Chapter 69: Late Conversations

- Molly's POV-

My stomach was tight as concern and fury twisted inside of me. I saw both emotions mirrored on Noah's face as he continuously ran his hand through his hair.
I stepped up next to Scott and put a hand on Noah's arm to remind him that he was not dealing with this alone. It was obvious that Noah cared deeply for Becca, and his protective side that I had witnessed in Paris had popped its head up once more.
"I'm gonna get Becca home and try to figure out what's going on. I'll let you know if I get a name," I promised him.
Noah relaxed slightly, but the side of his jaw kept clenching.
"Good girl," Scott said, drawing attention to him.
His beautiful blue eyes were sparkling with approval. I was still hurt and angry, but I couldn't help enjoying the praise. The sub in me glowed at the Master’s words.
Scott took a step toward me, telling me without words that he had seen how his words affected me. I wanted that so badly... hell, I needed that. But I pulled away almost instinctively. Scott's eyes flashed with pain, but it quickly disappeared as his hands fell away.
"Go, little one," Scott told me. "Take Becca home and make sure she's okay. I'll catch a ride with Noah and meet you there."
Guilt spread through me, but I pushed it down. Becca was more important than whatever the hell Scott and I were going through.
I gave him a nod and hurried to the car, barely even looking back at them.
********
That stupid rat bastard! I snarled in my head as I stared out the window.
Keith had called her names, shamed her, and put his disgusting hands on her. I wanted to beat him down until he was crying like the whiny baby he was.
Everything about Keith reminded me of Jean-Pierre, triggering the same disgust and fury I had felt in Paris. Jean-Pierre was far out of my reach and dealing with his own crap. But Keith was here now, and it didn't look like he would get the same punishment.
Maybe this was karma's way of allowing me to get justice.
Neither man could accept rejection and was spoiled enough to think they had a right to anything they desired. They couldn't comprehend a woman NOT wanting them, so when it happened, it had to be the woman's failing.
"Those bastards think that they're God's gift to the world. Putting a woman down and calling her slut to make themselves feel better," I grumbled as I glared out the window.
"What was that?" Scott asked, reminding me he was there.
I just shook my head. I had promised Becca I wouldn't say anything and let her handle it. It was difficult when I wanted to save her from dealing with the same problem I had with Jean-Pierre.
Becca was a sweetheart and so innocent that I wasn't sure she could handle a man like Keith.
I growled in frustration, feeling helpless. I didn't want to break my promise to Becca, but I was also scared FOR her.
"Are you gonna tell me what's going on? Or are you going to continue to growl at the window?" Scott asked.
I sighed heavily, feeling like I was caught between a rock and a hard place. Scott was not the kind to give up when he wanted an answer. But my promise to Becca was important to me as well. In the end, I knew I only had one choice.
"I can't," I told him honestly. "I promised Becca I'd let her handle it."
Scott grew so silent that it was acutely uncomfortable in the car. I worried that I had upset him by refusing to answer his question. Then I remembered I was supposed to be mad at him, and suddenly I didn't care either way.
"Alright," he suddenly spoke up, making me jump. "I can understand you not wanting to break a promise to your best friend. But is there anything you CAN tell me?"
No! I thought angrily. He was supposed to be mad, so I could stay angry with him. But he had to be kind and understanding.
The jerk!
I forced myself to calm down and not snap at him like a petulant child. "I can say that it would be safer for Becca if she never rode the bus again."
Scott nodded, understanding the underlying meaning in my words. "I think you’re absolutely right. It’d be best if we drove her no matter what. I'll let Noah know so he can help make sure she doesn't give us too much grief."
And so Scott could make him aware of his suspicions. I added when he didn't. I should have felt guilty that I had even hinted at the truth. But the only thing I felt was relief that Scott had agreed.
Then again, I shouldn't have been so surprised. Scott was the one to warn me about Keith, to begin with. For all I knew, he could have been anticipating this moment.
I hated that his support made my heart melt towards him. I could almost forgive him... Almost. I thought to myself as I replayed the humiliation of his silence after my declaration.
"Molly, can we talk?" Scott asked quietly.
"What about?" I asked flippantly.
My god! The man could read my mind, and that certainly was not good. I was determined not to let him see how much I was hurting and upset. Playing dumb seemed like the best course of action.
Scott eased the car to a stop at a red light and gave me a disapproving look.
"Not the smartest move, young lady," Scott replied in a firm tone. "I am trying to discuss this while we have time, AND you're actually talking to me."
His scolding tone and words fanned the simmering anger in my stomach. I twisted on the seat until he could see the glare that I was leveling at him. There was a second of shock on his face, but it melted away quickly as he returned his eyes to the road when the light turned green.
"Is that how it's going to be? You’re just going to stay silent and angry? We need to discuss this, Molly, and that is not helping," Scott continued to scold me.
"No!" I snapped at him. "Don't you DARE put this on me, MASTER.”
Scott stiffened at the sarcastic tone that laced through his title. His lip curled up in a growl, "Molly-"
"You know when the BEST time to discuss this would have been?" I questioned, ignoring his warning. "Right after I had said those words! Or even while I was lying in your bed, waiting for you to come back! But YOU did not do either one of those! So no, I will not discuss this now or at any time in the near future. As far as I'm concerned, you have told me what I needed to know. This discussion is over, and I...am...done."
After my firm declaration, the car went completely silent; even the engine seemed to grow quieter as well.
With a growl, Scott jerked the wheel hard, turning into the nearest parking lot before stopping the car altogether. He undid his seat belt and mine so quickly that I didn't have a chance to protest. Just as quickly, he pulled me close until I was draped across his body.
The heat of Scott's body soaked into mine through our clothes. His arms were unyielding, but they did not hurt. The passion began to burn despite my anger, or maybe because of it. All I could think of was how badly I wanted to rip our clothes off so I could feel the delicious sensations of our skins pressed together once more.
"We've not done yet, little one. Not by a long shot," Scott growled.