Page 73 of Redemption

I huff out a relieved breath, but I don’t yet realize that this isn’t over. It’s barely even begun.

20

ABIGAIL

“Where are you taking me?” I demand.

“You asked to leave the party,” he reminds me, like he’s being completely reasonable.

“Take me back to the car.”

“I never agreed to that.” His low laugh is infuriating, and my inner muscles clench.

I cover my face with my free hand, relieved that he can’t see my chagrin when I’m slung over his shoulder.

He’s taking me somewhere deeper in the shadowy grounds of the grand estate. Night has fallen, but Yorkshire is far enough north that the sky is still dusky despite the late hour. I’ve seen enough to know that we’re in a curated garden; I noted perfectly pruned rose bushes and a neat hedge in my peripheral vision. Otherwise, I’m looking down at the dirt path beneath Dane’s designer shoes.

Too late, I realize that the hedge has risen up on either side of me. I’ve been so absorbed in my inner turmoil that I didn’t pay enough attention to my surroundings.

We’re in a hedge maze, and I’m already hopelessly lost.

Dane seems to know exactly where he’s going.

“Put me down. I don’t like this,” I say shakily.

“Liar,” he drawls.

His restraining hand eases up my thigh to caress my swollen pussy through my thin dress. I gasp at the answering burst of pleasure and buck over his shoulder. His only reply is another arrogant chuckle.

“Bastard,” I hiss.

“I’ll enjoy taming that pretty mouth later. I have other plans for you now.”

He finally sets me down, and I’m disoriented for a moment at the shift in perspective. I blink and realize we’re in the center of the maze. A bubbling fountain featuring giggling cherubs is illuminated to our right. The small statues seem to mock me with their sly smiles.

Dane bends down and rummages in a waiting black duffel bag.

“What’s in there?” My voice is a touch higher than usual.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“You planned this,” I accuse. “You’ve arranged all of this in advance.”

He quirks a single dark brow at me. “Of course.”

“You knew no one would help me.”

His sensual smirk is pure, masculine satisfaction. “I have you right where I want you.”

I lift my chin and glare at him. “You wouldn’t put me in a scenario where you could get caught. I thought we were building trust, Dane.”

“That’s exactly why we’re here,” he explains calmly.

He’s holding a short coil of rope in one hand. My stomach flips, and I try to edge away from him.

What else is he hiding in that bag?

“If you think I’m just going to stand here compliantly while you tie me up, you’re mistaken,” I defy him. “I won’t let you.”