How did this turn into a full-fledged story? I have no idea. Hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Scarlett pushed through the crowd hastily, intent on only escaping Rhett and not caring if she did accidentally shove people who stood in her path. So engrossed in her mission, she hardly noticed Carey holding the glass of water that she had asked him to fetch while passing him by completely, without even a second glance in his direction. Even Melanie's calls to stop had gone unnoticed until she felt a tug at her sleeve when Melly grasped for her arm.

"Darling, where are you going?"

"I'm leaving. Let me by."

"Why? What's the matter?"

Scarlett wanted to shout at the top of her lungs that it was none of her affair, but there were too many witnesses who could overhear. Instead, she calmly, though somewhat tersely responded, "I'm not feeling very well. That's all."

There was a falseness to her voice that even Melly could easily recognize, so she quickly skimmed the room and found exactly what she was hoping she wouldn't: Rhett Butler and his mysterious companion Harriet. There was a lot of gossip circulating about this woman, especially since no one knew of her or of her family history, not even gossip queens who made it their business to know everyone else's secrets, all the better if they were dark and dirty. It was not as if they could possibly ask for an introduction from Captain Butler, who was no longer in the good graces of Atlanta's citizens, since they had made it a rule not to associate with the man. As it was the mere fact that she had come into town and immediately consorted with the likes of that scoundrel put an instantaneous dark stain on her character, no matter what her true identity was, and although the gossip biddies were still dying of curiosity, there was not a single one who was intending on befriending her.

"Scarlett, please don't leave. For me," Melly pleaded, and Scarlett wanted to drown out the sickening sweetness of her voice. "You were so looking forward to this event. I would hate for you to miss it."

That was true. Scarlett had been looking forward to dancing, long before that cad had come along and ruined everything. No, she would not let that damn Rhett Butler get the better of her, run her out of a perfectly nice event and spoil her good time. She would stay, not for Melly and not even for herself. There was nothing that urged her more than the sweet taste of revenge at beating him at his own game. If she left now, if she showed him that his words or that woman had any effect on her, he would win, and that was the last thing she was willing to surrender.

"Let me go," Scarlett said firmly, shaking off Melanie's hand, "I'll stay."

~R&S~

If Scarlett was silently writhing with jealousy, no one could notice by the way she allowed herself to be swept across the dance floor by almost every available bachelor on the premises. There was rarely a time when there wasn't a man at her side, offering her compliments or bidding her to dance, and for a fleeting instant she could almost believe that she was the county Belle again, wanted and surrounded by eager admirers. But somehow all the attention she had once gloried in seemed to have lost its luster, especially when the one man whose attention she wanted was firmly placed on another. Although she could not deny enjoying herself as she was twirled around the room in the arms of various soldiers, her mind and eyes often wandered, lingering on Rhett and the blonde he held, a sight that wrenched at her heart for reasons she was unwilling to consider let alone acknowledge. It was bewildering how seeing him dance with somebody else could rile up such an array of emotions, feelings of jealousy, rage and hurt, but above all, she felt wronged. It simply wasn't fair. When his hand rested on the small of that woman's back, she felt that it should have been hers. When she saw how their bodies molded together during a waltz, she felt it was her body he should have indecently squeezed and pulled up against his.

Without realizing it, Scarlett had begun to stare enviously from the sidelines, watching them dance and waiting for the next song, and as he felt her burning gaze, Rhett looked over and instantly met glittering emerald eyes. A blush surfaced to her cheeks, a result of being embarrassingly caught making a fool of herself. Hastily, she averted her eyes and made her excuses to Carey who had been promised the next dance, disappearing into the crowd and fully intending on returning home with Melanie and Aunt Pitty, whether they wanted to leave yet or not. Enough fun had been had at this event, and Scarlett wasn't sure if she could take anymore. As much as she enjoyed a decent combat, losing was never part of the plan.

Rhett, who had already been surprised to find that Scarlett had decided to stay after their brief quarrel, felt a twinge of guilt as he watched her leave again, and he was on the brink of chasing after her until Harriet stopped him.

"Don't," she warned.

"I can't let her leave."

"You want to win don't you? Let her go."

~R&S~

"Darling, may I come in a moment?" Melanie asked after knocking softly at the closed door of Scarlett's room. Throughout the entire carriage ride home, she had barely said two words, and the moment they had reached the house, Scarlett had immediately rushed up to her room like she was being chased by demons. It was painfully obvious that something was bothering her, and Melanie was prepared to be the one to resolve it.

"Yes, come in Melly."

Stepping into the room, Melanie noticed Scarlett sprawled across the bed, face down and fully clothed with her head buried in a pillow.

"Did you have a good time tonight?" she asked her sister hesitantly, needing to work her way up to what she intended to say.

"It was fine."

"I know you weren't feeling well but you seemed to be enjoying yourself. Captain Ashburn is such a nice boy, isn't he?" Melly continued as she took a seat at the end of bed, hoping the courage to speak freely would come to her long enough to say what needed to be said. Seeing Scarlett miserable had gone on quite long enough, and tonight it occurred to her that Captain Butler had been behind the change in her sister's demeanor from the start.

Scarlett wondered what in the world Melanie was doing asking about Carey, hoping to God that it was not because she thought them engaged. Yes, she had devoted much of her time to the boy, but the last thing she wanted or even thought about was getting married to yet another man she did not love.

"He is," she said tentatively.

"I noticed Captain Butler made an appearance tonight."

"Yes, what of it?"

"You never danced with him," Melly remarked, struggling to keep the tremble of anxiety from seeping in. "Is it because—"

"Why in the world would I dance with the likes of that skunk?"

"Well I thought…well because you love him."

"Me love Rhett? Have you gone mad Melanie Wilkes? I don't love him!" Scarlett shrieked, sitting up abruptly as irritation overtook her body. Why does everyone keep saying that! Has everyone gone crazy or something!

"But you…I thought—"

"You thought wrong. I don't love him. I hate him! And he won't step a foot in this house again. Never."

"Is this because of Harriet? Did Captain Butler mention anything?"

"No, and don't say her name like you know her," she snapped impetuously then silently chided herself for it.

"Scarlett, you know you can tell me anything. I love you like my very own sister. If there was ever anything you wanted to—"

"I have nothing to say. Please leave. I'm tired."

"I understand," Melly said softly as she stood up off the bed and headed towards the door. In a bout of fearlessness, she paused and turned to face Scarlett. "If there is one thing I could say dear, you may not know you love Captain Butler, but I do know he loves you."

A short gasp escaped Scarlett's lips and her eyes grew wide with disbelief. How was it possible Melanie could have noticed something like that, or more importantly, what could have brought her to that conclusion? It was disconcerting to think that perhaps Melly was not as blind as she had once believed. But despite the marvel she had felt at those words, there was also a surge of optimism and renewed hope that rushed through her. If Melanie also thought Rhett was in love with her, there was no way she could be wrong now!

"Melly," Scarlett called out, stopping her before she could leave. "Do you think she's a sweetheart?"

"I don't know dear, but I don't think so."

"Why?"

"Because he couldn't keep his eyes off you."

A warm feeling for Melly suddenly washed over her, and she wondered if the woman she had long resented, derided and envied was not so horrible after all. Maybe it was possible her judgment had been clouded by her feelings for Ashley.

"Goodnight," Scarlett said, smiling genuinely for the first time in Melanie's direction. She may have been a blind ninny, plain and dull, and the woman who had ruined all of her dreams of living happily ever after with Ashley, but somehow it was nice to know that someone was on her side, that she had a friend who cared about her welfare even when it was not deserved.

"Goodnight dear," Melly replied kindly, closing the door behind her as she left.

~R&S~

Scarlett struggled to push the horrible image of Rhett and that woman from her mind, but despite her best efforts, it often crept into her thoughts and consumed her with a jealousy she could not understand. Could it be possible that she had actually developed feelings for the scoundrel she loved to hate? No. It couldn't be. Even if there was the slightest possibility that she may have grown to feel something that resembled general affection, it did not mean it was love. How could she be in love someone who so often crawled beneath her skin and irritated her to the core, who made her want to scratch those laughing eyes out and slap away that awful smirk, who made her heart race when his hands caressed her bare skin or when his lips…No! It wasn't possible. Rhett was the one who was in love. If there was any doubt in her mind before of his true feelings, Melanie's words had dissipated those fears and ignited a new confidence. One way or another, he was going to confess those three little words she was desperate to hear.

One afternoon as Scarlett ventured out onto the front porch, she caught the sight of Rhett Butler opening the latch and walking through the front gate at the Hamilton household. He had a smile on his face and carelessness to his gait that sparked a dangerous glow in her eyes as she stepped to the edge of the porch, prepared for battle.

"You!" she said with undisguised bitterness.

He laughed lightly then started up the porch steps. "I do have a name you know."

"Yes, I can think of a few."

"My dear, don't tell me you're still upset about my–er–surprise guest?"

The maddening response pushed Scarlett over the edge and drove her to shove at his chest with all her strength. Her attempt held such force that Rhett had to hastily grab on to the railing to steady his balance and stop himself from tumbling backwards down the stairs.

"I was not upset! I don't give a damn about you or your guest. Why did you even bother coming here? You know I didn't want to see you."

Taking the last step up onto the porch and distancing himself from the edge so that she would not feel tempted to try another method of attack, Rhett said, "I hardly believe that's the truth given your heated response. Would you care to tell me what it is that I've done that has you so riled up this time?" He moved towards her while speaking, but she instantly backed away at his advance.

"You know exactly what you've done and don't pretend otherwise."

"No, I'm afraid I am at a loss."

"You…you—just leave Rhett. I don't want to see you."

"This is about Harriet, isn't it?" he asked softly as he brought a hand up to her cheek, a hand she immediately slapped away.

"No!" she shouted furiously then wished she hadn't. "It's only that I thought we were friends, but we aren't."

"We are friends, Scarlett."

"No we aren't. If we were, you would have told me about that woman."

"What do you think I should have told you?" Rhett inquired with an eager light in his eyes, hoping to discover something he scarcely allowed himself to expect.

"Well…you might have told me who she was instead of leaving me to find out just like everybody else."

"Why would it matter to you who she was?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Oh, but I believe it does. Now the question is why?"

I don't know, Scarlett thought but knew it could not be said aloud. There was no way in hell she would provide Rhett with the satisfaction in knowing that seeing him with that woman had bothered her, had roused a jealousy among other nameless emotions. "I…it doesn't matter to me in the least. Now, please leave."

"I'm not leaving."

"Why not? Your sweetheart must be somewhere missing you."

"What makes you believe she's my sweetheart?"

"Well, isn't she?" Scarlett asked, her voice turning suddenly silky and soft as she leaned into his body, feeling foolish but knowing all along that this was her opportunity, an opportunity that might not come along again so effortlessly.

A cool breeze brushed past her hair and he could smell her distinct scent, a mixture of rosewater and lemon verbena, and it took all his strength not bring his mouth down to those red lips, poised and asking to be kissed. If they hadn't been standing out on the porch where anyone could have walked by and caused a scandal, Rhett would have taken the liberty she was so evidently offering him. Instead, he only chuckled lightly and grazed a thumb along the edge of her lower lip, an action that caused her breath to hitch and her stomach to flutter anxiously like disturbed butterflies. Butterflies that were not supposed to be there, butterflies she wanted to crush.

"I'll make you a bargain, my dear. You tell me why it matters so much to you, and I'll tell you whether or not she's a sweetheart."

"No."

"Why not? I believe it's a fair bargain."

"Because I don't care who it is you consort with Rhett Butler," she said tartly then turned her back to him, grinning deviously before wiping away any trace of triumph as best she could. "Besides, I'm leaving soon, which means I won't have to suffer you for much longer."

"What do you mean you're leaving?" Rhett questioned carelessly, though he fought to keep the unease from tinting his features.

"I'm going home. I have no reason to stay here and…" she trailed off, regretting the thought of mentioning Melanie's condition. It was not something to be discussed, especially not with a man.

"And?"

"And…nothing. I want to go home."

"You meant to say Mrs. Wilkes is expecting a baby, I believe. I thought you were quite through with mooning after the estimable gentleman."

"How did you—oh hush! It isn't decent to talk of such things. Do you want someone to hear? It's not about Ashley, I just don't want to stay here any longer. Even Captain Carey plans on transferring. I have no reason to stay."

Rhett balled two angry fists but managed to keep his voice unperturbed. "None at all?"

"No. At least…I don't think I do. Do I?"

Realizing that this had all been a ploy, Rhett struggled to hold back a laugh. Scarlett had nearly trapped him, and he could not help but silently admit that she had done a decent job since he might not have realized her intentions if those betraying brilliant green eyes were not twinkling with victory. "No, it doesn't appear that you do. I wish you a safe journey home."

"What?" she said sharply, on the verge of losing her temper. "That's all you have to say? You don't care?"

Chuckling softly to himself, he started to walk back down the porch steps and replied, "I don't think it would matter much to you if I did."

"Don't you dare come back here Rhett Butler! It's a good thing I'm leaving because I never want to lay eyes on you again!" she shouted then stormed back into the house, slamming the door with all the force her wrath had summoned.

Acting on impulse rather than listening to the cowardly voice in his head that warned him to keep walking, Rhett hurried back up the front steps, opened the door and barged into the house without even troubling to knock first. Winning had always been the goal, but the realization that he would be losing more if he allowed himself to ruin the chance they had and the progress made compelled him to go against his better judgment. Scarlett still stood in the hallway, stunned by his abrupt entrance, and he took the opportunity to grab her by the shoulders before she could resist.

"What do you think you are doing you cad! Let me go."

"Damn you Scarlett O'Hara," he said roughly then brought his lips down on hers in a hard insistent kiss, a kiss that possessed and broke through barriers, barriers he had firmly placed and promised not to cross, not until he had gained the answer he wanted.

Scarlett melted into him just like she had every other time he'd kissed her, wrapping her arms around his neck and sinking into the warm unsteadying darkness his kisses created. His caressing hands seared the skin they grazed while his skilled lips evoked blissful sensations in sinful places, making it all too inviting to resist, too intoxicating to contemplate resisting even when she knew she should. No man should know how to kiss so well. It wasn't playing fair.

"Isn't this what you want?" he muttered huskily when he broke their kiss, his lips hovering just above hers, ready to seize them at any moment. "You want me to tell you I love you? You want me to beg you to stay?"

She waited breathlessly, wondering vaguely if this was a declaration. That was exactly what she had been longing to hear, but surprisingly, it was not only because of the desire to humble and humiliate him.

"I can't do that," Rhett continued then smiled when he saw her face fall. She loved him. He knew that now even if she didn't, but she would soon. "I won't beg you."

Before she could think of something to say, he brought his mouth down to hers in a brief kiss, tender, intimate and so different from the last one though just as satisfying. The discovery of this unexpected gentleness in Rhett Butler, a side of him she never would have guessed existed, left her even more puzzled than the words he had said. Breaking away, he pinched her chin playfully then disappeared out the front door without so much as a goodbye, and after he had gone, Scarlett brought a hand up to her tingling lips, wondering what exactly had just happened.