The Resilient Lady Collins

Chapter 91: Bet (3)

Scarlet thought that Ian was being kind with his words because he liked her. Still, other than her parents, it was nice to hear from someone else that the problem of her not having a child was not all her fault.

All the blame had been placed on her because of a time when Jack had shed tears when speaking of their divorce. To see a man of his status so vulnerable as he spoke of a child, who would place blame on him?

Most already refused to believe that men were part of the reason why a woman might not be pregnant no matter how hard she tried in the process.

She was the cruel woman who was said to not understand that money was not all anyone wanted and she had not thought about how much Jack wanted a child. No one stopped to question if she was ever disappointed that she didn’t have one.

Regardless of how anyone viewed her, Scarlet was a wife at one point and the thought of children had crossed her mind many times. Yet the town wanted to think that all she cared for were her businesses.

Scarlet didn’t care what the town thought but it still was too much for her to take in at once that she couldn’t have children or that it was fitting that she didn’t have any because she didn’t know how to love someone.

"Scarlet?" Ian called to her, palming her cheek. He could take a beating later but right now, Scarlet seemed in need of someone’s touch.

He could be mistaken but it looked like something was troubling her again and this time, it might not have anything to do with him.

Ian took it a step further by closing the space between them and moving his right hand from her cheek to her back to press her forward toward him so her head rested on his chest. "What troubles you now? I am sorry if what I said upset you. I won’t offer myself to you anymore even as a joke."

"You did nothing wrong and I was the one to bring up children," Scarlet replied, not wanting Ian to blame himself for her foul mood now.

Scarlet was surprised that she was allowing Ian to hug her where the servants working today could see them. It was surprisingly comforting to be like they were now.

Scarlet couldn’t think of the last time she was embraced by someone. Her parents’ arms were always wide open whenever she needed to be cheered up but she didn’t want to worry them so she hid when she needed a hug.

She appreciated that Ian was satisfied with her answers and didn’t ask her to explain further what was troubling her. The painter had to be here by now to set up and Ian’s portrait should not capture him still concerned for her.

"Are you still because you don’t know how to get out of me hugging you?" Ian asked.

This was the longest that Scarlet had let him touch her and while he enjoyed it, he knew it was time she would want it to stop.

"No. I was enjoying being held by someone. Thank you," Scarlet thanked him. "When you are serious, your touch isn’t so bad."

"I have been serious all those other times. I only teased you to lighten the mood. Starting now I will offer you something else. When you need a hug, come to me and I will hold you without asking any questions. I only ask that you don’t keep to yourself at moments like this," said Ian.

Scarlet smiled as Ian was quite the sweet talker.

"I will be angry if I am not around and you let another man hold you like this. I’ve not mastered controlling my jealousy to not push away that man and take his place," he added.

Scarlet looked up at Ian, not surprised he was peering down at her. "What man? I have one man in my life and it is my own foolish doing," she replied, referring to their contract. "We must go-"

Scarlet was interrupted by Ian’s thumb on her lips like he was trying to wipe away some kind of smudge.

"I hope your artist is talented enough to show these pretty lips- Fuck!" Ian groaned, hunching over because of the pain in his side. He didn’t think it was on purpose but as she pushed him away, she ended up hitting his side. "Fucking hell. Why do you hit harder than some of the men working for me?"

Scarlet panicked as Ian continued to groan. It wasn’t her intention to hurt him. She was only trying to get away from him as his attention on her lips brought up the memory of how her dream ended. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Should I get a doctor? Let me see."

Ian turned his back to Scarlet to reveal the smile that he could no longer hold back. He was in a lot of pain but he still enjoyed listening to Scarlet worry for him. Contrary to what he thought when told to come to have a portrait done, this day was one to remember.

Not only had he held Scarlet but now she was concerned for him.

"Ian. Ian?" Scarlet called, taking her hand from his side as she no longer believed the act. "I hate you."

Scarlet left his side to return to the room where he was to have his portrait done. "As soon as the portraits are done, get off my estate or you shall find out what happens to the people who trespass."

"I am in pain," Ian said, massaging the still-aching spot and then following Scarlet. "I thought we were to walk side by side? It was your request."

Scarlet ignored his words and continued walking ahead of him. She didn’t care if he had the perfect view of her body. Looking was all he was going to ever do. Thanks to Ian, she would be in an awkward place with Florence.

’Is it my fault for telling him to come today? Why didn’t I send the painter to his home?’ Scarlet wondered. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

Scarlet looked to her right at Ian suddenly standing beside her and holding her hand.

"We have a part to play," Ian said just as they entered the room.

The painter was already setting up his paint and canvases with the help of maids.

"Lady Collins. It’s a pleasure to be working with your family again," the painter Quinton Yearwood greeted, holding out his hand for Scarlet to shake.

Scarlet shook his hand with her hand that wasn’t held captive by Ian. "Your work is always perfect. Today it is Ian here who will be having his portrait done. He acts like a big child so please bear with him. I am going to sit."

Ian didn’t let go of Scarlet’s hand so she wouldn’t leave his side. "We are also having a portrait of us done. That one will be first. Isn’t that right, Scarlet?"

Should he not have the portrait he wanted done first, it might not happen though Scarlet had agreed to it.

"Right," Scarlet muttered.