Page 124 of Wanna Play A Game?
Ryder just takes it all in, not saying anything. Both of them know my mother was an addict, and I’ve fought tooth and nail to try and stay out of her footsteps.
“I’m sorry, Miles, I didn’t mean to snap.”
He raises his hands. “It’s all good, man. I’ll keep it away from her.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, taking the stuff down to the basement and locking it away. Despite the painkillers, my back hurts like a bitch. I know I shouldn’t be moving this much.
But there’s something else I need to do. I’ve been wanting to do it ever since she talked about it. I snatch my keys and tell Miles to keep an eye on Cali. I still don’t entirely trust her not to bolt when she feels the leash loosening.
Miles eyes my ass as I leave. “Think I’m gonna need another piece of that.”
“In your dreams, pup,” I growl and walk out the door.
I’m gone for a few hours. The whole time I’m away, my skin itches. I realize how relieved I’ve felt since she’s been with us. I find myself looking for new abandoned properties to chase her through. Thinking about new ways I can push her. Make her come running to me. Make her realize that I’ll provide everything if she only asks.
The woman has invaded every area of my thoughts.
When I return home, I instantly feel more peace knowing my people are close to me. I carry in my prize, knowing the men are going to give me shit. But they aren’t in the living room. I set it down outside my room and move inside. “Cali?”
I’m met with silence. I check my whole room. The dirty clothes are gone, but she’s not here.
For a second, my stomach bottoms out.
Fuck, she ran.
I dart to Miles’ room and find her sitting on his bed, looking out the window.
“Ah, snooping through someone else’s drawers?” I ask, but it takes a second for my heart rate to calm down.
She barely glances at me.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Discomfort fills me. I hesitate for a second, then sit stiffly next to her.
“Nothing.” She gives me a fake smile.
My heart rate kicks back up. “Cali…” I warn. “What did I tell you about lying to me?”
She swallows. “It’s nothing, Sawyer.” Then she says lower, “Just sad.”
Fuck. My stomach twists.
I grip Cali’s chin and force her to look at me. Venom runs through me. “Who made you sad? I’ll kill them.”
She laughs bitterly and pulls her chin away. “It’s fine. Just caught me in my feels. I’ll get over it.”
I snatch her up again. “Who, Cali?”
She tries to jerk away from me. “I said I’m fine.”
My voice lowers, and the darkness creeps in. “Who?”
She snaps, looking into my eyes, her own glistening with tears. “What if it was you, Sawyer? What would you do then?”
Me? Something like pain twinges my heart. My chest grows tight. “What?”
“Yes, you.” Cali turns her furious gaze on me. “You tortured Ben! You won’t let me go, and you tortured someone, but you’re so nice to me! You’re so nice to me that it makes me confused. You’re fucking with my head, Sawyer! And it’s not fair. I don’t…” Cali gasps. “Oh fuck!”
“What?” I scan her and don’t see anything wrong. I grab her and turn her, looking for what bothered her. I don’t see anything.
