Page 89 of Game Misconduct
She’s up there. Two floors above me.
Probably still awake. Probably pacing like I am.
Or maybe not. Maybe she’s curled into silk sheets with the weight of the night pressing down on her shoulders like it always does.
Maybe she’s already dreaming, face soft and vulnerable in a way no one else gets to see.
Maybe she’s wishing someone wouldcome to her.
My body moves before my mind catches up.
I grab my key card and head for the door.
No more waiting. No more pretending.
I need to see her.
The elevator dings once, low and sterile, as I step into the lobby of The Apex.
Midnight hush blankets the marble floors, the sleek black walls throwing back my reflection in slashes of steel and glass.
The concierge behind the desk looks up, startled, because it’s late, and I’m sure I look like a man gone mad.
Because I have.
I’ve gone mad for my boss.
The only woman who looks and sees me.
And I’m about to break every rule I’ve set.
“Evening, Mr. Lasker,” the concierge says, his voice overly polite as he straightens in his chair.
His name tag says Aaron, and he’s maybe twenty-three,fresh-faced and eager in a way that makes me feel ancient. “Is there anything I can?—?”
“I need to go up to the penthouse floor.”
I say it flat and direct. Like I’m asking for something simple.
But his expression freezes for a beat too long.
“The penthouse floor is restricted access, sir,” he says, shifting slightly in his chair. “I can call Ms. Carrington and?—”
“No.”
I don’t mean for it to come out so sharp, but it does. I scrub a hand over my jaw and try again, this time softer. “Don’t buzz her.”
Aaron hesitates, hand hovering near the console. “Mr. Lasker, I really shouldn’t let anyone up unless the resident?—”
“I live here,” I cut in, jaw tight. “Seventh floor. You know that. You know who I am. ”
“Yes, sir, but the penthouse?—”
“I need to speak with her,” I say, locking eyes with him. “And I’m asking you to let me up. Just this once.”
His gaze flicks toward the elevator. Back to me.
He’s young but not stupid. I’m sure he can see it in my eyes. He knows exactly what this is.
