It hits me all at once that he doesn’t know why we’re here any more than I do. I know it’s about Liesel getting money to fight me, but I don’t know this game we will be playing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming,” a man in a suit says. He’s the only one not wearing a mask as he makes his way to the center of the deck.
The stars are sparkling overhead, making it feel like this is meant to be a romantic night with some rich fuckers. But I have a feeling that’s part of the lure, to get us to relax and let our guard down before this game starts.
“Does everyone have a drink?” he asks, scanning the crowd of people.
Most people are nodding their heads, yes. For the few that don’t have drinks, bartenders are quickly bringing around glasses to fill their hands.
Once the man in the center is assured that everyone has a drink, he continues.
“My name is Mr. Reyes. I’m here to oversee this weekend’s games. I recognize a couple of familiar faces, but for the majority of you, this is your first time. I want to assure you that you will be well taken care of for as long as your stay lasts.”
Enzo gives me a tight glare as we both try to figure out what’s happening.
“The game is simple. The last one remaining wins the twenty million-dollar prize.”
Fuck—Liesel could do a lot with twenty million. No wonder we are here. She would instantly regain everything I took from her in one weekend if she won.
“As you know, there is no buy-in. No money is required to enter. The winnings are generously provided by the ship’s owner. The owner enjoys watching people get pushed to their limits. The owner and a very select group of people are the only ones watching the games along with the game’s remaining participants.”
So someone is watching, which means there are cameras. I just need to find them.
“What is the game exactly? I’m sure you’re all eager to know.”
Yes, spill, old man.
“The game is simple. Each round, you will be drawing names to be paired with. Sometimes it will be a one on one competition. Other rounds might be a group of four competing. The goal is to push your competitor to their sexual limits until they withdraw from the competition.”
Fuck.
My eyes find Liesel. She’s standing casually in the same spot she was before. Her heart isn’t thumping wildly, her lips are relaxed, and she takes a quick sip of champagne.
I frown. She knew exactly what she was walking into and did it anyway. These are sex games. Liesel can’t give up control when it comes to sex, so I don’t know how she expects to win.
“The game lasts two days. Most of you won’t make it past tonight’s rounds. You can withdraw at any time for any reason. But if you withdraw tonight, you will be leaving us. You will not get to stay to watch tomorrow’s events. If you make it to tomorrow, even if you withdraw, you can remain and watch the final rounds if you so choose.”
Everyone is eerily silent as Mr. Reyes speaks. There are a few people who seem unfazed—the ones who have been here before. Others are licking their lips in anticipation of what is about to happen. And still, others are jittery, shifting their weight in the spot where they stand or tapping their fingers or heels to try and get the nervous energy out.
I don’t have to glance at my family to know that they will all end up withdrawing by the end of the night unless they draw the names of their spouses. None of them are prudes, but I can’t imagine Enzo sitting by watching Kai getting fucked by some stranger here. Nor Zeke watching Siren. Nora may not be here, but I suspect Beckett won’t push things too far if he wants a chance with her. That means it’ll be up to me to remain in the game.
“What about security?” Maxwell asks.
“I assure you this yacht is completely secure, and my team is here to ensure no one gets hurt who doesn’t want to. You will be pushed to your limits if you remain in the game, but you will have a safe word to use at any time that will alert my team to get you out of here quickly and safely.
“Everyone here must participate in the game or go home. We don’t allow bystanders to just watch or protect. If you feel that you need to remain to protect someone in the game, then you must participate and advance.”
Maxwell frowns and almost kills the guy with one look.
I feel his pain. Maxwell won’t last the night, but I will. Tomorrow he won’t be here to protect Liesel.
“If there are no more questions, we will begin. Everyone’s name and safe words are already in this bowl. I will randomly draw two names at a time to match partners for the first round. Let the games begin.”
11
Liesel
I knew there was a chance that Langston would be here, but seeing him standing in a suit and black mask has my heart skipping beats so often that I’m afraid I’m going to flatline and die right here right now.
It was a risk I took coming here to earn my money back. My win was almost guaranteed if I was here alone, but having Langston in the game changes everything.
I can’t stop looking at him in his tux. His chiseled jaw, sharp eyes, and smooth hair would make it seem like he spends every weekend in
