Page 51 of Reckless Games

16

Lakeyn

I’veneverpaidattentionto fairy tales, but as I step through the doors to the ballroom and adjust the mask over my face, I understand Cinderella more.

Not only because of the shimmery pale blue dress I’m wearing—sparkling and flowing out at my waist—but because of the anticipation. Midnight on the horizon, not knowing how I’ll feel when the clock strikes twelve, and wanting to hold every last moment that remains tightly.

Tonight, the guests are taken to a large room that overlooks the snowy forest, much like the private office Adam showed me. The night sky is clear, and the serene white blanket on the forest hides us for one final night.

The darkness of the manor is brightened with the Christmas lights lining the ceiling and walls. Much like the man I’ve gotten to know here. Once cold and empty, it came to life as the week progressed.

Another step and I might as well be floating among the stars. The music is soft—gentle. It contrasts with the excitement spilling out from the crowd around me.

This week was meant to be a taste. A quick escape from the monotony of my daily life. With each passing moment, it became more.Ibecame more.

I’m no longer the girl who walked through these doors seven days ago. A girl who couldn’t escape the pressure weighing her down since her parents died. A girl who spent too many years watching her sister live, afraid to do the same.

One moment, one decision, one envelope—everything has changed.

I watch the crowd of now-familiar faces, even if most people are wearing masquerade masks to ring in the new year. I didn’t get to know many of them, but I got to know myself this week.

Stella sits at a table at the far side of the room laughing. Her wild red hair is pulled up in a curly bun. The last thing I expected to find was a new friend, but that’s what she is. Our lives are worlds apart, and it doesn’t matter. She’s been there through every challenge this week has forced me to face.

My skin prickles with excitement, and even if I don’t see him, I feel Adam’s eyes on me. He could be watching me through the cameras he has installed in every corner of the manor, or he could be watching me from across the room. Either way, his focus sends a shiver up my spine.

I want his eyes on me until the clock strikes midnight.

Making my way down the winding steps into the room below, I take a deep breath. Tonight is all we have left, and the hours are already too short.

A few eyes follow me as I make my way into the room, but the back of my neck prickles when Adam presses behind me. His fingers sweeping my arm in the softest graze that puts me completely at ease, and him in total control. I melt at the softest touch and trust him with the harder ones.

Tonight, my blonde hair is pulled back in a low ponytail, and he uses that to his advantage, sweeping it aside for access to my neck. His nose tickling me as he skims his mouth and takes in a deep breath.

“Have I told you that you smell like vanilla?” he whispers, his hands finding my hips and pulling my back to his chest.

“It’s the perfume.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “It’s you. Making any other holiday insignificant. I’d rather celebrate you every year than anything else.”

“I wish you could.”

More than anything.

Adam’s life outside these walls might make it impossible for us to exist beyond Midnight Manor, but it doesn’t stop me from wishing for things I can’t have.

As if Adam reads my mind, he softens his hold on me. All we have is tonight, and I’m not ready to think about our time limit.

“Dance with me, baby girl.” He steps back, straightening up and holding out my hand. “Give me this one last gift.”

Then he tugs my wrist, spinning me around and pulling me in, releasing a genuine laugh I’ll hold in my heart forever.

We’ve been dancing for hours. My legs are wobbly and pieces of my ponytail fall around my face.

I had no idea Adam could dance. But he’s spun me around like he isn’t the cold-hearted, closed-off man I met in this very room a week ago.

Another song finishes, and Adam wraps his hands around my body, pulling me to him. My heart floods my veins at his touch.

I lift onto my toes, but just before my lips meet his, a loud pop makes me jump.

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