Page 176 of Fake Game

No, this is all him, all his own twisted perception. I’m not going to let myself get warped by his words again. I’m not so fragile anymore that his manipulation can shape me as he pleases. I’ve become stronger. I’ve worked so damn hard on myself these last few months to heal my wounds, and I won’t let him reopen those scars—he doesn’t have that control any longer.

“I’m sorry that things turned out the way they did.” I raise my hand to his on the glass. “But I’m going to continue living my life. I’m not hiding in the shadows from monsters.”

“You think you’ll be safe out there? You’ll learn. You’ll learn just how wrong you are, how the world will eat you alive. There’s no one to save you.”

“I don’t need someone to save me. I saved myself.”

I hang the phone up and watch as an ugly fury swirls in his eyes. He shouts at me as I get up on trembling legs and turn away, leaving him behind.

FIFTY-TWO

JACKSON

“And the award for Hottest Streamer of the Year, as voted by you, the fans, goes to…”

We all lean forward on the table, watching as Andy—also known as the top streamer CeleryGod—opens a slim black envelope.

“NightBlade32!”

“Fuck yes.” Aleks fists pumps before turning to give Parker his middle finger. “In your face, bitch boy.”

“Fuck!” Parker barks.

Stevie plants a kiss on the side of his mask before he stands up and jogs to the stage, enthusiasm flowing from him in waves. He’s never been this excited to win an award in the entire time he’s been streaming—not even when he was given the Golden Vizor last year.

He takes the award from the award girl and gives Andy a clap on the back before taking his post at the microphone. His red mask tilts as he looks over the audience and says, “Let me give you all a look at the face you voted for,” before tugging it off.

A series of whoops and cheers ring out, including a wolf whistle from the brunette at our table.

Aleks give zero fucks as he smirks, hyping everyone up. “I would just like to say thank you to everyone for voting for me as the hottest streamer. You see, a certain British fuck—” Sydneygrimaces across the table “—has spent the last eight months since our face reveal insisting that he would win this award, even going so far as to bet his beautiful Aprilia if he lost.”

He pauses, and the cameras switch to one that zooms in on Parker as he tears off his own mask and reaches forward to drain his champagne flute with one hand and flip Aleks the bird with the other.

“Today, I can claim not only the title of the most attractive member of The System, but also that stunning motorcycle. So, thank you and good night.” He gives a dramatic bow and a wink before being led off stage.

“He’s going to be insufferable for the rest of the night,” Lee whines as Aleks comes running back to our table with a shit-eating grin on his face.

I reach up and remove my own mask—no sense keeping it on when the others are done for the night. The annual Streamzies award ceremony will be ending soon, and we’ve won more awards this year than any other year.

“Get ready to pay up.” Aleks slaps Parker on the back before taking his seat between Stevie and Lee.

“How about another bet?”

“No,” we all shout at Parker.

“Just accept the loss, hon.” Syd places her hand on his thigh. “You don’t even use it.”

“Yeah, because you won’t ride with me on any of my bikes,” he pouts.

“And I never will.”

“Whatever.” He turns away from her, still sulking.

“Hey, you guys coming to Electric Tyger for the after?” Wylder bounces over to our table, resting his hand on the back of Aleks’ chair.

Parker immediately perks back up. “You got a table?”

“Castle got a bunch.”

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