“You’re right. She doesn’t. So don’t give her any hints. I’ll just get what I need and that’s that. She can go back home sooner than she thought.”
“Oh, trust me. I won’t,” she murmurs. “I swear. Because, unlike you, when I actually like someone, I want them to stick around. And if whatever she has is what you need, then I’ll make sure it takes you a while to get it. I’ll make sure she stays up here for the three months you promised. She’s not leaving any sooner than that.” She gloats, turning for the door. “What’s her condo number?”
“705,” I grumble.
“Thanks.” She pulls open the door, slamming it behind her.
Sighing, I drop my bag and slouch on the leather sofa, staring at the wall ahead of me. I know Bianca. She’s my closest cousin, and when she wants something to go her way, it will. But when it comes to me and my business, it just won’t happen.
London has something I need, something that Jonah left behind. I’m sure he never wanted anyone to lay their eyes or hands on it, and I know the only person he’d give any kind of clue to would have to be blood—his sister.
It’s valuable. And I need it. Immediately.
If anyone gets in the way of that, they’ll be in some deep shit. No exceptions. That goes for everyone, including the cousin of mine that just trotted out of here.
I find it interesting that Bianca is standing in my living room, looking at every square inch of the place. Her hand is on her chin, her eyes narrowed. “This place is much better than mine,” she admits. “I mean, if it were my choice, I would’ve chosen somewhere like this, but Ace gives me a place to stay when I’m in town so I guess I can’t complain.”
Pressing my lips, I nod as she takes a seat on one of the stools at the counter. “Um… do you mind me asking why you’re here?”
“Oh!” She claps her hands, smiling. “Right. Should’ve mentioned that first. Ace wants me to keep you company today… and for the rest of the time I’m here. He saw we really hit it off the other night on the yacht, and you shouldn’t be alone most of the time you’re here.”
“Oh. That’s… nice of you.”
“Yeah. No biggie. I have nothing to do while I’m here anyway. What do you say we go get some lunch? Actually get you out and about?”
“That would be great,” I sigh, but then my gaze drifts to the door I know Gerrick is standing behind. “Will… Gerrick be going?”
She rolls her eyes. “Of course. But don’t worry. I know how to ditch him.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Yes. Now, get dressed. Maybe we can go to the mall as well?”
I nod. “Sure. Let me go throw something on.”
After I throw on a light blouse and jeans, I stuff my feet into my favorite black flats, put on some light eye and lip makeup, and head back to the living room.
When I enter, Bianca is standing in front of the window, most likely watching the boats and yachts at the dock. “This view is amazing,” she whispers.
“Isn’t it? I love it.” I walk toward her, picking up my purse along the way. She takes a quick look at me, sweeping my attire with her eyes.
Her lips purse, eyelashes batting. “Good choice,” she says.
I smile. “Thanks.”
“So, can I ask you something?” she asks as we make our way to the door. She swings it open and Gerrick turns around, looking at us both. “Oh, G, we’re going to catch some lunch and then head to the mall. Hope you’re up for the task.”
He shrugs. “Got no choice.”
Bianca giggles, strutting past him in her heels. I smile at Gerrick, rushing past him to get to her side. “Anyway,” she breathes, pushing the button for the elevator. “Do you trust Ace?” she asks.
I quickly look at her as she pulls a tube of lip-gloss out of her clutch. “Why do you ask that?”
“Just curious.”
“Well, considering I don’t know much about him, I can’t say I trust him. But my brother did. He said I’d be in good hands with him.”
“Do you believe that?” she whispers, glancing back as Gerrick gets closer.
I bite into my lower lip, looking away. “Don’t know.”
Gerrick meets behind us just as the elevator shoots open. We step inside, and Bianca switches the subject, explaining how today is a good day to go to some sushi restaurant downtown. Gerrick gives a slight eye roll, and I fight my laugh. I can tell he isn’t up for our girl’s day out.
The Hummer is waiting for us at the curb. To avoid us as much as he can, Gerrick takes the passenger seat. Bianca and I take the back row, and as soon as we’re in, Bianca rolls the privacy window up, giving Gerrick a faux smile as he looks back, frowning.
“Girl time,” she chimes before he can say anything.
When the window is up, I look her way, shaking my head. “You’re outrageous.”
“Hey…,” she shrugs, “if you don’t show these men whose boss, they’ll try and walk all over you.”
“Gerrick is pretty sweet, though. He doesn’t talk much, which I like.”
“But he’s one of Ace’s right hand men. He’ll tell Ace the details of our conversation in a heartbeat.” She waves her hand in the air, glancing out the window. “So… don’t hate me, or yourself, but I heard you two the other night.”
I blink rapidly, turning her way. “W-what do you mean?”
“I mean…,” she says, giving me an all-knowing look, “that I heard you two bumping uglies… squealing. Grunting.” She laughs, and I nearly sink into my seat with embarrassment.
“How?” I ask.
“I was coming to check on you, but I stopped when I heard something from you… a sound of pure pleasure,” she teases, batting her eyelashes.
“Wow,” I breathe. I don’t even know what to say. I’m embarrassed. I was hoping no one heard us.
“Don’t worry. No one else heard you.”
Oh, thank God.
“But I am curious about you two,” she continues.
“Curious about what?”
“He says nothing is going on, and I feel like you’ll say the exact same thing if I ask what’s going on between you two. But from what I heard and what I see, something’s happening.”
I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I was a little drunk, and he was, too. It won’t happen again. I can assure you that.”
“I doubt that,” she says, giggling.
I want to ask her why, but her phone rings, and she searches for it in her clutch. When she finds it, she answers with a roll of her eyes. “What?” she barks. “Well why didn’t you just call her?” Pause. “Um… okay. Whatever.” Pause. A shake of her head. “Okay, dipshit, she’ll be there… with me.” She hangs up with a smirk on her lips.
I look her way, eyes wide and curious.
“Ace,” she says in response to my wide eyes.
“Oh. What’d he say?”
“There’s some party tonight. Formal wear. He wants you to come, and he told me to tell you not to wear pearls or silk again tonight.”
I laugh. “He’s insane,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Just for that, I’ll wear it anyway.”
“And he’ll drool like a dog,” Bianca adds, and we both burst into a fit of giggles.
***
Bianca and I’s day was pretty successful. I ended up with more bags than I thought I’d have, courtesy or her insistence, but I’m not complaining. I had fun. She’s fun, and I can tell she isn’t faking her kindness.
I’m not sure where we’re going or what this gathering is about, but when she stuffs a feathery silver and black mask in my hand, I get the hint. “A masquerade?” I ask, studying the mask.
“Yes ma’am. It’s for Maurice’s birthday. He throws the best masquerade parties. They’re… unique.” I smile as she sighs.
“You seem really fond of Maurice,” I say.
She winks. “Just a pinch.” She walks toward me, fixing a loose strand of my hair. “You look amazing. Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,
” I breathe.
“Good.” She makes her way to the door. “I think it’s good that you’re going out and stuff… considering the predicament you’re in. Strong girl.”
I shrug. “Have no choice.”
“I see that. Come on, we’re already late!” She grabs my hand, swinging the door open and rushing past Gerrick. He shuts the door behind us. I apologize with my eyes, and he simply shakes his head, as if he’s used to Bianca’s carelessness.
***
Bianca wasn’t lying about the masquerade being unique. It’s beyond it. There are dancers hanging from the ceiling in satin sheets, all nearly naked, slender, and beautiful. A man on the stage in a neon mask is tossing green fire. It’s dark, and there are a ton of people, but I like that about this place.
Big parties have more privacy.
Without a moment to waste, Bianca runs up to the bar and orders two martinis. I continue my look around through my mask, eyeing the women sporting dresses that reveal too much cleavage, too much leg, or both. Most of them are young… and drunk.
“It’s more fun when you’re out of your element,” Bianca says over the music, handing me my glass.
I nod, taking a quick sip. She gulps hers down in two swallows then orders another. While she’s at it, I turn toward the crowd again. As much as I’d hate to admit it, I want to know where Ace is.
I look for a man that stands out. Broad shoulders, slick black hair, possibly wearing a mask. I say possibly because he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that’d where a mask, even to a masquerade.
Turning to my right, I take a hard look around, spotting a group of men all with glasses of brown or clear liquid in their hands. I look at each one carefully, studying their suits. Most of them are wearing black suits… all but two.
One man is in a grey suit and black tie. The other in a cream suit. Him. Standing out the most, donned in ivory and wearing a blue mask over his eyes that matches his bowtie and handkerchief.
It’s odd feeling the butterflies in the pit of my stomach as I watch him. I take a sip of my drink, hoping it’ll distract me.
It doesn’t.
I can’t stop staring.
He looks amazing.
The mask amplifies his mysteriousness… his darkness. I question the man he is even more, and then, I question myself, wondering what I find so interesting about him. Besides his looks, there’s nothing to like. Nothing to admire.
He’s arrogant. Stubborn. Too much of an asshole to be liked. A dickwad. But, through it all, he’s absolutely gorgeous. Too damn gorgeous.
When I finally get myself to look away, I turn toward the bar where Bianca was standing but she’s no longer there. Standing on my toes, I search for her, looking over the crowd, but I don’t see her.
Hoping she’ll return, I decide to settle my nerves by taking a seat at the bar. I order something strong and as I wrap my fingers around the glass, someone places a warm hand on the small of my back.
Turning slowly, I look up at the tall, thin man before me. He smiles down at me beneath his silver mask, teeth straight and white. For a moment, before looking, I think it’s Ace, but I’m completely wrong. I don’t know this guy at all.
“Well, hello,” he says, removing his hand.
“Uh… hi,” I return.
“Now…,” the guy sighs, taking the stool beside me, “why’s a lovely woman like you sitting here all by herself?”
“Just having a drink,” I say, forcing a laugh.
“Are you not having fun?”
“Uh…” I look behind me, at the people dancing. “I’m not much of a party person. I’m the kind of girl that likes to get a little tipsy and chill at the bar, ya know?”
He laughs. Leaning forward, he tilts his head, staring at my lips. “Maybe I can show you a good time?”
I fight my giggle, blushing. “How’s that?”
“Dance with me,” he insists, standing. He lends a hand my way. I look down at it, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. Then, I look back up at him. Through his mask I can see his pleading eyes, and when he reveals an innocent, boyish smile, it really gets me.
“Okay. Okay,” I say, placing my drink down and taking his hand.
He continues his smile, leading the way to the dance floor. The music seems to get louder the deeper we get in the crowd. Sweat from others spills on me. Some girls try to dance with me—sandwich me—but luckily, the guy holding my hand pulls me away from them.
When we get to the middle of the floor, he places a gentle hand on my shoulder and turns my back to his chest. Immediately, his groin presses into my ass, and the hand on my shoulder slides down my arm to hold my hand. Bringing my hand in the air with his, he uses his other to pull my hair to one side. He buries his nose into the crook of my neck, and I can’t deny the tingles I get. The sensation. It feels nice.
He knows what he’s doing.
My smile expands as he rocks my hips with his. He’s growing harder by the second. I find this out of my character, but what do I care?! I’m single. I have no limits. Plus, I’m in a new place. I’m in New York. There are things that happen worse than this. Dancing—well, grinding with a stranger at a party— is perfectly harmless in comparison to some of the dirty shit that goes on in this city.
“I think I know who you are,” he says in my ear, voice deep.
“Really?” I breathe. “How?”
“London, right?” he asks.
I stop dancing immediately, eyebrows knitted. I start to turn, but he keeps me forward, his hand still locked around my right one. “How do you know that?” I ask, panic surfacing.
“Friends with Ace?” he murmurs in my ear.
“Not friends,” I say, keeping my voice steady.
“Should stay away from him,” he warns, but surprisingly, his voice is still light.
I’m terrified by all he knows, but I take this as an opportunity for information. I know he won’t do anything in public, even if he means harm. Well, I hope he doesn’t. “Why? What do you know about him?”
“I know he’s a liar. A murderer. A money-hungry fiend.” He says this angrily, stopping our dance. He then turns me his way, staring down at me through his mask. “I knew Jonah… well enough to call him a good friend.”
My words catch in my throat. All panic subsides. “How?”
“He was a good guy. But Ace made him into a bad guy. Ace should be dead, not him.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask, yanking away from him. “Who are you? What do you know?”
“I know that you staying with Ace is an excuse for something. He doesn’t have you around just to watch over you. I say watch out. I can’t tell you more here… not right now. He could be watching.” Digging in his back pocket, he pulls out a business card, grabs my wrist, and stuffs it in my hand. “Call me when you’re ready to hear the truth.”
And with that, he turns his back to me and walks away.
“Wait!” I call after him after staring down at the card. I push through the crowd, hoping to keep sight of him, but the throng only seems to thicken. As I reach the edge of the crowd, he’s nowhere in sight.
“Shit,” I hiss, staring down at the card again. On it is the name Peter Bridges of Tick and Watch, the company Jonah worked for when he sold watches. Reality comes at me again. My panic prevails. I gasp, staring around, needing fresh air. I spot an exit and rush for it, pushing anyone and everything out of my way. When I make it to the exit, I push against the door, but it’s locked.
“Okay… breathe, London.” Turning toward the party again, I look for somewhere to go. I need fresh air. I see people upstairs, some standing outside, and spot the staircase. Rushing up the stairs, I take a hard right where two double glass doors appear and burst out. A few people look my way, frowning at my abruptness. I ignore them, walking along the curved balcony to find an empty spot. I walk to the end, finding a dark, vacant corner far away from the lures of the party. Confident no one will venture this far, I clutch the cement
wall, close my eyes, and draw in three deep breaths. Jonah taught me this when I was a child. I haven’t had to use this technique in years, but hearing Jonah’s name coming from a stranger’s mouth, having that stranger know exactly who I am, and that stranger knowing exactly who Ace is scares me shitless. I don’t know what to think. I don’t even know how to feel.
As I draw in another breath, a hand touches my shoulder, and I gasp, looking to my left.
Ace takes a quick step back, eyebrows furrowed. “You alright?” he asks.
“Fine,” I snap. Shit. Calm down. Don’t reveal anything.
His concern transforms into a frown. “What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing. I’m fine,” I lie, taking a small, unnoticeable step back. “How’d you um… how’d you find me out here?”
“Saw you running up the stairs. Kind of hard to miss you.”
“Oh.” I nod and swallow. “Well, I’m fine. Just needed some air is all.”
“Air?”
“Yes. Air.”
“You look worried,” he says, looking me over.
“Ace, really, I’m fine.”
“Prove it to me,” he murmurs, lifting his mask. His warm eyes consume me, and a portion of my worry fades.
“How exactly?”
“Go back downstairs, have another drink, and then meet me back up here.”
“Back up here? Why?” So you can strangle me then throw me off the balcony?
“So I can get rid of your worries… problems.”
“What?” I’m lost now. Totally confused.
He sighs, obviously getting annoyed with me. “Do I have to state the obvious? Go get a drink, then come back up here so I can fuck you.”
Oh… God. “Wha—” I don’t know what to say. My words catch in my throat, and suddenly, I’ve become winded. My belly heats with nothing but pure lust, my clit throbbing, moisture collecting between my legs.
“We can’t do that,” I tell him, nearly breathless.
“We shouldn’t, and I didn’t wanna go there with you, but now I have to. Promise I made to myself.”
“What do you mean?”
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