Page 28 of Forbidden Game

Just how big is this place?

There is another set of glazed doors to our right when we step off the escalator, and Parker just gives the attendant outside a nod before walking through them.

Somehow, this area is more exclusive and even quieter. I count only a handful of patrons milling about: there’s a couple having cocktails at the bar, a lone man talking low into his headphones in a round chair, a mother rocking her child in the corner, and a group of businessmen drinking coffees and clacking away at their keyboards in the center cluster of seats.

It feels like my head is swiveling like an owl as my eyes flicker around the room while I simultaneously try to keep up with Parker.

I’m pretty sure I just read a sign pointing out the direction of the private shower suites.

I have no clue what I’m doing here. I can count the number of times I’ve flown to events with The System on one hand, and each of those times has been on the jet. As extravagant as the Covington jet is—it has two bedrooms, and video game consoles are set up in the main cabin—there is something more about this whole experience. It’s like booking a room in a hotel and finding out you have the honeymoon package. It’s a white-glove experience with no expense wasted.

It doesn’t matter how much time I’ve spent working for Parker over the years, it’s different when I’m dumped into the spotlight next to him instead of watching from the sidelines.

I’m afraid I’ll breathe wrong and someone will glare at me.

Probably the businessmen.

“I’m a little peckish. How about you?” Parker squeezes my hand. “It looks like they’ve just started their lunch service.”

I notice that he’s stopped us outside a tiny dining area. There are only ten tables, one of which is occupied by a woman and three men. Of course this lounge has its own mini restaurant within it.

“I could go for a snack.”

And water. Lots and lots of water.

Parker swipes his emerald card, and the door to the dining area beeps open. I notice that everyone’s head pops up at the noise, and they give us a once over.

I inch closer to Parker to avoid their scrutiny as we walk inside. Not that I’m wearing anything out of place. I’m technically on the clock even though we are travelling, so I’m in a pair of brown pants and a cream knit sweater with a matching woolen jacket and little brown boots. I even put on a little makeup because I have a feeling there might be paparazzi when we get off the plane on the other side.

You go out bare face with The System once and see how unflattering the paparazzi shots can be, and you never make the mistake again. I work so many long hours that the bags under my eyes need severe coverage, otherwise I apparently look like a ghoul.

Distantly, I register a tug on my wrist.

“As much as I love holding your hand, Syd, I kind of need my own back,” Parker teases.

I look down and realize that I’ve still got his fingers entwined with mine in a death grip.

I immediately release my hold and wipe my palm on my pants. My hand feels odd after being attached to Parker’s for so long.

He ducks his head and grins before reaching around and pulling a seat out for me.

“Thank you.” My voice comes out softer than necessary as I sit down, and he pushes my chair in.

God. I’m off-kilter today.

I need to hit the reset button or something. Whatever is going on with me is not okay. I’m supposed to be the guard dog keeping the sheep in line, not the puppy getting distracted by its own reflection.

A waitress comes around and presents a bottle of champagne to Parker.

“Mr. Covington, welcome back. I have a bottle of the 2008 Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut that Mr. Hill had reserved for you. Would you like me to pour you a glass?”

We haven’t even had water yet, and they’re pulling out the champagne.

“If Mr. Hill is offering, why not?” Parker couldn’t look happier as he stares at the glass bottle the heir of Imperial Airlines has apparently put aside for him.

“Would your girlfriend like some as well?” she asks him.

First, I’m sitting right here, so I’m not sure why she isn’t just addressing me directly.

---