I watched him leave, watched the way his girlfriend melted into his side, like she really belonged to him.
I jumped at Raven’s hand on my arm, but she was only offering me another cigarette.
“Masque and Cat,” she said. “They’re quite a couple.”
“Seem like it.”
“He’s good. Knows his shit, knows how to control himself.”
“Looks like he’d walk into Hades and not break a sweat.”
“You’ll like him,” she said. “And he’ll be a good person for you to know, quite enlightening.”
“Yeah? How so?”
She nodded, eyes twinkling again. “You’ll see, baby. You’ll see.”
***
Chapter Nine
Sophie
“Nice choice. Lad’s definitely got potential.”
My body leapt on instinct, heart rate notching up a gear or twenty. Masque looked more Godlike than ever. His muscles had browned to a sun-kissed bronze, skin so taut he rippled like steel under satin. The dark lines of the beast on his chest called to me, baying for adoration. I wrenched my eyes away before I slavered, looking up instead to the shadowy pools behind his mask. I forced aside the memories of the man’s mouth on mine. On me. All fucking over me. Forced aside the memories of him tearing me apart, of his greedy tongue forcing its way inside, insatiable for the taste of pain.
Masque leaned over the bar to my side, ordering two large reds and a pint of water. I smiled inwardly, knowing exactly how his filthy mind was playing out. He turned to offer, but I pointed to my fresh vodka, smiling thanks. Masque didn’t leave with his drinks, just stared me out, waiting for my response.
“You met Callum, then?”
“Raven seems to have taken a shine to him.”
“Yes, she does.”
“And how about you, Missy? Are you feeling a shine too?”
“I don’t know about that, Masque.” I paused, but he didn’t fill the gap. He rarely does. “It’s very new, we’re very different. And he’s young... and, well, I’m not.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
I felt myself flushing. “That’s usually my line with you, Mr Evasive. How was your holiday?”
“Perfect. Thank you.” His bloody attention burned right through my skin. “The lad has it bad for you.”
“How on earth do you know that? He’s only been on the balcony twenty minutes. Did you put him in chains? Beat him until he confessed?”
“Maybe would have, if I swung that way,” he smiled, a filthy fucking smile. “Would you like that, Missy? Does the idea make you wet?” He laughed gently. “I didn’t need to force a confession, the situation is crystal clear. He’s uncomfortable here, edgy, but still he stays.”
“And?”
“There’s a reason for that. I’m confident I’m looking right at her.”
“I think he’s more into Raven than me right now.”
“Raven just speaks the same language. He’s here for you, Missy. Mark my words.”
“Don’t I always mark your words, Masque?” My voice was softer than I intended, more playful. Oh God, how I’d served him. I crossed my legs, clenching myself tight to appease my thrumming clit.
“You mark my words very well, Missy. I remember it fondly.” The corner of his mouth twitched deliciously as his dark eyes roved over me, lingering so long at the juncture of my thighs that it fucking burnt. “I hope he gives you what you need. A pretty little cunt like yours deserves a man who knows how to own it. Like I said, there’s potential there. I can see it in him.”
“It’s just sex,” I protested. “Nothing more could ever work.”
“So, he’s just a cock to you?”
My heart thumped at my breast, defying me as I formed my response. “It’s a bit of fun.”
“I see.” He shrugged. “In that case you won’t mind if I borrow him. I want to shake things up a little for Cat, new experiences. He’d be perfect.”
I felt every drop of blood draining from my face, pooling in my horrified stomach like a rancid lake. He took his drinks, but didn’t even flinch as I yanked him back by his elbow. “Wait... I... um...”
The beast that is Masque leaned down over me, so close I could feel his heat on my face. I held my breath as he brought his face down to mine, exhaling as he planted the softest kiss on my forehead.
“That’s what I was looking for.” He smiled, warmly. A smile so warm it sent tingles through my tits. “Do you trust me, Missy?”
I didn’t need to weigh that up. “Yes, I trust you. Of course.”
“Then let me help.”
“Help? How?” I quizzed, but he was already leaving.