Page 58 of The Devil of Downtown

I hurry to the changing room and take a quick shower. The steam clings to my skin, washing away the ache of rehearsal but not the buzz of knowing he’s here. I told him to meet me here at 5 pm, but I didn’t tell him to damn well come inside. I towel off and do some light makeup in record time, a skill honed as a performer between curtain calls. Finally, I pull on some loose jeans and a white tank and comb out my wet hair.

The studio door swings shut behind me as I step outside, my legs still burning from today’s grueling session. Jennie spots him before I do. “God, Ivy, I kind of hate you right now. Would you take a look?”

Dane is leaning against a matte black sports car with tinted windows, the kind of expensive that makes the building behind me look secondhand. He’s half-dressed for tonight’s gala: a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled, black pants that fit like sin. No jacket or tie yet, just a watch gleaming gold against his tan skin. Sunglasses hide his eyes, but I feel them on me. When he sees me, the edge in his stance melts into something disarmingly real.A smile that looks like it’s broken more hearts than it’s bothered to mend. My stomach twists until I remind myself what this is—his stupid version of payback.

I don’t notice Brody until Jennie whispers, “Damn, here comes trouble.”

Brody is parked at the curb, straddling his motorbike, helmet in hand. His grin falters when it slides past me to Dane. He pushes off his bike, jaw tightening.

“Yo, Ivy, thought I’d swing by and give you a ride home. Tonight, a few of us are grabbing drinks.” Brody stands a bit too close as I glance at Dane, who hasn’t moved. Just watches in that unnerving way that feels more dangerous than any outburst.

“You coming?” Brody asks.

Before I can answer, Dane straightens and pushes off the car, closing the distance in slow strides.

“She’s already got plans,” Dane says, voice smooth but sharp enough to cut.

Brody blinks, thrown for a moment. “Yeah? And you are? Ivy’s never mentioned you before.”

“You don’t need to know.” Dane’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “But if it helps, I’m the one she’s leaving with.”

Holy cheese balls.

Jennie, ever the lifesaver, slips in quickly, sensing the standoff. “Brody, I need a ride if you’re offering? Shall we go? Ivy can join us another day.”

Brody takes a step closer, like he’s unsure of leaving me. He pulls a cigarette out of his pocket, lights it, and takes a long pull, blowing out a thick ribbon of smoke.

“I’ll catch you later, Ivy. Text me if you need anything.”

“She won’t.” Dane’s voice hardens. The muscle near his temple ticks once.

“We’re still on for my opening night?” Brody asks, ignoring Dane. “I put you both on the guest list.”

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “See you then.”

Brody tosses Dane a triumphant look and heads off with Jenny, revving his motorbike extra hard before he roars off.

Dane opens the passenger door for me, his gaze never leaving Brody. I slide into the low seat, heart thudding as Dane rounds the car.

“Who is he?” Dane asks, eyes fixed on the road as he pulls away.

I hesitate. “A friend.”

“Try again.”

I exhale. “He’s an ex from a while back. We’re friends now.”

He pauses, gripping the steering wheel tight. “He’s behaving like a man who doesn’t want to be an ex.”

I roll my eyes and steady my pulse. “It’s not your concern; it’s not like we’re even together.”

He doesn’t answer. Instead, the car surges forward, engine growling as he shifts gears, cutting through traffic at a speed that is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

I grab the side of the seat, and he smirks.

“Relax, I know what I’m doing.”

“That’s not comforting.”