Page 43 of Forbidden Game

I’ll never say no to a party; I love them just as much as the next person. But tonight wasn’t a party party, despite how Syd makes it sound.

Everyone from the tournament was there, reporters and game developers included. It’s not the same as going to a club with Aleks and Jackson or a penthouse party with the lads. I had to be switched on, make sure that I said hello to everyone, and play the role of English. The slight buzz I had from the champagne at the start of the night has worn off, and now I am just tired.

“Come on, party boy, get off the floor.”

Sydney holds out her hand, and I take it even though her strength does nothing to help me up. I just crave her contact.

I haven’t taken my mask off yet, and the LED bathes her in a soft blue. She looks gorgeous, even though I’m sure she’s tired as shit as well. Honestly, I’m glad I didn’t have to do this weekend alone. Throughout the craziness of today’s event, I knew I could look over at her and ground myself. She was my constant in the chaos.

Syd wiggles her hand out of my own, and it brings me back to the present.

“We have an early flight tomorrow.” She bends down to take off her heels.

“If we’d taken the jet, we could’ve slept in.” I peel off my mask and toss it onto my overnight bag before working to undo the buttons on my shirt.

“You’re like a dog with a bone, I swear,” she chastises, setting her heels carefully next to the couch.

I love when she gets annoyed; it’s adorable.

The doorbell to our room goes off, and Sydney peers up at me with confusion.

“Did you order something?”

“I don’t know. Did I?” I give her a teasing grin as I run to the door. I take the cart from the employee outside, slipping them a fifty dollar note before rolling the cart into the room.

“What are you up to now, Parker?” Sydney lets out a deep sigh before padding over to me.

“I got us a little gift for all our hard work.”

I take the plate covered by the silver cloche and put it on the coffee table before placing two champagne flutes and a bottle next to them.

I flop on the couch and toe off my shoes, kicking them across the room so they land somewhat close to my bag. I should probably be a little gentler, considering they cost me north of a grand.

I pat the cushion next to me, “Come on. Pop a squat.”

Sydney climbs onto the couch, tucking her legs under her ass. She stares at my bare chest for a moment before turning her attention to the assortment on the table.

“That’s a lot of champagne for one person.”

“Ah, see that’s where you’re wrong, my dear Sydney.” I grab the bottle and hold it out to her. “It’s nonalcoholic.” I pop off the top and pour us both a glass.

I hold mine out to her. “Cheers to a successful weekend.”

“Cheers.” She gives me a soft smile, clinking her glass to mine. “I know you don’t need me to make your ego any bigger than it already is, but you did well today, Parker. You were a natural on stage, and your gameplay was amazing. DCS isn’t going to know what hit them.”

Pride warms my chest. Sydney’s approval always burns brighter than anyone else’s. I could win ten games in a row and not feel as accomplished as I do right now. I want to impress her, no matter the cost.

Which is why I remove the silver cloche to reveal the sweet treat underneath.

Sydney’s eyes widen, and I watch as excitement dances across her moonlight eyes.

“Are those chocolate-covered berries?”

“Sure are. And before you ask, yes, it’s vegan chocolate.”

She picks up a fork and stabs a strawberry excitedly before popping the entire thing in her mouth. The little hum of pleasure she makes as she closes her eyes has my dick twitching.

I quickly pick up a fork and stab one of the little round balls, holding it out to her.

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