But I’ve known Dominik since we were kids. He’s my best friend. He has no reason to hide anything from me.
“Nothing,” Dom says, his voice tight. “Just tired.”
“We’ve got coffee and energy drinks if you need?—”
“I said I’m fine,” he snaps.
Jesus, okay. He should have napped on the flight.
Tristan reappears behind the bar with three small devices, handing one to each of us.
“Sorry to interrupt your lovers quarrel, but we’re losing time here. These cards will give you access to green rooms and hallways. Red ones are locked—don’t even try it. You’ll get shocked. Most people like to be watched, though, or welcome extra players.” He winks, rolling up his sleeves. “And don’t worry—this place is airtight. Untamed’s secrets stay here. Trust me, Dominik. Way more important people than you have walked these halls, and nothing’s ever leaked.”
“Oddly enough, I believe him,” I say, trying to reassure Dom. Guilt gnaws at the back of my head for pushing him to do something he’s clearly uncomfortable with. Even though he’s always been the twisted one.
Dom exhales, raking a hand through his curls. “Fine. I’m in. But we’re never talking about this again. Not to anyone.”
I step closer, gripping the back of his neck until our foreheads touch. “Brothers for life.”
“Brothers for life,” he echoes.
We’ve done this since high school—a silent pact to remind each other we’re family. Nothing has or will ever break our bond.
Tristan’s watch beeps. “Time’s up. Let’s go find our huntress.”
I look over at my new business partner and my best friend. The three of us creating our very own hide and seek with a beautiful stranger. I’m beyond excited.
She’ll be mine first.
We secure our masks and scatter.
CHAPTER 10
SELENE
I’m wasting so much energy running through these halls. They’re not going to find me easily—are they? Maybe.
The forward one, Julian, seems to know his way around this place. Too well. He had a confidence about him, the kind that first-timers—or even seasoned regulars—don’t have. When he told me to run, it wasn’t a suggestion; it was a promise.
Like he already knew exactly where I’d end up and how he’d find me.
There must be a way to track someone down here. Otherwise, they’d be looking for hours—and that’s hours of wasted play time.
I’ve been here a few times, so I know the layout. Some of the rooms are interconnected. The ones with silver numbers have secret access points, hidden doors leading to other spaces. I think back to the last time I was here—when one door led us to two interconnected themed rooms, both groups fully engaged, watching and playing simultaneously.
That was a wild night.
Whoever said money can’t buy happiness was full of shit. This place fills my happiness jar to the brim—enough to last formonths. At least until the itch returns, and I’m craving another round through these halls, searching for the next enticing game.
And tonight? Tonight, I might’ve stumbled upon a unicorn scenario.
I need to hunker down somewhere—and ditch these damn heels while I’m at it.
Loud moans ripple through the hallway, muffled but still present under the steady thrum of bass vibrating through the walls. I slow my pace, stopping in front of a door marked with a silver number. The light above it glows green.
It’s quiet on the other side.
Perfect.
