Scarlett The Devil's Daughter by S J Crabb Read Free Book Online

girls you've worked really hard tonight. We couldn't have
managed without you. You've really earned your money tonight." He
hands us our tips but I notice that Layla waves them away. "I don't
need those Dylan, it was a favour remember. Just say hi to your mom
for me ok." I see Dylan's eyes fill up and she places her hand over
his arm. "Stay strong Dylan, it won't be forever, you'll get
through this." She kisses him on the cheek and then turning to me
says, "Great to meet you Scarlett. I hope that everything works out
for you, Drake's a great guy." To my surprise she hugs me and then
I watch as her face lights up as Marius walks back into the bar.
She races over to him and he slings his arm around her shoulder and
they head off outside. By the time they leave and I turn around
Dylan has gone.
    Drake comes over and pulls me towards him.
"I've missed you tonight Scarlett." Laughing I say, "I haven't been
anywhere." Shrugging he stares into my eyes. "All I have wanted to
do tonight is this." Then he leans down and kisses me so hard that
I feel as if my legs will give way. I savour the feeling of being
in his arms. The thought that I will have to leave at the end of
the Summer is already filling me with dread. Usually I can't wait
to get away, but now I'm not so sure.
    We sit down and just cuddle up side by side
resting after the busy evening. Tentatively I ask him about his
parents. There is something they haven't told me that only came to
light when Layla refused her tips and I want to know what it
is.
    "Drake, I've never asked you about your
parents. Tell me about them." I can feel Drake tense up and
instantly regret asking. I don't like it when people pry into my
life and here I am doing it to him. Quickly I say, "Listen don't
worry I shouldn't have asked." He sighs heavily and takes my hand
in his and squeezes it. "No it's fine Scarlett. A while back my
father was in a hunting accident. He was shot by mistake and nearly
lost his leg." I am horrified. "I'm sorry it must have been
terrible." Drake nods. "It was. Dylan had left school so had to
give up College and just started working here in his place. Mom had
to care for him as he couldn't do anything for himself. She also
used to work here so it meant we were shorthanded. I work when I'm
not at school and between us we manage to keep the place going. The
trouble is his medical expenses are huge and we don't have enough
medical cover, so even though this place takes a lot of money it is
just never enough." Thinking about their situation I say, "How is
he now, I mean will he fully recover?" Drake shakes his head
miserably. "He is in a wheelchair and will never walk again. That
rules him out of coming back here and he is so dependant on my mom
that she can't leave him for a second. It takes it toll on us all
so all Dylan and I can do is to run things here as best we can and
pray for a miracle." I lay my head on his shoulder and feel bad for
them. Drake kisses the top of my head and then changes his tone to
a more light hearted one. "Anyway darlin, you must get off home and
get some sleep. You haven't stopped all night and must be tired."
Despite the fact that I feel exhausted I am reluctant to leave.
However I know that he too needs some sleep so with a heavy heart I
get up to leave. Drake walks me to my bike and then I remember what
prompted me to ask the question in the first place. I take the tips
money out of my pocket and offer it to Drake. "Here take this. I
don't need it and I would like to help even if it's in a small
way." Drake looks angrily at me. "No Scarlett, you earned it and we
pay our way." Sighing I take his hand in mine. "Drake I know that
and I love you for it. However I have all the money I want and more
besides. Please let me help out in just this very small way. It's
not charity just helping out the family of the man I love." As I
say the words his eyes soften and even in the moonlight I can see
the love pouring out of them. He pulls me close to him and I