Page 13 of Royally Tempted

“Where’s your mask?”

I froze.

Shit.

“Oh, I must have left it in the car,” I smiled again, trying to bat my eyes.

It wasn’t working.

The man’s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward.

“And where is yourinvitation.”

“My invitation? Oh, I’m sure it’s…”

Where, behind my ear? I was wearing next to nothing, I wasn’t carrying a purse since I’d given that and my phone to Simone, and as the seconds ticked by, I suddenly realized I might be inbigtrouble.

“My invitations is…uh, somewhere.”

The man growled, reaching for a radio on his hip.

“This event isinvite only,” he growled.

Two cars came to a stop behind me, and I whirled to see two groups of men in tuxedos and masks step out. They elbowed each other and grinned, nodding at me as they stepped forward.

“Are you claimed for the evening?” one murmured.

I shivered, fear spiking through me.

“Oh, I—”

“Yourinvitation, miss,” the doorman growled again, stepping towards me with a menacing look on his face.

“Shit, if you’re alone, you can come with us, baby,” one of the six guys grinned wolfishly, his eyes sliding over my bare legs.

Oh God, what did I just get myself into?

I felt claustrophobic, my pulse racing and fear sliding through me as the six hungry-looking men and the angry doorman began to crowd around me. And I was seriously considering kicking my heels off and making a run for it, when suddenly, a deep, powerful voice from behind the men rang out.

“She’s withus.”

The six guys paused, moving back, and my eyes fell on the new voice.

There were three of them — three men in expensive-looking, tailored suits. All the same height, all with the same chiseled jaws and broad shoulders. All with the same gorgeous lips and piercing eyes behind their masks.

“There you are, my dear,” the one who’d spoken up before purred, stepping forward and smiling at me as he took my arm.

I went to jerk it away. “What do you think you’re—”

“Ready for some fun?” he said loudly, cutting me off as his eyes flashed at me and his hand gripped me higher. And suddenly, without any warning at all, this tall, gorgeous stranger pulled me into his arms, dipped me low, and kissed mefiercely.

And I was lost.

He kissed me slowly, letting me feel every single second of it until I was sure my feet had left the ground, before he slowly pulled back.

Damn,that was a kiss.

I was opening my mouth to ask again what thehellwas going on when he pulled me close and let his lips brush my ears.

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