Sweetest Deception

Mine Until She Belongs

Chapter 8

Scarlet slammed her bedroom door shut.

Her heart was still racing as she slid to the ground.

She touched her cheek where his tongue had traced her tears.

"What the h*ll was that…" she whispered.

Firm and yet soft, his lips felt...

She groaned audibly.

What was she thinking?

"He is your friend, Scarlet!! Your best friend! " She cautioned herself aloud.

Even though he told her he won't be her friend anymore.

"Let me be your man! And you my woman" He had said.

It was just so...

Impossible.

She closed her eyes, resting her head against the door as a memory began to surface.

"Come on Alex!!! You would love the new spot!" She called, noticing his slow steps.

His smile was contagious.

He increased his steps, catching up in no time.

Finally Teenage scarlet stopped and with a loud voice and smiling face, called.

"Tada!!"

Alex looks up at the large tree. It was beautiful and with the low grasses around it, littered a bit by the fallen red flowers from the tree, it really was the perfect spot for a quiet time. And a good place to watch the sunset. It was perfect.

Scarlet watches him spread his jacket on the grass and once he's settled, pat the space next to him so she can do the same.

A naughty idea pops up and she brightens. Instead of sitting next to him, she jumped on him, catching him off guard as they both fell back. She took the chance to sit on his stomach so he wouldn't get up, before grabbing a handful of dry grass.

"No no no" He called, catching her intention.

She pouts innocently before attacking his hair.

Finally done with her assault, she looks at the result with a proud gaze. Like his ruffled hair with grasses sticking out was a 'one of a kind' masterpiece.

Pasting an innocent smile back on her face, she got off him and settled properly.

“What was that for? “ He called, clearly amused.

She shrugged. Watching him straightened up.

“My hands were itching for some action” she answered. Cracking when he said something in Spanish.

“If you just called me ugly, you are blind. “ She teased, suddenly feeling sorry as she watched him try to take the grasses out.

He paused and stared at her before shaking his head.

“What? Wait what did you say?” She asked. Now curious.

“I said sometimes I wish we were a couple but you don't want me so forget it. I just hope those a*sholes realise what they have” He said and Scarlet frowned.

“Alex you know we can't…

“Really. I mean it Scarlet. No pressure, it's… fine “ He interrupted.

His phone rang and he looked relieved. He picked it instantly and got to his feet.

“Oh yes! Give me a few. “ He said and turned to her when the call ended.

“This spot is the best and is just as beautiful as you are but I really need to go. I’ll call you when I get home.” He rushed and without a second word, turned and left.

Had I made him what he is now?

Did my Alejandro change because of me?

Does he think I hate him?

Scarlet wiped away a stray tear but it only brought more down her cheeks.

She hiccups as bottled sobs came bubbling out and she let it all out.

“I am so sorry Alex! I love you Alex but I can't… we can't!! It changes everything. It will turn to a total disaster and i can't…

I can't… “ She yelled, banging her fisted hand on the floor.

Her chest felt so full, she felt like she would go mad and she let it all out. Crying as loud as she could.

She let the tears fall, hoping it soothes her broken heart.

“I'm sorry Alex but I can't. For your sake. For our sake. We can't fight. I won't…”

Weak and exhausted, she fell on the floor and dozed off. Still muttering.

“Am sorry.”

***********

******

“And what do you think that would end? “ Fiona yelled, staring at her son incredulously.

“Mother…

“Spare me Alejandro!! ¿Has perdido la cabeza, hijo? ¡El amor no aprisiona! (Have you lost your mind, son? Love doesn't cage.)”

Alejandro stared at his mother, unmoved. His phone pinged. He grabbed it, checking the new message and he smiled.

“She's your friend!” His mother tried again.

“She is” He agreed, to his mother's surprise.

Hopeful, the woman pressed on.

“Then why do you…

“Mother! I love you so much and I know Scarlet is your beloved daughter but she was also my best friend for years.

I had to watch her… “

He swallowed the rest of his words and took a deep breath before proceeding.

“She's mine and I had let her go before but I won't be doing that any more. Since you wanted me to get married so much… why not support me here and if you're worried she'll get hurt… I can guarantee her safety. She's my woman so it's my responsibility. “

“Pero, hijo ella… (but son she… ) “

“¡Suficiente, madre!

Sabes cuánto intenté olvidar mis sentimientos y verla solo como una amiga.

Sabes que fracasé. Después de todo, nada se escapa de tus ojos agudos.

¿Sabes por qué mi novia me dejó?

Llamé a Scarlet en lugar de a mi propia novia.

Cuatro años de terrible entrenamiento y aun así todo en lo que podía pensar era en ella…

Madre…

Creo que estoy condenado a verla solo a ella. A conocer solo a ella.

(Enough mother!!

You know how much I tried to forget my feelings and see her as just a friend.

You know I failed. After all, nothing ever gets past your sharp eyes.

Do you know why my bride left?

I called Scarlet instead of my own bride.

Four years of terrible training and still all I could think of…)”

Fiona stared at her son in silence.

It's been a long time since she saw her son, looking so vulnerable. He was always composed. She couldn't imagine what he was passing through but keeping the girl locked close still seems too extreme.

“Mother...I think I am cursed to only see her. To only know her…

Seeing her again was a dream but a nightmare too.

Mother if she leaves now...

I am done for. It's finished. She's mine and she needs to know that. I'll make her see that fighting can grow bonds and arguments don't always end with separation.”

With a single move, he got on his feet and walked to place a kiss on his mom's forehead.

Turning away. He headed for the exit.

“Everyday I see your father in you. Please think this over. Communication is better than force son! I see your…

Alejandro froze. His hand dropped from the door handle before he turned to face his mother.

Fiona flinched when he turned.

His face has gone impassive. Scary.

If he were not her son, she would have run as far as her legs could go.

“How about you speak to her then and as for my father… That simply means, I am no bastard right? But you're wrong for once mother. I am not him. I am a better version and a worse version all the same.”

“She's my daughter…

“You're my mother and I love you but if you mention anything on this topic after today mother, I might have to keep you away. Perhaps if you can't see her, you'll stay calm”

Fiona clenched her fists. Her red face against his calm and collected own.

“Is that a threat son?”

“I love you mother. Perhaps you can try to talk to her. Ask why she thinks commitment is a crime. Why can't she see me as her man? Maybe you can give her motherly advice when she gives you the silly excuses she always has.

But, don't meddle in my business. Again, you have my word. I will never hurt her.”

Fiona watched the door closed behind him and she stood there for a while.

After a long silence, she shook her head, with a smile.

Kids!!

Of course she understands both sides and as much as she was glad that Alejandro wanted Scarlet, she still didn't want her baby girl trapped.

What if she hates him?

She thought. Shaking her head again, she heads to the bathroom, suddenly craving a warm soak