“I’m just going to erase your phone number when you leave,” I snorted out a laugh.

He chuckled as I placed my phone in his hand.

After he programmed his number into my phone he placed it in my hand. “Just know that you’ve been mine since the first time I laid eyes on you.”

My brows rose. “When was that?”

“See you Wednesday, Claire.” He walked out of the room.

So today wasn’t the first time he saw me. Was he stalking me? Who wouldn’t want to be stalked by a man who looked like him?

Claire, that’s not the right answer.It’s creepy for a man to stalk you.

Yet, it didn’t feel creepy.

CHAPTER THREE

VINO

The host announced at the door, “Let us welcome our esteemed guest of honor, Claire Ainsley, a rising star in the fashion industry.”

The room erupted in cheers and applause.

Smirking behind my mask, I joined the applause. Claire’s radiant smile showed her appreciation as she stepped into the spotlight.

Near the stage, my friends Sierra and Emoni chatted with each other.

One of the women surrounding me asked coyly, “So who are you going to take home tonight?”

I flashed a devilish smirk, not answering her question.

The ballroom was filled with the elite and powerful, all here for a good cause - to donate to charity.

As Claire strolled by, her eyes locked onto mine and a smile curled on my lips. She probably wondered who I was amidst all these important people. I entertained the women around me for a little while longer before making my way to the bar.

With a raised hand, I summoned the bartender.

“I’ll have a Scotch, neat.”

“Right away, sir.”

My attention shifted back to Claire, who stood nearby with a glass of champagne. “Enjoying the masquerade ball?”

The bartender placed my drink in front of me, and I set a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the bar before nodding.

Claire smiled behind her intricate, gold-detailed mask. Her eyes and nose peeking out. Her lips were left on full display. Her hair, styled in a high bun, left her neck bare and inviting. My fingers twitched at my side, imagining them around that slender neck, pulling her closer, and taking those plump red lips.

“I am,” she replied. “The company funding my business made it mandatory for me to attend. But I enjoy observing everyone’s fashion choices—and thinking about how to improve them.”

I savored the smoky, woodsy notes of the Scotch. “What would you improve about my tuxedo?”

Her eyes roamed over me, from head to toe, before she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

That simple gesture had my mind racing, imagining myself on my fucking knees before her, devouring her pussy until she came all over my face, something I hadn’t done in a long time. When I was a teenage boy, I ate pussy. The right woman hadn’t come along who’d make me want to get on my knees and please her. Until now.

“Let’s see. I’d add a few pops of color to break up all the black. Maybe a gold pocket square. On the back of the collar, I’d add gold shiny fabric that would set you apart. And I can’t forget the shoes. I’d add gold bottoms.” she grinned.

“I like that,” I said, signaling the bartender. “Give her another glass of champagne.”