Chapter 8

• Scarlet
• “What’s wrong?” Dante asked after I took his hand when he was about to get out of the vehicle with me after Jonas opened the door. I tingle when my nose hits that captivating and evocative aroma of a rum spice, making me feel warm and cozy. Its aroma melds with the sweet, slightly intoxicating notes of dark, aged rum, creating a rich and complex fragrance. Shit! I never smelled something like this before. It evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, uplifts my spirit, induces relaxation, and creates an inviting, enveloping atmosphere that makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a cozy, fire-lit room. What’s that smell? Where does it come from? “Scarlet?”
• I was startled and didn’t notice that I was holding Dante’s hand too tight. “Nothing, it’s just, did you smell that?” He looked at me with narrow eyes and furrowed brows before I saw his jaw tighten as if he was on the brink of anger. But that was only for a moment I thought it was only my imagination because he smiled at me and replied,