Page 22 of Rule
Suddenly it becomes so blindingly obvious, I shake my head at myself.
Knowing almost precisely what I’m looking for, finally, just as I'm about to run out of time, a glint catches my eye.
“Bingo,” I mutter.
Hidden beneath a stack of books, I spot Max's prize: a small, glittering ruby and diamond pendant. I carefully lift the books, ensuring that none of them fall or make a sound. My fingers close around the pendant, and I slip it between my breasts without anyone noticing.
"Time's up," Max announces, his voice tense. "Did you find it?"
"Of course," I say, pulling the pendant from my hiding place. “Do I get to keep it?”
He smiles, slow and sexy. “Always, baby girl.”
“Well, you'll have to try harder next time. I know how you think now.”
“Oh, really?” he murmurs. “What am I thinking now?”
“That you want a piece of my ass.”
He lets out a loud laugh of delight. "Well done, Scarlet. Your cunning is impressive. But you have me pegged all wrong."
“Really?” I drawl. “How disappointing.”
“Go and shower and get some rest. The next test is later on and will require you to be at the top of your game.”
They all turn to leave, which I find maddening and also curious.
* * *
Later that night, after a lazy bath and some much-needed sleep, my lovers return for me.
"Remember who you are, Scarlet," Tristan whispers in my ear as I prepare for the next challenge by dressing up in a sexy black dress and high heels. “You’ve got this in the bag.”
Frowning at him, I’m not happy with this test. They want me to get close to a male member of the Secret Society. Close enough to take whatever liberties I want with him. Not knowing who he is, I know nothing about him, but my lovers have devised this test for me to use my seductive skills to get as close as possible.
"Trust yourself and your instincts," Miles encourages, giving me a reassuring smile.
Robbie gives me a quick smile as I slip into the Range Rover outside, wondering who this person is. They wouldn’t have picked just any man for me to seduce. I could do that with my eyes closed. No, there’s something about this that’s going to make it way more complicated. But what?
As the car pulls up to an opulent mansion, my heart races with anticipation. I know that the man inside is part of the Secret Society, but beyond that, I have no idea what to expect.
"Remember, we're here if you need us," Adam says, his voice steady and reassuring.
Taking a deep breath, I step out of the car and make my way up to the imposing entrance. As I ring the doorbell, my mind races with different scenarios about how this could go down.
As the door opens, I take an inadvertent step back.
“Lucius,” I murmur as the old man’s eyes narrow in suspicion.
“Scarlet,” he mutters. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I wanted to know more about the society,” I say, regaining my composure. “And I wanted to see you again.” I’m bringing out the big guns as I lower my eyes coquettishly. Those asshole men of mine are real fucking jerks. Lucius couldn’t be less interested in me or anyone else on the planet if he tried.
A slow smile spreads across his face. Trying to seduce a man who clearly isn't interested is an odd feeling, but I know that this is all part of the test.
"I'm flattered, Scarlet," Lucius says, his eyes flickering with amusement. "But I'm afraid I'm not interested."
"Oh?" I ask, my heart pounding with disappointment. "That's upsetting."
