tears at all, and believe me, I’ve been trying.”
I ignored her completely, filing her revelation for later. “What the fucking hell were you thinking? That little Explicit stunt could have cost me my entire fucking life.”
“Must you always be so dramatic? She’s not a blabber, James, it would have been fine.”
“That’s my career you’re being so blasé about.”
“If you hadn’t taken the bait last night I’d never have taken her back to Explicit, ok? She’d never have discovered the identity of the elusive Masque. Anyway, if you’d have told me you were going to be beating the shit out of some random I’d have picked a different night to bring her along.”
“I’m allowed to change my mind as to when I frequent Explicit, Rebecca, or are you going to fill the place with more of my professional associates every time I take a fucking night off?”
I heard her slide her balcony door open, light up a cigarette on the roof terrace. “You wanted me to do this.”
“I really didn’t.”
“Lie to yourself all you want, but deep down we both know you wanted her. It’s why she’s here, Masque, you wanted her at Explicit, you knew this would happen.”
“You seem pretty fucking sure of that.”
“I’m beyond fucking sure of that. You like her, and you should. She’s fucking awesome.” She took a long drag. “You know I always tell you the truth, James, even when it’s rough. That’s why I’m your friend.”
A flash of remembered gratitude dulled the flames. “I know that, Bex. I haven’t forgotten what you did for me.”
“So, I’m doing it again, only this time it’s a shitload more pleasant a task... You like her. Deal with it. I’m sure I’ll get a thank you in time. Jewellery or boots are always appreciated.”
“Now you’re pushing it,” I snarled, but it was a front and she knew it. I heard her soft laughter, and struggled not to smile.
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
I made her wait a few seconds. “Yes, you’ll see me tomorrow.”
“Praise the Lord! Masque is back in town.”
“It would appear that way,” I said. “Oh, and Rebecca?”
“Yes, James?”
“Please make sure our lovely Lydia wears plenty of eyeliner, she will be crying tomorrow night, I assure you.”
She was whooping before I could reach the end-call button.
***
I took up my seat at the side of the bar, tipping my glass at the regulars passing close enough to catch my attention, and I waited for Cat’s eyes. Raven appeared first, head to toe in red latex, with Cara just a moment behind, shimmying in a tiny pink tutu. I held my breath as my guest followed them in, rational James springing up to bludgeon me with my own stupidity, but it soon passed. Lydia Marsh looked sensational, standing tall in stiletto knee-highs, stocking tops visible under a plush-velvet mini-dress. Her hair was styled in a natural wave, sweeping down around her slender shoulders, and her eyes, sweet Jesus, her eyes... Raven’s work, certainly, heavily lined with kohl and swept out to a feline arc. They looked paler than ever, dancing with the light as they searched the room for me. Giving up, she joined the girls at the bar, sucking up sex-on-the-beach through a neon-pink straw.
I finished my scotch as Raven whispered in Lydia’s ear, pointing over in my direction. I stepped into clear view, sinking right into those jade green pools as I made my way over. I took a stool to her left, close enough to breathe her in. Amber and Rose, and something else. Some kind of body scrub, Cherry Blossom. My knee pressed into hers, the simple contact buzzing like static.
“Good evening, Cat.”
“Good evening, Masque.” Her hand dithered nervously between her leg and mine until I made the decision for her, snaring her delicate little fingers and pulling them to rest on my thigh. She smiled, edging her way closer. “I was worried you wouldn’t be here.”
“It would be a rude host who’d put a name on a guest list and not arrive to greet them.”
“You know what I mean. I’m really glad you showed.” She squeezed my thigh through my jeans, eyes finding mine in the shadows of my mask. “You look so different.”
Cara caught our attention with a shrill little squeal. Raven was twisting at her nipples through her crop top. I watched Lydia’s breath quicken, a tense little gulp of air.
“Are you sure you want to be here?”
“Dead sure.” She jumped as a trio of regulars took up position behind her. Tyson leant