Page 179 of Wicked Dreams

“Okay, Margo.” I shake out my arms and remind myself to keep breathing.

The heels—gold—aren’t tall enough that I’m going to have trouble. But I still feel off balance as I grip the banister and walk down the stairs.

I hit the landing, round the corner, and my eyes lock onto Caleb.

I go closer, and he holds out his hand to me. There’s fire in his eyes, and I break out in goosebumps. I can’t focus on anyone else—just him and the sudden tension between us.

I slip my hand into his.

His typical smirk is in place. He squeezes my fingers, and I get the chance to really examine him.

His suit is dark, dark blue. And his tie? Spun through with muted gold and royal blue. It’s subtle enough to escape attention at first glance. But I have a feeling that the two of us together will bring the color out.

It’ll send a message that we’re a pair, him and me.

Someone gasps, and his spell is broken.

I blink and realize he and I have crept closer and closer. My chest almost brushes his. I take a step back, but his hand tightens on mine, keeping me from retreating too far.

Fair enough.

Lenora and Robert are by the kitchen, arms wrapped around each other. And Riley and Eli are staring at us like we’re crazy.

“You’re stunning,” Caleb says in my ear.

I blush.

“And later,” he continues, his voice lowering, “I’m going to fuck you senseless in your dress.”

I shake my head. He’s so inappropriate. Yet, my whole body hurts from the way my muscles clench.

“Would you like to see your mask now?” He grins.

Anticipation floods through me. “Yes.”

He presents a familiar box.

Carefully, I undo the tape on each side and lift the lid.

Damn.

The mask is shining gold, with negative space cut in a similar pattern to the beads on my dress. It’s inlaid with pearls, highlighting the eye space. There are tiny gold chains that loop along the bottom of the mask, made to drip down my cheeks.

It’s stunning—the same word Caleb used to describe me. A word that ismuchbetter suited to this accessory than me.

“And yours?” I ask.

He opens his own box and shows me a matching gold mask. It’s masculine, though: the cutout spaces are smaller, more of a honeycomb pattern, with a single crystal between the brows. It covers the entire upper half of his face.

“Pictures,” Lenora says, stepping forward. “We’ll do a few with and without the masks.”

I don’t have time to react to his mask—tohim—other than a smile. Lenora ushers us over to the fireplace, and the four of us strike a pose. And then another. She gets a few of just Riley and Eli, who matches her in his all-black attire.

“Masks on,” Robert suggests.

Caleb gestures for me to turn around, and he ties the mask’s ribbons behind my head. He secures his own, and then his finger trails up my spine. It’s quick, probably unnoticed by anyone else.

It’s weird only seeing his eyes, the quirk of his lips.

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