Page 64 of Ensnared

“Strengthtraining.Now, we’re playing this one with atwist,”Isay, and even though she rolls her eyes, she’s starting to smile.Someof the snaking jealousy in my chest softens when she does.

I’mbeginning to think she has a thing for puns.

Ormaybe it’s just for me.

“Sitdown, gorgeous, and pour yourself a drink.It’stime forEdento sin.”

Chapter17

Eden

Survivaltip #69

Theworld will twist you up.

Beflexible.

Idon’t move.Iam not flexible.Idon’t play party games.Ididn’t have the kind of childhood that encouraged parties at all, let alone silly activities like this.

“Lucky... this isn’t really my kind of thing.”

Resolvedto back away, maybe find something else we can do together,Ilook up at him pleadingly—only to see disappointment dim those bright blue eyes.Mystomach jolts.It’sa feelingIremember vividly.Howmany times did my grandmother tear away my “frivolous” books, or scold me for watching cartoons?

Thethought of making teasing, playfulLuckyfeel anything like that...

HowamImanaging to upset every personIspeak to?

“Willyou teach me?”Iblurt.

Herubs the back of his head the way he does when he’s uncomfortable.Itmakes his shirt ride up again and, like a magnet, my gaze is drawn to the definedVof golden muscle peeking over the top of his low-slung gray sweatpants.

“Wecan find something else to—”

“No,I’dlike to play.Iwould.”Bitingmy lip and tearing my gaze upwards,Ikick off my low heels and hike up my skirt.It’stight, soIhave to edge it up bit by bit to my upper thighs so my legs are free to move.ThenIkneel by the absurd drink and pour two glasses, making my own smaller asIremember how potent it is.

Luckytakes the glass from me, his eyes snagging on my exposed legs for a few heartbeats too long.Histhroat works as he swallows, then, seeming to make up his mind, he shoots me a wicked grin and sits cross-legged on the floor.

“It’soccurred to me that you don’t know how to smile, laugh, or generally have a good time without correcting yourself within about five seconds.”

Myown smile fades asIstare at him. “IthoughtJasperwas supposed to be the psychologist.”

Hewaggles a finger. “Notan attack, sweetheart.Promise.I’mmaking it my personal mission to make you smile.”

Well.

Itake a sip of my drink, unsure what to say to that.

“So, here’s how we play.Sincethere’s only two of us, andI’mnot having any of the other bozos crash the party, rather than spinning the wheel to choose where we place our hands and feet, we’re going to ask each other questions.Ifthe other person answers truthfully and completely, then they get to choose where to move one of their limbs.Ifthey don’t answer to the questioner’s satisfaction, however, the questioner chooses where they place their limb.Andthey get to demand a dare from the other person.”

Hisface was far too innocent as he said the last.

“Adare?”Iask dryly. “Whatkind of dare?”

Lucky’swicked grin deepens, flashing that dimple at me. “Howgood’s your imagination?”

BeforeIcan protest, he lifts a hand. “Nodare is allowed that would injure or unduly embarrass the other person.Andas for other basic rules, you need to place your limbs in order: foot, hand, other foot, other hand.Startwith whatever you like, but you have to change each time.Nojust moving one hand around the mat.”

Nottrusting him a whit,Ilook around the room as thoughImight be able to spot a trap asIconsider his offer.Ionly see a few sofas, the intercom, the piano, a guitar in one far corner, a sound system, large microphones in each corner of the room, and an expansive collection of records.That, and the table with the monkey mix on it, a bottle of icy water, and the box that theTwistermat came in.Finallysatisfied,Igive a reluctant nod.

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