Page 23 of Eat Slay Love

Rae

Cosmo rang the bell again, and a low mechanical hum vibrated through the space.

Next, the black wall behind him began to rise, inch by inch, unveiling a tunnel bathed in a deep, shimmering red light. It wasn’t just red—it was liquid, alive, moving like molten rubies in the air.

The glow pulsed, stretching along the length of the passage.

Magical.

A ripple of excitement swept through the guests. Murmurs of anticipation, soft gasps of delight. A woman giggled in that giddy, oh-my-God-this-is-about-to-be-an-experience kind of way.

This place wasn’t just about luxury—it was about alchemy in the truest sense.

Transformation.

“Follow me, please.” Cosmo turned around and strolled into the shimmering tunnel.

One by one, the couples followed, stepping into the tunnel.

I took a slow breath and prepared to follow.

But then. . .I realized Mr. Lyon hadn’t moved.

What is he waiting for?

He stood there, unbothered, unrushed, watching the others disappear ahead.

I eyed him.

He turned and met my gaze. Then, ever so casually, he extended a hand toward the glowing entrance. "After you.”

That damn voice made my pussy jump again.

I swallowed. "Thank you."

Girl, you need to calm down.

I stepped forward, conscious of my gown gliding along my skin and the click of my heels against the glossy floor.

And then—oh.

I passed close enough to him that I caught the scent of his cologne. Something expensive, dark, and devastatingly male.

Mmmm. I love a good-smelling man.

His cologne wasn’t just a scent.

It was a damned experience all by itself. Warm spice and smoked woods, a soft hum of bergamot with a deeper earthy note that wrapped around my senses like a lover’s hands on my waist.

I wouldn’t have minded just standing next to him and inhaling his scent for the rest of the night.

Focus, girl. You are on a date with YOURSELF and you’re over there checking on someone else. So naughty.

Chuckling, I entered the tunnel and took it all in.

The walls weren’t solid—they shimmered, moved, pulsed. As if made of light itself.

Tiny, suspended particles of reddish gold dust floated around us, catching in my kinky curls and kissing my bare arms.

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