Page 173 of Wanna Play A Game?

My chest tightens. Fuck. I didn’t mean to ignore all those needs. I clench my fists. Oh my god. What if she actually did run? What if I drove her away?

I feel sick again.

As soon as this plane lands, we’re going to get our girl. And I’ll do better this time. This is my last chance. Because after this, I’m never letting her go.

Chapter 87

Ryder

One week later

I’m washing the dishes, and I can’t get Cali out of my head. The way her body moved under me. Her soft skin and wild hair. Her attitude, her fire.

Her fear.

I clench my jaw.

God! The woman is infuriating. She’s not even here, and she’s still in my thoughts.

I drop the sponge in the sink, realizing that I’ve washed most of the dishes without noticing. I can’t remember the last time I did that.

“What are you doing, boss?” Miles comes into the small kitchen, leaning against the counter.

We’re still settling into our new house. It’s on one of Wyatt’s islands scattered around Japan. But this one is empty, save the runway and the house, and full of rocky cliff faces, forest, and beach. There’s perpetual gray skies at this time of year,and it’s hauntingly beautiful. Despite all that, it still feels like something’s missing.

“Dishes,” I mutter.

“Sawyer wants to talk to you.”

I glance at Miles. Sawyer hasn’t seemed like he’s wanted to talk at all today. He’s been fidgety and on edge, constantly checking his phone. Something is up. I’ve been waiting for them to talk to me about it.

I feel bad for not telling them that Cali wanted to come back with me. Her panicked face in the rearview mirror has haunted me ever since.

I cross my arms. “Okay.”

I follow Miles to the living room, where Sawyer stands stiffly. He has dark circles under his eyes, his hair is wild, and I don’t think he’s slept a single full night since we’ve gotten here. My chest tightens at that knowledge. I thought he’d be a little better by now. If anything, he’s worse. And that hurts me.

I eye him, “What did you want to talk about?”

Sawyer glances at Miles, then back to me. “We’re going back to get Cali.”

My stomach tightens. I thought that might be what he’s been worked up about. “No, you’re not. The cops are looking for you. And in case you missed it, we don’t have a plane.”

Sawyer just stares into my eyes, unbothered.

Warning bells go off in my head. He’s planning something. “What are you doing?”

“Giving you the courtesy you didn’t give us. A choice.” Sawyer glares at me.

I grit my teeth. “A choice for what?”

“Come with us, or stay here.”

I shake my head, leaning back. “You can’t go anywhere. Wyatt doesn’t have any more flights out for two months.”

Sawyer shrugs. “He doesn’t, but his pilots do. You’re not the only one with money around here, Ryder.”

I glance at Miles. He cocks an eyebrow. Shit, they’re serious. They must have bribed the pilot to come back when I wasn’t looking.