Page 3 of Gilded Lies

“Do you usually go around playing the saving knight to perceived damsels in distress?”

His lips peel back to show a captivating smile that throws off the aura of lethal power emanating from him. “When the need arises.”

“And what would you do to protect said damsel?” Flirting is far from a skill set I possess, but talking with this stranger grows easier by the minute.

He smirks, a rueful grin lighting his handsome features.

“You tell me your secrets and I’ll answer that honestly.”

“Clever.”

“It’s beautiful and fitting for such a delicate creature.”

He’s referencing the tattoo on my shoulder. “Thank you.” The energy between us ramps up and tingles along my exposed skin.

I draw my gaze up and then a little higher to meet his. He stands a good half a foot higher, so I have to raise my chin for us to make eye contact.

“May I?” My stranger takes out a black silk handkerchief from his breast pocket and gestures toward something on my right shoulder.

I drop my gaze to see what he means. “Oh. Yes, please.” I tilt my head to the side and watch as he reaches for the large flower of my namesake draped over my shoulder. Glitter has fallen on the delicate lines and when he cleans off the shiny flakes, I notice the tattoos inked above his first knuckles. Roman numerals in thick black, bold lines. More ink covers the back of his hands and I suspect the length of his arms. In the low level of light, I can’t see much beyond hints of roses and thorns.

Calluses brush over skin. My thighs clench. Intentional or not, when his skin connects with mine I’m forced into biting the inside of my lip to keep from groaning. What would he think of me blatantly asking him to take me to his room? I can blame it on all the sighs and moans of the members wreaking havoc on my libido and it would be true, but I’m not one-night stand material.

What are you doing, Magnolia?I never flirt with the members, but this one is making it impossible to walk away.

He moves in closer, his wide body blocking the dance floor from view. My world narrows down to only him. “Are you one of the dancers?” he asks as he brushes the edible glitter frommy shoulder. I must have gotten some on me while I gave final instructions to the performers this evening and he’s taking great care to clean me of every speck.

“Not quite,” I offer and leave it at that. I am not about to reveal I am part of the staff. As long as I keep my mask on, he’ll never suspect. He’s dressed in a three-piece suit that costs months of my salary. I don’t think I could take being shunned if he were to find out I am not a member.

Not prepared for the onslaught of bad ideas running through my head, I take the square cloth when he finishes in order to keep my hands busy.

“Thank you. I...I’m friends with a couple of the dancers. I wished them luck earlier. The glitter gets on everything with the slightest of touches.”

A corner of his lip tilts up. He takes my hand and I slip my palm over his. I watch in the darkness as this complete stranger places a warm kiss on each of my knuckles. “You have more on your chin, here.”

His mouth finds the soft slope of my jawline. Warm lips press against my flushed skin. I shudder in a breath and take in the new experience. My hand comes up to caress the line of his mask. How easy would it be to peel it back and see the man underneath? Learn his true identity. And then what? It wouldn’t change anything.

“Hmm, sugar on sugar.” He flicks his tongue out, barely grazing my skin. “Should I look for more glitter?”

Shocks of uncertainty run through me. Fuck yes. Burning waves of arousal fill every part of my body. His scent surrounds me.I don’t dare breathe in too deeply or I’ll lose the last bit of resistance I have in me. “I think you got all of it.”

His chuckle is a low rumble. Small talk isn’t my forte, and it shows in my next question. I look at his suit and the rest of the ballroom. “Do you feel a little overly dressed for the evening’s event?”

He must think I’m an idiot, but he’s too much of a gentleman to say anything.

His smile is slow, sexy as fuck, and has my insides quivering. For one night I wish I could forget who I am.

“You’re Daddy’s little girl.”

“No more than you do, I’m sure. I’m not here for public shows of affection. I’m more of a private person, as are my friends. What we do is enjoyed behind closed doors, Miss…?”

“No names, remember?”

“I do,” he draws out in a husky tone dripping with sex appeal.

I take a shaky breath and open my mouth. “You said we? Where are your friends?” Why do I care? There I go again playing Russian roulette. I keep pulling the trigger and I’m going to end up on the losing end of this game. As in I’ll get fired and be on the street before sun up.

Mr. Dark Eyes’ smile is made of pure wickedness. He could pull me into his arms right now and I would follow him to any of the rooms. I’ll have to change my panties the second I find it in me to excuse myself.

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