Desperate Lies (Lies 2)

She walks over and takes the card with her name on it. Her breath hitches as she waits for her partner to be drawn.

“Mr. Fray,” he says.

A gentleman almost twice her age walks over to her.

Her smile falters for only a second, but she recovers before almost anyone notices. This is a game of bluffing and chicken more than anything else. Most people think they would be willing to do anything for twenty million, especially sexual things with mostly wealthy and good-looking people. When it actually comes down to it, they are dead wrong.

Mr. Reyes pulls out another card. “Mr. Pearce.”

I raise an eyebrow as my eyes go to Langston’s. He gave his real name. Ballsy. That or he thinks using his real name will intimidate people more.

My heart, my breath, and all other bodily functions stop as I wait for Langston to walk over to collect his card and wait for Mr. Reyes to announce his partner.

Anyone but me.

“Ms. Fraser.”

I gasp, sucking in oxygen, trying to restart my body.

“Are you okay?” Maxwell asks me.

I nod silently as a pretty redhead approaches Langston. He gives her a tense smile, and then they move to the side as more names are called.

“Mr. Kane.”

“Mrs. Kane.”

Zeke and Siren smile at each other, happy to be partnered with their spouse. It will ensure they last this round, but that’s it. Once they are re-partnered, they will be gone.

“Mr. Maxwell,” Mr. Reyes says.

“Good luck,” I whisper to him as he walks forward.

Maxwell is paired with a woman in her mid-fifties, and he doesn’t hide his disgust well.

I smile behind my glass. He won’t last round one.

I’ll be truly on my own after this round.

“Mrs. Black.”

Kai walks forward like she owns the room, the most powerful woman here.

There are whispers and gasps as she steps forward, proudly using her name and being herself.

It’s all a facade, though. She won’t so much as kiss another man, or let any man but Enzo fuck her.

“Mr. Ito.”

A tall, handsome gentleman steps forward. He’s good looking, but he glances in fear at Enzo as he walks. I wouldn’t be surprised if the man simply dropped out so that he didn’t have to deal with Enzo’s wrath for touching his wife.

“Mr. Beckett.”

“Ms. Abara.”

Beckett wordlessly and expressionlessly takes his spot by his partner, who looks like she is about his age.

“Ms. White.”