Page 83 of Fake Game

Mm. Nope.

I swivel on my platform heels to retrace my steps, except a body suddenly bumps into mine, almost putting me on my ass.

“Well, if it isn’t the princess.”

My stomach curdles at the voice.

“Decker.”

“I’m surprised to see you here. Didn’t think you left the castle much these days?”

“You know how it is. I like to come down and see how the peasants are doing every once in a while.” I give him a dramatic once over. “And now I have, so I’m leaving.”

I push past him, and he doesn’t stop me. Daniel Decker is one of the most narcissistic streamers I know, and unfortunately someone I had the displeasure of going to high school with. But because our families know each other, it means Decker has some sense of self-preservation and knows not to mess with me. His family has called in one too many favors with mine, so he will always be in my debt and never a true threat to me. Still, seeing him has just made this night all the more lackluster.

I want to leave.

Cementing my choice, I pull out my phone and toss a quick text to the group, letting them know I’m splitting. Parker might be the life of the party right now, but he’ll keep an eye on Lee.

I break through the crowd and slam my palm onto the down button for the elevator. The doors slide open, and a group of girls spill out, giggling and laughing. One of them spots me, her eyes widening with recognition.

“Ohmigod, you’re Deer! Can I get a picture?”

“Sure.” I plaster on my perfect smile and lean close, throwing up a peace sign.

“Are you leaving?”

“Yeah.” I throw on a pout. “I’m not feeling great.”

“Oh nooo.”

“Yeah.” I slip into the elevator and begin pressing the close door button like my life depends on it. “Have a great night, though.”

The doors can’t close quickly enough as I’m stuck keeping my mask in place with the girl. Finally, the last slivers of flashing lights disappear as the doors clink shut, and I let out a deep breath. The noise of the party fades away as I descend back to the ground.

When the doors open to the ground level, I freeze. There are groups of people waiting to get in as security guards check them over.

Dammit. I should’ve known this would be the case.

Yeah, it’s an invite-only party—but that’s never stopped the word from getting out. Everyone wants to be where the limelight shines.

My eyes frantically bounce over the crowd as I quickly map my escape route. Without giving myself time to hesitate, I throw my shoulders back and push through.

I hear a few people call my name, and more than one person grabs my shoulder or pulls on my skirt. But I press one hand to my chest and keep a placid smile on my face as I make my way through the droves of people.

There’s too many of them. I need to get away.

More people continue to call my name, and all I can think about is finding somewhere else to go. I break through the crowd and immediately make to cross the street, putting more distance between myself and the party, more distance between myself and everyone else. It’s still too much. I feel too exposed. I didn’t plan this well at all. I need an escape.

Now.

I spot a couple slipping into what looks like an expensive cocktail lounge, a beautiful red door leading into the black brick building.

Close enough.

I follow behind them, fleeing the outside world for one of hushed music and vanilla-scented air. It doesn’t take long for me to notice that there is something different about this place.

The lights are dim, casting a warm glow over the surrounding patrons. The lounge has been designed to resemble an old, prestigious university library. The seats are all jewel-toned velvet, and the tables are a dark walnut. Fake sconces light upthe walls, interspersed between bookshelves that are filled with leather-bound tomes and decanters holding whiskey and red wine.

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