Page 36 of Things Get Dark

As I look around, I see the spookily decorated farmhouse in the distance. Turning to focus on the food trucks where we got our hot chocolate, I jump when I notice one of the hired actors standing off to the side, staring in my direction.

Fuck. That dude is creepy.Is that a bloody clown mask?

I quickly turn away, instantly unnerved at his observation. While I wait for the girls, I busy myself with checking my phone, all while tracking movement with my peripheral vision. Another costumed man is walking toward me.Where are those girls?I turn to search for them, but they aren’t visible. They must have gone back to the front of the farm.

“Excuse me, miss.” A voice that seems to come out of nowhere announces the steady approach of a farm actor. I spin, immediately recognizing this one isn’t the clown but the plague doctor. My heart pounds from the unexpected greeting, but I shake off the surprise in order to be polite.

“Um, hi. Hello,” I stutter, still on edge from the stressful evening. His costume consists of low-key black jeans, a black shirt, a dark red tie, and a trim-fitting leather vest. The outfit is accented with lace-up black boots and black leather gloves. He wears the traditional beak mask, though it is relatively short, and a wide-brimmed hat covers his hair. Even though he’s fully covered, the stretch of his clothing around his wide shoulders and thighs helps me imagine the muscle he hides.

“You aren’t alone, are you? I’d fear for you in this big place with how dark it is, if you are. We want to ensure all of our guests are safe, so I thought I’d check in on you.” The man's charmingBritish accent floats across the night air with the embers of the fire.

“Hi, yes, I’m fine. My friends went to find a restroom.” I smile, trying to be polite. I’m a little unnerved by his presence but not at all scared. He seems genuine, and that puts me at ease. Shaking off my anxiety from earlier, I stand and stow my phone in my back pocket before approaching him.

Once I draw close, I notice just how tall he is. I’m on the taller side of average for a woman, but he towers over me even with the boots I’m wearing. I’d say he’s at least six-foot-four, based on where the eyes of the mask hit; his hat makes him seem so much taller.

“I appreciate your concern. I should probably make my way to find them.”

“Would you like some company? I could even give you a small tour on our way.” His offer is sweet, and I think I can hear a small smile in his words. There’s something in his tone, though; I can hear it. A warm, gravelly tone that contrasts with his elegant accent hints to an air of danger that floats around him. Yet, I don’tfeellikeI’m in danger. There are no nagging thoughts screaming at me to run. He told me I’d be safe with him, and every instinct I have is telling me he would do anything to keep his word. For me, at least.

As I near him, I can’t help but study his body language. He’s calm and collected but still has a daring and sexual presence that lures me even closer. He wears confidence and integrity like a cloak. It’s like his presence wraps me in a sense of security.What is it about this man? Something is pulling me in; not that I want to escape.But I also know nothing about him.

“I’d love a tour of the farm.”

“Delightful,” he purrs, a smile teasing through the silky word. He extends his right hand, beckoning for mine. I raise my hand to take his, and the worn leather feels good under my touch.Too good, almost. Like he wears the gloves often, and they’ve conformed to his hands. They have warmed with hours of wear tonight, and when he leads me away from the fire pit, his hands transfer mine to hook under and around his elbow. The move is smooth, with precision and grace, despite his casual costume. That transition to lure me closer is hot, and I have no idea what his play is.

Walking across the lawn nearest the corn maze, my eyes keep glancing over the scene. I guess my distraction is self-preservation, ensuring we don’t venture into the torture I only just escaped.

“Tell me—” the charming man begins, before his sentence drops off suddenly. “My apologies, but I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing your name.”

My gaze swings to my escort as a blush warms my cheeks. “Alex,” I whisper as I smile up at him. A glint flashes behind the eyes in his mask, and I feel my body warm under his attention.

“Indeed, such a gorgeous name for a gorgeous creature. Tell me, Alex, do you enjoy Halloween?”

A shiver runs down my spine as his words seem to hide an underlying meaning. I answer honestly, yet I don’t disclose everything; it doesn’t matter how charming he is, my secrets are just that.Mine.

“I like autumn. Spooky season is a bonus for the collection of months that make up my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather and changing of the leaves. I can finally enjoy hot cocoa without burning up, and sweaters and leggings are my favorite outfits to wear.”

“I see,” he says succinctly, before turning to point out the fields in the distance where livestock are usually kept. After he explains the animals were loaned out to a neighboring farm, he turns, gathering both of my hands in his. “And is there anythingyou don’t like? You were quite vague when I asked about the specific holiday.”

“Ah, um,” I sputter, not sure I want to tell him the primary attraction to his farm is something I avoid. “I’m not a huge fan of mazes. My friends dragged me out here tonight as their designated driver, and I barely made it through without a mental breakdown.” When my escort remains quiet, I continue, “I have some trauma that revolves around mazes. I hate feeling scared and out of control.”

“Ah, so that’s the crux of the matter. That’s such a shame,” he murmurs, before he steps closer to me. The closer he comes, the hotter I feel my body become, and it has nothing to do with his body heat. Everything about him overwhelms me, in a good way—in a way where I feel his attention toward me is sexually charged, and I’m not used to that. The only serious attention I’ve had was from James, but compared to this, he was lazy and immature. This man radiates charisma and confidence, all of which are beginning to weaken my knees. My core tingles with the thought of what he could accomplish if his smooth and seductive tone truly translates to his skills.

“Sometimes, letting go of control can feel good.” His murmured words barely reach my ears, but that doesn’t hide the lust in them. “I know your friends are likely to be back soon, but would you consider an experiment in control? One that I promise will banish the scarier thoughts? I’d love to give you pleasurable memories of giving up control.” He reaches a hand up, slowly caressing my cheek as he waits for my response.

My mind spins out of control, considering everything that has happened tonight. The maze, and the anxiety from it. The guilt for taking care of my drunken friends. And then meeting this man. This man I don’t even know, and yet he’s set my body ablaze with just his words and actions. I’m afraid to accept hisoffer, but I’m curious what he means and what I’m willing to risk. Can I trust him?

“I can make your body tremble in ways you’ve never known, nor will you ever forget,” he says, growling softly.

Fuck.At this point, I’m too intrigued and worked up to care. My friends will find me soon enough, and there are a few other people enjoying the haunted maze. Throwing caution to the wind, I look up into his mask.

“Show me.” Two words, barely above a whisper, spark something between us. It’s a physical, carnal reaction that radiates back and forth. He raises my hand underneath his mask, and I feel warm, pillowy lips gently caress my knuckles.

“Dear Alex, I cannot wait to see you lose control and revel in it.” He grasps my hand and leads me away. I notice quickly he’s guiding me toward the back of the farmhouse, and a wave of hesitation washes over me. With a shock, I pull my hand from his, and he pauses to look back.

“Love,” he says with gentle words, “I’m only trying to bring you somewhere discreet. I don’t want you to feel exposed when I help you lose control. I believe it will be a memorable experience for you—one I doubt you want to share with anyone else.”

Goddamn, his confidence is sexy. And he’s right, if he is ready to rock my world, then I don’t want these people seeing. I nod, reaching my hand out to him again. I can feel just how wet my panties are from everything leading up to this, and I need more from him than words.

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