Page 35 of The Devil of Downtown

“The infamous Bexley maze,” he says with mock grandeur. “The source of many lost guests and one disastrous proposal.”

I arch a brow. “Yours?”

“Please. I have better judgment than to propose anywhere that requires a map to exit.”

I laugh, the sound slipping freer than it has all evening. “So what’s the prize if you make it to the center?”

“Survival.” He grins. “Or a bar, depending on who’s hosting.”

As we step closer to the entrance, the neat green walls glisten faintly with mist.

“Go on then,” he challenges. “Think you can find your way?”

“After three glasses of champagne? Probably not,” I admit.

“Then I’ll lead. Try to keep up, assistant extraordinaire.”

We don’t get far before the drizzle turns into rain. Fat drops spatter the gravel, darkening his suit jacket. I squeal as cold water hits the back of my neck.

“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand. “There’s shelter by the stables.”

We sprint across the lawn, laughing as the rain quickens, until we duck inside the open stable doors. The scent of hay and damp leather fills the air. Horses shuffle in their stalls, calm and curious. Dominic runs a hand through his soaked hair, grinning.

“Are you impressed? Candlelit dinner, midnight rain, livestock.”

I laugh again, still breathless. “You really know how to show a girl a good time.”

“Wait until you meet Eros.” He stops beside a stall, stroking the muzzle of a dark bay. “Named after the god of love. Don’t judge. My mother insisted.”

Before I can reply, a shadow fills the doorway.

Dane.

His shirt is damp, sleeves rolled to the forearms, rain still glinting in his hair, breath exhaling like smoke in the damp air. His expression is controlled, but there’s a storm in his eyes.

“I’ve been looking for you,” he says, voice like steel. “It’s time to go.”

Dominic smirks, quirking a brow. “Didn’t realize Sloane has a curfew.”

Dane doesn’t look at him. His eyes stay rooted on mine. “You should go, Dominic. Your brother is getting messy. Or should I say, messier.”

Dominic sighs, clapping Eros’ neck.

“Duty calls. Until next time, Sloane.”

I offer Dominic a small smile, my pulse tripping over itself under the force of Dane’s stare.

Silence falls between us, broken only by the sound of hooves shifting on straw.

Dane takes a slow step forward.

“Are you afraid?”

I blink. “Of who?”

One corner of his mouth lifts, faint amusement flickering.

“They won’t bite unless you give them a reason to.”