Page 95 of Cup of Lies

“It’s a mindless activity that passes the time,” I mumble as I snap the last few pieces together.

“I couldn’t even figure out that kid puzzle Kaitlyn has,” Nees says. “It was only a hundred pieces, not a thousand. Seriously, how the fuck can you do this?”

“Something’s up,” Koyn says, voicing my concerns. “We’ll go check it out.”

I burst to my feet. “I’m going with you.”

“Nah, little girl, I don’t think your man would like me putting you in unnecessary danger.”

“I don’t care what he thinks. I’m going with you. I’ve been inside that hell and know how to navigate it. I don’t call it the lunatic lodge for nothing.”

My breasts ache and I know I need to pump, but making sure Caius is okay comes first. I’m a little sad I left Nova back at the hotel with Eva and Kaitlyn. They probably could have come along, but we weren’t sure if Orion was up to something. With Halo and Gibson with them, they’ll be safe.

I just need to get Caius so we can get back to them.

“Fine,” Koyn mutters. “Let’s go then. Nees, Filter, strap up.”

I lead the men out of the game room and down the stairs. We all climb into the SUV and Koyn drives to the lodge. I point the way to the garage that’s standing ajar. Theo and Caius must’ve left it open for a quick getaway.

Nees marvels over the many expensive sports cars while I show Koyn where to park. Once we’re there, we jump out and head for the door that’s been closed. I think back to the times I’ve seen it opened, making the pattern over the keyboard, granting us access.

“She’s some kind of alien,” Nees tells Filter. “I can’t even remember half the names of the chicks I date.”

“That’s because you’re a fucking stoner,” Filter explains.

“I was going to say a dumbass,” Koyn chimes in. “Now where do we go?”

We head for the elevator and, again, I’m able to grant us access. I start with the top floor—the penthouse. But after a quick search, we find it empty. I’m not eager to go to the floor where I was held captive, but my gut tells me it’s where we need to go next.

“There are a lot of rooms here,” I explain as we exit. “It’s easy to get lost. Just don’t let any of the doors shut behind you. You might get yourself trapped.”

“This place is fucked up,” Nees murmurs.

“You have no idea.”

I know they explicitly remember my recount of my time here. The constantly changing bed sizes, robes, decor, and even the windowless rooms. It was the opposite of a carnival funhouse. It was a house of horrors.

And I’m willingly going back.

I have to find Caius.

The men go before me, searching the first few rooms. It’s too slow of a process for me, knowing there are countless more with many other hallways. I take off running, calling for Caius.

“Where are you?”

I stop, listen, and then continue to run. I’m about to turn down another corner when I hear a male voice.

Oh my God.

Pounding on the door.

With tears in my eyes, I fumble with the bolt lock on the outside and push against the door. The person on the other side falls to their ass in front of me. I’m stunned still for a second as I recognize it as one of the rooms I was first held captive in.

The person on the floor is not Caius, though.

“Who are you?” the teenage boy asks. “Please help me.”

I gape at him as he rises to his feet. He’s a boy not unlike the one I remember from my past. Just some kid who got himself roped into the Crownes’ orbit.

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