5-VINCENT
The morning of the event quickly became my favorite. The adrenaline in my body pulsed at the gates, ready to dive into my bloodstream. Suspense built up over the day, fueling the moment I could release it all. Then a little more, if she was willing.
I wasn’t sure what Ellie was into. Honestly, I only read her file once.
I practically memorized Daisy’s the moment it popped up on the wall.
She looked like someone who would make me forget my own name just by spending too much time around her.
I tried to burn her picture into my mind, and honestly, it wasn’t hard to do.
Her dark blonde hair was tied back into two low pigtails. From what I could tell, her hair didn’t pass her shoulders. That didn’t bother me, and the splash of freckles across her cheeks made up for it. An apron hung loosely over the front of her. Despite its efforts, her clothes were still dirty.
I imagined it was a candid shot of her making a cake. Then I imagined her licking the frosting off her finger. The next thing I knew, those green eyes were looking up my body, ready to wrap her lips around me. Fuck. I had to get her. I needed to get her in my cabin tonight.
I’d apologize to whoever I was going to fuck over. But I was going to be selfish tonight. Besides, the girls didn’t know it was all planned out on our side. Sorry Ellie.
After giving the coordinators an STD test, I finished my break in my cabin. The next meeting was in five minutes, so I slipped my shoes on before letting the door slam behind me.
I admired nature on the walk to the commons area. After spending all summer watching it burn up, you start to appreciate it more when it’s not charred and tempted to fall on you because you didn’t stop the fire in time.
The door creaked open, and I plopped into the spot next to Smoke. “How are you doing, man?” I whispered as we waited for the last of the masked men to arrive.
He gave my raised fist a bump. “Ready to get this started.”
“Yeah, I get so fucking antsy the day of.”
Shane stood, taking the attention of everyone.
“Alright fuckers, your test results are clean, and the female runners are being picked up as we speak. It’s time to get dressed and ready to go.
You’ll be stuck in your cabins when the girls arrive.
So get all your fucking wiggles out now.
Through the cabin speaker, we will give you a ten-minute warning. Most of you know the drill.”
He paused, making eye contact with a few. “No unmasking or breaking character. We have to keep the fantasy alive and well. We don’t need your ugly faces ruining it. And just as important, use your common sense. Don’t ask me stupid questions about TikTok or if she trips. Alright?”
The group stayed quiet, waiting to be dismissed.
“If you have any questions, you can ask Heather or me. If you don’t—Get lost.”
I leaned over to Smoke, a smirk nudging at my lips. “Good luck, man.”
“You too.”
Before I could get trapped by anyone, coordinator or not, I turned toward the exit and left. Smoke had no idea I was desperate to get Daisy over Ellie.
I recalled that in the plans this year, instead of being sent out one after the other, they would be displayed where the girls lined up. I prayed to all the masked gods that Ellie and Daisy would be close to each other. Anything to make it look like a simple fucking mistake.
We were runners-up to each of our girls, so Ellie wouldn’t be completely upset if she were caught by someone else. Smoke was good-looking, an inch or two taller than me, so she would probably prefer him. Wouldn’t she?
Reaching my cabin, I began my routine. Before my shower, I laid out my clothes for the night. Balaclava with a sharp-teeth graphic across the front. I opted for a dark T-shirt, hoodie, jeans, and athletic shoes. I would normally choose boots, but I needed the advantage.
Luckily, my character was flexible that way. Some of the guys had strict guidelines for their appearance. Not me.
I’d shower. Eat in my shorts, or towel, or something. I didn’t need Heather getting mad at me for spilling on my clothes. I’d get dressed, and then I would wait for our cue.