Page 14 of Love Gamble

And although I know River is always there for me, he’s not the most emotional person, and he has this superpower of burying everything and getting on with his life. Nothing touches him, or at least that’s how it appears.

Sometimes I wish I could be more like him, but I don’t ever want to forget Matthew, and that pain is a stark reminder of him.

Once I’m dressed and ready to face the day, I head into the kitchen, where Julianna is making Julian a bottle, the adorable baby in her arms.

“Good morning,” I say to him, putting my arms out. Julianna turns around and grins, handing him right over. “Look how cute you are in your little outfit.”

“I know, right?” she replies, staring at his little face with love shining in her pretty blue eyes. “He actually slept through last night, so I feel great. I was going to come and find you—I have a proposition for you.”

“What is it?” I ask, raising my gaze from Julian to her.

“I was wondering if you’d like to come and paint a mural at the new clubhouse. There’s a big, blank wall, and I think it would look amazing if you brightened the place up a bit. We will pay you for your work, of course.”

I knew that Julianna and Romeo had bought a place for us all to move into together, but I haven’t seen it yet. The thought of being paid for my art warms my soul. I never needed recognition, but this feels like a step in the right direction. Maybe this is what I’m meant to do.

“Are you kidding me? I’d love to,” I reply, smiling widely. “What do you want it to be?”

“Anything you want, but maybe something Angels and Devils themed,” she replies, winking at me. “Be as creative as you like. When can you start?”

“Tomorrow? I’ll go and get everything I need today,” I say, my mind exploding with ideas and possibilities.

“Sounds perfect.”

This is exactly what I need right now, something to occupy my mind and time. And art is like therapy to me.

I hand Julian back to his mom, and head straight to the art supply store to pick up some extra paint, brushes, and accessories. I don’t know exactly what the mural will be, but I know it’s going to have a badass motorcycle on it. After I load everything back into my car, I go back into the mall to get an ice cream, and then find myself in a beautiful crystal store. After eying an amethyst piece, I step back and knock into someone.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, turning around to apologize, my eyes widening when I realize who it is.

Rosalind.

Julianna’s younger sister, and not someone I would call a friend. In fact, the bitch is one of the people who kidnapped me. Seeing her again for the first time since the incident happened sends it all coming back to me.

The feeling of helplessness.

The darkness.

The fear.

Panic.

I fight against it.

Motherfucker.

“Corey,” she says, dragging out my name. “Come to check out my new shop?”

I glance around. Okay, if she wants to pretend like nothing happened, I can play that game. It’s that or get arrested for beating the shit out of her. “This is yours? Nice to see you’ve found a new career path—the whole villain thing wasn’t working out on you.”

She smirks and picks up the crystal I was admiring. “My parents bought it for me. I think I’ve found my new calling. Here, take this as my apology. I used you to try to get my revenge, and I’m sorry.”

She opens my palm and places the amethyst in it, closing my fingers around it. “I don’t want any drama. I’m moving on with my life.” She spreads her arms out, showing off her shop. “As you can see.”

As she disappears behind the counter, I put the crystal down and get the hell out of there, because there’s no way I’m taking anything from her betraying ass. Her hatred for her older sister started when Julianna fell in love with Romeo, who Rosalind used to sleep with. Julianna had no idea about their past, as it was all kept hidden.

But some people just can’t let things go.

As I ponder that thought, I get back into my car and take a few deep breaths before the drive back to the clubhouse. I’m a mess.

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