Page 54 of Reckless Games

Two beams brighter than any firework in the night sky.

And then it all goes dark.

17

Adam

“Cillian.”Istormoutof the ballroom, ignoring anyone who tries to stop me.

I don’t need their thanks for inviting them. Nothing matters except finding Lakeyn before she gets away. I was stupid enough to release her wrist when she shook her head. My tongue froze when I should have told her to stay. Paralyzed by the fear of holding on, knowing all that does is lead to pain.

In my life—in my business—it’s not safe to fall in love. It’s not safe to have a weakness. Those can be exposed, and the thought that someone could use Lakeyn against me had my mind in a black hole.

But as I watched her disappear up the staircase, none of it mattered. Because I’d rather fight protecting her than let her go.

“Boss.” Cillian stops in front of me, his arms crossed.

“Where is she?”

“She left.”

“Left?” I thought she’d head to her room first. I didn’t expect her to just walk away.

The walls close in, and somehow the manor feels emptier at the realization. She’s the warmth in these walls—in the cavity of my chest. And I need her heat again.

“What do you want to do?” Cillian’s eyes narrow, and his mouth ticks up in the smallest smirk.

He knows I’m about to reveal all my cards, but it doesn’t matter. I need to get to her.

“Get the car.”

“Yes, sir.” Cillian drops his hands and walks toward the far hall, chuckling under his breath.

“Something you’d like to say?” I challenge him as I follow him to the private garage.

“Nope.”

But his eyebrows lift, and we both know exactly what he’s thinking.

I let her in. I’ve never let anyone close enough to hint at my secrets. Yet, I showed her all of them. The things I said and did should have made her fear me or hate me. But Lakeyn’s darkness and mine found a home in each other. And like an idiot, I still let her go.

“They’ve got a five-minute head start,” Cillian says, climbing into the driver’s seat as I get in the passenger side.

“Then drive faster.”

“As fast as I can, boss.” Cillian tips his chin up at the driveway as the garage door opens, pulling out into the cold forest. “Roads are a mess. There was another storm last night.”

Something about his comment settles wrong, but I can’t put words to it. An icy chill climbs my spine as Cillian drives us down the road.

The roads are slick. Nearly solid ice. And I don’t like the fact that Lake is out here without me. She should have waited until morning with the rest of the guests.

It’s my fault. I know she runs from what scares her, and I saw it in her eyes. She’s falling just like I am, and the reality of us is terrifying.

Too bad I’m going to make her face it anyway.

I need her, and I know, deep down, she needs me too. I see her for all she is—broken and perfect. A shard that fits with me like a puzzle piece.

Gripping the seat, I try not to spiral—not to think of the fact that she shouldn’t be out in this wintery mess.

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