Page 91 of Rat Race

When I pushed open the door, one of the guards Devil’s Playground employed to watch the winners was waiting outside with a scowl.

“Ten minutes is up,” he said and motioned for us to get out. “You’re lucky I even gave you that much.”

I opened my mouth to say something that would’ve no doubt ruined his day, but Cam was there, their heavy arm over my shoulder in seconds.

“You got it,” they said and pushed us both out of the room and back into the party.

There was a reason I left it in the first place, and it wasn’t just to fuck Cam.

It was overwhelming at best. It wasn’t just the winners who got invited, but also the top twenty contestants, various media outlets, Devil’s Playground higher-ups, previous winners and some randos that had connections with the Games. All of us were forced into a large penthouse that overlooked the area. It was one of the only livable buildings on the island and was reserved for only the most high-profile people in the Games. A sort of box suite to enjoy the Games from.

The lights were dim, music was blasting, drugs were flowing. And there we were, forced to stay and ‘enjoy’ it.

At least they cleaned us up first.I was worried that they would have me parading around in my dried, bloody outfit to make it more interesting.

“Just a few more hours,” Cam whispered in my ear, their hand rubbing soothing circles on my shoulder. “And then I’ll have my face between your legs again, Peaches.”

I shivered at their tone.

“Well, the least we can do is get fucked up,” I said and grabbed two drinks from a server that happened to be passing by. I acted like I was giving it to Cam, but as soon as they reached for it, I jerked it back and downed it.

“Brat,” they said and reached for the other, but I pulled that one away two.

“Oh, sorry, did I say we?” I asked with a raised brow. “I meant me since I helped you win and all.”

They let out an irritated chuckle that warmed my body. “You’re beggin’ for a lesson in manners.”

“You did good, you little psychopath.”

My head swiveled around toward the familiar voice.

Vic stood with her arms crossed and a slight smile on her face, Kohl just behind her shoulder, looking anxious to be in a room so full of people.

I let out an excited squeal and threw my arms around Vic. She let out a laugh but returned my hug, even if her movementions were hesitant.

That’s fine, she’d always been prickly.

“I knew you’d like it! Oh my god look at yourhair!” I said and pulled away to look at her. “What are you doing here? Lemme guess, divvying up my prize money?”

It was meant as a joke, but there was no humor in Vic’s face. She looked back at Kohl, who’d been surveying the area, their eyes falling over every single guard before turning back to her and giving her a nod.

“There’s something bigger happening. We need to go back in,” Vic said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I don’t have time to explain all the fucked-up shit that’s happened, but I need help.”

Vic needs help?Out of all the people in the world, Vic would be the last to ask for help from anyone.

“Anything,” I replied quickly.

Cam was by my side, a possessive hand on the small of my back. Vic’s eyes flitted to them, then back to me. Kohl stepped closer, the tension rising.

“Do you trust me?” Vic asked.

“Always. Whatever you need.”

She gave a stiff nod.

“I need you to go back in. I need you to enter Truth or Dare with us.”

My heart skipped a beat in my chest. If it were anyone else, I would turn it down immediately. I had no reason to join the Games. I didn’t want money or fame.

---