that original box of puppies . . . lost in a hard world from the start and wanting a soft place to lay his head but too afraid to risk putting his neck out for fear of getting beaten down.
It makes me angry at his dad. Hell, my mom was nearly a total loss as a human being, but she at least put me somewhere she knew I’d be okay. Scott’s dad actively tries to destroy him. He’s a monster, but what does that say for his children, his creations?
Scott savors his steak and sets his fork down after two bites. “You’re right. My siblings and I are very competitive . . . but I don’t hate them. I love them in some weird way, but after all these years, my father has succeeded. He’s pitted us against each other, especially Chase and me, for so long and in so many ways that we don’t know how to be different. We just butt heads and bare our teeth at one another. And Olivia just watches and does her own thing. They’re my competition as well as my blood. And blood isn’t going to stop me from taking what I know should be mine.”
His words, so passionately delivered, both turn me on and worry me. He craves power, virtually vibrates with it already, and it’s an aphrodisiac. My body yearns to feel it, to feel the intensity of his thrall when he focuses it on me. But I know the dark side of power. And as much as I want to submit and see where Scott leads, I’m scared of the consequences. He’s a lost boy in a man’s body. But I’m sure as fuck no fairy destined to show him the way out of Neverland.
“You know, not everything in life is a competition,” I say, already knowing his answer.
“Not so sure about that,” Scott admits with a small laugh. “Maybe the rules change or a different game is played, but it’s still a competition.”
“What about a couple?” I ask. His answer is important, and I can already feel the weight of it in my chest. It’s a test, an important one.
Scott sets his fork down, looking at me carefully. “Then it’s a partnership. Two against the world, working together as one. But still a competition.”
I hold my posture, even though my spirit sags. “But a competition means there’s a winner and a loser. Why set yourself up that way? To possibly lose?”
“I don’t lose,” Scott insists, his voice hard.
I try again. “Can you at least concede that your way of thinking is warped, shaped by your experiences? Just like everyone’s, mine included. And that maybe, just maybe, life doesn’t have to be ‘you versus them,’ an adversarial match for a win or loss? That there might be a balance where it’s simply good for everyone?”
Scott smiles at me, fire in his eyes, and I can feel that he disagrees. I’m shocked when he finally replies, “And that, my dear, is one of the things that makes you so fucking irresistible. You are . . . good. Down to your core, good. And the mere fact that you can see anything redeeming in me is, quite honestly, a miracle. I want to bask in you, let your light into my soul. But be warned, it’s a dark and dirty place inside me, and as much as you try to make me good, I’ll more likely turn you bad. So bad.”
His words had started sweet, complimentary, and had made me smile. But as his words heat, the smile slips from my lips and I gasp. “I want that. To brighten your days, your spirit, and to be dirty with you. Maybe that’s the balance where it’s good for everyone.”
Scott smiles at me. “Madison, make no mistake. The only winner in that scenario is me.”
Chapter 13
Scott
Daily Horoscope, October 2nd
Scorpio - Passion can inspire. Passion can create. Passion can destroy. Yours could do all three.
I lead Madison off the elevator and into my penthouse. She’s spent most of the evening alternating between relaxing and looking shocked as she takes in the experience. And admittedly, some of the conversation has been eye-opening for me too. Both about her past and about my family. Things I’ve never thought, much less said, seem to click together into a perfectly obvious picture with her.
But now, it’s me who’s a little unsure. I’m not trying to impress her with my money per se, but I am trying to show