EPISODE 1: The Lie That Failed
Eric was a professional liar.
He had spent his whole life pretending to be people he wasn't.
At thirty years old, lying was like breathing to him.
He had lied to dangerous criminals, angry bosses, and jealous lovers.
He always won because he was the best at acting.
He believed no one could ever see through his mask.
As he sat in the quiet office, Eric felt confident.
He crossed his legs and leaned back in the expensive chair.
He gave a small, handsome smile that usually made people do whatever he wanted.
Across the desk sat Ryan.
Ryan was only twenty-eight years old, younger than Eric.
But he had a presence that filled the entire room.
He was wealthy, powerful, and very calm.
He didn't look like a businessman; he looked like a hunter.
His dark eyes stayed fixed on Eric’s face.
He didn't look away, and he didn't smile back.
Name? Ryan asked.
His voice was deep and steady.
It was a very simple question.
Eric didn't even have to think.
He had a fake name ready to go.
He looked Ryan straight in the eye and spoke with total confidence.
Daniel, Eric said.
The room went completely silent.
Eric waited for Ryan to write it down or move to the next question.
But Ryan didn't move. He just stared.
The silence lasted so long that Eric started to feel a little bit of sweat on the back of his neck.
He wasn't used to people not believing him instantly.
Is that a problem? Eric asked.
He tried to sound like he was just curious.
But his heart started to beat a little faster.
Ryan finally moved.
He leaned forward, his large frame casting a shadow over the desk.
He looked Eric up and down, as if he were reading a book that Eric didn't want him to see.
That’s a lie, Ryan said.
Eric felt like someone had punched him in the stomach.
He kept his face still, but inside, he was panicking.
How could this young man know?
Eric had said that name a thousand times before.
You’re joking, right? Eric laughed softly.
It was a fake laugh, designed to make Ryan feel like he was being silly.
We just met. How can you say I'm lying?
I don't joke, Ryan replied.
His eyes got darker, more intense.
The air in the room felt heavy and hot.
Eric crossed his arms over his chest.
He was starting to get annoyed, but he was also getting excited.
No one had ever challenged him like this.
Alright then, Mr. Genius.
If you're so smart, prove it.
Prove that I’m lying to you.
Ryan didn't hesitate.
He stood up and walked slowly around the desk.
He moved like a lion approaching his prey.
He stopped right in front of Eric’s chair and looked down at him.
When you told me your name, your left eyebrow moved just a tiny bit, Ryan explained.
His voice was very low and very close to Eric's ear.
Your breathing changed.
You took a shallow breath because you were nervous.
And your voice got a little bit deeper because you were trying to sound more like a man.
Eric’s heart was hammering against his ribs now.
He couldn't believe it.
This twenty-eight-year-old man was reading his body like a map.
You are very observant, Eric whispered.
He realized he couldn't hide behind his fake smile anymore.
No, Ryan said, reaching out to touch the side of Eric's face.
His hand was warm and strong.
You’re just predictable.
You think you’re a master of lies, but to me, you’re an open book.
You’ve been lying to stupid people for too long, Eric.
Eric shivered when Ryan said his real name.
It felt like a shock of electricity.
He hadn't told Ryan his real name.
Fine, Eric snapped, looking up at Ryan.
So you know I lied. So what?
Everyone lies in this business. It's how we survive.
Ryan’s hand moved from Eric’s cheek to his chin.
He gripped Eric’s jaw firmly, forcing him to keep looking up.
Ryan’s gaze was possessive and full of a dangerous kind of hunger.
The 'so what' is this, Ryan growled.
You don’t get to lie to me again. Ever.
From now on, you belong to me.
And if I catch you weaving a story or wearing a mask, I’m going to punish you for it.
Ryan leaned down until their noses were almost touching.
Eric could smell Ryan’s expensive cologne.
It made his head spin.
I’m going to break you, Eric, Ryan whispered.
I’m going to strip away all those fake stories and fake smiles.
I want to see the real you.
The version of you that screams when I touch you.
Eric couldn't move.
He was a thirty-year-old man who was usually in control.
But right now, he felt completely powerless.
He looked at Ryan’s lips and then back at his eyes.
He felt a wave of desire that was so strong it scared him.
Do you understand me? Ryan asked.
His thumb rubbed over Eric’s bottom lip.
Yes, Eric breathed.
He didn't even try to lie. He couldn't.
Good, Ryan said. He didn't let go of Eric’s jaw.
Because I’m not just going to take your secrets.
I’m going to take everything.
I’m going to make you so addicted to me that the truth will be the only thing you want to tell me.
Ryan pulled Eric’s head back slightly, exposing Eric’s neck.
He looked at the pulse jumping in Eric’s throat.
He knew Eric was scared, but he also knew Eric was turned on.
Try to lie to me right now, Ryan challenged.
His voice was a low, dark rumble.
Tell me you want me to stop.
Tell me you want me to leave the room.
Eric opened his mouth to say something—anything to regain his pride.
But the words wouldn't come.
He looked at Ryan, the man who knew all his secrets.
He realized he didn't want him to leave.
He wanted Ryan to stay.
He wanted to see how far this punishment would go.
The master of lies had finally met his match.
And as Ryan’s hand slid down to the back of Eric’s neck, Eric knew his life would never be the same again.
He wasn't just working for Ryan.
He was becoming Ryan’s obsession.
I thought so, Ryan whispered.
A small, dangerous smirk finally appeared on his handsome face.
Tonight, the lies end.
Tonight, you belong to me.
