Page 10 of His to Claim

“I will.”

After a quick nod to him and Alessia, I grab two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and head toward the large back doors that exit out onto a garden patio with a large fountain and plenty of private nooks for canoodling.

I’m right on time and eagerly counting down the seconds and distance that separate us. I’m ready to unmask her, share some champagne and talk beneath the stars. But when I step out onto the spacious cobblestone patio, my gaze zeroes in on the fountain.

She isn’t there.

Disappointment floods me and I look down at my watch for the hundredth time. It’s been over thirty minutes and she isn’t here.

Okay, relax,I tell myself.You’re acting like a damn stalker. Give the woman a minute.

More than likely, she got held up by a party guest. I’m still disappointed, though, because I rushed out here to get to her and she’s nowhere in sight. Maybe I misread our chemistry. I don’t know, she seemed to like coming on my hand.

Am I just a fool, falling under her spell? That’s only happened once before and it didn’t end well. I’m a dangerous man and loving me can only lead to ruin—like it did with Caitlin.

Maybe it’s best that I never see my Queen of Hearts again. For her own safety.

And, hell, for my own sanity because she has my head spinning.

5

CARLOTTA

Fiver Minutes Earlier…

My head is spinning and it’s not because of the bubbly. I’m not exactly sure how to explain what happened almost a half an hour ago and I’m still a little in shock, and pulsing, from the complete stranger who gave me an orgasm.

What in the world is wrong with me? I’ve never done anything so reckless—or exciting—before. A little thrill shoots through me as I step out onto the back patio. The entire area is surrounded by trees, flowers and plants. In the center of it all is the fountain. Fairy lights hang everywhere and it feels like I just stepped into a magical fairyland.

I know I’m five minutes early, but I can’t help myself. I’ve never been so excited to see someone before and I am absolutely dying to unmask my skeleton man and find out his true identity. Earlier, I had a feeling something amazing was going to happen tonight and, so far, this evening has exceeded my expectations in every possible way.

Picturing the handsome stranger’s dark brown eyes, so expressive and mysterious, I walk over and stare at the flowing water falling into the pool. It fills the surrounding air with a soft gurgling sound. It’s soothing, almost mesmerizing, and I sigh softly as a breeze brushes across my face, lightly rustling my skirts.

No one is out here since the masquerade party is currently in full swing. Plus, it’s a little chilly out and I rub my arms, lost in thought. I still can’t believe how wanton I was, how I allowed a complete stranger to kiss and touch me so intimately. That was my first official orgasm given to me by a man and it was so damn good. I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on all these years. It was way better than the ones I’ve given myself, that’s for damn sure.

Even though I dated Rendall for a few months, I never let him touch me like that. We made out, sure, but other than some kissing and light groping, I kept him at a distance. He never slid a hand down my panties or finger-fucked me into sweet oblivion like my masked man. He might’ve tried, but I never gave him the opportunity. I think in my heart, I knew he was bad news and that he’d cheat on me. So I was always wary, kept my guard up, and never allowed myself to fully trust him. So, of course, I also didn’t get overly intimate with him.

It’s a good thing, too. Although he hurt my feelings, I wasn’t devastated or destroyed by his infidelity. Sadly, I expected it. There was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way and wouldn’t allow me to get too close.

My subconscious must’ve known he was a cheating dick before my conscious mind did.

Either way, I got over him easier than maybe I should have. But since it was such a bad experience, I pulled back from the dating scene and I haven’t allowed myself to get too involved with anyone else since.

After our steamy encounter in the conference room, I certainly want to get more involved with my masked man. Again, it’s so unlike me to do something like this. But maybe it’s a good thing, and exactly what I need in my life. Going out on a limb, taking a chance and meeting someone…I need to throw caution to the wind and jump into the deep end. No more holding back and no more fear.

Vowing to grab this opportunity, to seize it without any second-guessing, I shove any lingering doubts aside and decide to take the biggest chance of my life.

I’m going to open myself up to a man without regard to the possible repercussions. Hopefully, he reciprocates and this will be the beginning of something wonderful.

If not, well, it’ll mean another heartbreak for me.

Be positive, I tell myself, shaking off the perpetual doubts that always seem to plague me.

It’s almost time now and my belly flutters with excited nerves. Or, maybe that’s the lingering ripples from the incredible orgasm he gave me.

I’m so wrapped up in my thoughts, I don’t notice the two large shadows that appear from the rear edge of the garden. Not until they’re practically upon me. Without warning, two masked men appear on either side of me and scare the crap out of me. I tell myself to relax—this is a masquerade party, after all—and decide to move around to the other side of the fountain.

Before I can do that, though, firm hands grab each of my elbows and turn me toward the back section where a gate leads out to the alley. Shocked, I try to break free and attempt to scream, but my cries are smothered when a big, meaty hand slaps over my mouth.

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