Page 34 of Fire & Ice

As if moving in slow motion, I heard the clatter of stones hitting the floor as the mask fell from the bed. Nothing could compare to the beauty of the sight before me. I gently flipped us over, resting Tempest against me savoring the feel of her hot satin skin beneath my body.

"I love you, Beau, I will always love you," Tempest promised, her voice vibrating with emotion.

"As I love you," I assured. "And I will protect you until the day I die."

Tempest

I snuggled against Beau, my fingers tracing lazy patterns on his cool skin, drawing circles up his arm before resting my palm flat against chiseled chest, and I felt the steady beat of his heart keeping time with my own.

Reluctantly, I untangled myself from his embrace and rose to my feet. "But we should probably get ready for the ball now," I whispered.

Beau chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Right. We don't want to keep our guests waiting."

"Help me with my dress?" I asked after a quick shower.

I held up the glimmering fabric and stepped into the dress, feeling it hug my body like a second skin. I could sense Beau's eyes on me, taking in the curves of my body and the swell of my breasts beneath the material. Being a queen-to-be was hard work, but had it's perks. It was made specially for tonight—a blazing red, like flickering flames outlining my silhouette. The bodice dipped low, allowing just a hint of cleavage to be showcased.

It wasn't until he began to fasten the back of the dress that I felt sparks surge through me. His touch left a trail of anticipation all along my spine, and when he murmured his approval, it sent shivers down my body. He looked incredibly handsome himself, his outfit matching mine with its dark, sensuous red accents. He wore a moonlight white shirt that clung tightly to his chiseled chest, and a blue waistcoat with gold piping that enhanced his broad shoulders and slim waistline. His pants fitted snugly around his powerful thighs.

"Exquisite," he whispered breathily, setting my heart aflutter once more.

"You are quite impressive as well," I replied, turning to face him.

"Thank you," he breathed, his frosty gaze locked with mine. Hunger radiated from him, a palpable force that made my blood rush. "Shall we finish preparing for the masquerade and don our masks?" I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart as I reached for my own mask.

The lace was soft against my skin, and the crimson gems sparkled in the dim light. I could feel Beau's eyes on me as I fitted it into place above my cheekbones, framing my face in an alluring way.

He retrieved his own mask, silver and sleek against his chiseled features. My pulse quickened even more as he moved closer to me, our bodies almost touching.

"Ready for the masquerade now?" he murmured huskily.

I couldn't help but laugh at his question, feeling both giddy and nervous at once. "Yes... though I can't promise not to try and steal you away to a hidden corner," I retorted boldly.

Chapter 36

Sara

The Masquerade ball was a magnificent kaleidoscope of color and shadow. The moment our eyes met, I knew that Deakon's entrance had been my cue. I swept into the room, looking every inch a queen-to-be in my emerald-green costume. The silken fabric rustled as I moved, and the jewels in my hair sparkled in the candlelight. I felt like a goddess, and I knew that Beau, once in my grasp, wouldn't be able to resist me, just like councilman Lacey.

Deakon’s eyes were fixed on me, and I could see the desire in them. I smiled and started towards him, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I got closer, the ring worked its magic and once again he was my mind’s image of Beau. He stood tall and handsome in his black and red mask. I could smell his scent like sea salt, and it made my head spin. He reached out and took my hand, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through me.

Charlie's face was taut with expectation as he watched me saunter up to Deakon from across the room, doing my best to appear innocent and demure.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice low and husky.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, soaking in these last imaginary moments with Beau, before focusing on the task at hand.

"Deakon," I purred. "It's time for us to play our game."

He turned toward me, the heat of desire in his gaze unmistakable. Looking across the room at Charlie, Deakon hesitated for a moment before nodding his head in agreement.

"Will he be able to control her?" Deakon asked, genuinely curious.

"I guess we'll just have to find out," I shrugged, my lips curving into a knowing smile.

As if on cue, Charlie strode confidently towards Beau and Tempest, greeting them warmly as though they were just old friends catching up at a social event rather than unknowing rivals locked in a deadly game of jealousy and magic. His smile was charming, and his eyes twinkled with amusement, but I could see the tension in his shoulders and the way his hands were clenched at his sides. He knew that this was a dangerous game, but he was just as determined to win as me.

My eyes connected with Deakon's, and I could see the same anticipation in his eyes that I felt. I took a deep breath and stepped away from him into the outskirts of the ballroom, ready to play my part in this deadly game of keeps.

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