Page 13 of The Game

My reveries were short-lived.

I’d lost track of the rest of the fight. Two women had been claimed, but besides me, two hadn’t, at least that I knew of.

And judging by the men who’d given up on the happy couple and were prowling my way, I was in grave danger of being next.

Chapter 7

Malachi

I slouched from the cage, heartsick but unable to stay in the corner with all the fun happening outside. Once already, I’d circled the basement, slow-footed and riding desperation to see the one slight form I wanted.

She wasn’t here.

I’d seen four women clearly and one diving around the corner of the overhead office. That glimpse had been enough to tell me I was out of luck.

Unless my angel was hiding well.

That’s the only reason I was taking a second patrol. That and the noises of hitting flesh.

I’d always loved a fight. It had got me into trouble countless times in the past and probably would in the future, too, particularly with the shitty mood I’d sunk into.

To my left, a couple fucked on the cold floor, writhing into each other, the woman buck naked with her knees bowed wide so the guy could grind deep into her. He made her come then braced over her and dropped his mouth for a kiss. I guessed as a pause to stop from shooting his load too early. The rules stated that they couldn’t leave until the last pair had matched, which meant there were still women to be claimed.

I wasn’t interested.

Over them, a guy stood with his dick in his hand, jacking off to their moans. Dirty bastard. Behind him, at least three men were knocked out or otherwise downed.

I prowled right, under the gantry and to the end of the basement where the central dividing wall ended again. Out of nowhere, a woman bolted past me and made for the steps, four assholes in hot pursuit. They shoved each other in their hurry. One fell into me.

Without looking, I decked him in a rapid smack. He hit the floor and didn’t get up.

“Thanks, bro,” the lead guy panted.

“Not your fucking bro,” I grouched.

He wasn’t listening any, as on the steps, he caught the woman’s hand and brought her to a stop. Then he was on her. Over her, mantling like a bird of prey while the other predators wanted in.

I carried on walking.

Around the corner, another couple were going at it against a wall. That was three accounted for and ten guys aside from me. Not that the status of the men interested me.

I’d taken stock of the prey, making sure they weren’t my auburn-haired angel. Each, I recognised from my first sighting. That left a woman with black hair, and…

My thoughts dried up.

I’d been about to say a brunette, but so was the one being railed in front of me. She raised her hands and brushed her hair back, and shock lodged in my throat. I’d miscounted. I’d fucking mistook her as she had an undercut which gave her a different profile with her hair pushed up.

Fuck. Was I going insane or had I spotted the same woman twice?

My heart slammed into my rib cage.

Down the end of the smaller basement space, a man braced the end of a door entryway, the recess behind it deep and shadowed. He smirked and urged on someone in there. Two more men joined him, pushing to get past.

A soft, feminine cry broke my heart.

I was running full pelt without a single conscious thought.

Chapter 8