Once they were seated at a secluded corner table at the back of the patio, Trent said, “I thought I’d lost you in the crowd.”
“Lost, Monsieur Zorro? I couldn’t have been lost. I knew exactly where I was.”
“But then were you trying to lose me?”
“Non,” she said with a shake of her head, feeling daring. Why not run with this? With her disguise, and if only for this one evening, she had him all to herself. Now she was fairly certain he was innocent of the crimes she’d thought were his and she doubted her own rush to judgment that the accident was definitely his fault.
She smiled. “I was distracted by the crowd. Then I saw you talking with a pretty girl. You seemed quite occupied. She had her hands on you…in a most familiar way. Your girlfriend? I was most sure of it, n’est-ce pas?”
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he said in a flat tone.
“Well, if not, this woman likes you very much,” she teased.
He shrugged. “She’s a family friend.”
So his date with Cecilia had meant nothing? Truthfully? Even though his voice held a grim note, she couldn’t resist teasing him further, knowing his family’s desire for him to marry. “Oh, I see. Then you must have a wife? For surely, someone like you has one.”
His lip curved in a grin that warmed her. “No.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Not yet.”
Thankful for the dim lighting, Kate sipped the bubbling champagne and contemplated the man who sat beside her. She found herself anxious to know if he was ruthless or a man of integrity.
“Who are you really?” she whispered. The words spilled from her lips before she could stop them.
“Why don’t you go first,” he drawled. He leaned back in his chair, his pose lazy. His dark eyes glinted through his black mask. “I’m much more interested in finding out who you are.”
He was talking about names, of course, but she was thinking of who he was beneath the façade that everyone hid behind. There was no way she could reveal herself to him, but being alone with him made her feel a little reckless…and a bit giddy.
“I could not, monsieur,” she said truthfully. “Besides, I thought the unmasking was at midnight.”
“So it is,” he murmured. “Why don’t I guess who you are now?”
Panic flew through her for a moment, but she forced herself to remain calm. Her disguise was good. Her lips quirked. “But I am who I appear to be—just myself—as I thought you were, Monsieur Zorro.”
Trent chuckled again, and she liked the sound.
His brow furrowed. “I feel like I know you from somewhere. Have we met before?”
Her cheeks grew warm. “No, I’m sure we haven’t…ever met.”
Although she was glad for the sequined mask that covered her eyes and nose, she lifted the lace fan that dangled on her wrist and covered her mouth. She shouldn’t let him get too many glimpses of her face.
He leaned across the table. “We’ll see, after the unmasking. However, there is something familiar about you. But it’s a good familiar I recall.”
Had he liked her just a little as Dr. Meyers? Ridiculous hope sprang inside her that he had.
His seductive lips curved into a smile that sent a shiver through her. “Suddenly, I’m enjoying my anonymity,” he said.
She snapped her fan on his arm. “If you have something to hide…anonymity could be beneficial. Do you, Monsieur Zorro? Do you have something to hide?” Was he as innocent as she wanted to believe, or was she only taken in by the way he made her melt into a heated puddle with one glance from those dreamy, dark eyes?
“Nothing to hide. But tonight, what you see is what you get.”
“You sound as if you find it difficult sometimes to be yourself?”
His smiled. “At times.”
Could it be hard to be Trent Farrington, heir to a fortune? He did have an enormous responsibility, too, with the company.
His face was half hidden by the mask, while his cologne, crossed the distance between them. Kate leaned toward him and dropped her gaze to his incredibly sensuous mouth, so kissable and close. Warm sensations bubbled inside her. Not only was she attracted to him, she liked all that she was finding out about him. She wanted to know more.
“I suppose you’re Cinderella?” he asked, his voice smooth and seductive.
She laughed. “Actually, I’m supposed to be Marie Antoinette. And I should be losing my head very soon. In more ways than one.”
“What a shame. It’s such a pretty neck.” He flicked her a smile and shook his head. “You’re too beautiful to be Marie Antoinette. If I remember correctly, Cinderella, too, was in disguise.”
At that remark, she jerked her head up. Too close to home… She was forgetting herself by staying here with him. She had to leave the ball before he recognized her.
Kate flicked up her fan again to shield her face. “I must find my friend.”
“Darcy King?”
Blood rushed to her cheeks. So he had recognized Darcy? “Oui.” She cast him a sideways glance. Had he known her identity all along? Had he been toying with her?
“Can’t she wait awhile longer? I have only a little time before I have things I have to do. Do you dance?”
“Moi?” Kate frowned. She couldn’t. She had to leave.
His lips quirked. “Yes, you.”
“It’s been awhile since I’ve danced with anyone, except for that awful Batman.”
“Good, because I’m asking you. Shall we?” He extended his hand.
His eyes through the mask seem as soft as black velvet. Once again, she was drawn into their dark depths.
Was it such a risk? “All right, Monsieur Zorro. One dance.”
Trent clasped her hand. They walked inside.
A man called out, “Hey, great party.”
“Thank you.” Trent kept on moving toward the dance floor. As he wove them through the crowd, her gown swished against the other dancers.
The previous song ended and Trent raised a palm to catch the maestro’s eye. A classical melody filled the ballroom.
His grin was pure mischief. “How fortunate, a slow song.”
He lifted her hand and placed it on his shoulder. His hand was on her waist, warm and strong.
While they danced, she found herself enjoying her time with him way too much.
She hoped she wouldn’t have to pay for this tomorrow. “I see you wield such power, Monsieur Zorro. Is this your affair?” she asked coyly.
He winked. “It could be my costume. You know there is a sword that goes with it.”
Kate laughed. “Touché.” Then she let herself be carried away in his arms around the dance floor. Happiness bubbled in her as time seemed to move in slow motion. Her head reeled, not only from being with him, but also from the thought of how perfectly they fit together.
Considering everything she had discovered about him, she was sure he was innocent. She smiled broadly.
“Why the bright smile?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing.”
“Not laughing at my dancing, are you?”
“Non. I can tell you there is no fault with your dancing, Monsieur Zorro. I’m just surprised that you do so well in this day and age.” There was no fault with him at all. Even in costume, she found him superbly gorgeous.
“Nice to know all those cotillion lessons my mother forced me to take as a kid at the country club paid off.”
“Then you might want to laugh at me because I never attended such functions.”
“None? Not in France?” he asked, a grin teasing his lips. She could tell he wasn’t totally convinced she was French.
“Non,” she said, blushing guiltily. How many lies had she told him?
He stiffened and gazed down at her. “I just had a horrible thought. You’re not a friend of my mother, are you?”
“You mean there is a maman of Zorro here tonight?” she asked, pretending to search around the room.
Trent chuckled. “Perhaps.” He twirled her around. “You dance lik
e an angel. A beautiful angel.” He brought her back to him. “But then, why the smile earlier, if not at me?”
“I’m just surprised that I’m having such a nice evening.”
“You expected to come here tonight and not enjoy yourself?”
Her cheeks heated. “I-I only meant that I’m having more fun than I expected.”
“I’m having a wonderful night myself.”
With a glimmer of shyness, she dropped her face to the level of his black shirt. If anyone had told her this morning that she would be dancing in Trent Farrington’s arms this evening, and enjoying herself beyond belief, she would have told them they were crazy.
The music stopped abruptly. Eden Farrington strode across the stage and grasped the microphone. “Sorry for the interruption, but I wanted to let you know in fifteen minutes we’ll have the unmasking.” Her gaze flicked directly to Trent and Kate on the dance floor, while her lips flattened in a grim line.
Kate bit her lip. Oh, my God, the unmasking. She glanced up at Trent. “It can’t be almost midnight.”
He nodded. “But it is.”
“In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen,” Mrs. Farrington said into the microphone, “we have a few announcements to make. Trent, will you please come up?”
Kate had to get out of there.
When she turned to leave, Trent grasped her elbow. “I have some things I must do for the benefit. Don’t leave—I don’t even know your name.”
She had to get out of here before he discovered her true identity. “But I must find my friend,” she said, unable to meet his eyes.
“Darcy? All right, but don’t leave.” Kate stiffened. It was so like him to give an order to her as Dr. Meyers, but this time he softened it with, “Please.”
She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to stay, but how could she? He must have taken her silence for agreement because he strode toward the stage.
With him away, she rushed through the crowd to find Darcy. Trent’s next announcement followed her trail. Despite her distress, she listened as he told the crowd, “My family’s foundation will donate money for the construction of a new wing for the Children in Crisis Center. I’ll personally oversee the building and design.”
For the Children! Tears welled in Kate’s eyes. She’d been so wrong. He couldn’t be the ruthless crook she had suspected. If she wasn’t careful, the only thing he’d be stealing would be her heart.
For one brief moment, she stared at Trent. “Who is that man?” she whispered under her breath.
“Trent Farrington,” answered an older man beside her who had mistaken her meaning. “He’s just like his grandfather, always ready to help those in need. And he’ll be a good president for the company. I was worried Roland would be left in charge. That would be a disaster in the making if you want my opinion.”
“Thank you,” Kate murmured.
She hurried on through the crowd to Darcy. Her friend sipped champagne and laughed with a tall Arabian Sheik.
Kate walked up in time to hear the man say in a voice that sounded like Greg’s, “You look amazing in that dress, Darcy.”
Not wanting to be seen by him either, Kate ducked her head and pulled her friend aside. “I’m out of here before Trent discovers who I am at the unmasking. I’ll catch a cab.”
However, she hoped there might be time for her to do one more thing before she left the building.
* * *
Kate’s gown rustled as she ran down the long, dark hall of the forty-fifth floor. The only other sounds were the gurgles from a water cooler, an elevator moving in a shaft, and her slippered footsteps on the carpeting. Except for several dim lights lighting the way, darkness shrouded the floor. Without people, there was something sinister about an empty manmade mountain of concrete and glass. A trickle of apprehension ran up her spine.
She removed the tiny flashlight concealed in a pocket of her skirt and searched every door until she found the correct nameplate. ‘Roland Sikes.’ If by chance his office was unlocked, she would do a quick search. If not, she’d go home. After a glance over her shoulder to make sure the hall was clear, she turned the knob.
Kate quietly slipped inside the office, shut the door behind her, and strode to the desk.
“Who is it?” a man said. A lamp clicked on.
Sucking in her breath, Kate dropped her flashlight and whirled around to face Trent’s obnoxious cousin. Roland reclined on a brown leather couch. His black Batman breastplate was discarded on the floor, along with his mask. Kate’s heart hammered at the glitter in his eyes.
He tapped his finger to his cheek. “Ah, my first impression was correct,” he said his words slurred. “Wise choice to ditch my cousin. However, I must say I am surprised to see you here.”
Kate froze in place and searched her mind for an explanation. She could claim it was a mistake and make a beeline to the door, however, the company files piled on top of his desk beckoned.
She edged closer to read the names on the labels. “I needed to use the phone, but now that I’m here, I have to see for myself the office of the magnificent Roland Sikes. Is this where all those fabulous business decisions take place?”
He straightened up on the couch, sending her heart racing. “What type of decision do you have in mind at this time of night?” He smiled and eyed her breasts.
At his leering look and too-familiar tone of voice, she swallowed her fear. “I do so admire a sharp mind. You have a sharp mind, do you not, monsieur?” She searched for any awards to brag about and placate him. No such mementos adorned his walls.
“Sharp as any other. Sharper than my cousin if you’d like comparisons.” He cast her a wary glance. “You’re not by any chance an associate of Frank Blake? He’s a competitor.”
Who was this Frank Blake everyone mentioned? Kate shrugged. “I know of no such man.” She made a mental note to check Blake out. “Actually, I was lost in the halls. Since I didn’t bring my cell phone with me,” she lied, “I needed to find a phone to call a cab. Your door was unlocked.” She made out the name on the top file labeled ‘Ace Advertising Company.’ If she could just get a little closer, she might be able to decipher the names on the other files…
Roland rose to his feet, his big frame swaying. “Why leave so early, kitten? Although if I’d known you were coming, I would’ve had a bottle of wine sent up. I guess we’ll have to make do with whiskey.” On his way to his desk, he stumbled and caught himself. He tossed her a broad smile and continued toward his desk.
She went to the other side to keep the desk between them.
“I know just the place.” He sat and reached inside a large bottom drawer and pulled out a bottle. Uncapping the lid, he extended his arm. “Care for some. I might be able to find a glass around here…someplace.”
“Non, merci. I must go. I’ll find a phone elsewhere.”
“Ah, don’t go.” Smiling, he held out the telephone receiver to her. “Here, use my phone. Make your call.”
Hesitating at that smile, she flicked her gaze to the phone near him. Her teeth sank into her lower lip as she stepped closer.
He was drunk and had proven himself to be lecherous in the ballroom. Should she? She wasn’t sure she could outrun him to the door in a gown and heels. Not wanting him to see her panic, she punched in the numbers to a city cab.
He lunged and clamped his beefy hand on her wrist. She yanked her hand to get away, but his grip tightened.
Pushing the button on the phone, he disconnected the call. “What’s the big hurry? It’s barely past midnight.” He moved around the desk and slid his other hand up her arm. “I’ll give you a ride home.” He licked his lips. “Later.”
Recoiling in disgust, she tried to jerk away.
He grazed her lips with a knuckle that wielded a ring with a huge sapphire. “I like your mouth, baby. Why don’t you take off the mask?”
“Let me go, or your grandfather will hear about this.”
He eased his hold. “So, you do know James Farr
ington? Which means you’ve known all along that I’m his grandson. You also ran into me on purpose at the party. Now, you’re in my office. Be honest about why you’re here.”
He lowered his face and tried to kiss her. She smacked the flat of her hand against the side of his head. “Let go, I said. I’m not here for anything. You’re drunk.”
He recoiled. “Stop playing hard to get. Let me see your face. Have I sampled your charms before?”
“No!”
He snatched her mask off, and with it, her wig. When the pins were yanked out it stung her scalp and her hair tumbled down her back. His fingers bit into her as he gripped her shoulders.
She punched his soft stomach. “Let go.”
“Come on, kitten. Stop the innocent act. Sheesh, I’m not asking for much, just a kisssh,” he slurred again. He clamped his other hand on her waist.
“Stop,” she cried. She tried to knee him in the groin, but he blocked it.
His fleshy lips descended on her. “All the girls want me. I get laid all the time.”
She turned her head just in time so his disgustingly drunken mouth landed on her cheek.
He stuck his hand inside the shoulder of her dress.
At a ripping sound, Kate punched his chest. It was like a slab of pork. “Now you’ve torn my costume.”
“I’ll buy you all the dresses you want, spoil you, and pamper you. Take you down to Barbados for a nice long weekend.”
“Your being rich might impress some women, but not me.”
He backed her up against his desk. His hand on her shoulder, he pushed her backwards. Things started falling off the desk.
Kate raked her nails across his cheek.
He caught her hand. “I take back what I said. You’re not a kitten. You’re a little hellcat.”
“Stop this instant. I’m warning you I will scream and bring security running.”
Roland snorted. “So why haven’t you?”
In desperation, she clenched her hands and shoved against his chest. “I mean it… I will scream. Now let me go.”
“If you wanted to, you’d have done it. Stop playing games. You’re starting to piss me off.”
Kate struggled against the big man’s restraining arms. As he pressed her further backwards over the desk, a surge of fright assailed her. She did not want to scream, and even if she did, would anyone hear her?
Disguised with the Millionaire (Dangerous Millionaires Series Book 2) Page 12