Scarlett (The Knights of Fallen County Book 2) Read online

  Scarlett

  By

  Harper Adams

  Copyrighted Material

  Copyright © Harper Adams 2020

  Harper Adams has asserted her rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the Author of this work.

  This book is a work of fiction and except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only

  Scarlett was previously published as part of the Devil’s Children series by S J Crabb

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Social Links

  Ash

  Luna

  The Knights of Fallen County

  An Introduction

  Meet the Knight family.

  Ash, Lucas, Marius, Caleb, Savannah, Ashley and Scarlett.

  All siblings with one thing in common – they hate their father and each other in equal measures.

  Being a Knight is a double-edged sword. On the one hand they have it all.

  Looks, money, power and popularity.

  They are feared and desired and rule the school.

  Then there’s their father.

  Devlin Knight. The one man nobody wants to meet. He is rich, charismatic and devastatingly handsome.

  He lives alone in a mansion on a hill overlooking Fallen County and he sees everything. He owns the town and more beside and yet his real reason for being here is Hell on earth.

  There is no room in his heart for love and that’s just the way he likes it.

  The Knight family are about to discover that life is about to get interesting.

  Prepare to discover a new series and fall in love with the Knights of Fallen County.

  ~1~

  So, this is Bennigan's, my new home from home.

  The bar my father told me I’d be working in this summer. It looks ok and is surprisingly quite smart; however, knowing my father, he has an ulterior motive for getting me this job.

  Not wanting to think about him for a moment more than necessary, I take a deep breath and push open the door.

  Loud music deafens me as I enter the dim interior. Looking around, I can tell it’s popular; the noise levels alone indicate that. Also, the fact it’s so busy on a Monday speaks volumes.

  As I venture in further, I see that the clientele leaves a lot to be desired. Groups of men are congregated around large screens watching the game, shouting and cheering as their team scores. Despite the early hour, they are knocking back the beers and my heart sinks.

  Keeping my eyes down, I head toward the bar. As I reach it, I look up and my breath hitches. Two gorgeous brown eyes are staring at me, belonging to a guy about my age. He has dark brown hair that’s messy and longer than most and has a wild look about him. His black t-shirt clings to a hard body showing he likes to keep in shape, and I shiver. He has the most awesome biceps that are decorated with intricate tattoos, which instantly gets my attention. My father’s not a fan of tattoos, which makes me like them even more.

  Swallowing hard, I try to focus and re-set the frozen mask of indifference on my face.

  He appears to be watching me with amusement, which instantly gets my back up. He is probably used to favorable reactions from women given the fact that he’s obviously not human; I mean perfection like that doesn't exist in the real world, well, at least not in mine.

  His eyes flash mischievously and he smiles. "What can I get you, darlin’?"

  Feeling cross with myself, I try to get a grip and just nod.

  "Nothing. My name’s Scarlett Knight and I’m here about the job my father arranged; you may be expecting me."

  Looking interested, he nods and shouts, "Dylan, new recruits here."

  Looking over, I see another man further down the bar. He looks slightly older, but I can tell they are related. Brothers perhaps?

  Dylan heads across and smiles, and I love the way his eyes sparkle. "Pleased to meet you. Scarlett, isn't it? I'm Dylan and this is my baby brother, Drake."

  Flashing them a brief smile, I nod.

  "Hi."

  I feel awkward as they both openly stare. I may not be the prettiest girl around, but I know I can hold my own. My sisters choose to make the most of their assets, but I prefer to dress down and blend into the background. Unlike them, I don't like to draw attention to myself and just aim to get by as best I can by occupying the shadows. When you come from a family like mine, that’s actually quite a difficult thing to do, and I pride myself on my privacy and ability to get by unnoticed.

  Dylan looks at me with interest. "You’re nothing like I thought you'd be."

  I snap irritably, "What were you expecting, some sort of busty Hooter’s blonde or something?"

  The brothers laugh out loud and Drake says, "She knows you so well already, bro. You'll have to watch her or your secrets won't be secrets anymore."

  Dylan grins. "Follow me, Scarlett, I'll grab you a shirt and show you how it works around here."

  As I follow him, I feel Drake's eyes burning into my back. There’s something about him I can't quite work out. I soon will though, let's just say it's a family trait. All of my family have the ability to discover everything about a person just by touching them. We know what they like and don't like and what their fears are. Kind of handy in some ways, and I look forward to using this particular power on him.

  Dylan hands me a similar black shirt to the one they are wearing, and I quickly pull it over my top. He looks at me appreciatively, which makes me scowl.

  He winks and says with amusement, "Come on, darlin’, I'll show you around and then you can start by clearing tables. Maybe tomorrow you can progress on to the next level of your training."

  Raising my eyes, I look at him with a blank expression. "Which is?"

  He winks and his eyes flash mischievously before he says, "Taking orders."

  I soon set to work clearing the tables. It’s not the most interesting thing I’ve ever done, but at least it gives me something to do.

  To be honest, I’ve been dreading this summer. I live with my mom in Rivercreek Falls for most of the time. My parents split up when I was very young and I don't see my father much, which is actually a really good thing as I hate him with a passion. There’s no love there at all, and I can't even begin to imagine what my mom ever saw in him.

  Unfortunately, I have to spend all of my holidays with him and his many other children. It appears he’s had many women along the way, and I have two sisters and four brothers.

  The only ones that share the same mother are the twins, Ashley and Savannah and just thinking about my sisters makes me want to hurl. They are the complete opposite of me and everything I despise. My brothers aren't much better and I avoid them as much as I can, which is actually quite easy because
they appear to hate me too.

  Thinking about it, this job is a godsend because it keeps me away from the lot of them.

  As I work, I keep on catching sight of Drake. There is something about him that intrigues me. Occasionally I catch his eye and almost melt inside when he smiles or winks at me. Not that I would ever let him see the effect he has on me. No, I’m a master of the guarded expression. Because of it, most people think of me as difficult and surly.

  I have a very small group of friends back home, which suits me fine. I know it could be so different, in fact, I could rule the school if I wanted to as girls are scared of me and the boys just want to be with me. Well, I'm not interested in any of it and all I want is to fade into the shadows and forget who I am and where I come from.

  By the end of my first shift, my feet ache and I’m exhausted. Not from the physical work, no, that doesn't bother me. I’m just exhausted at fending off the advances and gropes of the customers who obviously think they have permission to use all the facilities - even the staff.

  It's not just me; I watch the girls flirting with Drake and Dylan and see them slide their numbers across the bar toward them. I watch it all in disgust. Some people have no pride, and I hope I’ll never be one of them.

  What annoys me the most is the prickle of jealousy I feel when Drake smiles at, or chats to one of the girls. My feelings surprise me because I’m not usually the sort to obsess over a guy. Feeling annoyed at myself, I resolve to get a grip.

  As we finish up Dylan shouts over, "Great job, Scarlett, you're a good worker, same time tomorrow?"

  I nod in agreement, my expression blank.

  As I grab my stuff, Drake says, "Do you need a ride, darlin’?"

  I stare at him in surprise and he seems almost embarrassed. "Look, I don't want you walking home by yourself at night, especially with some of our customers still hanging around."

  I throw him a brief smile. "Thanks, but I have a ride."

  As if on cue, I hear the sound of a motorbike outside and nod toward the door.

  "I expect that's it, see you tomorrow."

  As I turn to leave, I see the disappointment on his face before he nods. "See you tomorrow."

  As I close the door behind me, I realize how much I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

  ~2~

  I see one of my brothers waiting for me on his motorbike and shudder inside. Caleb is my least favorite and it’s just my luck he was sent to pick me up. He looks annoyed and shouts, "Get a move on, I've got a hot date tonight and the last thing I want is to run around after you."

  Biting back my reply, I slide behind him on the bike because I learned at a very young age not to antagonize him. He lives with my father full-time with my other brother Marius. They absolutely hate it when we come to stay and make no secret of it. They spend most of their lives creating trouble and are feared throughout the town, which doesn't surprise me given the person they live with.

  Luckily, it isn't far, and he drops me home before roaring off into the darkness and I pity the poor girl that has to deal with him tonight.

  I try to slip unnoticed into the house because all I want is to go to my room and hide. I can hear the television blaring out from the den and turn toward the stairs. Before I can make it, I hear a voice and as I look, see my father's latest girlfriend coming out of the kitchen talking on her phone. She sees me and says brightly, "Got to go, babe, talk soon."

  Smiling sweetly, she says lightly, "Hiya, honey, have you had a good time?"

  Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I smile politely. "I started a new job today, Luna, fun didn't really come into it."

  She looks surprised. "Why on earth are you working, honey? Surely, you've come here to relax for the summer, not work away in some god-awful place."

  Shrugging, I look at her blankly. "Ask my father he arranged it."

  She looks surprised. "What's he like? I mean, it's not as if you need the money, is it? No, you should be with Ashley and Savannah enjoying his membership at the country club. They’ve had quite a day there, what with tennis, lunch and treatments in the spa. Let me have a word with him, honey. I'll sort it out, don't you worry."

  I know she means well, but quite honestly; I would prefer to work all day and night rather than go anywhere with them and especially to a country club.

  Grabbing hold of my arm, she pulls me along to the kitchen. "Let me make you something to eat, honey. You must be starving."

  Thinking about it, I do feel quite hungry, so decide to follow her.

  She chatters on about nothing and I tune out. Looney Luna, I call her, a vapid bottle blonde with the figure of a Victoria Secrets model. Just my father's type. Although I shouldn’t, I do quite like her because she means well and has a big heart. My sisters get on well with her as she’s into all the things they are. In fact, she isn't much older than us and once again I despise my father for his desire for younger girls.

  Luna makes me a sandwich, which is surprisingly good. As I finish up, she hears someone coming and heads off to see who it is. Then I hear her squeal excitedly and my heart sinks; it must be my father. Quickly, I grab some leftovers and sprint to the stairs before he can prise her face from his, because the last thing I want is a conversation with him.

  Luckily, I make it to my room and kicking the door shut, lock it quickly.

  Finally, I can relax.

  Dumping my bag on the floor, I jump on my bed with the leftovers and press the remote for the TV, fully intending on staying here until I have to leave for my shift tomorrow.

  As prisons go, it's not so bad. My father is certainly loaded and doesn't hold back when it comes to the material things in life. We live in the largest house in town that he had purposefully built, with all the latest things. Each of us has our own room equipped with everything we could ever want. In fact, all my life I’ve had whatever I wanted – material wise that is. When it comes to my emotional well-being - well, the jury's out on that one.

  My mother’s no better and is wrapped up in her new boyfriend and their life together, and I just get in the way.

  I’ve never been part of a loving family, which is probably why I prefer my own company.

  For some reason I think of Drake. There is something about him that interests me, and I'm not just thinking about how hot he is. No there's more to him than that, it's as if he’s vital to me in some way but I don’t know why.

  I hear people talking outside and recognize my sister’s voices. Despite what Luna told me about their day, I know my father only too well and their day at the spa was probably arranged for an ulterior purpose. That’s what we do when we’re here, our father’s dirty work.

  Grateful for my own room at least, I just settle down and watch a movie and try to forget what’s outside that door, grateful that I can at least escape in the morning and not spend any more time here than I have to.

  ~3~

  As I sit behind my brother Ash on his motorbike, I’m looking forward to the day ahead. I managed to stay safe in my room all night and just grabbed some cereal from the kitchen when it was empty this morning. I’d intended on making my own way here, but Luna caught me when I was leaving and called Ash to give me a lift.

  I don't mind him as he keeps himself to himself like me. We hardly ever speak, and I notice he just does what he’s told. Come to think of it, considering they're my family, I know very little about them.

  Once his duty is done, he heads off at speed, probably on some other mission for my father, and a strange feeling of excitement grips me as I walk up the steps to the bar.

  The television is once again showing some game or another and there is loud music playing, filling the bar with loud angry tunes. I see Dylan clearing tables and he smiles as he sees me coming. "Hey, Scarlett, good to see you; you came back for more then."

  I flash him the briefest of smiles and he grins. "One day I'll see the full force of that smile of yours if it kills me. I know it's in there somewhere."

  I shrug and l
ook around. "Drake's in the kitchen if you're looking for him," he says cheekily.

  I blush as I realize he’s right and snap, "In his dreams. No, I was just wondering if we were moving to phase two of my training."

  Grinning, he comes over and hands me a notepad and pen from his pocket. "Here you go, phase two complete."

  "Is that it? Your training sucks."

  Laughing, he moves away and says over his shoulder, "Well, it ain’t rocket science, darlin’."

  Despite how annoying he is, I like Dylan a lot. He’s easy going and friendly, in fact, the complete opposite to my family. I wish my brothers were like him and Drake instead of the beasts I have to put up with.

  I put my rucksack away and head back to the bar and start to clear the tables. As I work, I make sure to keep an eye out for anyone who may want to order something.

  It must be fifteen minutes later I sense that Drake has entered the room. It's as if we’re connected and I can feel where he is before I even see him. Looking up, I catch him watching me and rather than look away, he smiles. "Hi, Scarlett."

  I just nod and carry on but I’m aware of every move he makes and almost can't concentrate when he’s around.

  Trying to ignore the effect he has on me; I throw myself into my work and before long, Drake shouts. "Hey, Scarlett, why don't you take a break? You can grab something to eat in the kitchen if you like. Mac will sort you out."

  I smile gratefully and head off to the kitchen to find him. Mac is the chef, for want of a better word, and soon fixes me up with a burger and fries.

  As I sit eating, I watch him work. He doesn't say much which suits me fine but I enjoy seeing him working; it's quite nice to have some company for a change.

  As I grab a coke, Dylan comes in and flashes me a grin. "It's getting busy out there, looks like we're in for a good night."