Page 29 of Accidentally Joining His Cult

Aren’t the majority of the people here this weekend employees who would be getting paid to be here? Not the other way around. I know my fee for this weekend was astronomical, but I assumed it was because they were making an exception, letting me crash the event intended for employees.

If everyone had to pay to be here, then that raises some significant concerns for me over the legitimacy of their business plans, and really, the company as a whole. I know that they’re a pretty large company that’s involved with a ton of big names in both business and entertainment, with quite a few celebrities and politicians taking their classes, but something isn’t sitting right with me.

It continued in the other classes, too. Except for the program that Cody led on not letting your worries and fears hold you back from success and happiness—I really did try to pay attention to his class today and not just gawk at him the entire time, and I definitely didn’t get any of the weird vibes from anything he said.

All of this is running through my head as I watch Cody get strapped into a harness for the ropes course that we’re apparently doing before lunch. I’ve never done one, and I’m not a huge fan of heights, but I also want to spend time with Cody.

Risk breaking my neck or spend a few hours apart?You’d think it would be an easy decision, but clearly, my dick is back in charge because here I am, risking life and limb.

Not that I’m complaining about the view—the harness outlining Cody’s ass is giving me some ideas. It reminds me of a jock strap, and now I can’t help but wonder if he owns one.

“Your turn, Beck!” He sounds so fucking happy as he gets out of the way for me to get into my harness, he’s practically jumping up and down as he shifts, clearly too excited to stand still. His endless enthusiasm continues to amuse me and, luckily, distracts me from focusing on what we’re actually doing here.

Once everyone in the group is strapped in, one of the employees walks us through the process. She explains the two heavy clips attached to our harnesses, each clip is secured to a giant wire, and they’re color-coded with a chunky plastic “key” that unlocks them. Only one clip can be opened at a time as we move from section to section.

In theory, it sounds safe. But in reality, this whole thing is looking more intimidating than I thought it would be. I was picturing something much lower to the ground, and I sure as shit wasn’t imagining that I’d be unlocking and reattaching my fucking harness myself.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

She reassures us that there’s staff on the ground throughout the course to help answer any questions and help us if needed. Apparently, they even allow children to do this.

I obviously don’t have any children, but that seems like a poor parenting decision to me.

We’re all given helmets and are directed to staircases that lead to different points in the course. Cody grabs my hand and drags me toward what must be the tallest one,of course.We end up on a small wooden platform built into a tree at least fifteen feet off the ground, and there are plenty of sections even higher that it seems we’ll make our way up to.

In front of us, there’s a bridge straight out of a fairytale movie. A bunch of planks of wood that are way too far apart at inconsistent distances are held together by some very questionable-looking rope. It looks like it’s been there for hundreds of years and no one has bothered with repairs.

This would be the part in those movies where the heroes need to cross the bridge and fight an evil dragon to save a princess on the other side.

I’d make a terrible movie hero. I’m way too spoiled and way too afraid of heights to help any princess. Or prince, which I’d obviously prefer.

Cody, on the other hand, looks like he could be filming his own superhero action film. He effortlessly crosses the bridge, keeping his balance as if he’s walking on solid ground. When the gaps become too wide, he jumps across easily, the workout clothes that we changed into showing off each flex of his muscles as he moves.

“What are you waiting for?” He turns back toward me and flashes that fucking smile again, the one that I knew could get me to do anything—I just didn’t realize he’d be using that power against me so soon into our relationship with this stupid ropes course.

Not that we’re in a relationship.Obviously not. I just meant I haven’t known him long enough to endure this kind of torture.

“Just mentally preparing to save the prince,” I blurt out. Apparently, my fear has eliminated any filter I have, deciding that I should go with the most random thoughts possible.

He bursts out laughing. “Does that make you a knight in shining armor?”

I glare back at him, crossing my arms. “I’m trying to psych myself up to risk my life. I don’t need you to make fun of me.”

“Should I pretend to be a prince in distress?” he teases, and I smirk back at him.

“If you want to role-play, I’d rather wait until we’re alone,” I respond in a cheesy, suggestive tone. His eyes grow comically large, and it’s my turn to laugh.

As much fun as shout-flirting with him is across this bridge, I really would rather be near him. I take a deep breath and try to convince myself that this is easy, nothing to worry about. I double-check that my clips are secure.

Logically, I know that I’m safe. If I do fall, my harness will catch me.

But logic doesn’t slow down my rapid heartbeat.

I cling to the railings of the bridge with a death grip as I take my first steps onto it. The plank of wood immediately moves away from the platform that my other foot is still balanced on, shifting me into a wider stance. I quickly bring the other foot forward so I can stand on the moving board, gripping the swaying rope railings for dear life.

One down, another fifteen or so to go.

How did Cody make this look so easy?

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