Page 134 of Face Off
“You stole the map.”
His mouth twitched despite the emotion tightening his face.
The employee looked between us before handing Ryan the next envelope. “You completed the challenge.”
We left the pavilion side by side. He didn’t take my hand, and I didn’t reach for his. At the first turn, Ryan removed the flask. I watched him drink before holding out my hand.
“You’re going to empty it.”
“You brought a backup.”
“Bliss confiscated it.”
I accepted the flask and swallowed enough mezcal to soften the vulnerable ache left by his card. When I returned it, Ryan looked toward my mouth without hiding it.
“You still put others first,” he said.
The words stopped me.
He tucked the flask away and continued through the maze before I could answer.
I followed him.
The remaining clues led us through the west garden, along the terrace, and beneath a stone staircase inside the castle. We collected a ribbon tied around a rose, found a silver charm hidden beside a fountain, and photographed ourselves sharing one narrow chair because the challenge insisted romantic partners should remain close.
Ryan sat first and looked at the space remaining beside him.
“There’s nowhere for me to sit.”
He opened one arm. “That’s the point.”
I lowered myself onto his thigh.
His hand settled against my hip, fingers curving possessively around me while the employee lifted the camera.
“You’re supposed to look in love,” she said.
Ryan stared at her. “That’s an aggressive request from a stranger.”
“It’s the challenge.”
I leaned toward his ear. “Forced politeness.”
“I’m being punished for something.”
“Several things.”
The employee waited.
I kissed the sensitive spot on Ryan’s neck again. His entire body tightened beneath me, and the hand on my hip slid around to grip my ass.
The camera flashed as his head turned toward mine.
“That should work,” the employee said.
Ryan’s mouth stopped beside my ear. “Bésame ahí otra vez y te voy a follar aquí mismo.”
I replay his threat through my mind. ‘Kiss me there again, and I’ll fuck you right here.’
