Beat, my reckless heart. Beat hard and steady—I’m going to need every drop of blood and ounce of oxygen in my body to flow through me if I’m going to win.
What surprises me the most is seeing the rest of the gang all here, flanking Langston like he’s the leader instead of Enzo and Kai.
They had no idea what they just walked into. Their tense bodies and guarded expressions make it clear they want to be anywhere but here.
I smirk, raising my champagne glass meant to make me look girly and feminine instead of the scotch I really want. Adding them to the game will make it easier to win if I’m matched with one of them. None of them will be able to withstand watching their partner get fucked.
No, the only threat to me is Langston—for so many fucking reasons.
Maxwell leans over to whisper in my ear. “I’ll try to stay in as long as I can. I promise I’ll at least make it to tomorrow.”
I tilt my head up at him. “Don’t worry about protecting me. I can protect myself here. Stay if you want to stay, but don’t do anything that will wreck your soul for my sake.”
I said the wrong thing. Maxwell’s face morphs into a horrified expression. He’s beyond worried.
I laugh. “Just fuck some women if you want to, Max, but don’t do it on my account.” I pat his chest, trying to calm him, but his heart is beating wildly out of control.
He clears his throat and exhales.
Poor, Max. I doubt he lasts the first round.
A woman brings a large glass bowl out, while a man brings a small table. The table is positioned, and the woman sets the bowl down upon it.
“Round one is a partner game. I’ll draw two names who will be competing against each other and the clock. There will also be your individual safe word on the paper as I draw them. Memorize this safe word. If you mutter it, you are withdrawing from the game. Your challenge will immediately stop, and you’ll be escorted out. Round one will take place here on the upper deck as there is the most amount of room.”
Mr. Reyes tries a comforting smile on his face as he scans the crowd.
“Let’s begin.” He reaches into the glass bowl and pulls out a name.
“Ms. Laine,” he says the name of Laila Salo, an actress using a fake name.
She walks over and takes the card with her name on it. Her breath hitches as she waits for her partner to be drawn.
“Mr. Fray,” he says.
A gentleman almost twice her age walks over to her.
Her smile falters for only a second, but she recovers before almost anyone notices. This is a game of bluffing and chicken more than anything else. Most people think they would be willing to do anything for twenty million, especially sexual things with mostly wealthy and good-looking people. When it actually comes down to it, they are dead wrong.
Mr. Reyes pulls out another card. “Mr. Pearce.”
I raise an eyebrow as my eyes go to Langston’s. He gave his real name. Ballsy. That or he thinks using his real name will intimidate people more.
My heart, my breath, and all other bodily functions stop as I wait for Langston to walk over to collect his card and wait for Mr. Reyes to announce his partner.
Anyone but me.
“Ms. Fraser.”
I gasp, sucking in oxygen, trying to restart my body.
“Are you okay?” Maxwell asks me.
I nod silently as a pretty redhead approaches Langston. He gives her a tense smile, and then they move to the side as more names are called.
“Mr. Kane.”
“Mrs. Kane.”
Zeke and Siren smile at each other, happy to be partnered with their spouse. It will ensure they last this round, but that’s it. Once they are re-partnered, they will be gone.
“Mr. Maxwell,” Mr. Reyes says.
“Good luck,” I whisper to him as he walks forward.
Maxwell is paired with a woman in her mid-fifties, and he doesn’t hide his disgust well.
I smile behind my glass. He won’t last round one.
I’ll be truly on my own after this round.
“Mrs. Black.”
Kai walks forward like she owns the room, the most powerful woman here.
There are whispers and gasps as she steps forward, proudly using her name and being herself.
It’s all a facade, though. She won’t so much as kiss another man, or let any man but Enzo fuck her.
“Mr. Ito.”
A tall, handsome gentleman steps forward. He’s good looking, but he glances in fear at Enzo as he walks. I wouldn’t be surprised if the man simply dropped out so that he didn’t have to deal with Enzo’s wrath for touching his wife.
“Mr. Beckett.”
“Ms. Abara.”
Beckett wordlessly and expressionlessly takes his spot by his partner, who looks like she is about his age.
“Ms. White.”
That would be me. I step forward and feel everyone’s eyes on me as I collect my card.
I don’t bother to glance at the safe word as I tuck the card into my bra. Everyone notices, and there is a collective hush around the room.
I will look at the safe word later, but I won’t be needing it this round. I know my limits, and really, I only have one. This round won’t be the one where that limit is crossed.
I feel Langston’s stare more intensely than anyone else’s. He has questions. He wants to know why I chose a fake name. He wants to know what a rape victim who has trouble fucking anyone is doing in the middle of a dangerous sex game.
Just more secrets I’ll be taking to my grave.
“Mr. Black.”
My eyes cut to Enzo as a smug smile crosses my lips.
Jesus, could this first-round be any easier?
Enzo walks stoically toward me as he collects his card. He, unlike me, looks at
