EPISODE 1: The Lie That Failed
Eric was a professional liar.
He had spent his whole life pretending to be someone else. At thirty, lying came as easy as breathing. He had fooled dangerous men, angry bosses, and jealous lovers, always winning because he played the part better than anyone.
He sat in the quiet office, legs crossed, leaning back in the expensive chair. A small, handsome smile sat on his lips, the kind that usually got him whatever he wanted. Across the desk, Ryan watched him.
Ryan was twenty-eight, younger than Eric, but the room felt smaller with him in it. He carried quiet power and wealth in the way he sat, and he looked more like a hunter than a businessman. His eyes stayed fixed on Eric’s face without blinking.
“Name?” Ryan asked. His voice came deep and steady.
Eric didn’t hesitate. He met Ryan’s eyes and answered with full confidence.
“Daniel.”
The room fell quiet. Eric waited for Ryan to write it down or ask the next question, but Ryan only stared. The silence stretched until Eric felt sweat prickling at the back of his neck.
“Is that a problem?” Eric asked, trying to sound only curious.
Ryan leaned forward. His broad frame cast a shadow across the desk as he studied Eric like an open page.
“That’s a lie,” Ryan said.
Eric’s stomach dropped. He kept his face calm, but his thoughts raced. How did this man know? He had used that name a thousand times before without trouble.
“You’re joking, right?” Eric let out a soft laugh. “We just met. How can you call me a liar?”
“I don’t joke,” Ryan replied. He stood up and walked around the desk with slow, sure steps.
He stopped in front of Eric’s chair and looked down at him. “When you said that name, your left eyebrow moved. Your breathing changed. You took a shallow breath. Your voice dropped lower, like you were trying too hard.”
Eric’s pulse quickened. This twenty-eight-year-old was reading him too well.
“You’re very observant,” Eric said quietly.
Ryan reached out and touched the side of Eric’s face. His hand felt warm and firm. “No. You’re just predictable. You’ve been lying to fools for too long, Eric.”
Eric went cold when he heard his real name. He had never given it.
“Fine,” Eric said, looking up at him. “So you know I lied. So what? Everyone lies in this business. It’s how we survive.”
Ryan’s fingers moved from Eric’s cheek to his chin. He held it firmly, tilting Eric’s face up so their eyes stayed locked.
“The ‘so what’ is this,” Ryan said, voice low. “You don’t lie to me again. Ever. From now on, you belong to me. If I catch you wearing another mask, I will punish you for it.”
He leaned down close. Eric caught the scent of his cologne.
“I’m going to break you, Eric. I’m going to peel away every fake story and every fake smile until I see the real you. The one that will scream when I touch you.”
Eric couldn’t look away. He had always been the one in control, but right now his body refused to move. Desire hit him fast and it frightened him.
“Do you understand me?” Ryan asked. His thumb brushed slowly across Eric’s bottom lip.
“Yes,” Eric breathed. The word came out before he could stop it.
“Good.” Ryan kept his grip. “Because I’m not stopping at your secrets. I’m going to take everything. I’ll make you so addicted to me that truth becomes the only thing you want to give.”
He pulled Eric’s head back gently, exposing his neck. His gaze lingered on the pulse beating there.
“Try to lie to me now,” Ryan said, voice low and certain. “Tell me you want me to stop. Tell me you want me to leave.”
Eric opened his mouth, searching for words that would save his pride. None came. He didn’t want Ryan to leave. He wanted to know how far this would go.
The master of lies had finally met his match.
Ryan’s hand slid to the back of Eric’s neck. “I thought so.” A dangerous smirk touched his lips. “Tonight, the lies end. Tonight, you belong to me.”
