Page 186 of Wanna Play A Game?

Sawyer says, “You know, typically when you go through someone’s house, it’s easy to get an idea of who they are.”

I glance at him. He looks just as handsome as I remember him, his hair piled into a bun, showing off his sharp jawline and dark stubble.

“Yours was different.” Sawyer’s blue eyes look out over the forest. “You had a bunch of old stuff from your childhood that wasn’t your style anymore. Some things that were gifts. Random shit. Nothing that screamed Cali.”

I wince, looking out into the forest. Back then, I spent most of my time binging social media or fighting with Ben. I didn’t have a personality other than make it from one day to the next. I couldn’t. I was just trying to survive.

Sawyer says softly, “I think you’ve been running long before you met us.”

I clench my jaw.

“We’re more alike than you think,” Sawyer says, looking at me.

“Yeah?” I ask.

“Yeah.” He glances at his hands, picking at the skin around his nails. I can vaguely hear the men talking downstairs.

“I hope…” Sawyer pauses. “I know I haven’t been the best. Not when it comes to taking you — I won’t apologize for that shit, and I won’t let you go, even if you ask.” He throws me a dark look. “But, with the other stuff that Miles talked about.”

I turn to look at him. Sawyer clenches his jaw. It’s weird seeing him so uncomfortable.

“Like what?” I cross my arms.

He says, “Shit, this talking thing is hard.”

“Likewhat, Sawyer?” I arch an eyebrow.

He clears his throat, then turns away to face the trees. “I didn’t listen to you and made you want to run from us. For real. And for that, I’m sorry.” He clenches his hands.

“I want to start over. I’ll do better. Maybe here, you can stop running.” He turns to look at me, blue eyes boring into me.“Because I stopped running when I met you. With you, the game became a reality. And for once, I was comfortable living there.”

His words wrap around me like an embrace. I’ve seen a lot of versions of Sawyer, but this one? This one seems the most genuine. Against my will, tears fill my eyes. Fuck.

Sawyer says softly, “So just know, we want this place to be a safe spot for you to find yourself. And maybe when you stop running from yourself, you’ll stop running from us.”

I blink. I don’t know how to respond to that. Because I do want to stop running. I want it so fucking badly.

Sawyer straightens. “Jesus Christ, that was harder than shooting someone.”

I snort. I can’t help it. It’s not funny, but all the stress from everything boils over.

Sawyer tosses me a fake glare. “I’d rather kill someone.”

I turn back to go inside, hiding a smile. “I’m sure.”

“Oh,” Sawyer follows me in. “I hope you know you’re not done getting punished, by the way. Not by a long shot. In fact, get ready, because we have another game. If you’ll play.”

“What?”

Sawyer goes to my closet and pulls out a pile of clothes topped with running shoes. “Put these on, and when you’re ready, come downstairs.”

I eye it and him. “Is it a cheerleader outfit?”

Sawyer just winks and walks out, shutting the door behind him.

Chapter 93

Cali