Scarlet Masquerade

by Jett Abbott

  “Shirley!”

  “What? I’m just saying, with a killer body like that, hopefully she isn’t a paper or plastic kind of girl.”

  “What? Paper or plastic? What in heaven’s name do you mean?” Clarissa exhaled shaking her head.

  “You know, as in bags, paper or plastic. The kind you put over someone’s head when you have sex with ’em. You know, ’cause it would kill the moment.”

  “Oh my god. Are you kidding me? Okay, stop already. I can’t believe you.”

  “What?” Shrugging her shoulders, Shirley laughed, “I’m just joking. Besides, did you see that body? She is a goddess, and I want to worship at her alter.”

  “Okay, that’s enough, Ms. Hormone. I expect you to behave tonight. Understand?” Clarissa said, giving Shirley a disapproving glare.

  “Fine, I’m just saying—”

  “Stop now, or leave. It’s your choice.” Clarissa glanced at the retreating back of their newest donor and smiled. Clarissa had to agree, what little she could see was definitely sending something through her. Clarissa’s body thrummed again remembering the softness of Ms. Lockwood’s hands as they pulled her slightly towards the woman. The softness of her lips as they caressed her wrist. The blue eyes, though, had sent a chill through Clarissa. She felt as if she had been lost in them before. The square jaw and long black hair gave few clues to what laid under the mask, but maybe tonight when she presented Ms. Lockwood with the gift she had purchased, Clarissa would see her unmasked.

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  A.J. disappeared into the crowd and turned back to watch Clarissa unobserved. She had practically attacked Clarissa when she kissed her hand. She had felt herself start to lose control when Clarissa’s perfume drifted up into her nostrils, clouding her ability to think clearly. A.J. couldn’t believe she had done something as intimate as kiss Clarissa’s wrist, and right in front of everyone, too. This was going to be a long night if she didn’t regain control of herself and soon. The room was starting to swell as A.J. made her way to the bar.

  “Scotch, neat,” she informed the bartender. Hopefully, a drink would relax her and she wouldn’t have to resort to her “safety” pill. Swirling the amber liquid, A.J. remembered the softness of Clarissa’s wrist. It had been a long time since she had kissed a woman there, and the last woman she had done that to was standing fifty yards away from her. A.J. was starting to feel penned in, like an animal going to slaughter. The noise, the bodies and all that blood pumping around her was starting to assault her senses. She needed air and quick before something unplanned happened.

  A.J. noticed a door at the other end of the room, the room Clarissa had been in earlier. So, she weaved her way through the crowd, reaching it just as she felt a hand on her shoulder stopping her progress.

  “Excuse me, but aren’t you Ms. Lockwood of Knight-Pharmaceuticals?” A masculine voice asked as he turned her towards him.

  A.J. cringed. She had almost made it without a problem, but no such luck. Smiling her best smile, she looked up at the rather tall man standing before her. “Yes, yes I am. How can I help you?”

  “Well, I would say you already have.” Sticking his hand out to shake, he continued, “I’m President Richard Woods. President of the university?”

  “I see. Nice to meet you, President Woods,” A.J. said, shaking the president’s hand. She wasn’t in the mood to chit-chat so she didn’t say anything else.

  “I wanted to personally thank you for helping Professor Graham with your generous donation for this event. I know you’ve made healthy contributions to our science labs and we are looking forward to making great strides in the research you’re funding. So…” Clearly A.J. wasn’t helping further the conversation and President Woods wasn’t much for platitudes so he stood for a minute more before continuing, “Well, I just wanted to say thank you again, Ms. Lockwood.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, President Woods, I am finding it a bit stuffy in here and I’m afraid that I might pass out. Now that wouldn’t look good, would it?” Walking past him, she went to an open window and gulped several deep breaths before she felt calm. She hated being rude, it wasn’t something she did regularly, but she was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to control herself much longer if she didn’t get away from all the bodies squished together and all that blood pounding in her ears. The energy in the room was almost more than she could bare and add touching Clarissa to the equation and she was on overload.

  “Psst.”

  A.J. practically jumped out of her skin when she heard the sound.

  “Relax, it’s just me.” Selene edged out of the darkness of the shadow and peered into the room. “Anyone in there with you?”

  “No. It’s clear. What’s up?”

  Looking at A.J.’s glass and then back up at A.J. she asked, “Hey, why don’t you bring me one of those. That bar over there is fully stocked and I’m thirsty. You don’t want me going out and finding something to drink, do you?”

  Smirking at the darkened Selene, A.J. responded, “No, I don’t want you finding something to drink, or someone to keep you company. Here, take mine.” A.J. handed the drink through an opening Selene had cut in the screen. “Could you please not damage the property here?”

  “What?” Selene shrugged her shoulders then reminded her, “You just gave them one hundred thousand bucks. You don’t think they can replace a screen? Geez.” A.J. watched as Selene leaned further into the shadows. Suddenly A.J. heard a spurt and then a cough.

  “Geez, what is this shit? It tastes like ass. You drink that crap?” Handing A.J. back the drink, Selene wiped her mouth on the cuff of her shirt. “God, when did you start drinking ass? Yuck.”

  “Knock it off. It isn’t that bad. Besides, it’s an acquired taste.”

  “Yeah, I guess you lick enough ass you can acquire a taste for it.”

  A.J. raised her eyebrows and pinched her lips together. Selene was starting to get on that last nerve she had saved for the stupid people at the party. Now she would waste it on Selene if she wasn’t careful. “Look, you want something else to drink or are you just gonna bitch?”

  “Red wine.” Selene raised her nose in the air and sniffed.

  “Oh, knock it off. God, Selene, you’re so dramatic.”

  “Someone’s here.” A.J. saw Selene’s back straighten and all joking was gone in her eyes.

  “Where?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll be back. You better go find Clarissa, now.”

  A.J. practically ran to the door and scanned the room looking for Clarissa. The crowd had grown and now it would be harder to find her if she wasn’t at the front receiving guests. Looking at the entrance, the receiving line had ended and only a few security people stood there. Another scan of the room came up empty. A.J. needed another way to find out where Clarissa was and fast. She closed her eyes and let her mind start to look for her.

  ###

  Clarissa worked her way around the large dance floor and to the bar at the far end of the room. The dance floor was so crowded that people were starting to bump into each other and the vibration of the music coursed through Clarissa’s body as she stepped past a huge speaker. Letting her eyes roam the room, she searched for one mask in particular, but it was the proverbial needle in a haystack. While no one had the purple and black geometric mask, everyone had something on and it was harder than Clarissa thought it would be searching for A.J. Finally, the band played a softer, slow song, and Clarissa’s heart started beating slower, too. A hand on her shoulder stopped her dead in her tracks.

  A low throaty voice caressed her ear. “Ms. Graham, would you do me the honor?” A hand extended as she turned towards the sultry invitation. Taking the offering, Clarissa looked up into the purple and black mask she had been searching for.

  “Ms. Lockwood, I’m not sure I should. I mean…” Clarissa stammered as A.J.’s touch sent a chill through her body. “I mean as the hostess, I’m responsible for the guests and well…”

  “I understand.
”

  Clarissa watched A.J. turn and start walking towards the doors of the hall. “Wait.”

  She couldn’t believe she almost let A.J. leave. Clarissa planned for this moment for the past two nights and now A.J. was right in front of her asking her to dance. What was she thinking? Slipping her hand into the crook of A.J.’s arm, she halted her progress to the door, “I would love to dance, but I have to warn you, I’m not that good,” lying, she smiled. Clarissa hoped that she could convince A.J. to follow her into the VIP lounge so she could convey her thanks and give her the small token of her appreciation.

  Clarissa felt herself pulled into A.J.’s tight embrace and gently guided around the dance floor. Many had decided to sit this one out and so the swelling ranks of dancers had dwindled to just several pairs. Clarissa felt as if thunder were rumbling through her body, her hips making closer contact with her partner.

  “Ms. Lockwood—”

  “Please, call me A.J.”

  Clarissa looked up into the mask that hid her dance partner’s features watching her eyes crease slightly in the corners as she smiled at Clarissa. A touch on her lower back sent tingles throughout Clarissa’s body, and she closed her eyes absorbing the energy. Nipples hardened as Clarissa was pulled closer into A.J.’s embrace. Her body was reacting so easily to A.J.’s touch she thought she might have to pull away to relieve the pressure, to douse the fire that was coursing through her. Yet, Clarissa couldn’t move. She found herself expertly guided around the dance floor, her feet barely touching the floor, or so she thought.

  “Your rose, it’s beautiful. I’ve only seen it one other place…” Clarissa heard the soft intake of breath as A.J. gently sniffed the rose. “It looks beautiful on you, Ms. Graham.”

  “Please, call me Clarissa.” Clarissa smiled back at her dance partner, slowing getting lost in beautiful soft eyes.

  “Of course.”

  Clarissa felt as if her skin was on fire everywhere A.J. touched her. Closing her eyes she felt as if someone was caressing her, a soft stroke brushing the side of her breast and then her cheek. As she melted into the caresses, Clarissa’s body started to respond. Her clit tightened and then hardened, her legs trembled and a tremor shook her body. She started to feel lightheaded, her body reacting to the gentle sensations. A slight stumble caused her to grasp A.J.’s strong arms to steady herself. A soft, low moan escaped Clarissa’s lips as she rested her head on A.J.’s broad shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s come over me,” she whispered softly against her dance partner’s neck.

  Clarissa felt A.J. release her tight hold on her body. Putting some distance between them, A.J. whispered. “Clarissa, has anyone told you how beautiful you look in that dress?” Clarissa blushed at the question and lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but you’re breathtaking.”

  “You’re very kind, thank you.”

  The question had been asked in French and Clarissa responded, without realizing, in her native tongue. Surprised, Clarissa looked back up into A.J.’s eyes, and then touched the rose in her hair. Confused, she waited. For what, she wasn’t sure, but something was very familiar in the way A.J. held her. Slow tendrils of energy started to surge through her body, A.J.s warm breath falling on her neck. A thought crept into her mind, please don’t be afraid. Clarissa jerked her head up and stared into the smile that lingered on A.J.’s lips. She had heard the voice and yet nothing was spoken out loud. It had been years since she had heard another voice like that, in fact centuries. A panic rolled through Clarissa’s body, she needed to get out of there and yet she felt trapped, almost secure, in A.J.’s arms. Clarissa was thankful that her mask hid the panic that she felt, yet she was sure if A.J. studied her long enough, her eyes would give her away.

  “Please, allow me to escort you to the lounge. I think you need some air. Besides, I believe you have something for me? Yes? After that, I’m afraid I must leave.”

  Clarissa felt herself being guided towards the VIP lounge, but yet she didn’t try to struggle. As panic started to shred her logical mind, her heart raced at the idea of being alone with A.J. Lockwood.

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  A.J. had heard the soft moan Clarissa released when she caressed her. She wondered if their connection was still intact and the moan confirmed it, but she chastised herself for speaking to Clarissa in French. It had shown her hand and perhaps Clarissa had figured out she had left the note and rose. Pulling Clarissa into the room, A.J. closed the doors and leaned back against them watching Clarissa try to steady her breathing. At least A.J. wasn’t the only one trying to compose herself.

  Clarissa was the first to speak, trying to break the tension in the room. “Would you like something to drink Ms. Lockwood?”

  A.J. winced at the use of her formal name. Clearly Clarissa was trying to distance herself from what had happened outside.

  “Hmm.” A.J. turned the lock on the door before advancing towards Clarissa.

  “We have a fully stocked bar. I mean it’s the least we can do for such a generous donation as yours. Perhaps a glass of wine or perhaps—”

  “Ms. Graham.” A.J. stood in front of Clarissa reaching for her hands.

  “Clarissa. Please call me Clarissa.” Clarissa refused to meet A.J.’s glance and A.J. felt the tension return to Clarissa’s body.

  “All right, Clarissa. I apologize for my comments on the dance floor. I’ve offended you.” A.J. took her hands and held them tightly in her own. She wished Clarissa hadn’t worn a mask so she could see her face. It had been so long since A.J. had seen her that she wasn’t sure she could wait much longer. A.J. guided Clarissa to the couch, never letting go of Clarissa’s hands. “I don’t know what’s come over me. Perhaps, it’s being around so many people, the music, or the lovely company, but again I apologize for my inappropriate comments. However, you are very striking in that dress.” A.J. felt Clarissa try to pull her hands free, so she let them go. She didn’t want Clarissa to run away before they had a chance to talk.

  “Ms.—”

  A.J. lifted a finger and touched Clarissa’s lips. “Remember? You said you would call me A.J.” A.J. looked at Clarissa imploringly.

  “A.J., can I offer you something to drink?”

  “If you’ll have something with me? Then I’ll leave you alone to do your hosting duties.” Smiling, Clarissa nodded and then went to the bar retrieving two glasses and a bottle of champagne.

  “I hope this is alright. I had it delivered special for our honored guests.” Clarissa handed the glasses to A.J. then tried to open the champagne bottle with little success.

  “Please allow me.” A.J. popped the champagne easily and slowly filled both glasses and watched as Clarissa tried to return her smile. It was clear to A.J. that she was going to have to talk fast if she wanted to reconnect even just a little with her former lover. A.J. sat once again and offered up her glass in a toast. “Please, allow me. Thank you for dancing with me and for an enchanted evening.”

  “I think I should be the one to thank you. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be able to have this event. So,” Clarissa tipped her glass towards A.J., “I’m in your debt.”

  A.J. swallowed the amber liquid slowly allowing it to rest on her palette and give her time to study Clarissa. Clarissa lowered her glass and twirled the stem between her fingers studying the swirling liquid. A.J. cleared her throat and watched soft pools of green look back at her. The tip of Clarissa’s tongue darted out, wetting her top lip. If she didn’t know better, A.J. would have guessed that Clarissa was flirting with her, but she recognized the nervous reaction. Sitting so close to Clarissa was starting to have an effect on A.J.’s body. Her heart raced and the demon that had been dormant was starting its slow ascent throughout her body. It was hard not to notice Clarissa’s pulse speed up, sending off waves of sexual energy. A.J. crossed her legs hoping to stave off the tingling that had started to spread to her clit. A.J. took another sip of the sour champagne ho
ping that it would dull her over-stimulated senses.

  “Do you have scotch back there by any chance?” A.J said, nodding towards the bar. “I’m not much of a champagne drinker.”

  “Of course, please allow me.”

  A.J. took advantage of the opportunity to study Clarissa again when she walked away from her. She looked almost the same as she had when A.J. had first met her in Paris. Her soft brunette hair was up, but stray strands hung in ringlets around her face. Her long slender neck took A.J. back to a time when they had first kissed.

  Alexandra stood behind Clarissa, pointing to features on her country estate. Clarissa’s perfume, mixed with the heat of the night, gave Clarissa an alluring, almost hypnotic aroma. Alexandra heard a flutter from Clarissa as her lips brushed against the slender neck. It was almost as if she was offering Alexandra an opportunity and yet Alexandra knew it was an innocent act.

  “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. Your beauty is overwhelming me, and I couldn’t control my actions. Please—”

  Clarissa’s turned and pressed a finger against A1exandra’s lips.

  “Shh.”

  Alexandra lowered her lips to those that beckoned for a kiss. The softness sent Alexandra reeling as she deepened the kiss. Clarissa’s tongue speared into Alexandra’s mouth causing her to gasp, but only stopping for a second before she returned with her own gently probing kisses. Alexandra cupped Clarissa’s face, her fingers slipping into her hair and releasing it from its confines. The strands fell loosely around Clarissa’s face, framing it seductively. Alexandra molded her body against Clarissa’s as her thumbs stroked soft, delicate cheeks. It took everything she had not to lower her lips to the throbbing vein under her palm and taste Clarissa, but she had promised and the promise was getting harder and harder to keep. Pulling away, Alexandra looked in the green eyes that swam with an undercurrent of lust. She watched as Clarissa turned her head and sucked in a thumb, sending a jolt through Alexandra’s body.