Scarlett Woods assumed her life would always be dismal, drab, and unwelcome. She was lonely and silent, haunted by the painful recollections of her terrible past. But she had no idea there was a guy out there. A guy who was smitten by the rain Xavier Thorn is every woman's fantasy and every man's nightmare. CEO, billionaire. He has everything, yet he is nothing. When he compares himself to his name, he sees his existence as unpleasant and unwelcome as a thorn. He had no idea that roses required their thorns to defend them. And one day, he discovered his rose. He also pledged to be her thorn. He would defend her even if it meant putting his damaged heart in danger. What happens when a beautiful, lonely girl meets a dark, strong man? Will a lethal Thorn be able to defend something as fragile as Scarlett? Will Scarlett be able to surrender whatever remains of her broken heart to Xavier? Will they put everything on the line or let it go? Follow Scarlett and Xavier as they go on a journey filled with stunning revelations, painful pasts, betrayals, and grief, only to discover that love awaits those who persevere long enough to attain it.
Chapter 1 No Sugar, Black
"Anyone who claims sunlight makes people happy has never danced in the rain."
The brown-eyed girl giggled as she read this phrase, browsing through her feed while chewing on her cocoa pebbles in the morning. She'd just gotten out of bed and showered, preparing to work. But this statement made her giggle, not because the remark was nice or motivating, but because it was a lie.
"Who could like rain?" She murmured this as she shook her head, her laughter fading. She laid the empty dish of cereal down after finishing the chocolaty milk. She grabbed her luggage and exited the flat, repeating something that ran through her mind all the while.
"Who could fall in love with Scarlett?"
* * *
Today was a leisurely and well-attended day at the coffee shop. Cathy's Cakes & Coffee was in a great New York City site, surrounded by numerous large enterprises and office buildings. On weekdays, the café was so crowded that there was a lengthy queue of hurried workers eager for a cup of the finest coffee in the neighborhood. On weekends, though, the café was as desolate as a desert. This was, in reality, the whole financial district of this metropolis. On weekends, people try to avoid work stress as much as possible. Instead, they spend their time traveling downtown or hanging out in the city.
Scarlett was clearing up the tables in the café and wiping the sticky floor from yesterday's coffee spills. She dipped the mob in soapy water and traced it around the floor, forming patterns while gently singing.
Scarlett had just started working at Cathy's Cakes & Coffee. Though working as a server at a small coffee shop was not her ideal job, her alternatives were limited, and she needed money.
Today was a calm and peaceful day. Mike, the register operator, was counting and sorting the cash register. Mike was a blond with brilliant green eyes who had just graduated from a community college. He had always intended to attend university and pursue a career as a business major, but although dreaming was free, following through on those aspirations was not. Universities are expensive, and Mike lacked the necessary funds. Despite the hurdles, he remained determined to achieve his goals. And to do so, he worked two jobs: the café during the day and as a server at a fine dining restaurant at night.
How many times will you count the money, Mikey?" Scarlett mocked, seeing that this was his third time going through the cash register.
"Is there anything more you want me to do?" Mike replied with a bored grimace on his face.
"Daisy is probably inside baking her famous Spiced Pumpkin Cookies. She could always use an extra pair of hands." Scarlett grinned as Mike's face lit up at the mention of Daisy's name. She is the cafe's baker and is in charge of the kitchen. Daisy is the mother of Cathy, the proprietor of Cathy's Cakes & Coffee.
Cathy opened the coffee business ten years ago when the surrounding neighborhood was nothing more than a building site. However, as time passed, the region became more industrialized, and it was now home to several top corporations worth billions of dollars. Unfortunately, Cathy's health was deteriorating, and she was forced to leave the café. Instead of selling it to the highest bidder, she gave it to Daisy, who was obsessed with baking. Daisy joined the café two months ago when Cathy eventually stepped down, and her baking abilities have helped the business become even more popular.
Mike anxiously stroked the back of his skull. "I suppose I can go assist her. Could you please manage the register while I'm in the back? In any case, I doubt anybody will come here. This town is usually deserted on weekends, particularly on Sundays." With hope in his eyes, he inquired. Daisy had grabbed his attention the moment she stepped into the diner as their new supervisor two months ago.
"Don't be concerned. I have your back. I'll take care of it." Scarlett responded with a real grin. She was never weary of assisting others.
"Thank you, Scarlett." Mike flashed her a kind grin before leaving behind the cafe's rear doors. Scarlett shook her head and resumed cleaning the tables and arranging the spoons, stir sticks, and paper napkins on the counter next to the order line. She was singing to herself when a blast of wind swept into the café, and the doorbell sounded.
Scarlett hurriedly completed putting the paper napkins into the dispenser and was heading back behind the bar when her foot slipped on the recently swept floor and fell to the ground.
Scarlett closed her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the impact of the tiled floor. However, the cool surface of the still damp floor did not strike her body. Instead, she was pulled up in the middle and felt a set of muscular arms wrap around her little waist. Scarlett slowly opened her eyes, unaware that what she saw would steal her breath away.
Her eyes opened to face the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. The eyes were as blue as a summer sky and deep as the ocean. They returned her gaze with interest as if looking for answers to his millions of unspoken inquiries.
Her gaze was drawn to the possessor of those beautiful eyes. Those alluring eyes belonged to an even more alluring guy. She observes his dark brown hair, which was pushed back with gel and appeared as light as a feather. His piercing blue eyes and his brows pulled together in perplexity. His lips were rosy and velvety, enticing her in. He was tall and powerful, his arms around her waist. Saving her, nearly saving her from falling.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Scarlett straightened up and took a step back, away from the frightening but intriguing guy.
"I-I...I..." Scarlett faltered, her face heated with pink tints on her cheeks, unable to articulate words.
"Are you all right?" The blue-eyed guy inquired, his voice concerned. He examined Scarlett, looking for injuries or symptoms of discomfort. His gaze returned to Scarlett's brown eyes, waiting for her to reply, but she was at a loss for words. Scarlett was lost in the depths of his gaze. She was struck by how well-dressed the guy was. The ideal black suit, paired with a white shirt and blue tie. His outfit accentuated his eyes, highlighting them as they shone on his face.
"Um....yeah, I'm sorry about that." The guy fixed his gaze on her while she talked quietly and thoughtfully. The guy seemed scary, and the last thing Scarlett wanted to do was add to her problems. She already had plenty to worry about, and an angry young guy would make everything worse.
"Don't be concerned." A grin appeared on the enigmatic man's face for the first time. Scarlett felt the temperature in the café abruptly rise as heat streamed to her cheeks.
Scarlett went behind the counter, leaving the guy by his side who had his gaze fixed on her the whole time, realizing he was nothing more than a client. "U-uh....can I assist you?"
Chapter 1 No Sugar, Black
11/07/2022
Chapter 2 No Sugar, Black Contd
11/07/2022
Chapter 3 Pistachio Rose Latte
11/07/2022
Chapter 4 Pistachio Rose Latte Contd
11/07/2022
Chapter 5 Thorns and Roses
11/07/2022
Chapter 6 Thorns and Roses Contd
11/07/2022
Chapter 7 Berry Blue
11/07/2022
Chapter 8 Berry Blue Contd
11/07/2022
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