Page 7 of His to Claim

My take is much more striking. The crimson and white dress has a sweetheart neckline, sheer lace sleeves and a large skirt covered in red satin hearts. My red lace mask matches perfectly and little red hearts decorate it. I also have a scepter as my prop and I’ve never felt more regal.

Let’s just hope my Prince Charming is in the building.

With that thought swirling through my head, Miceli finally pulls up to the front of the building. My door is opened and a hand helps me out.

“Thank you,” I murmur to the attendant, slipping out and fluffing my skirts. I doublecheck that my mask is securely in place then look up at the glowing lobby. There must be a couple hundred people milling around in there and security is everywhere.

The moment has finally come and I pull in a deep breath and follow my oldest brother and sister in law up the steps and through the double, gilded doors. Miceli escorts us over to the ballroom, through the crowd of people, and hands our invitation to one of the masked people standing just outside the massive, floor to ceiling door. With a nod, the man allows us to enter, wishing us an enchanted evening which happens to be the theme.

As I step into the grand ballroom, I suck in a sharp breath, not expecting it to be so elaborately and beautifully decorated. Three enormous chandeliers hang from the tall ceiling, dripping with crystals, and they provide a dim ambience that resembles a bright, full moon. One entire wall is lined with food and I barely have time to blink before a passing waiter hands me a glass of champagne. I take a sip and the bubbles tickle my nose.

There must be a smoke machine hidden somewhere because it looks as though a fog covers the floor and it swirls around the edge of my dress. A band plays jazz music and I glance over to the dance floor which is crowded with masked couples.

Across the way, I see guests bidding on various items in a silent auction and Miceli takes Alessia’s hand, tugging her in that direction.

“Time to spend some money for a good cause,” he says, but I don’t move, still soaking in the incredible atmosphere. “Lottie, are you coming?”

“In a bit. I’m going to check out the food.” More specifically, the desserts. A tray of petit fours has caught my eye and I walk over where a dozen trays are filled with the little frosted cakes.

I choose a red and white one and take a bite.Mmm, delicious.As the thought rolls through my head and I chew the sweet treat, my eyes land on a tall man standing not too far away, shoulder propped against the wall, arms leisurely crossed, watching me. He’s wearing a black suit, black shirt and tie, and a skeleton mask that only covers the bottom of his face. It’s creepy, yet sexy at the same time.

Swallowing down my cake, I pretend not to notice. I can feel the weight of his gaze, though, and I can’t help but look over. When I meet his dark eyes, he doesn’t look away. If anything, his deep espresso eyes seem to grow more intent.

Unmistakable interest flickers through those mesmerizing eyes of his and I can’t look away. It’s like they’re twin black holes, pulling me in, and there’s nothing I can do except succumb to his gravity.

Biting my lower lip, somehow I manage to tear my attention away and take a sip of champagne, hoping it’ll cool me off. My hand shakes slightly and I can’t believe how much that one look is affecting me. Beneath my skirt, I rub my thighs together, unable to miss the slick heat building there.

Who the hell is this guy?I wonder.And why is he affecting me like this?

Telling myself to relax and play it cool, I look back over and he’s gone. What? Confusion and disappointment flood me and I spin, ready to search the ballroom, when I realize someone has moved up beside me, an arm brushing against mine.

“How are the petit fours?” a deep voice asks, and I look over to see my mysterious skeleton man at my elbow.

Holy shit!How did he move so fast? My heart is pounding like a runaway freight train and I look into his swirling dark eyes. The entire lower half of his face is covered by his mask, so I have no idea if he’s smiling or not.

“Delicious,” I say. My mask doesn’t cover my mouth like his, so I send him my most dazzling smile.

“I’ll take your word for it.” He reaches out and snags one, lifting the bottom half of his mask and quickly popping the entire thing in his mouth. When he lets out a small moan of approval, I feel my core tingle.

How is it that he’s wearing a mask covering half his face, yet he’s the most attractive man I’ve ever encountered?

Maybe because he’s managed to snag my attention like no one else. Ever. It could be his height—well over six feet tall—or the way his suit fits his slim, athletic body. Like it was custom-tailored to show off every muscle lurking beneath. Or, it could be his magnetic presence. Whoever he is, he’s a man who can’t be ignored.

Before I can say anything else, Hannah appears on my other side and taps my shoulder.

“Have you seen Vin?” she asks. “He told me?—”

She abruptly stops speaking when she notices the skeleton hottie beside me.

“Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt anything?” She sends me a mischievous smile.

“Actually, I was about to ask the lovely Queen of Hearts if she’d like to dance with me,” he says, and my heart trips in my chest.

“Oh,” I murmur, slightly flustered, and Hannah gives me a little push, taking my scepter so she can hold it while I dance. “I’d like that.”

He offers his arm and I take it, guiding me away from Hannah who grabs my glass. She is nodding like crazy and giving me a thumbs-up sign.Oh, God, how embarrassing.I hope he doesn’t notice.

Once we reach the crowded, highly-polished, wood dance floor, he pulls me into his strong arms and sweeps me into the sea of dancers. I look up, barely daring to breathe, and meet his dark brown eyes.

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