Page 1 of Masked Encounter

Chapter 1

Randy

In a room full of people, very important people, her lips stood out to me. I needed those lips. I needed to know what they felt like. I needed them wrapped around something.

The extravagant masquerade ball was a sight to behold, with guests donning lavish masks and costumes to conceal their identities. This special event was attended by some of the most influential CEOs and staff from around the world, giving the attendees the opportunity to meet new people and interact without prejudice. The event was organized and executed by Skydeck, an organization that owned a plethora of businesses in a variety of industries, including network television, sports events, and many more. In the global marketplace, they were considered to be among the best.

The masquerade ball provided a unique outlet for guests to socialize without the pressure of having to be completely authentic. It seems people often find it difficult to be their true selves when they are around their superiors or those they aspire to be like, so the masquerade ball served as a welcome reprieve. The elegant costumes and masks provided a sense of anonymity that made it easier for guests to interact without fear of judgment or scrutiny. It was an event truly worthy of the grandeur and glamor that it deserved.

Coincidentally, I was the CEO and owner of Skydeck. I must admit: anyone who has ever worked for me has seen tremendous professional growth. That's because, despite our many different lines of business, I always kept my core team small. Thus, if Skydeck were the owner of a company, the number of people responsible for overseeing it would be small.

Even though it was my money that made the masquerade ball possible and my idea that inspired it, I still had to hire staff to make it a success. I commissioned a group to determine the guest list, to hire the caterers, to outsource the masks. That's just how things ran around here. You hire people who specialize in the tasks you need done.

Where does that leave me, then? On the outskirts, watching everything from a distance while in the thick of things. My eyes kept wandering back to this one gorgeous woman, and I couldn't help but admit to myself that I was lusting after her. She chatted it up with a couple of strangers. However, it was unclear who else she might have been with. Frankly, I didn't want to cause any trouble for myself. In my position, flirting with anyone could end rather horridly. Those of us who live in the modern era would be terminated for such behavior.You don’t shit where you eat.

Yet, on the other hand, she was absolutely stunning. Actually, it wasn't just her lips. I think it was her figure; perhaps it was the eyes hidden behind that mask. I wanted her to want me. To put it simply, I desired the lady.

The sight of the woman in her eye-catching, modern red dress stirred a spark of hope within me; I couldn't take my eyes off of her, and as our gazes met I knew that she had noticed me. This gave me a newfound sense of courage and confidence, and emboldened me to take action if I wanted to make something happen. But maybe that was all in my head.

Either way, I intended to approach her. Let’s see what the girl in the red dress was all about.

Chapter 2

Madison

Surely he’s not looking at me? Given the masks, it was obviously difficult to determine. But even with the mask on, I could tell he was attractive. That's what my instincts were telling me, at least. He was also much taller than the typical man in stature. I don’t mean to be shallow, but I found it impossible to stop staring at him. Without even removing his sage green masquerade mask, he still looked like a movie star. Perhaps I was delusional. That, or I had too much to drink.

I had been walking over to the bar area away from the ballroom floor when we locked eyes. I averted my gaze as his piercing stare made me feel like I was the prey of a ferocious lion. His aura of confidence was overwhelming and his gaze filled me with a feeling of insignificance. That being said, I had become accustomed to feeling small. Nonetheless, I knew how to navigate my insecurities; I was not going to let his looks intimidate me, in spite of how alluring or magnetic he appeared to be.

But it seemed like there wasn't a way out, that there was no time to decide. He walked right up to me as I was heading to the bar. Many different scenarios played out in my head as my mind attempted to foretell what would happen next. I had become completely entranced by the grandeur of this man, so much so that I had momentarily forgotten I was in an opulent mansion filled with top tech executives. My entire attention was fixed on this one man.

I felt my cheeks flush as I felt his piercing gaze against my own. I couldn't comprehend why he was so interested in me, a mere employee, among the people of greater importance in the IT field. Was I reading too much into his curious glances? I felt my femininity surge at the thought that he was attracted to me in this festive Mardi Gras atmosphere. Everyone around us was adorned in bright masks, adding to the energy, and I wondered if his gaze was one of desire or if he misconstrued me as someone of great power. Of course, I couldn't ignore the possibility that he may have just wanted to know the time.

"I don’t mean to offend you, but I’m quite glad you’re wearing a mask,” he said, nonchalantly. Puzzled, I stood there in humiliation. “Because now I can really focus on just how beautiful your eyes are. Care for a dance?" I was taken aback by the gravelly baritone of his voice. It wasn't every day that a man like him would approach me, and I was certainly not prepared for it. His jawline was so sharp, it was like it had been carved from stone. Though it was unexpected, I found myself enjoying the unpredictability of the situation, and a rush of adrenaline flowed through me.

"I wouldn't mind dancing with you at all," I said. I then added, with a hint of sarcasm, "But please, don't ever use that pick-up line again."

The man let out a hearty chuckle: “I don’t plan on it, now that I’ve met you.” Whoever he was. Hearing his laughter filled me with an unexpected sense of satisfaction. His amusement seemed to break down my defenses, and I felt powerless to him.

Walking me to the dance floor, he said, “You're not going to believe me, but I never use pick-up lines.” I rolled my eyes. “Either way, I meant every word. Your eyes are gorgeous.”

As I was trying to be in the present moment, I found myself analyzing every word he said and enjoying the lighthearted banter. I felt energized, as if I was solving a crossword puzzle. I was filled with creativity and inspiration. I wanted to keep talking with this attractive stranger, to be in his sphere of influence but still receive the conversation. The word "stimulating" seemed to have lost its definition.

“Thank you, really,” I said in all sincerity. “But alas, the dance floor awaits.”

When he grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor, I was speechless. It felt surreal, like a dream that had come to life. As we stepped onto the floor, the room seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of us in the moment. Time seemed to stand still as we swayed to the music, and I wanted the moment to last forever.

I tried to steady my breathing as I felt the softness of his hand on my waist. His touch was resolute yet gentle, like I was holding a winning lottery ticket in my hands. I felt as if I had been transported somewhere else, and I had to try to remember where I had seen those mask-covered eyes before. His boldness was oddly familiar, though I knew for sure we had never met before. Maybe I had seen someone like him in one too many romantic novels I had read. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny that his presence made my heart race.

“You know, I had no interest in dancing with anyone tonight,” he said, which I found rather endearing, despite being well aware that he could have easily been blowing smoke up my ass. Nonetheless, those were the exact words I would have written for him had this been a movie script. Again, I felt as though I had been lifted away from the room entirely. I felt my strength waning as he gazed into my eyes. You'd think I would've used some discretion or restraint in how I maintained my defenses. And then I did something that, given who I was, was uncharacteristically outrageous.

I leaned in, drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Our lips met, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. His stubble felt warm and rough against my lips, and his kiss was wet and passionate. It was like a dream come true, and I felt like I was in paradise.

Chapter 3

Randy

Her mouth was sugary, and her lips matched the sweetness. In every way, they exceeded my wildest expectations. Those cute little pillows puckered every time I flicked my lips across hers. That she wanted me as badly as I wanted her completely shocked me. To put it simply, I was immersed in my own private film.

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