Page 78 of Danger

“Then I guess you’d better get used to it.”

Honey shows up out of nowhere, eyes bright, mischief written all over her face.

“Alright, lovebirds. Time to spice this party up.”

I squint at her. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“We’re playing a game,” she says simply.

I shake my head. “Nope.”

She points at us. “Too late. It’s already decided.”

Winnie looks between us, amused. Curious.

I get the feeling whatever this is, it’s about to complicate my life.

I take Winnie’s hand anyway.

Drinking games are always a bad idea. But those have never stopped me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

winnie

Finn gives me a slow once-over,beer bottle dangling from his fingers. "Lookin' good tonight, Winnie."

"Thanks, Finn."

"Can I buy you a drink? Figure it'd be nice for someone to wait on you for a change."

I can't help but smile. "I'm good, but thank you."

Before Finn can try again, Rogue barrels between us. His shoulder catches Finn's just enough. The beer slips from Finn's hand and hits his boots before dropping on the floor.

“My bad.” Rogue looks down at the mess. "Hate when that happens."

The apology sounds convincing.

The smirk he sends Danger across the room doesn't.

Honey saves Finn from saying anything else by climbing onto a barstool, arms stretched above the noise. Her glossy hair catches every neon light.

“Alright, listen up!”

The crowd hushes. Slow country music is playing in the background, and you can feel the expectation. Honey’s voice carries, no mic needed.

“Tonight, we’re playing Deputy and Outlaw.”

I drift to the edge of the circle as Honey’s announcement lands. A commotion comes through the front door—Rylee and her entourage sweep in. I knew they wouldn’t miss this night. They’ve come to ruin something. I see their eyes: Rylee scans the room until she spots Danger. He’s talking to Trouble and Charming, heads bent over their beers.

Honey gets the crowd's attention again as she explains the rules. There’s a hat. Inside it, slips of paper. Two fates—Deputy or Outlaw. Deputies pick their Outlaw. If you get Outlaw, you have to wait to be chosen. Once we’re all paired, you vanish for an hour. Keys go in the basket. Has to be somewhere close enough to walk, just sixty minutes off the grid. And I almost forgot, every Deputy slip comes with a dare on the other side. If you don't do the dare, you have to take a shot out of a boot that's been sitting behind the bar since it opened. Legend says it belonged to the original owner. Legend also says the smell has only gotten stronger with age.

“Choose your outlaw wisely because these dares are spicy,” she cackles.

Honey shakes the hat for the first draw. Bride’s privilege—Sawyer goes first. She grins, plucks a card, and barely glances before announcing her pick.“Deputy.” She turns to Trouble, and loud enough for the back of the bar to hear, shouts, “Hands behind your back, cowboy.” Trouble winks and follows orders.

Rogue, predictably, howls. More draws. Laughter, whispers. I nurse my drink as others leave, one by one. Rylee positions herself in front of me.