Chapter 5 The Devil's Bargain

Rain battered the diner parking lot, neon lights flickering in pools that reflected Scarlett Boone's shaking form. Her auburn hair was plastered to her face, her doe-like eyes flashing with a mix of wrath and panic, the damp diner uniform clinging to her wiry body. At twenty-three, she was a fighter forged in desperation, her little body worn from many shifts, her heart linked to her mother Eleanor's dying life. To Birmingham, she was a nobody, a waitress lost in the city's churn, but to Ivy and the nurses who took her payments, she was a daughter battling insurmountable odds.

Jaxon Creed loomed before her, his wide shoulders cutting through the storm like a sword, his ice-blue eyes piercing through the rain. At thirty-two, he was Birmingham's dark king, his tailored suit soaked but immaculate, his dark hair slicked back, his presence a storm of power and danger. Revered and feared, his money was a fortress, his heart scarred by a lover's betrayal, yet inflamed by Scarlett's fire.

"You're serious?" Scarlett asked, her voice quivering, rain falling from her eyelids, her hands clasped at her sides. "One night with you, and you'll pay for Mama's surgery?"

"Dead serious," Jaxon murmured, his gaze immovable, his voice smooth as velvet despite the storm. "I cover the costs. You give me one night."

"You're vile," she spat, her sneakers slipping on the damp pavement as she stepped back, her heart beating. "I'm not some trinket you can buy!"

He moved closer and murmured, "You're a flame," in a low, personal voice that cut through the hiss of the rain. "And, Scarlett, I want to hold it."

Despite the cold, her cheeks flushed as his words ignited a spark that she detested feeling. With her voice breaking and tears blending with the rain on her cheeks, she whispered, "You don't know me." "You can't just take me over."

"I know enough," he whispered, his fingertips grazing a lock of her damp hair, causing her to shudder for reasons unrelated to the storm. "Your mom has a few days left." I am able to alter that.

With a hoarse voice and eyes that searched his for any sign of mercy, she questioned, "At what cost?" "My honor? My liberty?

"One night," he whispered, his voice a gentle touch, his unwavering gaze fixed on hers. "No trickery, no strings attached. Me and you alone.

"Liar," she snarled, her eyes burning with indignation and her voice quivering. "Once you have me, you won't let go."

Despite her rage, she felt a pleasure as his lips curled into a predator's smile. With his sandalwood aroma blending with the rain and engulfing her in a mist of danger and want, he remarked, "You're learning fast." "Scarlett, say yes."

Her voice broke as she said, "I hate you," tears running down her cheeks and blending with the rain. "You're a monster."

He continued, "Hate me all you want," as his fingertips touched her cheek, causing her breath to catch due to the heat they created. However, say it. Preserve her.

Scarlett thought of Eleanor's pallid face, her mother's weak hand shaking in hers. She was told by the hospital to leave tomorrow or else. The weight of desperation caused Scarlett's resolve to crumble, and her chest tightened. "Yes," she said in a barely discernible whisper, the word shattering her soul. "I'll carry it out."

His eyes briefly softened as he whispered, "Good girl," his voice like a silk chain. "Tonight, tomorrow. My property. Don't force me to come look for you.

Scarlett was left alone in the rain, her heart thumping like an animal trapped in a snare as he turned and vanished into the storm. The area was covered in ragged shadows as the neon sign buzzed overhead. The pictures of the masquerade kiss were in her shaking hands as she fell to her knees, the damp concrete feeling chilly against her skin. Her heart felt like a noose tightening under the weight of her decision.

Ivy was waiting at her flat, her blond curls wet from her own run in the rain. Her emerald eyes were wide with concern as she hurried to Scarlett's side. She grabbed a towel from the couch and said, "Scar, you're completely soaked." "What took place outside?"

With a hollow voice, Scarlett sank onto the drooping couch and whispered, "He offered to save Mama." "For a single evening with him."

Ivy's hands froze on the towel as her jaw fell. "Scar, no," she murmured sharply as she knelt next to her. "This is not possible for you. He poses a threat.

Scarlett murmured, her voice raspy and tears streaming again, "I don't have a choice." "Ivy, Mama is out of time. What else am I able to do?

Ivy gripped Scarlett's hands and murmured, "There's always another way," in a strong voice. "Scar, you are not his pawn. You are more powerful than this.

"Am I?" With her eyes seeking Ivy's for hope she couldn't find and her voice faltering, Scarlett asked. I work as a waitress. He is everything.

With her hands clutching Scarlett's, Ivy softened her tone and continued, "You're everything to your mama." And to me. I promise that we will find a way.

Scarlett gave a nod, but the stranger's eyes followed her around, and his touch was like a fire she couldn't put out. The unrelenting rhythm of the rain beating on the windows reflected her anguish. Eleanor's faint breathing served as a reminder of why she had said yes as she looked at the hospital bed. However, another figure lurked in the shadows of her flat, watching her submit with calculating, cold eyes.

Fear gripped Scarlett as she dragged herself to the diner the following morning. Her head was elsewhere, repeating Jaxon's words, his touch, and the weight of her commitment, as the breakfast rush whirled around her, clattering plates, yelled commands, and the stench of burnt coffee. Her emerald eyes were keen as Ivy grabbed her during a lull. She inquired, leaning on the counter, "Are you okay, Scar?" "You have hardly spoken at all."

As she wiped off a previously spotless table, Scarlett said softly, "I'm scared." "What if I am unable to do this?"

"You can," Ivy stated firmly. You don't have to do it alone, though. I'm present.

With a faint smile, Scarlett's heart warmed with thanks. "Thank you, Ivy," she murmured quietly. "I simply... I have no idea who he is, but he has me in a tight spot.

Ivy grinned fiercely as she continued, "Then we figure him out." "Scarlett Boone is not owned by anyone."

Scarlett nodded, but she was unable to escape the storm that was the night ahead. As midnight drew nearer, the diner's clock moved closer to the unknown and Jaxon's estate.