Page 162 of Wanna Play A Game?

What is he doing? Does he know Sawyer’s deal? Is this some kind of trick?

“This isn’t one of Sawyer’s games. Genuine question.”

“I…” I glance around. Do I want to run? For real? What would Miles think? What would Sawyer think? Fuck, why am I hesitating?

I could go back to my apartment. For a second, I struggle to remember my routines there. I’ve been here for so long that I’ve gotten used to it.

Is this Stockholm? Holy shit, this is Stockholm.

There’s no way they’d let me go. Ryder’s made it clear I’m a liability.

I clear my throat. “No, I wouldn’t run.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “You can answer honestly.”

“I don’t need you shooting me in the back.” I cross my arms. “So no, I wouldn’t run.”

There’s a flicker of emotion, then it’s gone. “I’m not going to kill you, Cali. I’m giving you a chance to run. I’d suggest you take it.”

Wait. He’s giving me a chance? I frown and take a step back. What is going on?

“I have a whole new identity set up for you. You can start over.”

I hear buzzing in my ears. Is this for real? I glance at Ryder’s expressionless face. He doesn’t care. He can’t get rid of me fast enough. He fucked me once, and now he’s done.

Pain grips my heart.

“But we have to go now, Cali.”

“Wait, why?” I shake my head, trying to clear it.

Ryder’s face is stony. “Do you want to go or not?”

No, this isn’t real. This is a test. I need to talk to Miles.

“Where’s Miles?”

“At the store.” He continues watching me with a cool gaze. Halloweiner arches his back against Ryder’s legs.

“What about Sawyer?”

“I’ll take that as a no?” He crosses his arms.

“No! That’s not what I said. Just…give me a minute.” I pace back and forth.

“We don’t have a minute, Cali. Either you want to go, or you don’t.”

“Why are you doing this?”

Ryder looks impatient. “Isn’t this what you’ve wanted all along?”

Yes. It is. But not like this? But, this is my chance. I need to take it.

“Okay.” I eye him. His expression doesn’t change. He simply turns to the door. “Let’s go.”

And that breaks my heart further. “Wait!”

Ryder stops. So many things run through my mind. Why are you doing this? What if this hurts them? What if it hurts me? But instead, I say, “Promise me on their lives you won’t kill me.”