I felt better having them there. I could do this. I knew I could. At least that’s what I told myself when Chris showed up at our door.
“Holy fuck, Reyna. That’s one hell of a costume,” he immediately said as I opened the door.
Dammit, I should have gone with the Sailor Moon or a bedsheet and been a ghost.
“So’s that,” I said, trying to divert the attention away from me.
He was wearing a devil costume. He had on a black tuxedo with a blood-red tie, red patent-leather shoes, and red horns.
“It’s my go-to Halloween costume. Are you ready? Traffic’s a bitch. I need to make some calls on the way.” He was his usual gruff, demanding self.
I much preferred his horrible gruff demeanor to his lecherous one, so I felt uneasy but okay. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, turning back and giving the girls a grimace.
Melody laughed, and Charlynn held up her phone as if to remind me I had a weapon. I nodded, and we were off.
Chapter 3
Sinclair
We arrived at the party, and as expected it was full of some of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen. Sage looked a bit overwhelmed, but I was right in my element. The mansion was huge, and people were littered all over the voluminous space. Some were talking in groups; others sequestered in pairs. Most of the women were wearing such revealing costumes they left absolutely nothing to the imagination. The entire place had a sexual vibe to it. There were even people tucked in corners so close to doing it… they might as well have been putting on a show. Plenty of people stood by and watched, lying in wait. It was insane. Sex hung in the air like a heavy, heady musk.
“Let’s get drinks,” I suggested, pushing us through the clamor of bodies to the bar.
These things always had an open bar. We’d be getting a lot of top-shelf booze. I wasn’t a cheapskate by any means. I liked to buy the best and didn’t even mind the price, but I also liked getting something for nothing.
“Yeah, drinks are a must.” My brother definitely looked like he needed some liquid courage.
“Do you see Shelton anywhere?” I asked, leery of my older brother.
“Ugh, let’s hope he’s already found someone,” my younger brother said, rolling his eyes.
We get two Grey Goose martinis and head out into the throng.
“I can’t believe you raided the costume shop for that,” my brother commented with a note of disgust.
“It was our highest-grossing film. I’m a walking billboard,” I joked. Being blatant was the best way to avoid embarrassment, in my opinion.
The costume wasn’t much. It consisted of a pair of black leather pants, a massive set of black feathered wings I was having a hard time negotiating through the crowd, and nothing else. Thank God I hit the gym four days a week. My well-toned body was very much on display. I was grateful for the costume department’s suggestion that the Dark One, Fallen Angel Dante, wear a mask throughout most of the movie.
The real reason we had to write the mask into the film was that Dragon, the film’s star, had a bad bout of forehead acne we couldn’t clear up. So, we added a few lines about his hiding his identity from his father, God, who had thrown him down from heaven on a whim. He wore the mask, and when he was revealed, his father let him back into heaven for being a hero. Who knew a little adult acne would give us a golden plotline. For me, I was grateful because it concealed my face, so I could enjoy being exotic and alluring.
I figured I’d put on a jacket and take off the wings at some point. I wanted to make a grand entrance, though, and I did. My brother was very good looking. In fact, he was the one who looked most like my mom, which meant he had refined, slightly feminine features. His looks gave him a sort of fragility Shelton and I lacked. Sage was wearing a cowboy outfit that, minus the big hat, looked like clothes he would wear on any other day.
Most of the men in the crowd were wearing costumes like Sage’s; unassuming and subdued. I had a moment’s regret wearing such an outrageous outfit, but it garnered attention and recognition. Most knew I was the Dark One, and so when I doffed the costume to reveal I was the producer of the film, the conversation would come easily. This, at least, was my plan. That is, it was my plan until I saw her…
It was only a glimpse, but what I saw viciously gripped my heart. She was also dressed as a fallen angel. In the places where I’d bared my skin, she had on a silky black dress. Its soft material was so buttery it danced over her bra-less nipples and screamed: “sex siren” from across the room. She had medium sized pert breasts, small enough to go without a bra, but of enough size to be a nice full-handed grope. Her raven hair fell loosely down her back, and her body was so bangin’ it would probably make a man cum, just looking at it. God, her curves were everything. Her wings were almost as big as mine, poor thing. I hoped she hadn’t smacked into as many people as I had already. She was with Christopher Regent, dressed appropriately as a devil, but wasn’t draped on his arm; encouraging.
I saw her only for an instant before she was lost back into the throng. A man wearing a nice suit and carrying a tray approached Sage and me as we were making our way into the party from the bar.
“Sinclair and Sage Harris,” the man announced, his face was kind and welcoming. On his tray, he had a few dozen golden keys.
“Yes.” I looked down at the tray of keys. “Oh, we’re good. We took an Uber,” I said to the man apparently collecting car keys; weird they were all single gold ones.
He laughed in a somewhat condescending manner. “No, no. I’m Gerald Raymond; this is my shindig.”
I was only a little embarrassed. “Right, Gerald, so sorry.” I lifted my mask. “I’ve only spoken to you on the phone.” I reached out my hand to shake his.
My brother, being slightly cooler, didn’t shake his hand. “What’s up brother?” he asked as he leaned in for a solid bro-hug.
“I’m good Sage… waiting for your new album. My wife is an obsessed fan,” Gerald confessed as my brother puffed up a bit with pride.
“I’ll send you guys our new album. I’ve got an mp4 on my computer.” Sage was casual and cool speaking about an album he and his band The Grind, had been working on day and night for nine months.
“She’ll die. Glad you got some drinks. The bar is open all night. Also, you’re welcome to take one of these keys. Try not to lose it, but if you do… well, we have our way of sorting things out. We’ve got the mansion until Sunday morning, so these keys are for rooms. The room number is on the key. Take one if you want to use it. The mansion has thirty bedrooms; it’s practically a hotel, so we have plenty. If you don’t need it, well … you should have brought a girlfriend along. You can crash there if you want, but we’ve completely stocked the rooms for gratifying nights of nocturnal play.” He smiled a lustful smile. “If you don’t find yourself needing a room, just drop the key in the glass dish on your way out. If you stay, cocktails and brunch will be served in the morning. Either in your room or the dining room.”
With that, he handed each of us a key.
“Seriously, Gerald, you throw the biggest ragers!” Sage had a hard time hiding his awe.
“All in good fun.” Gerald’s face was beaming with pride.
“This is awesome. Thanks,” I said as I took the key and put it in the pocket of my leather pants.
“I hope you make full use of it.” Gerald winked. “Gotta make the rounds, just grab a server if you need anything at all. We’ve got everything you might want.”
“Thanks,” my brother and I managed to say at the same time; it was almost awkward, but not.
He dangled his key in front of me. “I am so using this tonight.” His eyes glazed over with rabid desire.
“Let you out of a long-term relationship and look at you go,” I teased.
I hoped it wasn’t too soon. Amelia was the love of his life, but she dumped him because he hadn’t asked her to marry him. Together for five years and he couldn’t pop the question; something was weird about that. He shot m
e an unamused glare.
“At least I’m not here with a big fucking pair of wings pretending I’m the hottest character in action film history.” Touché, he got his dig in.
“Truce.” I threw up my arms; he smiled. “Well, I plan on using it.” I tapped my pocket. “On her.” I nodded my head to the dark angel accompanying Christopher Regent.
My brother laughed at me as he knocked on my elbow.
“I’m going to mingle.” His voice was eager, now seeing that I’d cast my line, he wanted to go explore.
“Yeah, right, have fun.” I nodded to him, and he moved away toward someone who wasn’t going to embarrass him as badly as I was about to. I was leery my other brother might ooze in at any moment, but this opportunity was too good to pass; the girl was too incredible to miss.
The foyer was two stories tall, bookended by two sweeping staircases; very dramatic. It made for an incredible first impression as she approached. For a moment, I thought she was coming for me, but she veered towards the bar. Behind her, hot on her heels was that scoundrel Christopher Regent. As she passed, she saw we were wearing similar costumes. A glorious smile crossed her face, one Christopher Regent didn’t miss.
“There you are,” I said in a stern and commanding tone as I stepped in front of them, hoping to stop the beautiful dark angel in her tracks.
“Me?” The woman looked around her as Christopher sided up and linked his arm around hers. He was a total prick, a wave of hatred coursed through my veins.
“Yes.” I stepped in closer.
“She’s with me.” Christopher muscled in.
“No, I’m not,” the woman said, incensed.
“I like your outfit.” I gently stroked her wings, casual and seductive. “I think I might know you from somewhere. Heaven perhaps?” My lips pursed seductively.
“Seriously?” Christopher huffed.
“Or maybe hell?” She rolled her eyes, and we both laughed.
“That must be the place.” I knew we were being totally cheesy, but it was glorious.
“Back off buddy, she’s mine,” Christopher growled.
The girl was not impressed. “No, I’m not.” She nearly hit him.
“Hell... Hello? That’s my domain.” He flared his hand along with his devil costume. “Besides, who the fuck prances around a party without his shirt on? Grow up.” Christopher angled the woman away from me as he attempted to whisk her away.
She planted her foot on the ground and wasn’t budging. “Go ahead and get a drink, Chris. I’ll stay here until you get back,” she said, making her intentions known.
“I brought you to this party. You’ll stay with me,” he cautioned her like a child.
“I’m your assistant, not your slave,” she said, her thick red lips looking glossy as the dim light reflected on her mask.
I felt my cock stir. She was a picture of beauty with just enough sexuality mixed with a dash of innocence. She wasn’t being lewd or tawdry with my flirtations, but rather sweet and playful. She’d already stayed her ground, and I wanted to nail this deal down.
“I’m dressed as the Dark One.” My tone had the stern command of a successful businessman. “It’s my film. You may have heard of it,” I said as I flashed him a disingenuous smile.
“Right, yes. Very successful little horror flick. What’d that gross you?” Christopher’s interest had now peaked.
“About a hundred mil give or take.” My tone was casual; my body relaxed as if gross box office on all of our films was that high.
In truth, we’d struggled until the Dark One’s success. Now we had a franchise that would put us on the map. Christopher knew this, knew the film would only make us more and more money, and eventually become a cult classic. He’d be stupid not to get in on the ground floor of this franchise. He pulled a card out of his wallet, which he’d retrieved from his back pocket, and handed it to me.
“Call me if something else comes down the pipeline. Or you’re interested in blowing this franchise up,” he said in a cold and calculating tone. “I’ll leave my assistant in your hands for a moment. Perhaps you can pitch her a few projects. She knows our company’s taste,” he said as he slapped her ass, which jettisoned her forward ever so slightly.
She took a deep breath, and her lips became a thin flat line. “Right,” was all she gave him in a respectful but curt tone of voice.
“I’ll be right back then,” Christopher said. He kissed her neck as his hand brushed across her nipple, giving it a hard squeeze. “When I do, we’ll find which room this key belongs to.” Her eyes narrowed as he turned away from her and headed toward the bar.
“I wonder why he capitulated and let you stay with me,” I said gently, not wanting to scare her. Her boss seemed scary enough.
“He smelled like money.” As soon as Christopher was out of sight, her face relaxed. “Horror isn’t really my thing, though.” She smiled, “But it’s Christopher’s thing; he’s pretty horrible.”
We both burst into laughter.
“Do you want to go to a room with him?” I worried she might be obligated to do whatever he asked of her.
“I’m here to work. Going to a room with him is NOT in my job description.” Her face fell as stress flattened her lips into a line.
I wished I could see the whole of her face. I could only imagine it was completely gorgeous. The rest of her certainly was heavenly. Her being masked was supposed to be part of the fun and attraction of the evening, but all I wanted to do was rip the damn thing off her face and kiss every part of her.
Chapter 4
Reyna
My plans to ditch Chris and hang out with my roommates seemed completely out of the question now that Chris was determined to get me into a room. I didn’t think his threat was real. He wouldn’t jeopardize his already sketchy reputation on a temp employee. Also, we’d barely just arrived. Surely, he had more networking to do. No, the threat was simply for the gorgeous masked man’s benefit. I’m sure Chris wanted to shuttle me off somewhere away from him, as he seemed to show interest in me. I doubted he would even bring the room up again. At least, I hoped he wouldn’t.
I loved talking to the gorgeous masked man before me, but he was a little intense. I needed a break from all the sexual man energy swirling around the room. As much as I wanted to stay and talk to Masked McDreamy, I also wanted to find my roommates. I looked around the room and found them pretty easily. Charlynn was with a group of people who seemed to be enthralled with whatever she was saying, and Melody was jamming in the corner with some other musicians. I could probably sneak into either of their groups of admirers, but it wouldn’t be enough to fully ditch Chris. Surely, he’d find me and drag me out again.
At that moment, my only real hope of escape was the sexy stranger. I looked at his hard-muscled body, so perfect. While only part of his face was revealed, the half that showed was incredibly hot. Strong sculpted jaw, soft lips, a sharp but perfectly formed nose, an incredible shadow of stubble dusting his face. I fixated on his lips as he spoke.
He was laughing. I’d just emphatically announced I wasn’t Chris’ whore in a veiled, but succinct way.
“Reputation has it Christopher Regent doesn’t care what’s in your job description. If he wants it, he gets it,” the masked angel cautioned.
“Not me.” I was flirty but firm.
Unfortunately, Chris came back much faster than I expected. He handed me a cold drink. I had no idea what was in it and no intention of actually drinking anything he gave me for fear it was laced.
“It’s the house specialty,” Chris said after seeing me inspecting the glass with a questioning eye.
“What’s in it?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t something totally wicked.
“Just drink it,” he ordered, sounding irritated. He then looked over to the masked stranger. “You’re still here?” Chris turned to me and inquired, “Did he pitch anything good?”
“Well, he couldn’t pitch much you were gone all of the forty-eight seconds.” I s
crewed my face into a frown.
“Pays to have clout.” He took the key from his pocket again and dangled it in my face. “I’ve had enough of this party. Come, it’s time we see what this key is for.” Chris’ eyes narrowed into a sinister leer.
“No thanks, I’d rather stay at the party. Since it seems you aren’t here to work anymore, I’m going to mingle.” I flashed him a plastic smile and took a step away from him.
His arm reached out, and with a vicious grip, he grabbed me back. “The hell you are.” His voice was an angry hiss.
“Woah there, buddy. I think I heard her say she wanted to join the party,” the masked stranger said as he removed Chris’ arm from me with force.
Christopher looked at his hand. “I wouldn’t touch me if I was someone who wanted the biggest producer in Hollywood to consider doing business with him.” His face morphed an angry scowl.
For that moment, I was grateful I was wearing a mask, so Chris couldn’t see my shocked and appalled expression.
“I’m surprised in the “me too” era you’d be so bold as to attempt to force a woman in your employ to join you. We both know what the gold keys are for.” The masked man was calm and steady as he jabbed his barb into Chris.
No one ever called Chris out on his shit, most just shut up and put up with it. He’d definitely had his share of scandals, but none ever got farther than the gossip pages. The woman who was his assistant before me was a temp just like I was for two years before Chris hired her on. As a celebration for her new permanent employment, he took her to the apartment he kept near work, the one his wife didn’t know about. He bought her flowers, chocolates, champagne, and a box of condoms. She had a boyfriend and kept trying to tell him she wasn’t interested in anything “personal.” He merely said the job could be just as easily filled by anyone. She told me this just as she left and I took her place at the company.
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