Page 39 of Rule
We train for hours, honing our skills and strategizing our next moves. Max joins us later and helps me with hand-to-hand combat, his strong arms guiding me as we go through various techniques.
"You're doing great," he murmurs softly in my ear as we spar. "Trust in yourself and your abilities."
I do trust myself – and my lovers. With their support behind me, I feel invincible.
As we stop for a break, I watch them all moving about the room – Adam tossing a throwing star between his hands, Hugo stretching his muscles, and Miles shadowboxing with Tristan watching him closely. They're all so different yet united in their loyalty to me.
"I couldn't do this without you guys," I say quietly, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen over us.
They turn to look at me, their expressions softening with affection.
"You don't have to," Miles says, stepping closer and taking my hand. "We're here for you, always."
The sincerity in his words brings tears to my eyes, and I pull him into a tight embrace.
"I love you guys," I say, feeling their warmth and support envelop me.
"And we love you," Tristan says, joining the hug. "Now, let's get back to training – we've got a lot of ground to cover."
As the night progresses, we train harder and longer. My movements become more fluid, my strikes becoming more precise with each passing moment. The sound of metal against metal echoes through the room as they help me refine my skills, the air thick with the scent of sweat and determination.
Finally, as the first light of dawn creeps through the windows, Max calls it a day.
My body aches, and my muscles scream in protest, but I'm ready – as ready as I'll ever be.
"Let's get some sleep, and then Scarlet can issue the challenge," Max says, his eyes shining with quiet determination.
"What? So soon?" I croak, my throat dry with fear.
"The sooner, the better," he says, swooping down to kiss me before he lets me go. "Rest now, baby girl. We'll meet at sunset."
"Fuuuuck," I mutter and somehow get my body to move toward my bedroom, where I somehow manage a quick shower before flopping onto the bed naked and still wet.
ChapterTwenty-Three
Scarlet
Staring at myself in the full-length mirror in my bedroom, I give myself a talking-to.
“I am Scarlet, a high-class escort and warrior. Today, I face my final test - a showdown with the Inner Circle to prove my worthiness as the new Overseer of Origin.”
Yeah, right.
The tension in the air is suffocating as I prepare myself for the battle ahead. My body, toned and sculpted by rigorous training the men have made me go through over the last few weeks, feels like a coil ready to spring into action. Sharp and focused, my mind races through every possible scenario that could play out during the confrontation. There is no room for error; my future, and the future of those I care about, hangs in the balance.
"Scarlet," Max's voice rumbles behind me, his presence providing a sense of comfort as I strap on my leather fighting gear. "You've got this. We all believe in you."
Glancing back at him, taking in the sight of my love, his strong jaw set with determination, a flicker of warmth sparks within me, but there's no time for sentimentality. Time is running out, and I need to be ready.
"Thank you, Max," I reply, my voice steady despite the nerves simmering beneath the surface. "I won't let any of you down."
Tristan, Hugo, Miles, and Adam – my other loves – stand close by, offering their silent support. They've each played a significant role in preparing me for this moment, and I'm grateful for their unwavering faith in me.
"Remember what we've taught you," Tristan says, his piercing green eyes locking onto mine. "Trust your instincts and fight with your heart. You're stronger than they know."
Nodding, I finish gearing up, trying to keep my heart from exploding with anxiety. The anticipation builds inside me. Taking several deep breaths, centering myself, and drawing upon the strength of my lovers' collective belief in my abilities. I muster every ounce of courage and determination I possess, knowing that it will be put to the ultimate test.
“Here,” Max says, giving me an earpiece. “We will be with you every second.”
