Page 66 of Falling for Them

Leo nodded, his eyes darting around again. “It’s not that I don’t want to hold hands or whatever. You really never knowwho will recognize you and take a picture for a few bucks. I’m not worth a lot, at least.”

“Can I help you?” the lady at the kiosk called out to us.

After getting our arena assignment and gear, we headed to the room and got into our vests. My adrenaline was already pumping as I looked out over the space that was designed like a forest.

“So, I was thinking that we could make this game a little more competitive by having a prize.” Leo powered on his vest and gun. “Are you two game?”

“Tell us more.” Ethan was stretching his legs, and I giggled at how ridiculous he was.

“Winner gets to decide what goes on in the bedroom tonight.” Leo looked between us. “And I mean everything… who fucks who.”

I raised an eyebrow at Leo’s proposal, heat rushing to my core. “You’re on. But don’t come crying to me when you lose.” I was never one to back down from a challenge, and this one? Well, this one had a particularly enticing reward.

Ethan chuckled, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “You’re going down. You’re good, but not that good.” His eyes sparkled with competitiveness, and I knew he was in it to win it.

“Let’s get started then.”

With all of our vests and guns turned on, the game was activated, and a countdown clock began. We scattered, the sound of our feet drowned out by the music that began playing.

The room was about the size of an average house with all the walls and ceiling painted black. The neon lights were strategically placed to give just enough light to see, but if you were careful, you could stick to the shadows. There was fake foliage and obstacles perfect for hiding scattered throughout the room.

I found a spot to hide behind a fake tree, my laser gun at the ready. The game started with a loud buzz, and my heart rate shot up. I knew it was all fake, but the vest would vibrate when I got shot and would scare the shit out of me.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Ethan taunted, his voice nearby. He was more of an offensive player versus defensive, so I wasn’t surprised he was already coming after who he perceived as the easiest target. He could easily chase me down with his long legs and speed.

Before he was right on top of me, I sprang into action, moving from my hiding spot to try and catch Ethan off guard. I spotted him darting between two barriers, and I took aim, firing a shot that hit him square in the back.

I ducked back behind the tree as he turned to return fire. There was no way I could stay where I was now that he knew my location, so I zig-zagged as I ran to the edge of the room and hid behind a wall, staying as low as possible. My quads were burning, but I hadn’t been hit.

Peeking around the side, I caught a glimpse of Leo darting between barriers, but he was so fast, I’d never hit him. Not wanting to stay in the same spot for long, I was on the move again.

Ducking behind a bush, I went as still as possible. I could hear footsteps approaching, but I couldn’t tell if it was Ethan or Leo.

“Oh, princess,” Leo’s voice rang out, a teasing lilt to his tone. “I’ve got plans for that sweet ass of yours when I win this game.”

I bit my lip to stifle a giggle. “In your dreams!” I quickly darted away from the bush.

As I moved, I caught sight of Ethan’s tall frame. I took aim and fired, managing to hit him again. I was feeling pretty damn good about hitting him twice already.

“You’re going to pay for that later. On your knees, begging for mercy.” His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I momentarily lost focus. That was all Leo needed to get a shot in, my vest vibrating as it registered the hit.

“Fuck!” I hissed, ducking behind another barrier.

“Language, princess,” Leo taunted. “Or do I need to put that dirty mouth of yours to better use later?”

“Always so vulgar with wanting to shove your dicks in my mouth. Maybe I’ll suffocate you both with my pussy.” I moved again, someone hitting me before I could duck.

The sexual tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Every taunt and comment had my body humming with anticipation for what was to come after our date.

As the game went on, I managed to get a few more shots in on both of them, but Ethan was proving to be a force to be reckoned with. I wasn’t surprised at how ruthless he was. He liked to win, and besides that, he could cover more ground faster than me and Leo. His height should have made him an easier target, but he knew how to move his body behind barriers and was so fast it was hard to hit the target.

“You know,” Ethan called out, his voice closer than I expected considering I’d just run the length of the room for what felt like the hundredth time. “I’m thinking when I win, I might sit back and watch you two put on a show for me.”

The thought of being watched by Ethan sent a jolt of arousal through me. I was so distracted by the mental image that I didn’t notice Ethan sneaking up on me until it was too late.

“Gotcha,” he whispered in my ear as he shot me point-blank.

I spun around, finding myself trapped between Ethan and the wall. His eyes were dark with desire, and for a moment, I forgot we were in the middle of a game.

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