Page 1 of Forbidden Game

ONE

SYDNEY

“Why are you naked?”

The blond Adonis before me is lounging in bed, wearing nothing more than a pair of blue Burberry briefs. His laptop is open while he simultaneously plays a video game on his ninety-inch TV.

Parker Covington’s toned body is on full display without a care in the world.

Which isn’t an uncommon situation. I’ve never met a man who wears less clothing in his own apartment than Parker. And yet, he has a closet that is three times the size of my own and filled to the brim with custom designer clothing.

“The real question is, why aren’t you?” He winks.

I roll my eyes with a sigh. “We have to be at your photo shoot in thirty minutes. Which means we needed to leave,” I check my watch, “five minutes ago, and you’re not dressed.”

“I have a shoot?” Parker runs a hand through his platinum hair.

“I sent you a calendar invite last week. I even texted you a reminder this morning.”

I have to fight not to grind my teeth. Working for three famous video game streamers created a little bit of stress.

“I never accept your calendar invites, love,” he purrs in his posh London accent.

Make that a lot of stress.

Each of the three men I work for is difficult in their own way. Aleksander is the most popular, a natural leader, but he hates going to events and likes pissing people off. Jackson is the most well-spoken and levelheaded, but people are terrified of him because he looks like a giant grump. And Parker? Parker should be my golden goose. He is charismatic, funny, and attractive. He jumps at every opportunity I give him. But he lives in his own world and is as unpredictable as the rain in Seattle.

I walk forward and shut the laptop, looking him directly in those baby blues.

“Get dressed, or I will drag you to this photo shoot as you are.”

“You act like that would be a punishment.” He grins. “But fine, just give me a second.”

Parker shifts off his California king and nudges past me, his hot skin brushing against my arm and sending sparks of electricity up it.

Unfortunately for me, all the men in The System look like they should belong on a teen drama, not streaming video games in dark rooms for hours on end each week. My radar for hot men has gotten all bent out of shape, thanks to them.

It’s taken five years of working for The System for me to become somewhat immune to their sculpted bodies and flirtatious jokes.

Especially when it comes to Parker.

Especially after That Night.

My cheeks heat at the memory I fight every day to forget.

My professionalism is my armor, and I need to keep it on at all times, otherwise I’ll be vulnerable to his attacks.

“All right, let’s bounce.”

Parker fluffs the collar of his white shirt and checks himself out in the mirror approvingly. I have no doubt in my mind that his entire outfit probably costs more than my biweekly paycheck.

I shoot off a quick message to our driver that we are on our way down before grabbing Parker by the elbow to usher him out of his room.

The System’s penthouse apartment is stunning. Custom black tiles and pristine white walls. An open layout living room and kitchen that leads to a massive wraparound balcony. I’ve slowly added a few plants over the years, but the space is minimalistic, decorated mainly with limited edition gaming memorabilia, neon signs, and an iconic The System poster.

I live on the fourteenth floor, and while it’s a gorgeous apartment, it’s nothing compared to theirs.

“Don’t forget your mask,” I remind Parker, punching the button for the elevator.

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