Spanked at the Masquerade

by Alexis Starr

  Spanked at the Masquerade

  Alexis Starr

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Author Note

  Copyright © 2019 Alexis Starr

  eBook License Notes:

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Disclaimer:

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This book is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18.

  Chapter 1

  Anna Dalton did nothing without overthinking it at least a hundred different ways, planning the outcome, preparing for every eventuality, and maybe watching herself fail a hundred times, too. To some people, that might seem like anxiety in overdrive, but to Anna, that was how she stayed two steps ahead of everyone else in her PR firm and remained in the top spot at the company. So, when her boss announced her promotion, she was delighted.

  “Anna, you’ve been the number one rep at this agency for years, and I can’t think of anyone more qualified to lead a team than you.”

  Enthusiastic applause by just about everyone met her boss’s speech, but her friend Joy was perhaps the most boisterous of the group. The only one who wasn’t excited to see Anna succeed was Roger, the one who’d been vying for the same promotion and was now sharing his sour grapes with anyone who’d listen. He glared at Anna, though she did her best to ignore him, and after the boss said a few more words on the merit of her getting the promotion, they broke for food and cake. Anna’s coworkers had planned a pot luck for her, and since it was Friday, there wasn’t much work happening that afternoon anyway.

  Anna was itching to call Ben to tell him the news. He was her lifelong friend, and she shared everything with him. Well, everything but the one thing she wanted. His bed was firmly off-limits, she was sad to say. But that didn’t stop her fantasizing about his dark hair, green eyes, and luscious muscles at every opportunity she got. As the crowd dispersed, she pulled her cell phone from her pocket and hit the speed dial for Ben’s number.

  “Anna, tell me you got it?!” His rich baritone voice filled her ear and sent shivers down her spine. God, just listening to him speak made her wet, and the familiar dampness between her thighs was a welcome friend.

  “I got it!” She squealed into the phone, her excitement pouring out of her and she couldn’t help but laugh at the stupid spazzy dance she did.

  “I wish I could see the dance.” He teased. He’d known her a long time, and he was just as familiar with the dance as she was.

  “Yeah well, we’ll go to dinner to celebrate and I’ll recreate it for you.”

  “Actually, I have a better idea.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’ve got tickets to a masquerade ball tonight. It’s a fundraiser for work. Wanna go?”

  Anna frowned. She knew the fundraisers he went to, and they involved $10,000+ a plate. There was no way she could afford that.

  “Uh, Ben. I know I just got a promotion and all, but—”

  He snorted into the phone. “It’s all taken care of. It’s a formal event, so buy a dress and a mask, and I’ll pick you up at 7 tonight, ok?”

  “But—”

  “Anna, I gotta run. I’ll see you tonight.”

  The phone went dead, and Anna looked at it in bewilderment. What the hell had just happened? Joy sauntered over and furrowed her brows.

  “Everything ok?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You sure?”

  “Ben just invited me to one of his fundraisers. It’s a masquerade, so I have to go buy a dress and mask.”

  “That sounds fun.”

  Roger walked by and sneered at them. “I didn’t even know they made masks that big.” He chuckled at his little joke as he continued passed them, both Joy and Anna giving him the finger behind his back.

  Anna glared after him, but Joy bristled. “That man is a fucking asshole. And, he wonders why he didn’t get the promotion. It’s a wonder he still has a job, and if you weren’t so worried about it, I’d go straight to HR right now.”

  Anna shook her head and smiled at Joy. She was used to such comments from Roger as he’d been making them since they started. He’d called Anna every fat-shaming name in the book and still found it necessary to comment on her weight whenever he got the chance. Anna was curvy, but a size 16 hardly warranted his nastiness. Most of the time she could ignore him and pretend he didn’t exist, but today, his remark tugged at all the insecurities she thought she’d tucked away years ago. She turned her big, blue eyes on Joy and panic washed over her.

  “Now, don’t you let him get to you, Anna. You’re beautiful. He’s just pissed he didn’t get the promotion.”

  “But, what if he’s right?”

  “About what?”

  “About there not being masks big enough to fit my face.”

  Joy rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “Don’t make me smack you. Come on, let’s duck out for the rest of the day and go shopping. You’ve got a big night ahead of you.”

  Anna didn’t think she had a big night ahead of her, but she didn’t mind leaving work early, so she didn’t protest. They climbed into Joy’s car, and she shot out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. Anna suddenly remembered why she preferred to drive.

  Joy had been after Anna to tell Ben how she felt for years, but he was so far out of Anna’s league that she always brushed it off. Ben Hansen was a surgeon, a well-respected man, and Boston’s most eligible bachelor. She was a nobody by comparison, and she knew damn good and well that Ben was just a friend.

  Anna and Joy stepped inside the cool air-conditioned store and looked around. Anna was skeptical they’d find anything that would work for her, but Joy insisted they stop in and look. It was a formalwear shop, and there were several dresses in the widow. Anna’s fear was there wouldn’t be anything in her size, though. A pleasant looking saleswoman stepped in their path with a toothy smile and happy demeanor.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. Can I help you find anything?”

  Joy grinned and nodded. “Yes, my friend here has a masquerade charity event to attend tonight. It’s formal, and we need a dress and a matching mask if you have anything.”

  The woman turned a professional appraising eye on Anna. For once, Anna didn’t feel she was being judged by the saleswoman. She merely took in Anna’s features and structure to give an accurate recommendation. The saleswoman tapped her cheek for a moment, screwing up her face in concentration, and then she brightened.

  “Ah, yes! Follow me, ladies.”

  She led them toward the back of the store and a rack full of glittering gowns. Anna’s mouth fell open as she touched the silky material of the dresses. The rack’s sign stated the dresses ran from size 14 to 22, which meant there was likely a dress on that rack that would fit her. Anna’s heart skipped a beat, and then pure, radiating joy washed over her. The saleswoman flipped through the dresses, glancing up every once in a while to look at Anna, then flipped some more until she found the one she wanted.

  “A-ha! Here we are.”

  The woman pulled out a shimmering silver gown that caught the overhead lights and sent sparkles dancing along the w
all across from them. Anna stared in amazement. It was a sleeveless dress with a round neckline and a high, belted waist. The back of the dress fell to the floor while the front came just below the knees. The material was a blend of satin and silk with lace embroidery and all-over sequined embellishments. She handed the dress to Anna, and then turned toward a locked cabinet against the wall opposite them, pulled out a key, and opened it. Inside were thousands of masks. The woman rifled through them until she found a glittering silver one that matched the dress perfectly.

  “Would you like to try it on?”

  “Yes.” Anna breathed the word in a whisper.

  The saleswoman ushered them to the back of the store where the dressing rooms sat, and Anna put the dress on. She was apprehensive about the whole thing because it had been way too easy. The first store they walked into she found the perfect dress? Something would go wrong. Perhaps the dress wouldn’t fit? As she slipped into it, she tightened the belt and zipped the back of the dress. When she looked in the mirror, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Not only did the dress fit her like a glove, it accentuated her curves in all the right places.

  Ok, so it fit. Something else would go wrong. Perhaps the dress would be outside her price range? Anna twisted her torso and grabbed the tag dangling from her side, and her mouth dropped of its own accord. The dress was only $150. She’d planned to spend more than that on the dress alone. Holy shit. With a look of bewilderment, she stepped out of the dressing room so Joy and the saleswoman could see.

  “Oh my God, Anna. You look beautiful.” Joy covered her mouth with her hands, but Anna could still see the excited smile in her eyes. Everything on her friend lit up. Even the saleswoman looked impressed.

  “It’s exquisite on you.”

  “Thank you.” Anna murmured, still not ready to accept that this was working out in her favor. She wasn’t used to things just lining up. She’d always had to work for what she wanted, and she’d expected this shopping trip to be the same.

  The saleswoman cleared her throat. “I picked out some shoes for you as well.”

  She held up a pair of strappy silver heels that matched the dress, and lo-and-behold, they were also in Anna’s size. For a moment, she could imagine how Cinderella felt getting ready for the ball. If Cinderella were a real person, of course. Anna got out of the dress and paid for it. While they were there, she and Joy picked out a few accessories to complete the outfit, and by the time they’d left, Anna had spent less time, energy, and money than she’d planned. It left her feeling giddy about what was to come.

  Chapter 2

  At 7 pm on the dot, Anna’s doorbell rang. She’d been standing in her kitchen, sipping wine and trying to calm her nerves. What if Ben regretted asking her? What if she embarrassed him? What if she was the fattest woman there and everyone stared at her? She groaned as she walked toward the front door. Nothing she could do about it now, she was committed.

  Anna opened the door and her mouth fell open. She’d known Ben a long time, and had seen him dressed up, but nothing prepared her for him standing there in an expensive tux tailored just for him. His dark, auburn hair flowed stylishly back from his face, his green eyes sparkled with mischief, his sharp features and angled planes highlighted just how sexy he was, and when he smiled and the dimples came out, Anna’s knees went weak and she had to clutch the door to keep from falling over.

  His large, muscled frame squeezed past her and she shut the door, taking a moment to close her eyes and inhale slowly. She could do this. She was an award-winning professional.

  “Anna, you ok?”

  No, she was definitely not ok. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  She turned and gave him a broad smile. He looked stunned for several seconds as he looked her over. Fear spiked in her already nervous mind, and she couldn’t help thinking he’d regretted his decision to invite her. She pushed off the wall and made to walk past him.

  “Maybe you should just go without me.”

  He furrowed his brow for a fraction of a second before he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. His lips crashed against hers, and his spicy scent invaded her senses. When his tongue plundered her mouth, shock and ecstasy shot through her. Anna wound her arms around Ben’s neck, opening herself to him. He pulled her close and kissed her with a hungry need she wouldn’t have expected. Of all the scenarios she’d played out in her head for their night out, this wasn’t one she’d considered at all.

  Ben pulled back to stare at her with hungry eyes, but didn’t release her. He nipped her lips and grinned at the bemused expression on her face.

  “I’ve wanted to do that for years.”

  “What?”

  Anna couldn’t have heard him correctly. He hadn’t been fantasizing about kissing her for years. She must of have said that out loud and imagined him saying it. Oh, God! Panic washed over her as she realized what she’d just done.

  “I’m sorry, Ben. I don’t—”

  “You worry too much.” He smoothed the lines from her forehead and held her as she tried to push away. “I said that, not you.”

  He knew her so well. And then, the reality of what he’d just said sunk in. “Wait, what?”

  Ben smiled, bending to kiss her lips softly. Anna froze in place, not sure if she was dreaming or if this was really happening.

  “Anna, I’ve been in love with my whole life. Surely you’ve known—” He stopped at the shocked expression on her face. “I take it you didn’t.” He whispered, sighing as he cupped her cheek. “Please tell me you feel the same way.”

  Anna’s heart stopped for several seconds before ramming into gear by thudding against her ribcage in a painful staccato. She couldn’t believe what was happening right now. Ben, standing in her living room and holding her close, admitted to having feelings for her. The moment was so surreal, she stared at him in shock. His smile faded, and a look of resignation crossed his face. He pulled back, nodding as he straightened his jacket.

  “I’ve scared you, I’m sorry.” Ben cleared his throat.

  Anna tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come out. She still hadn’t processed what Ben said, and now he looked embarrassed and upset. What had just happened? She furrowed her brow, ready to ask, but he was already ushering her out the door.

  “Well, we better get going. Don’t want to be late.” His words were clipped and formal. Ben gestured for her to walk in front of him, and for lack of anything else to do or say, she did. But, she got the impression she’d just made things worse.

  The ride to the masquerade was fraught with silence. Each time she tried to bring up what had happened, Ben waved a dismissive hand and told her not to worry about it. It was his mistake. Anna shrank against the car door, looking out at the passing scenery. Something had changed between them, and if Anna didn’t fix this, she might very well lose her friend.

  When they arrived at the State House on Beacon Hill, a doorman opened Anna’s door and helped her out of the car.

  “You look lovely this evening, miss.” He smiled and bowed over her hand.

  Anna blushed and stammered her thanks before Ben came around to her side and yanked her hand back from the doorman. He bowed low to Ben.

  “Meant no offense, sir.”

  “Ben?”

  “Come on.”

  He led her up the stairs, past the white columns, and inside. Anna had been in the state house many times before, but it had never looked as it did that night. The event’s staff escorted them upstairs to the Grand Staircase. It was a large room that seated about 100 people and faced a huge staircase that led up to the third floor. The marble floors gleamed under the chandelier lights, the tables were neat and held glinting crystal, and floral decorations adorned available spaces not taken up by historical monuments. Boston was very proud of its heritage.

  Their guide led them to a table near the staircase, and Ben held out her chair for her. Anna smiled her thanks but stopped at his stiff look. Somehow things had taken a turn for the worse, and Anna didn’t know
how to fix it. He sat down next to her and fell into easy conversation with the man on his right. Anna turned to her left and spoke to the gentleman there, mindful of Ben’s tense posture next to her. After all the guests arrived, the master of ceremonies walked to the staircase with a microphone in his hand and announced his gratitude that they could all come to support charity.

  Works of art, vacation homes, and other prizes were auctioned off. Anna forgot her troubles with Ben for a moment, caught up in the excitement and splendor of the auction. When the last of the material items were auctioned off, the MC gathered everyone’s attention.

  “Finally, we’d like some of the beautiful ladies in attendance to volunteer for this next event, if you please. We’re auctioning off the first dance with each of volunteers, so ladies, don’t be shy.”

  Several hands shot up around Anna and she grinned as she watched some of the most beautiful women walk toward the stage.

  “Anna, you should go.” Ben prompted.

  She snorted. “No one would pay to dance with me, don’t be silly.”

  “He’s right, my dear. You’re quite beautiful.” That came from the older man sitting next to Ben.

  Anna smiled, but there was no way she was getting up there. She shook her head and turned back to the proceedings.

  “Any others?” The MC looked around at the women still sitting, and his eyes landed on Anna. His face beamed. “You there, madam. Could we persuade you to join us?”

  Anna looked around, thinking he was speaking to someone else. When she realized he was talking to her, she shook her head, but Ben nudged her out of her chair. The MC walked over and took her hand, dragging her behind him as he pulled her onto the stage. Anna quickly hid behind the other women who were all friendly, though Anna suspected it had more to do with good manners than actual belief she belonged up there with the likes of them.