call me that?”

I’ve been calling her Lettie since we first met at Sebastian’s apartment door. The name flew out of my mouth before thinking. I haven’t stopped since. It just suits her in every way.

She’s never asked me why…until now.

“Because one day, I’m really hoping you’ll let me in. Be a part of your hype team.” Honestly, I hope for more than that from her, but I often worry she’ll never be.

“Hype team? I don’t need one of those.”

“Everyone does, but you do especially. You have no idea how amazing you are.”

Chapter Eleven

Calvin

Three words. Ryan fucking Moore.

I just met the guy, but I already want to punch him in the face.

He is all over Scarlett tonight, creeping closer to her and leaning into every conversation with her. He hasn’t laid a finger on her yet, and I’m staying close to ensure he doesn’t.

My eyes connect with Ryan’s for a brief second, and he smirks in return. My hand clenches, and my jaw tightens, but I don’t look away. He returns his full attention to Scarlett, then laughs uproariously at something she says.

However, her arms hug her stiff body, and her eyes are elsewhere but him.

Can’t a guy take a hint?

He inches forward, crowding her space, and she takes a full step back as she tucks a piece of strawberry-blonde hair behind her ear.