Smoke Allergies

Scarlett's POV

It then dawned on me, making me realize too late what I had just called him.

"B-a-s-t-a-r-d," he spelled out the word I used to insult him.

Insulting the IRP Alpha in his presence was like digging one's grave, and mine has already been dug, remaining to be pushed into it and buried.

Fear clouded my face as I regretted saying what I did.

I knew he was staring at me through the mirror, but I refused to look up.

"Bastard," he said again, and I could feel his mood wavering.

This time, I had to look up at him, and saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes, but it vanished just as it came.

Did I bring back painful memories for him?

As I continued looking at him, hoping not to find that expression which hadn't lasted up to three seconds, there was no expression on his face, no emotion in his eyes, and I sighed with relief.

"The brush," he said once more.

Slowly and gently, I placed the brush into his hand.

He took it from me and started brushing my hair, while I held my breath, ho