But not because I was trying to fill a void in my chest with endless parties and drinks.
I was simply embodying my new motto: living life to the fullest.
And I did it all with Hunter by my side.
It was on the second weekend of December, after our semesters came to an end, that we finally went to the masquerade ball. I’d been anticipating this night for so long and it didn’t disappoint.
The inside of the banquet hall dripped with opulence, glittery chandeliers hanging overhead, lit candelabras on numbered tables, the gentle strains of the orchestra playing on the dance floor, an array of expensive suits and beautiful gowns, and ornate Venetian masks covering the faces of the attendees.
Tonight, I was dressed as Nike.
Hunter’s goddess of victory.
My white dress draped around my body in a Grecian-inspired fashion, my dark red hair fell down my back in waves, with a crown sitting on my head, and I wore gold wings to pay tribute to my namesake.
Safe to say, Hunter fell in love with me all over again when he arrived to pick me up, a dozen red roses in his hand and awe plastered all over his face.
I preened, giving him a twirl. “You like?”
He climbed the steps up to me as if the distance between us was too much to bear. “Ilove, Gabriela. You look exceptional.” A kiss was pressed to my hand. “The most beautiful woman in the world.”
As always, I ate up his praise like the finest of delicacies.
“You don’t look too shabby yourself,bello.” I danced my index finger down his tie. He wore a white one to match my dress. “The most handsome in the world.”
In his tailored black suit, polished black shoes, and long black hair left open and tousled in an artful manner, he was all my book boyfriends wrapped into one. And tonight, he resembled a fallen angel prince, roaming the Earth with the sole intention of causing mayhem.
At my compliment, he smiled in that heart-melting manner of his.
When I placed a gold wreath crown on his head, Hunter’s smile morphed into a wide grin that showcased all his straight, pearly white teeth. “To what do I owe this honour?”
Nike was known for carrying a wreath crown, her task to place it upon the heads of the winners of battles and athletic contests.
Hunter understood the symbolism.
“Whether it’s a national championship or coming to my defense, you’re always triumphant, Hunter. I could think of no individual more deserving of this crown.” I slinked into his arms and peered up at him. “I also thought we’d match this way. Me, your goddess of victory, and you, my glorious victor.”
He kissed me until I was weak in the knees before whisking me off to the ball.
Upon arrival, we did our rounds and exchanged greetings with all our friends.
We drank, we ate, and we danced the night away. Hunter ushered me off the dance floor, where Layla and Josh were still present. They were waltzing—or doing whatever was Josh’s version of a waltz. He twirled and dipped her back, snatched a quick kiss and caused the nearby old ladies to swoon at his antics. Then he asked Layla to twirl him.
She laughed and did exactly that.
“It’s all so arresting,” I said to Hunter, holding my gold mask up to my face with the handheld stick as I surveyed the party.
The top half of Hunter’s face was covered in a gold filigree mask that matched mine, except his was tied at the back of his head with a black ribbon. The bottom half of his face was exposed, showing off his manicured stubble and full lips. He grabbed two glasses of champagne from a waiter’s tray. “I’m glad you’re having a good time.” He passed me one. “Step outside with me for a moment?”
“Yes.”
On our way to the banquet hall’s terrace, we walked by a quiet alcove where Anna stood in a shimmering gown and…Sam in front of her, half shadowed in darkness.
They talked about something in hushed voices, but Hunter and I didn’t pause to acknowledge them, sensing that they wanted to be left alone.
The empty terrace opened up to a breathtaking view of a cliff to our left and crashing waves. Far in the distance, there was a lighthouse, gleaming under the fierce moonlight.
Hunter led us to the balustrade, where we deposited our glasses and masks.
