Adrian bent down to Gage’s ear, and Scar watched him do it with barely restrained anger.
“I know your training is done for the day.” Adrian’s tone was deep and intimate. “But I have a surprise for you.”
Gage’s expression brightened in a way Scar hated because it wasn’t him who’d made it happen.
“Oh yeah?” Gage said. “And what will it be tonight? Axe-throwing or another escape room?”
Adrian smiled. “Nope. I’m taking you to church.”
Gage froze for half a beat before his mouth spread into a full dazzling smile.
“No way. Seriously? I can go to a public church?”
“I checked with Jo. She said it’s fine,” Adrian said. “It’s not a mega church. It’s a small storefront church with only a few members. The reverend goes to my gym. He’s a real humble guy.”
Gage shoved his plate toward Scar. “You can finish this if you want.”
He stood, and Adrian had the audacity to offer Gage his arm.
Gage didn’t need help, and everyone in the room knew it, but Gage took it anyway…because he liked Adrian.
Liked that Adrian made him smile. Liked that Adrian had shown up day after day and helped him develop all that confidence.
But Scar had done little to nothing, while expecting some unseen force to place Gage in his arms.
Adrian glanced back at him with smugness.
Scar balled his fists until his nails bit into his palms.
“Don’t you even fuckin’ think about it,” Meridian growled.
Gage and Adrian walked out of the door together, leaving him beside an empty seat and the half-eaten dinner they’d been sharing.
Scar stood so fast his chair flipped over. He grabbed the plate and hurled it across the room.
It shattered against the far wall with a crack like a gunshot, as au jus and potatoes splattered everywhere.
His brothers didn’t even flinch, and Roz just shook his head at him like he thought he was pathetic.
Corvo lifted his watch and spoke to whoever waited for orders at his beck and call. “Remove Adrian Shaw’s access to the Ravens dining lounge.”
Meridian looked mildly inconvenienced, his voice dark and strained. “Let me give you some advice, Scar. Stop being a fuckin’ pussy. If you want him…take him.”
Scar was damn near hyperventilating, his chest pumping up and down as he struggled not to go after Adrian and put his head through a wall.
Roz sucked his teeth. “Gage is not for the taking.”
Valor covered his grin.
Roz pointed at Scar. “Gage is a decent man. He’s the kinda’ guy you gotta come correct with. If you’re not serious, then find some other random ass to play with and leave him alone.”
Scar’s hands shook as he turned and stormed out.
He didn’t leave to go cool off.
He went to plan.
White Ravens
