Page 12 of Deadly Little Games

“Damn, thorn, I think I just fell in love. Keep talking to me like that and I’ll get down on one knee for you.” He laughs, and I turn in my seat to look out the window, praying we get there soon.

I’m done with this car and him. The entitled asshole. Ican’t get to my brother soon enough. He expertly maneuvers around the main streets of Daringhood, and I can’t blame him for wanting to steer clear of the chaos. The car would be completely totaled by the time the thugs figured out its owner.

The train tracks come into view as we swiftly fly over them, completely bypassing the security point. They must be familiar with his car, otherwise they would be chasing us at full speed.

His phone suddenly vibrates, grabbing his attention, and Gage’s name lights up the screen. A lump forms in my throat, but Lucas ignores it, quickly silencing his phone.

The further we venture into Daringville, the more extravagant and ridiculous the houses become. Despite the darkness, their lights cast a glow that pierces through the night.

We come to a halt in front of a gated community, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand as memories threaten to overcome me. No, I can’t think of that now. I just need to get through this, find Alec, and leave. Fuck them and this place. I can’t let my mind go back there. The grand gate looms before us, no doubt adorned with rigorous security features. Daringhood and this place are like two different worlds. The poor versus the rich. No middle class here. The whole system is fucked.

The gates swing open, and we drive down a winding driveway that seems to stretch on forever. Streetlights illuminate the road, large well-manicured hedges scream I’m rich, and it takes everything in me not to jump out of the moving car and run back over the train tracks. It’s maddening how we have almost nothing and they have all of this, even though we work so hard. Half our earnings go to them just because they put it in the treaty all thoseyears ago. The Brotherhood rules, and we have no say in it.

And to think I used to be one of them.

A house comes into view that can only be described as a gothic mansion, sitting on the edge of a cliff. He parks right in front, and a staff member hurries over to open his door for him, but before he gets out I ask, “Is this where the ball is?”

“This is my place and I’m hosting.” He grins, then slips from his car and shuts the door.

I’ve never been to his place, only Amirah’s. I stay in the car, doubting my decision once again. No turning back now. I’ll go to this stupid masquerade, find Alec, and go home. Simple as that. But the longer I stay in the car, the longer it will take.

I find the door handle and step outside into the cool night air. The crashing waves against the cliff top surrounding Lucas’s home send shivers down my spine as I imagine the treacherous drop below. I resist the urge to approach the edge, where I can almost taste the salty spray of the wind and feel the exhilarating whip of the waves on my cheeks.

The rev of engines comes down the driveway and more people start arriving dressed in beautiful gowns and suits. They eye me with suspicion, and I shift uncomfortably.

“Come on, little thorn,” Lucas says from the front door with a smirk. “We’ve got to transform you into a princess for the masquerade ball.”

I scoff. “I don’t need anything, just need to find my brother and go back home. I don’t belong here.”

“You used to,” Lucas whispers so low I almost don’t hear him. I can’t think of that time. Not now, not ever.

I join Lucas, and he swings the front door open with aforceful push, barely giving me time to enter before it slams shut.

The foyer is a whirlwind of activity, with staff darting around frantically, balancing trays of food and drinks, while masked figures navigate through the house.

I need to find Alec—he’s got to be here somewhere. I can’t help but notice people stopping and staring, their heads turning to catch a glimpse of my diner uniform and the sound of their whispers filling the air. I keep my head held high. I don’t give a fuck what they think. Navigating through the crowded living area, I search desperately for my brother, scanning the faces of countless people, but I can’t see him. Music echoes through the house, coming from outside.

A hand grabs onto mine and I spin around, finding myself face to face with Lucas. His grip on me tightens as he pulls me away, and I desperately try to escape, but it’s futile. I try to keep up with Lucas, but he’s like a ninja, dodging everyone until we arrive at a black staircase. He bounds up the steps, two at a time, with me chasing closely behind, eager to escape the bustling foyer.

“You’re right, you don’t belong here, but that’s the best part. Besides, you won’t be able to go undetected wearing that uniform. You need to blend in with the ladies of Daringville. Or would you prefer being the center of attention?” Lucas’s voice echoes through the long hallway as he moves, disappearing through a door and into a bedroom.

I follow in after him, and in the center of the room, a grand king-sized bed dominates the space. Its black four-poster frame exudes an air of elegance, adorned with deep-red covers and soft, plush cushions. Lucas opens up a set of double doors, revealing what appears to be anotherbedroom. Scratching the back of my neck, I fight the urge to turn around and head back out the front door.

Lucas reappears, his arms full of long dresses and high-heeled shoes, which he haphazardly throws onto his bed.

“Why on earth do you have women’s clothes? Are you a cross-dresser?” I ask with a frown. “Totally cool if you are. That’s your business.”

With a laugh, he pulls his T-shirt over his head and lets it fall to the ground. My eyes trace down the lines of his defined chest to the trail of hair that disappears beneath his pants.

“Nah,” he says, licking his lips, “these clothes are souvenirs from the women who leave them at my door.”

I scoff. “I’d rather not know what poor women they belong to.”

He unzips his cargo pants, and they effortlessly slide down his legs, revealing his black briefs. Swallowing hard, I quickly move past him and begin browsing the gowns, feeling the soft fabrics between my fingers. I can’t believe how far I’m willing to go for my brother’s sake.

From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of his muscled bare ass fading into the bathroom. He leaves the door slightly open, but I resist the urge to glance back and give him the satisfaction. The dresses are absolutely stunning, and as I run my fingers along the smooth silk and delicate lace, I discover a beautiful black gown with a gracefully low neckline.

The shower starts running in the background, and I peer over my shoulder, locking eyes with Lucas through the misty shower window. His hands firmly grip his cock, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.

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