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CHARLOTTE

I come to a halt as Declan taps in the code to Decadence.

Being back here makes my body shiver.

“You okay?” He holds out his hand behind him and wiggles his fingers for me to grab.

“The games. They were a lot.”

On one hand, they set me free. They brought me back to Declan, which is right where I’m meant to be.

I don’t need a savior. But a partner who will stand by my side and hold my hand as we take down the man who tried to break me? That is everything.

“That’s the idea. We weed out the scum in our world and give the girls a lease of new life. But to form a new life, one must shed the remains of their last one. That’s where the games come in. Survival brings out a side no one knew they had,” he tells me as the doors open.

As we walk past the first room, I look inside at the dildos on the wall.

“Why kinky games?” I ask.

I know he’s grinning without even looking.

“How else do I find a submissive perfect for me? There had to be a prize.”

I look down at my sneakers.

“But I didn’t win. I actually quite catastrophically lost, Declan.”

He pushes me back into the room and shuts the door.

“You won. You won me five fucking years ago. The winners of the games, they’re temporary. A year, and then they move on. You? You’re for life. The ultimate prize.”

A smile tugs at my lips as he steps towards me.

“Once I’m finished, you’ll be the best damn submissive I’ve ever had. And my last one.”

Goosebumps erupt over my skin as he traces along my collarbone.

“You have a lot to learn and a lot to forget. Your new life will begin, Charlotte. I promise you.”

“And the other girls in your life?” I ask.

I knew Vlad fucked around, a lot. He made no secret of his infidelity. I didn’t care, if he was entertained elsewhere, it meant I didn’t need to do it.

But Declan, he’s different.

“When I have you in front of me, why the hell would I be looking elsewhere? Five years I’ve tried to fill the void you left. No one can. Only you.”

He leans in and my eyes flutter closed as he kisses me.

My brain is still trying to catch up with everything.

“I still can’t believe it is all an illusion. That was pretty believable. The gunshots. Very good.” I wink at him.

“Thank you. All part of the grand plan. See, the families have to believe the women are dead. So that way, they can form whole new identities.”

I shake my head.

“And people do this to their daughters? And come here and look you in the eyes after?”

I clench my fists, thinking about Isabella. I could never. Ever. Hurt my baby.

“Not only that, they’ll thank me and shake my hand.” His jaw ticks. I’m glad he feels the same anger I do.

“They deserve to die.”

He taps the side of his head and smirks.

“Great minds, baby.”

My mouth falls open. Weeding out the scum.

“But shh. It’s our little secret. It’s even better for the girls if no one comes looking for them too.”

I pretend to zip my mouth closed.

“You’re one of the good ones really, aren’t you?” I lean forward and stroke his cheek.

“I’m a balance. Evil when the time requires, but a good heart thanks to my mom.”

“Now, come on. We’ve got scheming to do.” He taps my ass and leads me to the door.