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He pauses as his eyes roam the group, squinting at the jocks behind us as if he knows they’re going to be a problem, so he adds, “Please, and I emphasize this, don’t physically attack our scare actors. Legal action will be taken if there’s an altercation. That being said, if you feel like Slashed is more than you can handle, I encourage you to press the box on the wristband. This alerts the scare actor you’re withdrawing consent and no longer want to be a part of the Slashed experience. The nearest staff member will escort you off the premises. Though be warned, you won’t be allowed to return inside the house. It’s game over after that.”
One jock snorts behind me. “Hear that? You can call it quits at any time, pretty girls.”
Jennifer makes a disgusted face, curling her lips and wrinkling her nose. “As if.”
“Everyone clear with the rules?” The bouncer asks.
Collectively, we agree.
But before I move my legs, I steal a last glance at Silver Mask, hoping he’s still there. Just to see him again.
To my satisfaction, there he is, standing in the same place. This time, he looks at me.The silver mask lowers in a nod, and a silent agreement forms between us. No words are needed to know the promise lingering in the air we share.
With a smile tugging at the corners of my lips, I step forward to enter the house.
He’ll meet me inside—within his dominion.
The thought alone is enough to make me shiver in anticipation.
ChapterTwo
First Act
The click of the lock latching behind us echoes through the house.
Nancy’s shoulders jump, and her icy fingers clasp mine, seeking for comfort as we venture deeper into the foyer. I give her hand a slight squeeze and smile. Her blue eyes stare back into me, terror swimming in her irises.
Jen takes the lead, stretching an arm so Nance can hold on to her too. Together, we act as a barrier to keep her safe from the unknown that greets us in the lobby and the pack of jocks behind us. They won’t stop snickering and badgering one another, like a group of prepubescent teenage boys.
For a minute, I stand still, observing my surroundings. It seems like the best way to familiarize myself with the environment. The more comfortable I am, the better my chances are at winning this and right now, I want to win more than anything in the world.
Well, almost more than anything, I admit to myself, because if I had a choice, I’d be with Silver Mask. A sudden wave of desire hits me with the force of a tsunami, starting a subtle throb at the apex of my thighs. Instinctually, I clench them as I take deep breaths through my nose—the mix of odors lingering in the air is enough to distract me from the lustful thoughts invading me.
Exhaling, I continue gazing around the room. I memorize the décor, categorizing potential hiding spots, and looking for escape routes. Anything that could give me an advantage over my competition.
My mom would call mependejafor willingly putting myself through this, but I choose to believe I’m stubbornly brave.
The entryway to Slashed is surprisingly illuminated.
An overhead bulb shines over our heads, allowing us to see the vast space of the foyer. Imperial stairs flow down from the top floor to the straight maroon rug that sits under our feet and stretches across the hall. Parallel to where we stand, open double doors greet us with glimpse of steps going down disappearing into the darkness. A white sign with a red arrow points up and another black poster points at a basement floor.
My throat constricts, even when I’m not scared. No, this is different than fear. It’s a nervous anticipation that’s caused an anxious sweat to break out at the base of my neck, condensing in the palms of my hands.
The two paths are a painful reminder that there will come a moment where my friends and I will be separated.And it means I could choose wrong too,says the voice in the back of my brain. If I don’t pick correctly, it’s possible I won’t see Silver Mask again. I might get chased and pursued by another scare actor who does not know about the glances we exchanged outside.
Doubt laces a band around my throat, tightening it until I’m struggling to breathe for a few seconds in which I let the panic take the reins. It doesn’t last more than a split moment, because Jen looks at me expectantly. So does Nancy.
For them, I do my best to snap out of this anxious trance and put my head back in the game. There’s no place for Silver Mask in my list of priorities when we’re trapped inside the house. I can find him afterward. I have no doubts we could sneak backstage somewhere.
Right now, though, the most important thing is to make sure I’m not separated from my friends. Especially when the jocks keep picking on Nance because they see her as the weak link.
I can’t let that happen.
No, Iwon’tallow it.
My hand clings to hers and I nudge her back to bring her closer to Jen and away from the guys. Protective instincts have kicked in and I don’t want sweet Nancy to be anywhere near those assholes.
“So, are we moving or what?” Jock One asks, pushing past us to move to the front. His hands rest on his hips as his chest puffs out with dominance. “We can’t stay here all night waiting for our tickets to expire. The tour only lasts an hour and a half.”
