Page 33 of Mistletoe Masquerade
Dean nods. “I figured you probably noticed.”
“It’s huge … and really,reallynice.”
“I definitely couldn’t have bought that on my salary alone.”
I take a renewed look at the man opposite me. His tux is perfection—luxury fabrics tailored with precision. He’s hosting a charity banquet. He has the equivalent of a mansion apartment in the heart of the city.
“Are you …rich?”
A rumble of masculine amusement tickles my ears as he places his hands on either side of my face and brings his lips to my forehead.
“I wish you could see your face right now.”
“Dean Malone, are you making fun of me?” I jab at him lightheartedly.
“Maybe just a tiny bit,” he says, bringing his eyes to mine. “But only because you’re adorable.”
His touch and smell and stare are wreaking delicious havoc on my senses, scrambling my thoughts, but not enough that I lose sight of what’s important.
“You have money, but only because you lost your parents,” I say softly, gently. My heart bleeds silent tears for the pain he must have endured. I can’t even imagine.
He sobers. “I’d give it all up in an instant if it meant getting them back, but that’s not how it works.”
“Instead, you became a cop.”
He gives a single nod.
“You don’t need to work, but you don’t see it as just a job, do you?” I recall the guys describing dean as a GoodyTwo-Shoes. Now I understand why. He’s not the type who can be bought … at any price.
“Being on the force is a choice. I’ve been somewhat righteous about that in the past, but I've come to understand that life isn’t always black and white. Having money makes it easy for me to stay on the right side of the law—a luxury most others aren’t afforded—and something I took for granted until this breathtaking beauty captivated me at a party.” His voice lowers to a gravelly rasp as he takes my hands in his and walks me backward until my legs bump against the back of a chair.
“You broke into my apartment,” I remind him softly.
He weaves his fingers through mine and brings his lips to my jawline, grazing his teeth against my skin. “I also used official resources to get your information. I honestly can’t say just how far I’d bend the law if it meant getting a second chance with you.” He withdraws, his gaze seizing mine. “Spend the evening with me, Sachi. Have dinner as my guest—no other expectations—just you and me and conversation.”
He wants a do-over. Dean Malone gave me a fancy party to attend, just like I’d wanted. He’s provided everything I could need, including his remorse over what transpired between us, and all he’s asking for in return is an opportunity to make things right.
How can I possibly say no?
He has me utterly spellbound.
“I’ll take the red dress, please.”
CHAPTER 18
DEAN
I waitfor Sachi for what feels like an eternity. In reality, it’s not long at all, but every drawn-out second etches away at my nerves. I steal repeated glances toward the doorway where Sachi will appear—something that could easily come off as rude, considering I’m also in the middle of talking to important donor guests.
It’s important that they feel appreciated.
Their money isveryappreciated, and I’d like to keep it flowing.
My distracted obsession with the opposite end of the room isn’t a great look, but I can’t help it. I have anirrational fear that if I don’t lay eyes on Sachi soon, she might disappear—totally ridiculous considering there’s no exit down that hallway. My brain doesn’t care. It worries that she’ll find a way out, and I’ll lose her forever.
I do my best to suppress my fears and exchange pleasantries with a few new arrivals. When the moment does finally arrive, and Sachi rounds that corner, the excruciating wait is instantly forgotten. I’m literally winded by her beauty, especially the radiant smile that lights her face the instant our eyes meet.
Fuck, this woman pulls strings in me I didn’t know existed.
