Page 61 of Sinner

“At least there are several beautiful women here tonight.” Wilder was definitely enjoying the scenery.

“Yes, but none of any interest to us.” I was certain about that. They would run screaming to their rich fathers should we dare suggest a night of sin.

“I’ve heard Merrick’s company is in a free-fall given his dirty little secret was revealed.” I continued nursing my drink as I scanned the people coming through the door. I was itching to spend more time with the lovely Desdemona, but with the release, I’d been too busy to take any additional time for myself. It bothered me. A lot.

Zach inhaled while Wilder kept the grin on his face. “Yes, you heard correctly. Their stocks have plummeted, sales bottoming out. It’s amazing what a well-placed story can do. And we have you to thank for that.”

I shrugged. “I did what was necessary.”

“You’re a cold-hearted bastard,” Zach told me. “I’m curious where you got your information on Merrick.”

“I have my sources.” I did. The information on Merrick had basically dropped into my lap, but he hadn’t gone out of his way to hide his addiction either.

“Well done,” Wilder told me. “Here’s to our phenomenal success. The early reviews are also in and people are blown away.”

It would take time for them to unlock the truly depraved side of the game. I wondered how the critics would feel then. “Here’s to many more years of profitability and taking what we want.”

“And to additions to the Obsidian Society,” Zach added.

I laughed at my brother. For someone who had no intention of playing any of our games, other than as an auxiliary player, he was certainly more interested this year. Granted, he was a very distinctive hunter in his own right, often more vicious than either Wilder or I.

“Did the final invitations go out?” Zach asked immediately afterward.

Wilder glanced at Zach, lifting his glass. “They did.”

“The event is set for?” I asked.

“Next Friday night. Two men and three women. Various destinations.” He looked me directly in the eyes.

I laughed as I shook my head. “You knew I would decide to join.”

“I think we both knew,” Wilder countered, his eyes twinkling. “I could tell by the way you were looking at Ms. Turner.”

“You mean Ms. Waldrop,” Zach chided me. “Are you going to grill her on why she’s lying?”

“Why bother? If she wins, it will be necessary. But I’m eager to see how she handles the event first.” And I was. I’d mentioned her deception to both men. We’d never had a single person attempt to hide who they truly were. Except while hiding behind the headset, of course.

“What burning secrets did you discover about the lovely Ms. Waldrop?” Wilder asked.

“Nothing to convince me to remove her from the list. However, she will tell me everything I want to know in time.” Even I lied to my family if I knew it would benefit me. They certainly wouldn’t approve of her addition if they realized she was a directlink to my past. While we had nothing to fear from either law enforcement or competition, we also prided ourselves on being careful men.

And conscientious killers.

“Just be careful. You know how glitches and betrayal affect each one of us.” Wilder wasn’t wrong. We didn’t take kindly to anyone going against us.

They usually ended up finding themselves in a difficult predicament.

“I’m always careful. You should know that by now.” Perhaps the only exception was a few nights before. Given I hadn’t been placed under arrest, I would assume my sweet little lamb had truly enjoyed our time together. In one week, we’d enjoy some additional time. That’s the moment she would surrender to me completely.

Body and soul.

If I could wait that long.

“Have you selected her… test?” Wilder asked.

“I believe I have. Something she’ll find quite different than what she’s expecting.”

“Does that mean different from the session on Dark Nights?” Zach was fishing.

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