Three Players: The Game Series Read online

  Preston shrugs. "Did you?"

  "I did." I pause and think back to that day. To my daily run through the park down by Bow Bridge. I went home. I rummaged through my closet until I found the perfect dress, the perfect heels, and then I left. . .didn't I?

  "All we know," Tobias says, "is what we see from Sixth Degrees. Nothing more. Nothing less. And don't most people put their best face forward? Don't they always present the them they wish they truly were?" He laughs. "No one is that happy. That sure of themselves. No one's life is near as picture perfect as they paint it." He skims through his phone before showing me a picture of a beautiful blonde woman. "This woman is having an affair with her brother-in-law." He flips through the screen some more. "This man, on his million-dollar yacht, is broke." He finds another picture. "This girl, all smiles, has attempted suicide three times this year."

  "And how do you know this?"

  "I see everything they do. Their posts, their comments, what they like and love. The 'private' groups, and their personal messages."

  Preston laughs before kissing my neck again. "Everyone is a liar, sweet Ella. Everyone."

  Tobias grins. "The internet is a wealth of knowledge, little lamb. And it's where everyone's deep, dark secrets are kept. . .except for yours."

  "Because you have no friends or family," Preston whispers against my skin. "You have no one to talk to about your deep, dark secrets, do you, Ella?"

  My heart pounds with fear, with hurt, with shame.

  "You were arrested, Ella." Tobias says. "Booked and charged for disobeying your restraining order, for kidnapping." He laughs. "The kidnapping, well, I take full blame for that, but how do you think you got that restraining order placed on your pretty little head?" He shakes his head. "You're hiding something, Ella, not only from us, but from yourself." He glances at his watch, looking annoyed. "Well, your little shenanigans have put a damper on day three, haven't they?"

  Preston nods. "There's still time for the walk, though."

  "Ah, yes," Tobias grins like the Cheshire cat. "The walk, shall we go, little lamb." He holds out his hand and I take it. "Day three. . .there's always the walk."

  5

  "Climb over, little lamb." I glance back at Tobias, waiting for him to laugh, but he doesn't.

  He cocks a brow. And although everything inside of me is telling me not to, I do. I don't know why, but I do. Tentatively, I climb over the railing and lean against it, gripping the cool metal so tightly that my fingers begin to lose feeling. The wind whips around me and my hair flies in my face. The water seems so far away from up here. The black depths lingering below me beckon me with promises of an easy out. I have nothing. . .

  I lean forward, glancing down at the distant lights of a barge passing beneath me. I turn to glance at them. Preston is clutching the railing as he intently watches. I can see curiosity dancing across his face. Tobias, though, is more passive. His body language screams indifference, like he couldn't care whether I jump or not. Will Preston try to stop me if I lean forward a little more, if I dangle one foot off this ledge? I want to believe he would. I want to believe that they care. They are the only people who possibly may. . .and yet, I'm a toy to them, something to be used and discarded. Discarded. . .

  "The game is simple, little lamb," Tobias says. I stare out at the darkness. The loneliness of the night as its inky depths fade into the water. I close my eyes and allow my senses to reach out. Standing here, I can pretend that nothing exists. That I am weightless, suspended here.

  "You can jump, end all of this madness right now," Tobias says, "or, you can stay with us." I open my eyes, but keep my gaze fixed below.

  "I'm already staying with you," I say. The distant sound of a foghorn bounces off the water.

  "Permanently," Preston says. "After the next four days, the game ends. And then what, sweet Ella?"

  My hold on the metal railing tightens. Sweat builds within my palm. Taking a breath, I glance over my shoulder at them again. They could be beautiful demons or indeed angels. After all, don't they so often play the role of devil and angel, sitting on my shoulders, whispering in my ear.

  "You could be ours, Ella." Preston's lips pull into a smile, and it's a smile that makes me want to trust him, want to revel in the warm embrace of his arms. But taking comfort in Preston is like snuggling up to a panther and waiting for it to turn on you, because as beautiful and charming as Preston is, he's unpredictable.

  "Or," Tobias steps forward, pulling a cigarette from his coat pocket and lighting it. I watch the light from the flame dance over his face as he inhales. "Or you could end it all." Smoke rolls through his lips and he nods toward the water. "Does it not seem peaceful to you, the sheer nothingness and lack of existence?" Tobias, the devil, so resolute in his corruption and yet darkly captivating. He makes me want to dance the line of right and wrong, just to taste it, to feel the utter thrill of losing my morals.

  I glance back at the water and I wonder what it would feel like to just stop caring. How freeing would it be to lose all sense of what is right and wrong? Why should I care after all? The world hasn't cared for me. Here I stand, on the edge of the Brooklyn Bridge, and if I were to jump, no one would miss me. Not a soul would care. The only people who would even know I had gone are the two men standing here with me, toying with me as though my very life were nothing more than a form of entertainment.

  "Does it call to you, little lamb?" There's an amused edge to Tobias' voice.

  "Yes," I whisper.

  "Oh, how I would miss you, sweet Ella," Preston says.

  "At least someone would," Tobias adds. "It must be so desperately lonely, Ella, having no one."

  I want to defend myself, say something, but what? They're right. "It is. It is lonely." And with that thought, I let one foot hang over the edge, watching it dangle freely with nothing but the water beneath it. And it is freeing. Empowering. It grants me a sense of control when it's been so very long since I've had any. My heart hammers against my ribs, my chest grows tight with fear and want. I'm scared to die, but I long for peace. I want. . .I want. . .

  "You have us," Preston says. "You could have us permanently, Ella." His hand brushes over my arm. I jump before he wraps his fingers firmly around my wrist. I turn and glance at him, my breath catching in my throat as I yank my foot back onto the ledge. "Careful," he says, a slight smile touching his lips.

  Holding the rail, I carefully turn to face him. He moves closer, his blue eyes locked on mine, pleading. Our faces are barely an inch apart. I can feel his breath over my face as he tilts his head to the side and leans in, brushing his lips gently over mine. This—standing on the edge of this bridge, death on one side, these two men on the other, it makes me feel alive. His free hand grabs onto my other wrist and he pulls back, his eyes narrowing. "Do you trust me?" he breathes against my mouth.

  I stare straight at him. Do I trust him? Trust them? What does it matter? I let go of the railing, slowly lifting my arms until they are fully outstretched, and Preston holds on. Inch by inch, I move me feet backward until the heels of my shoes are hanging over the edge of the bridge. I teeter, my heart stalling as my balance comes and goes. As I sway on this bridge with my eyes locked on Preston, I want to let go, just freefall giving myself to death. The wind roars by my ears, my hair whips in my face, and I lean back, tipping my head until I can see the water. I'm so weightless right now and the only thing keeping me alive is Preston's hold on me.

  "What will it be, sweet Ella?" he asks.

  "Will you play with us forever, little lamb?" Tobias asks, but I keep staring at the dark waters.

  "Or will you fall?" Preston adds. "Just say the word, sweet, sweet Ella." His grip on me loosens and I slip an inch further away from him.

  My heart pounds. My lungs falter. Adrenaline fires through my veins like an angry drug. Everything in me locks up, my mind coming to a full stop. Death is so final and a sudden fear grips me in its clutches. I don't want to die. They may do terrible things and they may make me
do terrible things, but I do not want to die.

  The night sky smears in my vision as I lift my head and stare straight at Preston. "Don't let me fall," I say. "Please." There's a pause, a moment, and I wonder if I made a grave error in placing myself in his hands, but then, he yanks me toward him and my chest meets the metal railing with a bang. He helps me over the rail, and I collapse into him. Every last bit of my body loses strength, and, for a moment, I fear I may pass out.

  "Beautiful, Ella," Preston coos as he pulls my face into the crook of his neck. "I'll never let you fall."

  "Very well then," Tobias says. I glance over Preston's shoulder and Tobias is heading toward the side of the bridge where the car awaits. Preston guides me across the street, ushering me into the back of the car. The door closes, and life is back to normal with Preston on one side of me and Tobias on the other. Preston smiles at me, stroking his knuckles over my cheek gently. His eyes meet mine, this connection swirling between us. A bond formed in trust, formed with a distinctive choice. He pulls my face against his chest and I inhale the scent of his cologne clinging to the fibers of his jacket.

  "I'm so glad you decided to stay, little lamb," Tobias says, brushing a finger over the back of my neck before he grips a handful of my hair and slowly pulls my face away from Preston, turning me to face him. “Tell me the rules.” I blink and slowly unwind my arm from Preston’s body, going willingly to Tobias as he tugs me closer. His eyes lock with mine. I can’t help but glance at his lips. I fight with my own emotions, swinging between right and wrong. “Tell me the rules,” he repeats, his voice low and deep.

  “Never leave,” I whisper. “Never speak of this. Never fall in love.” I swallow nervously, wanting to fidget under his hard gaze. “Don’t ask questions. . .”

  His lips twist slightly. “And. . .what’s the last one, little lamb?”

  “Submission,” I barely breathe.

  He smiles like the devil himself. “Yes. Submission.” He yanks my head back. His lips brush against mine. “Your. Complete. Submission,” he says against my mouth, and then he kisses me, his lips brutal and demanding, yet undeniably enticing.

  “You belong to us now, sweet Ella,” Preston says, his warm breath washing over my neck. His fingers slide beneath my shirt, slipping it down over my shoulder. Tobias’ tongue brushes the seam of my lips as Preston bites at my shoulder. The jumble of thoughts sprinting through my mind cease under their combined touch and I’m reduced to just feeling. Complete submission, because I want this. I want to submit to them. I want to belong to them. What I once viewed as twisted and demeaning somehow feels freeing, empowering even.

  Tobias’ hand lands on my thigh. My shirt tears. Palming my breast, Preston kisses along the side of my neck. A breathy gasp slips from my lips and Tobias take the opportunity to thrust his tongue inside my mouth. Both these men can set me on fire with a simple touch. Tobias’ hand inches higher along the inside of my thigh. I give in to the sensation. My legs shamelessly part for him, and he hums a low laugh, pulling my bottom lip between his teeth. Tobias’ fingers barely brush over my panties and Preston’s hand slides around from the back of my head, his fingers wrapping around my jaw. He pulls, turning my face away from Tobias. Reaching behind me, I snake my arm up the back of Preston’s neck and to his thick hair, fisting it as he kisses me. Tobias’ tongue strokes over my nipple. His fingers continue to tease me, skimming over me. When it’s like this, the three of us together, they make me feel like I am the most precious thing in the world.

  Preston releases me, and I open my eyes to find Tobias’ hypnotic gaze focused over my shoulder, at Preston. I watch, completely enraptured as he leans forward. Preston moves over my shoulder and slowly, their lips meet. My heart pounds with each violent caress of their lips. Tobias laces his fingers through mine still tangled in Preston’s hair. It’s too much and not enough. I need more of them. As soon as I think that they’re breaking apart and moving away from me. Tobias gently lifts the torn pieces of my shirt to cover my breasts.

  “We’re home, little lamb,” he says on a wicked smirk. He throws the car door open and climbs out.

  I stumble out of the car after him with Preston’s warm hand pressed to the small of my back, guiding me to the front door. Tobias heads straight up the stairs and to the same bedroom they left me in last night. My heart pounds in anticipation. My breaths come in rapid pants. Tobias pauses near the bed then turns to face me. Preston’s chest presses to me back as he reaches around me, ripping my shirt completely off. Tobias' hungry gaze touches every exposed inch of my skin. And I'm desperate. For his touch. For the two of them. For their hands to be on me.

  Preston releases the button on my jeans before sliding them down my legs, slowly undressing me, and I know it’s a show for Tobias because he’s watching. When I'm completely naked, Preston steps away from me and moves next to Tobias whose arms are folded over his chest. Preston smirks and shoves his hands deep in his pockets. They both intimidate. And while I want to cover myself, I also thrill in their predatory gazes, the unbridled hunger in their eyes. They are two of the most powerful men I've ever met and yet, here, now, I feel as though I hold all the cards. For a second I allow myself to pretend that I am not their toy, but that they are mine. Mere puppets on a string. That thought emboldens me, and I slowly trail my fingers over my stomach, my breast, rolling my nipple between my thumb and index finger. Tobias remains completely stoic, but Preston groans and takes a tiny step forward as though he can't help himself.

  "Oh, sweet Ella," he smirks. "Sometimes I think you're not so sweet."

  "Perhaps we've just corrupted her,” Tobias says, his lips curling in amusement. “Have we tainted our innocent little lamb?"

  Closing my eyes, I swallow.

  "Lay on the bed," Tobias commands, and I open my eyes, cautiously moving past them to climb onto the bed.

  I prop my head on the fluffy pillows and they stand, either side of the bed. They stare at me like I’m something exotic, something to be savored. Used and abused, and it leaves me unnerved in a delicious way. Heat crawls up my neck. My cheeks flush.

  "Are you hungry, Preston?" Tobias asks, his eyes never leaving my body.

  Preston reaches down for his shirt and yanks it over his head with a grin. "Oh, I'm always hungry for sweet little Ella." His jeans hit the floor, and then he's crawling onto the bed, completely naked. I automatically spread my legs and his grin widens as he inches between them. "And you're always so willing, aren't you, Ella?" He lowers his face to my chest, flicking his tongue over my nipple.

  "Words, little lamb. Use words," Tobias demands.

  "Yes," I gasp.

  Preston pinches and pulls my nipple between his teeth, stretching the flesh and releasing it with a small bite of pain. He smiles against my skin as his lips trailing down my stomach, over my hip. . . He grips my thighs, shoving them apart before he drops his face between my legs. My head falls back on a staggered groan as his tongue slowly drags over the length of my pussy. And Tobias. . . I can feel his gaze burning into me, branding my skin.

  "He's beautiful, isn't he, Ella?" I open my eyes and watch as Tobias moves around Preston, trailing his fingers over his back, his touch sure and possessive. He stops behind Preston, his hand still on his skin. Preston’s tongue dips inside me and I bow away from the bed, moaning as my fingers clutch at his hair. Tobias locks his gaze with mine and his lips pull up in a smirk as he slips his hand between Preston's legs. His arm moves back and forth, and Preston groans, humming against my pussy. I bite my lip, fighting the wave of sensations rippling across my skin. Tobias' arm slides back and forth as he works over Preston, pushing him, manipulating him. It's so hot, so carnal to watch Tobias play with his puppets, because as much as Preston is a key player in the game, it's always Tobias who makes the rules.

  Tobias’ free hand glides over Preston's ass cheek and then his eyes drop to Preston's ass, his fingers toying, dancing. I can't clearly see what he's doing, but I hear Preston's audible gasp, feel his
body tremble in pleasure as he pauses, hot breaths panting over my sensitive flesh. Tobias pushes against Preston hard.

  "Eat her pussy," he commands.

  Preston goes to work, groaning and panting, fingers clenching into my thighs repeatedly until my skin feels like it's bruising, but I don't care, because Tobias' heated gaze is focused on me as he pulls pleasure from Preston. It's so perfectly beautiful and makes my own pleasure that much more intense.

  I'm soon bucking and writhing, needing more of Preston, more of Tobias.

  "Come for me, little lamb," Tobias growls, his teeth gritted, his expression feral as he thrusts his fingers inside Preston. Preston's teeth scrape over my clit. I’m so close to falling off the edge, so close to that bliss, and then, Tobias steps away, slapping Preston's ass. "Now fuck her," he instructs.

  6

  Tobias

  The phone rings. I drag my gaze away from Preston and Ella and grab the phone, pressing it to my ear as I prop myself on the pillow. Ella squirms beside me, fisting the sheets as Preston fucks her hard and fast. "Yeah?" I say.

  There's a moment of silence, and I can only assume the caller is intrigued by the groans and huffs, the sound of skin slapping skin that must be playing out on his end of the line. "She's still there?" he asks, his voice laced with shock.

  I hold the phone out, staring at Ella. "Little lamb," I sing. "Say hello to our friend, number three."

  She lifts her head from the rumpled sheets. Her eyes drift from my face to the phone in my hand, and Preston fists her hair, yanking her head back. He trails his tongue over the side of her pulsing neck. "Say hello, sweet Ella." He slams into her and her body goes limp with pleasure, a seductive moan slipping from her lips.

  "Hello," she manages.

  "Number three," I say, arching a single brow. "Say, 'Hello number three".