Page 65 of Sinner's Salvation

She grins. “Deal.”

I stumble back. What the fuck just happened?

Incredulity twists his features. I’m sure he didn’t expect my answer, and yes, I kind of surprised myself.

My visceral fears of germs and touch diminish when I am with Cameron. What once confused me has turned into a desire to explore more. His power over my senses makes me forget everything else for a few moments. It’s uncanny, yet refreshing. During those precious seconds, I am free from the shackles of my fears. It’s addictive, it’s liberating, and I yearn for more.

I spoke to my mother about my feelings when we FaceTimed, and she urged me to continue. So now, I seek him out, mostly because I know he can’t resist challenging me. I provoke him. He has absolutely no consideration for personal space. He intrigues me and consumes so much of my thoughts that it’s in my best interest to figure out why.

It’s a fair deal. If I control my fears while uncovering Cameron’s true self, we would both be vulnerable and exposed on different levels. He wants to strip away my exterior defenses, and I want to penetrate his inner layers.

What I hadn’t considered is how we’re going to do that. As though reading my thoughts, he opens his mouth to speak, only to close it again before finally reopening it—looking adorably cute and out of his element.

“I’ll decide which to answer according to what part you uncover.”

I am not surprised and nod. I’ll have to start with lighter questions.

“I need to go to sleep. Wanna join me?”

“So funny.”

With that, he leaves. I trail behind him with longing consuming me.

I can do this. I have to.

When I wake up, the events of last night rush over me like a crashing wave. Rolling out of bed, I stand in front of the mirror, resting two fingers on my lips; the shadow of last night’s kiss makes them tingle.

I took the first step. Now it’s his turn.

The day passes as I lose myself in Defshot. It’s a high-stakes survival game, pitting players against each other until one player, squad, or team remains. It’s not easy, with ninety-nine other combatants fighting for the win. The adrenaline rush is highly addictive. Being able to play on a team where you’re both comrades and competitors, fighting to survive and win, makes you fully invested in the game.

Our team, the Head Hunters, is preparing for the annual world championships—the Defshot World Cup. My competitive streak overshadows everything else. Sure, luck plays a part, but strategy is better in order to be the last player or team standing.

From finding the best landing spot as we’re dispatched into the game, to steadily building an impressive arsenal of weapons, paying attention to the enemy’s movements, and always having my team’s back, I’ve made myself a formidable player. My opponents shouldn’t underestimate me.

After congratulating each other for our good game, Noah asks, “Are you going to come with us to Vegas?”

To be able to attend the championship is why I am doing this. To be free, to put myself out there, and finally be able to take part in a live gaming championship.

“I’m working toward it.”

Our friendship feels like it used to be, mostly because I ignore his lingering looks.

“I have a girlfriend.”

“That’s nice.”

We look at each other, minutes spent in awkward silence.

“That’s all?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Forget it.” With that, he hangs up.

The hour I spend outside every day made me think of a new game. A game you play only by being on your feet. It follows a bit of laser tag but in a magic realm. My agent says to send him the demo when I’m done making it.

When it’s time for a break, I go outside and find Alessandra gathering flowers with her daughter.

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