Page 8 of Reckless Games

No… there’s nothing wrong with me.

“I understand the need for control.” Adam’s voice drops like it’s a secret between the two of us. “But that’s why I’ve gifted you this week.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” He nods once, before lifting his gaze to quickly sweep the room. “And everyone else.”

My heart sinks, even if it shouldn’t, because this retreat is obviously not just about me. It’s technically not about me at all. Ivy was the one he invited.

“The pressure can be overwhelming sometimes, can’t it?” he asks, once more pulling my attention. “Too much, almost?”

My answer chokes in my throat and all I can do is nod in response.

“So let go.” His expression softens, and an almost uninhibited smile ghosts his cheeks. “You asked me what this week is, and that’s your answer. It’s an escape. It’s freedom. Tell me, what’s your fantasy, baby girl?”

Baby girl.

I’m pretty sure he just answered his own question.

“I—” But I’m not sure what to say because I’ve never wasted time with fantasies. I don’t entertain dreams or focus on unattainable things. “I don’t know.”

Adam leans down to my ear once more, his body heat lighting me up in flames. “Then spend the night with me and let me help you figure it out.”

3

Lakeyn

Iknowbetterthanto accept the offer of a one-night stand from a stranger. I’m smart enough to know nothing good comes from uninhibited indulgence.

But as Adam follows me to my room, I don’t care what warnings echo loudly in my head. All I want is whatever escape he’s offering. Blindly trusting the feeling of this moment.

The hallway leading to my room is endless, like the rest of the manor. It’s dark and dimly lit with outdated gold sconces. The wallpaper is similar to Adam’s mask. Nearly black, with a pattern almost the same color, so you’d have to get really close to make out the design.

It’s a maze, and every step takes me deeper with a man I probably shouldn’t trust myself with.

We turn another corner, and Adam steps ahead of me, leading the way as we continue down a hallway that requires another swipe of my card to access.

What kind of person lives in a place like this?

What kind of man throws annual sex parties for the rich, powerful, and famous?

What kind of girl follows him to indulge her own curiosities?

Finally, Adam stops us at a large door at the end of the hall.One-hundred thirty-threeis carved in the thick mahogany.My room.

Apart from us, the hallway is empty with no other guests in sight. The manor must be massive to keep us spaced this far apart.

“May I?” Adam takes out his own key card, which is black instead of gold like mine. He swipes it once and the door swings open.

I shouldn’t be surprised he has access to every room, and it should be unsettling. But all it does is make me curious how he uses that to his advantage.

“Do you do this often?” I walk past him when he steps aside, waving a hand out to guide me through.

Adam smirks but doesn’t answer, and it’s probably for the best. I don’t need to know what number I am on his list. Holiday party or not.

He flicks on a light as I step through the door, and I’m met with a large space. More modern than I expected. The walls are a cool gray, and on one side is a king-size four-poster bed. There’s a simple desk and couch. No clutter. Nothing framed to decorate the walls. Clean, simple, classic.

Like the man who walks past me, stripping off his tie and jacket as he does.

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