Page 48 of Wickedly Played (Checkmate #1)

The rules are simple. Make sure your safeword is noticeable before playing, and if that word is uttered, the scene stops.

Also, if someone is not to be shared, don’t push shit too far.

Serena’s dominating speech is intoxicating as she tells the rules.

Stella is standing next to her with her head down, but I can see the little smile playing on her lips.

She’s looking forward to seeing Serena be the prey.

Joey, the secondary bodyguard, is off to the edge of the convention area with his earpiece in.

He’s doing exactly what I told him to do, and that is to make sure he’s looking at everyone coming and going from the activity.

Just because this is meant to be playful doesn’t mean Serena’s stalker isn’t going to think of this as an equal opportunity to grab her.

I would fucking kill him.

“For the first time in the two years we have been doing primal play, I’m going to be the prey with you all, and Max will be my predator.

” Serena’s smirk is a little too cocky for me.

She forgets what I used to do in the military.

She also forgets that I’ve been the hired gunman for her father’s family for a long time.

Finding people is my specialty. But finding her will be my utmost accolade.

The surge of possessiveness floods through my bones, and I can’t wait to take her. I finger the ropes, the hunting knife, and my gun in my bag I’m carrying. I also made sure to pack the cream for any rope burns she might receive, since she looks like she will be a fighter.

Deacon nudges me from the side, but I don’t spare him a look. My eyes are trained on the pretty woman who is about to bend to my will in front of me.

“The prey have five minutes to run and hide before the predators can go and find them,” Serena continues.

“I want to remind everyone that sometimes stop doesn’t mean stop.

The scene won’t end unless the safe word is announced.

We want to make sure our play time is safe.

If this is not something you can do, please let Bill know as you walk out of the arena.

” She pauses to see if anyone would leave, and when no one does, she continues.

“My sub, Stella, will be the time keeper up here to let the predators know when to go. Does everyone understand?”

There is a chorus of replies. Once she’s satisfied, she shoots off a gun and shoots off into the farmland and woods.

To give her a chance, I turn to look away from her.

Stella is looking at the clock and then looking at me. I can see the look of something on her face I didn’t think I would find. I’m wondering if she’s jealous I have this relationship with her Domme. I know her relationship with Serena is something I struggle with. She’s supposed to be my woman.

Fuck.

I hear the gunshot again, and know it is my turn to run after her.

Waiting about thirty more seconds, I watch the other Doms and Dommes chase after their prey.

This is going to be too easy. My veins turn ice cold from the amount of heat flooding through them as I consider all of the possibilities of what I’m going to do with her once I get it.

“Max!” Stella yells.

“I’m going, I’m going,” I mumble. Instead of running after the blurry bodies off in the distance, I wait to see the flash of blonde hair through the darkened field. Strobe lights are flashing through the field to add to the suspense.

Walking through the field, I look around the trees, and I watch the predators tackle, tie, and carry off their prey. Good for them. I like more of a challenge. Capture and torture were more of my expertise while I was active. I can’t wait to get my hands, rope, and mouth on Serena.

I have checked my watch several times and have noticed I’ve been looking for her for about ten minutes.

She’s better than I thought she would be.

I almost didn’t look behind the tractor until I saw the glint of her leather combat boot on the rim of the strobe light.

I make it a point not to grab her until I know for sure it is her.

Surprise, surprise. Serena’s favorite song begins to play. Voodoo floods through the speakers of the arena. I see her hair fly through the air as she looks around the tire. Her eyes just miss me, but she sees someone else coming around the corner and runs off.