I drove six hours to check into my new luxury resort, only for the front desk clerk to toss a keycard at my feet.

social politeness. “Security. And the General Manager. Pick up the phone, Justin.”

A dark, flush of red crept up Justin’s neck, blooming across his cheeks. He was entirely consumed by rage now, infuriated by my refusal to play the role he had assigned me.

“Fine,” he spat, his lips curling into a cruel, triumphant smile. “You want to do this the hard continue reading …