Coming Together: At Last, Volume Two

by Alessia Brio, L. A. Banks, Bridget Midway

  She was neither. A freelance writer, she'd seen Diane's invitation and asked if she'd planned to attend. Diane had turned her nose up and replied that of course she hadn't. A masquerade ball wasn't exactly her cup of tea. She was much more likely to go to Aspen and party with the beautiful people on the slopes than to some secretive bash in the tropics.

  The willowy blonde had taken her invitation and tossed it at Syne. “I mean, just look at it. A weekend in disguise, no itinerary, no celebrity list—nothing. All it says is: Live out your wildest fantasy. I couldn't possibly attend. Daddy would be outraged if he ever found out.” And that had been it.

  Syne had slipped the invitation into the pocket of her designer jeans and said no more. But, her heart had raced. She'd learned about the annual bash by accident the year before when a news story had been squashed at the paper she'd been writing for. All she'd heard were rumors. Something about the man who she thought owned the island, his incredibly beautiful consort, and a death—nothing else. She'd tried to find out more, but it was useless.

  Once she'd returned home, she'd taken the invitation to a friend—David Caslow, computer geek extraordinaire—and had him work his magic. Two days later, he'd called her, and she'd gone to pick up the perfectly duplicated card. Gold with a darker gold text and outline, the card read:

  Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True!

  This document entitles you exclusive entrance

  into the Arcadia Island Masquerade Ball.

  Join us at Plantation House on Arcadia Island

  and explore your wildest fantasies.

  Your All-inclusive, all-expenses paid trip

  begins the first weekend of the coming month.

  Madame Dione de Celeste, Proprietress

  Plantation House, Arcadia Island

  She'd made up her mind to attend as soon as she had the fake card in her hand.

  And that's how she managed to be there, dressed in her finest white silk gown, waiting her turn to walk the gangplank off the boat. Around her, a dozen or so equally resplendent men and woman milled around. There had been very little conversation on the way over, it seemed even the wealthy liked to keep their quirks and kinks to themselves. Only when they'd drawn into the bay had conversation erupted.

  A beautifully pale woman said in a breathy voice, “It's lovely, isn't it? Twice here, and I'll never get over how incredible the island is."

  A deeply tanned young man, dressed in a black silk suit that must have cost a month's wage for Syne, replied, “Yeah, it's pretty amazing. When you think that everything had to be shipped in, you realize just how rich this guy is."

  The island was breathtaking. The long, white sandy beach rose from the crystal blue waters of the bay. Lush tropical ferns carpeted the area a few dozen yards from the shoreline, and tall trees she could not name loomed high overhead further inland. Some looked like willows and others were some kind of palm, but she couldn't tell what kind and really didn't care. A well-swept wooden walkway led up the beach and into the trees.

  "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Ares, and I'll be your guide,” came the voice of an incredibly tall, incredibly well-built black man dressed in a flaming red sarong slung low on his hips and nothing else. He stood at the end of the gangplank, off to one side in the white sand. “Please, come ashore. It's a short walk to the plantation house, where rooms and refreshments await you all. Please present your invitations as you pass me."

  Syne stood back, allowing the other partygoers to push past her. When she was left standing alone, she took a deep breath and walked across the gangplank, praying David's work would pass muster. Standing in front of the black man, she was astounded at just how big he was. He towered over her five-feet, seven inches by at least a foot. His midnight-black skin shone. He looked as if he'd oiled himself. Hairless, his chest and arms rippled with muscles, and his six-pack would be the envy of any man she'd ever known.

  "Thank you, milady.” His voice was as soft as melted butter—and as smooth. Taking her invitation, he glanced at it and smiled, then slipped it into a fold of his sarong. Nodding, he checked the gangplank before asking, “Is there anyone else?"

  "No, I'm the last.” Her voice was steady, which surprised her. Her hand hadn't been when she'd held out the small gold card.

  "Good, thank you, milady,” he replied and let his eyes meet hers. Thickly lashed, almond shaped, and the most brilliant blue she'd ever seen. His eyes were like the sea, full of mystery and depth. His nose was straight and narrow, the nostrils flaring with each breath, as if he was taking her scent. He smiled at her, showing off whiter than white teeth, then winked.

  Shocked, she felt herself grow warm and realized she was blushing. Before she could think of some snappy retort, the man stepped onto the walkway and stood looking down at her. From that angle, he looked even bigger.

  He smelled of the sea and man, and she very nearly reached for him. The only thing that stopped her was him taking her arm and guiding her towards the trees. She'd worn high-heeled sandals—not the best thing for tramping through the jungle, but the walkway was sturdy and, with his hand on her arm, she walked easily ahead.

  On the beach, the heat had been stifling, but when the canopy of the trees shielded her from the sunlight, the temperature dropped to a much more comfortable level. The sweat that had trickled down her sides cooled and dried. She peered into the trees and wondered what animal life there might be, but so far she had seen only a handful of birds.

  The guide released her when he was sure she'd follow along after the others, and she felt his eyes on her as he followed. The flush she'd felt before returned, but this time it was excitement. Syne had always loved being watched by an attractive man, and he certainly fit the bill.

  The further along she went, the less she worried she was about the counterfeit invitation and the sneaky way she'd gained access to the island. She watched the others sauntering along the path ahead. Each of them looked about as uncomfortable as a person could. The outdoors obviously wasn't their normal environment. Every time a bird or insect flew by, the group of partygoers ahead of her cringed or cried out, or both. Syne began to feel as if she and the huge black man were the only ones who got any pleasure from the walk.

  After hiking about a mile, the grumblings of her companions suddenly stopped. They'd gone around a corner, and there was the plantation house.

  It rose majestically out of the forest, flower-laden vines and bushes surrounded the enormous building. The air was thick with their scent—spicy, sweet, exotic. Syne inhaled and loved the rich smell as it filled her lungs.

  A touch on her arm got her attention, and she moved to one side, allowing Ares to pass. His chest brushed her shoulder, and she thought for a moment about slipping her hand into the sarong to see if it was true what they said about black men. Only his speed saved him. “Almost there,” he said to the group as he took the lead position. It was then she realized he'd trailed them, making sure no one lagged behind or got lost.

  The plantation house loomed over them as they approached, ominous, daunting. To Syne, it looked like a castle with its tall, slender windows high up the wall. Ornate stone dragons guarded the bottom of the stairs which led to an intricately carved wooden door. More dragons perched along a wide handrail and still more peered from beneath fragrant red rose bushes and luscious rhododendrons in every color imaginable.

  "Bloody hell, this place is amazing,” said a lanky fellow who stood red-faced and winded before the door. “Why he couldn't have put it someplace a little closer to civilization is beyond me, though."

  "Jeffery, you're just out of shape,” the woman on his arm chimed in. Her hair, which had been beautifully coiffed at the beginning of the trek, hung in stringy tendrils half way down her back. Her dress—black silk by the look of it—was wrinkled and sweat-stained from the unexpected excursion. “Like we all are.” She looked around the small group and chuckled at her lame witticism. When her eyes locked on Syne's calm demeanor, she scowled as
if she'd just noticed a spot on a favorite rug. “All of us that matter.” The last words came out more like a whine than she'd perhaps intended, but everyone turned to look at who she meant.

  Syne smile sweetly, or she hoped it looked sweet. Inside she was livid. How dare the overdressed, underdeveloped excuse for a woman try to demean her? She took a deep breath and let loose. “Some of us prefer to keep in shape rather than look like limp rags after a short stroll."

  If looks could have killed, she'd have been tits up in the doorway. But, the aristocrat didn't say anything, just glared at her.

  "Ladies,” Ares said, a little louder than he needed to, she thought, “and gentlemen, if you'll just follow me inside, I'll show you each to your quarters. Refreshments have been laid out for you.” He opened the door and while he held it wide, the group filed in, Syne in the rear.

  The entry hall stopped them cold. Even the girl who'd been twice before stopped and gazed around, dumbstruck by the splendor. Where the outside was rustic and appeared ancient, the inside was immaculate and extravagant. Gold met rich, vibrant wood and deep blue velvet. On each wall, gilt-framed pictures of the old Greek gods and goddesses at their leisure looked down upon them. Chandeliers glistened, dark slate floor shone, and in the background soft music played. It's a castle for the gods, she thought as she slowly turned, admiring it all.

  "Follow me, please,” Ares urged.

  Syne turned and saw him on the bottom step of a curved staircase that led to the second floor. “My God, this is amazing,” she whispered. The tapping of her heels echoed. The others followed her when she followed the beautiful black man up the stairs. She couldn't take her eyes off his ass. High and firm, she had to remind herself that he was just the hired help; she was in for bigger game.

  At the top of the stairs, he stopped and waited for them all to join him on the landing. “You'll each have a room,” he said in his deep, soft voice. “In your room, you'll find a closet full of costumes. Choose whatever you like, and if you don't find something to your liking, don't hesitate to call for a tailor to assist you.” He turned and walked away, slowly down the long hallway. “You'll have time to bathe and take a nap, if you wish. You'll also find refreshments. Please, make sure you drink well before you join your host for dinner."

  He stopped in front of the first door and waited while the group joined him. Opening the double doors, he said, “Jacob McEwen, this will be your room while you stay with us."

  The room was massive. Dark wood prevailed, but the deep greens and golds complemented it magnificently. The fireplace across from the bed was waiting for a match.

  "Come,” Ares said, and closed the doors behind the man named Jacob. Each guest was delivered into a room, some larger than other, all resplendent with luxurious décor.

  Finally, there was just her and Ares. He turned and smiled, then opened the double doors on the last room. “And here you are, milady,” he said as he pushed open the tall oak doors.

  For a moment, Syne was speechless. Gold, glass, and white fur surrounded her. The canopy over the bed gleamed gold, the coverlet and rug were sparkling white and so soft-looking that she wanted to go and lie down immediately. The walls, broken by tall windows, were covered in what looked like white fur. The only break in the color scheme was the floor, and it was white marble with gold streaks spreading like tiny rivers across the room.

  "Will this be all right for you, milady?” Ares’ soft voice interrupted her silent appraisal.

  When she turned to face him, he'd moved closer. His naked chest was inches from her nose, his nipples standing erect, hard, for her lips to suck and nibble on. Those thoughts and more raced through her mind, his question forgotten.

  "Milady,” he repeated in that soft as silk voice, “are you all right?"

  Shaking herself, embarrassed at having been caught drooling over a complete stranger, Syne cleared her throat before replying. “Yes, fine. The room is fine. I'm fine, thank you.” Her voice wasn't as firm as she'd have liked.

  "Very good, milady,” Ares smiled down at her. He knew she lusted after him; he had to. “You'll find refreshments over here.” He brushed against her as he headed to the far side of the room.

  She watched his muscular back and the bounce of his ass for a few moments before following him. With each step, her pussy moistened and her heartbeat increased. The bed, to her right, was like a magnet she fought to ignore, but her eyes couldn't resist just a quick glance. King-sized and luxurious, she wanted to drag Ares to it and try out the springs.

  "Here you are, milady.” He'd stepped behind a long glass bar and opened a small fridge. “May I get you something while I'm here?” He reached for a small bottle.

  "Yes, please. Just something cold, anything.” She wasn't interested in alcohol for the moment and the bottle he had looked innocent enough. She was much more interested in him.

  He reached overhead for a tall crystal glass. Pouring the amber liquid into it, he then handed it to her. When she took it, their fingers touched. It was as if a tiny electrical charge touched her, making her gasp. Her pussy clenched.

  Ares cocked his head and looked at her. “Are you sure you're okay? You look a little flushed."

  "I'm fine, just warm,” she parried, wondering if he realized the effect he was having on her. She raised the glass to her lips. Taking a tentative sip of the cool liquid, she was pleasantly surprised at the sweet, yet tangy, taste. “This is nice,” she purred and took another large gulp. Before she realized it, the glass was empty, and she was mildly disappointed that it was gone.

  Ares smiled, and for a moment, she wondered why.

  The room spun. Her lips felt numb. Panic rose. She opened her mouth to scream. Blackness closed around her. She felt herself being carried and then ... nothing.

  * * * *

  The spicy scent of flowers woke her. Without opening her eyes, she rolled onto her back feeling the delicious drag of softness caress her breasts and belly. She arched her back and stretched.

  Her eyes popped open, and she sat up. The room was quiet. “What the fu...” she mouthed and then realized she was naked beneath the furs. “Shit!” She peered around the room and saw no one, nothing but the curtains billowing in the breeze. Through the window, she saw that it was dark.

  She climbed out of bed, grabbing the fur and wrapping it around her nakedness, and made her way to the double doors. Trying one and finding it locked, she reached for the other. Locked. She pulled harder, alarm bells going off in her head.

  "Damn!” she roared and pounded a fist against the right hand door. The fur shimmied down her body, landing in a pool of softness around her ankles. She pounded again, anger rising. She'd raised her fist for a third strike, but the door suddenly swung open, nearly slamming into her.

  "Milady,” came Ares’ soft voice, “please, you're all right.” He stepped into the room and wrapped his hand around her fist, holding it firmly. “I locked you in to keep you safe. I didn't want to take the chance of any of you wandering about, perhaps getting lost."

  She pulled, trying to free herself from his grasp. “Let go, you big ox.” Anger flared. “What did you do to me? Where are my clothes?"

  Ares released her, quickly stepping past her, a little deeper into the room. “Milady, I'm so sorry. The drink was drugged to make you sleep. All of our guests begin their weekend in that way.” He smiled down at her, eyeing her nakedness. “Your clothing is in the closet, along with the assortment of costumes I mentioned earlier."

  Syne looked down at herself. Shocked, she reached down and grabbed up the fur. Wrapping it around herself, she stomped over to the closet. Holding the fur snuggly, she flung open the door he'd indicated. Sure enough, there were her clothes, neatly hung at the far end.

  Spinning to face him again, she glared and asked, “Who undressed me?"

  He looked down, and at that moment, she realized that she'd never see him blush. Dark skin doesn't show its blush as noticeably, but he did sweat.

  "I did, milady
.” His voice was almost too soft for her to hear, but she'd known already. “It's a rule. All guests are to begin the weekend in the same manner—naked, drugged, in their rooms.” He raised his face and looked at her. The embarrassment he might have felt wasn't there. Instead, she saw nothing but desire.

  "Everyone the same.” She reached for the first costume, and pulled it out. A dance hall girl flashed though her mind. The gaudy red dress with its low cut bodice screamed ‘Come and get me, cowboy’ to her, and she quickly thrust it back. The next was a gossamer thing held together by ropes of coins slung around the wearers’ hips and bosom. Veils, she thought, and Arabian Nights, but again, she quickly pushed it back.

  "I'll leave you to your choice.” Ares’ voice intruded, but pleasantly so. Her anger was gone, her reason for coming to the island resurfacing. A story, perhaps more—more of what, she wasn't sure, but she was there to find out.

  She turned and faced him, still in his red sarong; still as masculine, as beautiful as she'd thought when she'd first seen him. And, now he'd seen her naked, and been tactful enough not to say anything. “Ares, when does this masquerade begin, and when do we get to meet our host?"

  "At dinner. When all the guests have dressed in their chosen costumes, a bell will ring.” The man slowly crossed the room to the door and stood waiting for her to join him there. “Each of you will come down the stairs and when you're at the bottom, you'll be escorted to the dining room.” He looked into her eyes, and smiled then. “When you leave your room, that's when the festivities begin. You can do anything you wish, live whatever life you choose, let your imagination run free."

  She opened her mouth to ask how anyone could possibly know her fantasies, but he stopped her question with a single finger pressed to her lips. Heart pounding, she wanted to kiss that finger, or gently suck it into her mouth.