Page 39 of Reckless Games

Not here.

Not when I have every inch of this manor wired with cameras.

They weren’t intended for her, as they serve other motives, but I don’t mind the dual purpose as I watch her and her red-haired friend peruse sex toys.

If Lake knew I was watching her, it would probably be another reason on her long list of reasons I’m sick.

She’d be right.

I’ve never cared about anyone other than myself, so what’s conventional—or healthy—isn’t something I considered as I planned how to approach her.

I don’t fucking care.

Lake breaks all the limits I set for myself. She steps over the line like it doesn’t exist. What’s worse, I want her there. Regardless of the fact that she’s becoming my weakness. A soft spot my enemies could use against me.

The more I’m around her, the less I’m willing to let her go. Even now, as I give her space to think over what she needs to, this isn’t over. She’s lying to herself if she thinks it is. If there’s faith to be had in zodiac signs or the universe, it’s that Lake was always meant to have my attention.

Cillian walks into the room, and I lock my computer screen. I don’t need to explain myself or hide what I’m doing, but I’m not prepared for anyone to get a glimpse of the depth of my obsession.

Not yet.

Not when I still don’t know how to protect her when all my world inevitably brings is blood and revenge.

“He’s ready.” Cillian nods, holding the door to my office open.

I stand and roll my sleeves up my forearms. These kinds of things have a way of getting messy, and I’m not in the mood to pick out another shirt before hunting Lake down later.

Walking over to Cillian, he steps aside so I can walk past.

“The guys are keeping an eye on her.” He follows me down the hallway. “She’s fine.”

“I know.” I know everything that happens between these walls. That’s the point of this place. And when it comes to Lake, I don’t miss a thing.

“She’s with her friend.”

“I’m aware.”

Cillian drops his chin and shakes his head. “I’m sure you are, boss. But you’re still worried.”

“I’m never worried.”

It’s usually the truth. I usually mean it.

I always have the upper hand, and I always know my opponent's moves before they do. It’s the upside of crafting this carefully veiled lie I show the world. But Lakeyn isn’t one of my enemies. She isn’t a pawn. She’s my queen and all I want to do is protect her. If this is a game of chess, she steals my focus.

“What’s the plan for after New Year's?” Cillian asks, not letting this go.

He never lets anything go, which is why he’s good at his job. But right now, it’s fucking irritating.

“Do you want them to keep watching her?”

Up until Christmas, Cillian didn’t know why I had his men in some middle-of-nowhere small town keeping tabs on her. All it took was her walking through the doors of Midnight Manor and me letting her pass with a fake name for him to see my hand.

Not that he’ll judge me for it. Doesn’t matter how sick I am, Cillian’s done worse. For my family and his. Even if he’s doing his best to avoid his own blood ties at the moment, it doesn’t wipe his slate clean. He takes care of things others get squeamish about.

Torture, kill… follow my blonde obsession to the ends of the earth.

I trust Cillian with my life, and hers.

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