“There doesn’t seem to be a way out of this,” I fret.
“You have nothing to worry about. We’ll figure something out.” He kisses my lips. “Let’s get ready for bed.” He offers me a dazzling smile, and I marvel at his beauty.
Who knew my best friend would have such a dashing brother? The gray at his temples and the fiery longing in his eyes make me want to dive into his embrace. He is dangerous and mysterious, but he is also my sanctuary. He feels like home and safety. Those are two things I've never really truly had.
“I’m nervous,” I say, not feeling scared exactly but troubled by what we are up against.
“And you should be. Just know that if this all gets to be too much, you, Mia, Rayne, and I will relocate permanently.”
“Thank you,” is all I can say, as this is a problem I never in a million years thought I’d ever have.
For the masquerade ball, we dress in matching tuxedos with matching silver masks. Instead of paying homage to the gold cock and the red mask of the previous year where we infamously first met, we want to remain anonymous. My wearing a tuxedo will draw attention, but Beckett makes a point that my legs would bring more.
“You have a distractingly beautiful figure,” Beckett says. “You'd be remembered for that especially. Dressing you in somethingnondescript, like many of the other guests in attendance, gives us an advantage. If you walked in wearing any of the gowns you own, you would be the center of attention. Not a very good look for a spy.” He winks.
“I think you have a very biased opinion,” I tease, running my hand along his muscular arm, wishing it was around me in bed. He is the best and most attentive lover, always focusing on my needs sexually. I am quickly becoming addicted to the man I married.
“Oh I do, because I know the rest of you is as beautiful as your body, but I’ve had to endure all the lustful things others say about you because I don’t want to go to jail for murder… Just yet.”
This makes me laugh; despite all this, he always makes me feel better.
“You would not do well in jail,” I laugh, and we enter the Aman where this year’s masquerade ball is being held.
One year ago I wore a red mask and Beckett had his golden rooster, which I learned is his own personal mask for events like these. He wagered an offer he didn't allow me to refuse. I'm glad I took the chance that night despite the strange outcome.
I am lost in my thoughts when Beckett speaks up.
“You don’t have to do this if you don’t feel comfortable.” He is giving me a way out.
“I want to help,” I tell him.
“You’ve already helped,” he reassures me.
“We need to win this,” I clarify.
“I’ve tasked you with spying,” he says in a low voice. “Forgetting that you have been through hell lately.”
“A lot has happened in a year,” I admit.
“For me too. A lot of things I vowed to never allow have happened, and I personally couldn’t be more grateful.” He steps close as we stand in the lobby of the hotel, both wearing suits and simple silver masks that cover our eyes but leave our noses and lips exposed. “One year ago I wanted to remain a cold-hearted bastard and a beauty in red warmed not only my heart but my soul. You, however, have had tomanage a secret pregnancy, a forced marriage, and a kidnapping. I can imagine your thoughts are overwhelming.”
“I’m grateful too,” I interrupt, not wanting him to misinterpret my silent contemplation.
“I know you are, little dancer. But this is a new world for you. If you want, I can take you home. All you need to do is ask.”
He would give up tonight's opportunity to learn more about his nemesis to ease my concern. Despite being out of my comfort zone, nothing changes the fact that a predator is stalking him. Us. With an intention beyond evil. Beckett’s beautiful creation to save lives could be twisted to potentially destroy lives on such a large scale. He would be instrumental in an act of genocide.
“That night led me to you, Beckett. I'll never regret that.” I offer him a smile. “I’m ready to soldier on.”
He leans down and kisses my lips. “You are remarkable.”
That is it. He takes my arm and we enter the venue. Immediately he goes to the bar and orders us the best scotch they offer. I am becoming more accustomed to the drink but I only sip on it. Scotch still goes straight to my head. I have to put on a show as does Beckett.
The night is relatively uneventful at the start. We meet his Quattro and they banter with one another as they often do. I am used to how close they are with one another, however I wonder at how none had visited the penthouse or met Rayne. Beckett keeps them at arm's distance.
An hour or so after the commencement of the event, a man with Carl's build and stature enters the hotel with two masked bodyguards. Beckett nods to him and touches the small of my back. “He’s got security,” Beckett says under his breath. “Something is going down tonight. We aren’t flanked unless a show of force is needed.”
I take a sip of my drink to act like I didn't notice Carl come in. He immediately goes to a group of men who all seem to be waiting for him.
