Page 114 of The Devil of Downtown

I knew before we even left the apartment that bringing her here tonight was a risk. I know it even more so now, watching cameras swing toward us like vultures scenting something new. But the last few weeks have been... something else. Most weekends she’s been at the house in the Catskills, tucked against me in a bed that hasn’t felt empty once since. For the first time in years, I’m not treading water. I don’t know what that means yet. Maybe I’m not ready to know.

Inside, the gala is lavish with the usual opulence that no longer impresses me. In a world where money is no obstacle, you begin to crave the simpler things in life. I guide Ivy with a protective hand at the small of her back straight to the only people I trust.

Julian whistles low, his eyes on Ivy, when we approach. “Jesus, Dane. You could’ve warned us. Some of us need time to emotionally prepare.”

Charlotte elbows him, beaming at Ivy before tugging her into a hug.

“You’ve never emotionally prepared for anything, Julian,” I deadpan. “So I doubt you’re about to start now.”

“I’m emotionally preparing for a dance with Ivy later?” His gaze flicks to Ivy, tossing a shameless wink.

“I’m not sure you’ll be able to keep up,” Charlotte chimes in. “You know Ivy is a professional dancer.”

“I’ll rise to the occasion.” Julian raises his champagne flute at me, enjoying this far too much.

“You won’t,” I mutter.

Julian squints at Ivy, head tilted. “Quick sanity check—how do we know it’s actually Ivy?”

I roll my eyes. “That joke’s expired, Julian.”

“I’m just saying,” Julian shrugs. “You two have the most unhinged first-meet story I’ve ever heard.”

Charlotte laughs. “Most people meet because they’re drunk at a friend’s birthday, or they matched at two a.m. and pretend it was fate.”

Julian looks at Ivy. “To be fair, most people don’t have a spare twin they can deploy.”

“Thank God you don’t, Julian,” I say.

Ivy’s lips curve as she glances between us, clearly amused.

“God, you’re so lucky you only have a sister, Ivy,” Charlotte groans. “Try dealing withthisone on a daily basis.”

Julian gasps, wounded. “I bring sparkle to your life.”

“You bring migraines,” Charlotte fires back.

Ivy laughs softly, and for a moment the tension in me eases—right until Julian’s gaze flicks over my shoulder.

“Oh, perfect,” he mutters under his breath. “The royal delegation approaches.”

I turn just as Dad and Mitzy glide toward us—Dad wearing his usual politician’s smile, Mitzy wearing something that looks more like malice dressed as a smirk.

Just before they get here, I lean toward Charlotte, voice low enough to remain unheard. “Stay with Ivy tonight.”

Charlotte gives me a knowing look. “I will. But you’re the one I’m more worried about.”

Instinctively, I pull Ivy closer as Dad stops beside us.

“Dane,” Dad says, clapping a hand on my shoulder in a gesture meant to look paternal. His eyes hit Ivy first. They drag over her in a way that makes my molars grind together.

“Charming dress,” he says, the compliment landing too low, too slow. Then, without missing a beat, his tone cools. “And this is...?”

“Ivy.” I keep my voice even.

“Mr. Black,” Ivy says, with a politeness he doesn’t deserve.

Dad gives a polite nod that feels more like a dismissal. “Well. Enjoy the evening.”