I grip the paper tightly in my hand, crumpling it into a little ball.
I never got over what happened here the last time. To relive it would be my greatest hell. It’s one thing to go through it once and survive. It’s another to know exactly what’s coming, to have visions of the last time haunting my head while it’s happening again, and to not mutter my safe word.
I still haven’t looked at my safe word. I won’t until the final round. I’ve already made the choice. I’ll finish this round. I’ll either die or win. There is no pulling myself out.
I glance over at Beckett, who has a stern expression under his black mask.
He doesn’t like what’s on his card either.
I don’t care if he stays or leaves. My card will be carried out whether he continues the game or not, just like what happened to Langston.
I try to think of Langston, try to let my thoughts drift to him, soaking his wounds in a warm tub right now.
It makes me smile.
Langston may be my enemy, and he may be the devil, but he’s slipped through my defenses to wiggle a tiny piece of himself into my heart. I can’t help but care a little about the bastard.
Plus, holding onto any positive thoughts of Langston for as long as I can will help me. Or it will twist him deeper into my soul and make me hate him more…
“You have five minutes to prepare,” the familiar voice announces.
I don’t need five minutes, but it gives me time to be in control.
I reach behind my head, and I remove my mask, lying it carefully on the table. I kick off my heels, too. Unfortunately, I’m going to need Beckett’s help for the next part.
“Can you help me unzip my dress?” I ask him.
He stands frozen, looking at me like he thinks he just imagined me speaking. He’s probably in shock from what is on his card.
I sigh, poor man.
I walk over to him and take his card.
“What are you doing?”
“Saving you for the next five minutes.”
I crinkle his card into a ball and toss it on the floor. It makes a satisfying bounce as it slides away from us. Then I take Beckett’s hand.
“Help me, and I’ll help you.”
He frowns.
I smile.
“The only thing I need help with is unzipping my dress.”
“Did your card say…?”
I shake my head. “My card didn’t say that I couldn’t undress before it starts. If it isn’t clearly on the card, then it’s fair game. Now, are you going to help me?”
He nods.
I release his hand and turn around, lifting my black hair up. I hate the stupid wig, but it’s necessary.
I feel his cold hand graze my back as he unzips my dress.
I turn back around and face him. “Thank you.”