Page 30 of Rule
“Good. She needs to go down for this.”
“She will. I never lose.”
“I know, and I learned from the best.”
We share a smug father/son smile, which warms my cold, dead heart. “Mum here?”
He shakes his head. “Some charity thing. Raven and Scarlet doing okay?” His worry is evident, even though he’s trying not to show it.
“Perfect. I think Scarlet will be able to help her move on from this loss.”
“I hope so. She is on a deadly path. I don’t want her ending up on the same road as me and you.”
“Scarlet won’t let her, although our road is fine.”
He chuckles. “It’s fine for us. Not for Rave. She’s too young and sweet.”
“We’ve got this,” I say, full of confidence in Scarlet’s ability. “I’ll see you later.”
He nods and goes back to work as I return to the love of my life, hoping we can pick up where our kiss left off.
ChapterEighteen
Adam
The dim, amber glow of the studio's hanging lights casts a warm hue over the room. I stand at my easel, surrounded by the familiar smell of oil paint and the soft scratch of bristles against the canvas. Shelves line the walls, cluttered with tubes of paint, brushes, and other art supplies. A worn leather sofa rests against the far wall, inviting me to take a break whenever my thoughts become too heavy.
But there's no time for that now. My mind is clouded by memories of my current situation. I’m hanging between my old gang life and Origin, not knowing which way to turn. Painting has always been an outlet for me whenever things got too overwhelming, so I commandeered one of the many rooms in Max’s mansion as my art studio, bringing my stuff from home. As much as I try to focus on the painting in front of me, I can't shake the thought of helping Scarlet take control of the Secret Society. We're playing a dangerous game, but I'll do whatever it takes to ensure she rises to the top. As much as I want to avenge my mother myself, I’m quite happy to stand back and let Scarlet grab this destiny with both hands. It’s no secret that I loathe Origin and everything they stand for, but with Scarlet at the helm, everything will change for the better.
"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, trying to refocus on the canvas. The scene before me is a stormy night, waves crashing violently against a rocky shore. I've chosen deep blues, blacks, and grays to convey the turbulence of the ocean, mirroring the storm brewing inside me as we get closer to the end game. I’m terrified for Scarlet because I know what’s coming. Things Max hasn’t told her yet. All of this training has been about one last test that will be kill or be killed. She has to pass to even think about taking control. Security measures that were put in place centuries ago and that are held within a tight circle of warriors, who will defend Origin with their last breath. This secret knowledge is creating turmoil in my soul, and I want to tell Scarlet, but Max wants us to wait a few more days until we are absolutely sure she is ready.
With every stroke of my brush, I recall the chaos of my past – the deals made in dark alleys, the threats whispered into my ears, and the blood that stained my hands. The strokes are rough and jagged, just like my memories, and I wonder if things will change now. Will I leave it all behind to focus on Scarlet and the other guys?
"Adam, you okay?" Max asks, pulling me back to the present.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I reply, not turning around. "Just trying to work through some things."
"Take your time," he murmurs. “But not too much.”
Nodding silently, I return my attention to the canvas. Painting has always been my escape, a way to confront my demons without succumbing to them. But this time, it feels different. The weight of my past is heavier, and the responsibility of aiding Scarlet in her quest to dominate the Secret Society only adds to the burden.
As I mix a dark shade of blue to emphasize the crashing waves, I think about how my life has changed since meeting Scarlet. Her fierce determination and unwavering commitment to everything she holds dear stir something within me. It's not just about avenging my past anymore; it's about creating a better future for all of us and tearing down the corrupt structures that have held strong for too long.
"Adam," Max says again, this time more annoyed.
"Give me a minute," I snap, irritation creeping into my voice. I just need to finish this one section before I can deal with whatever they want to discuss.
“There are things we need to do.”
I nod, knowing that he’s right. “I know, for fuck’s sake. Just fuck off and give me a fucking minute.”
Snickering, even though he is pissed off I’m making him wait, Max leaves me alone again. There will always be more work to be done, more secrets to uncover, and more battles to fight. But for now, I find solace in the stormy scene before me, allowing the chaotic waves to sweep away my doubts and fears, if only for a moment.
As I dip my brush into a rich shade of purple, the memory of my mother flashes through my mind. I blink away the intrusive thoughts, focusing instead on the canvas before me.
"Adam," Scarlet says softly, entering the studio. Her eyes meet mine briefly before they flicker to the painting.
"Scarlet," I acknowledge, fighting the urge to abandon my work and pull her into my arms. "What can I do for you?"
