Chapter 20: Scott's Thoughts

Scott’s POV-

Most of my day had been spent at the club. Not that I actually needed to be there. But it was the only place I could think of that would keep me away from Molly. Unfortunately, the moment I walked into the club, I was assaulted by memories of the night before when Molly was there. The sight of her kneeling at my feet and looking up at me with her beautiful eyes flashing with that amazing, infuriating temper.
My body stiffened, and my pants were so tight I’d wished I had worn sweatpants. My erection would have been even more obvious, but I was the only one there, so it didn’t really matter. At least in sweatpants, I wouldn’t feel like my clothes were trying to cut off circulation to a very important part of my anatomy.
As fast as I could, I hurried back into Eric’s office to check the paperwork. I had every confidence in Esme and Laurent’s ability to make sure that Eric’s books were in order. But the numbers allowed me to concentrate on something other than the sight of Molly’s sexy black lace underwear.
“That does not help,” I snorted to my mind.
Frustrated, I threw myself into the numbers and didn’t look up again until the door to the office opened, and Laurent came strolling in. He did a double-take when he saw me sitting at the desk.
“What are you doing here?” Laurent asked. “Esme and I told you we would handle these two days every week so you could have time off. Go home!”
I held up a cup of coffee and then threw it back like it was the shot of jack that I wished it was.
“I am here because SHE is not,” I told him.
Laurent sat down in front of the desk and gave me a knowing look. “Scott, we have known each other for many years, oui?”
“Yes, for many years,” I agreed.
“I have never known you to run away from anything you wanted. So, do you want Molly?” Laurent questioned.
“I shouldn’t,” I admitted shamefully.
Lauren held up a single finger. “I did not ask you if you should… I asked you if you DID.”
I poured myself another cup of strong, hot coffee and took a sip. That was a difficult yet insanely easy question. Did I want Molly? God, yes. Even now, the thought of her sexy, sweet mouth and soft, inviting skin drove me mad. But her rejection and the situation itself made me shy away. I opened my mouth to answer Laurent when he gave me a stern knowing look.
“Do not lie to your mentor,” Laurent warned me.
“Fuck! Yes, alright. Yes, I want Molly,” I spat out angrily.
“Good! Do you wish to take her? Own her? Give her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams? Protect her, care for her, help her be the best version of herself?” Laurent continued.
“Yes, damn it! Yes, to all of it!” I growled.
“Then stop hiding like une chatte and go get her!” Laurent pushed him.
“She doesn’t want me!” I snapped in frustration.
“Bahhh,” Laurent exclaimed, waving his hands in the air like he was trying to clear the air. “Lies! I saw her eyes. There was so much fire in them that I was almost burned. She has a passion for you too, Scott. Go! Be the master as we taught you. You know what she needs. Give it to her. Before someone less worthy of her fire does.”
“Laurent, you know who she is to me. If the wrong people find out, it could ruin us,” I pointed out.
Laurent leaned forward. “Scott, you come from a wealthy family. You are allowed to have eccentricities. The wealthier you are, the more eccentric you get to be. I heard of a man that has two wives. He spoils them insanely, of course. But no one bats an eye because he has money. Don’t let what ‘ifs’ stop you. Or they will turn into ‘what-could-have-beens’. Those are harder to live with.”
Laurent stared at me for a few moments... trying to make sure the lesson stuck, I assumed. Then Laurent got up and left, letting his words continue to ring in my ears.
I hated that he was right. I had never let anything scare me off before and had always cared even less about what people thought about me. I had always preferred to leave that up to my father.
Suddenly, I didn’t want to be away from Molly any longer. The urge to stay at the club was gone, and a renewed sense of determination welled up in me.
I closed the accounting books and hurried from the club, pretending not to notice the knowing looks that I saw being thrown my way by Laurent and Esme. I knew I would have a ton of questions to dodge the next time I saw them. I was okay with that. I just hoped I would have something to tell them.
When I walked into the house, I was shocked to find it empty of everyone except my father. I poked my head in the door, and when he looked up, I was slightly surprised by the look on his face. He seemed almost relieved it was me.
“Scott, come in, come in. I’m glad you’re here!” Paul said anxiously.
“You seem happy it’s me. Someone you avoiding? Where is everyone?” I asked as I plopped down in the chair across from him.
Paul gave an amused smile. “Your stepmother and Molly are out spending as much money as Paris will allow. I would complain, but at least she’s keeping busy. I love that woman, but she doesn’t understand I can’t work and gossip at the same time.”
I chuckle in understanding. Willimina was wonderful, but she really did love to talk a lot.
“Speaking of gossip, I’m glad you’re here. Something interesting happened, and I want your take on it,” my father changed the subject.
“What’s up?” I asked, giving him my attention.
“What do you know about Jean-Pierre Dupont? I was supposed to have a business meeting with him today, but he showed up early. Apparently, Molly rudely kicked him out. According to him, of course,” Paul explained.
I sat up straight and frowned at my father. “Dupont was here?”
My father gave me a leveled look, obviously catching the disapproving tone in my voice. Of course, he wouldn’t be much of a businessman if he didn’t notice the little things about the people he was talking to.
“Yes. Dupont claims that Molly was irrationally rude. But I can’t imagine Molly being blatantly rude without cause,” Paul replied.
“You’re right. Molly would never be mean to someone without a cause. In this case, Molly has a right to be rude to him. I don’t want to overstep, but he wasn’t exactly one to respect a woman. Thankfully, nothing major happened. But he is definitely not someone we want to be associated with,” I told my father.
My father understood my words immediately and nodded. “Very well. I will call him tomorrow and turn down his business venture. Our business reputation is extremely important, and I will not have it impugned by that sort of man.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Dad. I’ll make everyone feel better knowing we won’t have to see that man again, especially Molly.”
Me, as well. I thought to myself.