THE DEVIL HERSELF
Chapter 38

The night after the mission in San Giacomo, the Scarlet Scorpion EVO X Clan gathered in the common area of their compound. The room buzzed with chatter as they unwound from the intensity of their recent mission. Scarlet had assigned the night as a time for them to relax and bond, knowing they needed to recharge before their next move against Smith.

Diego, Dracula, Rachel, Arizona, Lucky, Lucas, Lotus, Vincento, Ryder, Piper, Alec, Lars, Janet, Sandra, and Tyler filled the room, their voices blending in a chorus of camaraderie and teasing.

"Arizona, you're blushing!" Rachel teased, nudging Arizona with her elbow. "Is it because Bingo's here?"

Arizona rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, shut up, Rachel. Bingo's just a friend."

Lucky grinned, leaning back in his chair. "A friend you seem to have a lot of interest in, huh? We all saw how you were watching him during the mission."

"You're all ridiculous," Arizona laughed, shaking her head. "Bingo and I are just comrades. Nothing more."

"Sure, sure," Vincento chimed in, smirking. "We believe you. It's just that you've never blushed like that around any of us."

Sandra, sipping her drink, joined in. "I think it's cute. Bingo's a good guy, and Arizona deserves someone like him."

Bingo, who had been talking to Vera and a few other clan members across the room, caught Arizona's eye and gave her a small wave. Arizona's cheeks flushed deeper, eliciting a round of good-natured laughter from her comrades. "See? There it is again!" Ryder pointed out, chuckling. "That blush."

Arizona threw a napkin at him. "You're all terrible. Can we change the subject now?"

Dracula, sitting in the corner with a brooding expression, glanced over at Diego, who was watching Scarlet intently. Scarlet had been pacing, clearly lost in thought, and now she was heading towards the exit. Diego stood up, intent on following her.

Before he could take a step, Dracula's voice cut through the noise. "Stay where you are, Diego."

Diego turned to face him, frowning. "Why should I?"

"Because you have no right to follow her," Dracula said, standing and walking over to Diego. "I'm the only one who can be around her. I love her, and she needs space right now."

Diego's jaw tightened, but he held his tongue. He could feel the eyes of the entire room on them, the atmosphere tense with unspoken words. He wanted to argue, to claim his own feelings for Scarlet, but he knew now wasn't the time. In his heart, he cursed Dracula. "You don't own her," he thought. "I love her too, and I'll do whatever it takes to be with her."

Dracula seemed to sense Diego's thoughts and stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "Stay away from her, Diego. That's not a warning; it's an order."

Diego didn't respond, but his eyes burned with defiance. He nodded curtly and sat back down, his fists clenching at his sides.

To break the tension, Janet clapped her hands. "Alright, enough of this drama. Let's lighten the mood. Who's up for a game?"

Tyler, always eager for some fun, jumped in. "How about we play 'Never Have I Ever'? Always a good way to get to know each other better."

"Great idea," Alec agreed, grabbing a few more drinks for the group. "Let's get started."

They all gathered in a circle, each holding a drink. Alec started, a mischievous grin on his face. "Never have I ever... kissed someone in this room."

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A few people drank, and the group laughed, throwing playful accusations around. Rachel nudged Diego, who reluctantly took a sip.

"Diego, you dog!" Vincento laughed. "Who's the lucky lady?"

Diego just shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips, but his eyes flickered briefly to Scarlet, who had just walked back in, her expression unreadable.

"Your turn, Arizona," Lotus prompted, still chuckling from the previous round.

Arizona thought for a moment, then smirked. "Never have I ever... had a crush on someone from another clan."

Most of the group took a sip, but it was Arizona's drink that everyone watched. She hesitated, then raised her glass and drank, earning more teasing. "Busted!" Rachel called out, laughing. "We knew it!"

"Alright, alright, my turn," Tyler said, grinning. "Never have I ever... been in love with someone who didn't know."

The room fell silent for a moment. Diego and Dracula exchanged a glance, both drinking from their glasses. The tension was palpable, but the rest of the group pretended not to notice.

### The Realization

Scarlet watched the group from the doorway, her mind still whirling with plans and strategies. She couldn't help but notice the strained dynamic between Diego and Dracula. Their feelings for her were no secret, and it complicated things.

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She turned to leave the room again, needing some air, but Diego's eyes followed her. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing how much they both cared for her. She didn't have time for romance, not with everything that was at stake. Diego stood up again, this time not caring about Dracula's warning. He walked over to Scarlet, who had stepped out into the garden.

"Scarlet, wait," he called softly.

She turned, her eyes meeting his. "What is it, Diego?"

"I just wanted to check on you," he said, his voice sincere. "You've been through a lot."

Scarlet sighed, looking away. "I appreciate it, Diego. But I need to handle this on my own. There's too much at risk."

Diego nodded, though his heart ached. "I understand. Just know that I'm here for you. Always."

She gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Diego. That means a lot."

As Diego walked back inside, Dracula intercepted him. "I told you to stay away from her."

Diego glared at him. "She's not yours to command, Dracula. She's her own person."

Dracula's eyes flashed with anger, but he held his temper. "Just remember what I said."

Diego nodded curtly and rejoined the group, his mind racing with thoughts of Scarlet and how he could prove his worth to her.

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