The ground is finally becoming more visible as I look down, but we’re not slowing. And I realize that I don’t care how this ends.
My grip eases on his neck as I lean my head back and shut my eyes, taking in a deep breath. Why does this feel like the first real moment in months?
When I open them, he’s watching me.
Why the fuck did it have to include him?
We’re slowing down but not enough. As the end of the cable that’s hooked to a building comes into view, it’s obvious the ancient braking system is failing. Somehow his hold gets tighter on me as he lurches around so his back can absorb the impact of the wall as we halt to an abrupt stop.
Looking back, I see the top of the wooden coaster in the distance and can’t believe we just did that.
I attempt to get free of him, but he keeps me clutched against him. “You can get your hands off me now.”
“Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.” He finally releases me and unlatches us from the cable before undoing my harness.
“I did. Especially the part where you hit the wall.You’rethe only part I didn’t enjoy.”
“Too bad, Ivy. You’re bound to me now; tied to me, remember.”
A few minutes later, Brooke and Micah arrive with a thud against the wall, Micah shielding Brooke from the hit in the same way Luca just had. It’s about five minutes later when Remy and Garrett sail along, back-to-back as they hoot and holler. As they try to unhook, Remy jokes, “I’m not hugging you, dude.”
Garrett struggles with the gear as he yells, “No shit, man. I need to unhook from your harness.”
“Who else is doing it?” Brooke asks, shakily as she looks up at the coaster. Three other pairs arrive after Remy and Garrett.
Micah keeps his watch on Luca as he says, “Looks like everyone is playing the game. Time for the fun to really begin.”
I really don’t like the sound of that. Especially after seeing the shit show at the top of the coaster.
Brooke is the first to walk off. “I’m ready to leave. This is so outrageous. I didn’t even want to play.”
Her back is to me now, but I know I saw tears welling before she turned away. When I look back at Luca, I try to understand anything about him. Yes, he shielded me from the impact at the end, but he didn’t care who got hurt as long as he got his way. What a dickhead.
Once we’re in the car, I ask her, “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She sniffles as she tells me, “I just didn’t want to play Mercy and now I have to.”
“You don’t have to do anything.”
She becomes a little rattled as she turns to me. “Yes, I have to now, and so do you, Ivy. It’s not just an asinine game. It’s real life-and-death consequences.”
“I’m so confused. How are we obligated to play?”
“You’ll know. And please don’t ignore the messages. The cost can be lethal.”
Like getting flung off of a roller coaster. “Do you think Luca would’ve really done it?”
There’s no hesitation as she says, “Yes. The Montclair twins always get what they want. And they don’t care who they hurt in the process.”
“Sounds like you need to find some different friends.”
She quickly retorts, “Agreed.”
Everyone is asleep and the house quiet when I get home. And sadly, my buzz has worn off. Ziplining was sobering enough, andLuca took care of the rest. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet, I drink down a few swallows of it and savor the burn.
My eyes drop to my wrist; the cut is scabbed over. Lifting the bottle, I gulp a few more big swallows before I put the bottle back and head upstairs.
It takes a little while, but I finally fall asleep. Fortunately, my nightmares stay away. The only problem is they’re replaced by visions of floating through the air into darkness while strong, steady arms secure me in place.
