Beyond the Masks

by Nicky F. Grant

  “And, again, I promise you nothing more will happen. But we’ve always been honest with each other even if it hurt.”

  She heated. His honesty always cut through her. That’s why they worked…or didn’t work…so well.

  “As I was saying, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I want to discuss a second chance.”

  Her eyebrows rounded as her heart hammered in her chest. “A second chance? At what? Aside from being competitors in business, we’d never survive another go ’round. Jesus, Jacob.” Her hand pounded the table. “I’m not even sure I can trust you again after what happened. I don’t even trust myself.”

  The world spun. Gavin, the mystery Dom, and now Jacob? A fork in the road taunted her. Where would they lead?

  With a deep sigh and a clink from his chopsticks against the plate, his hand cupped hers, fisted on the table.

  “Calm down.” Her heart zeroed in on his voice. She shifted her hand into her lap as her gut swirled in angst. “I’m not saying let’s jump right into things. Let’s take it as it comes and see where it leads.”

  “But how? There’s too much between us. I can’t magically forget what happened.”

  “I know.” His normally demanding focus appeared flawed. Hurt. His eyes creased and softened. “I miss you. I mean that. Seeing you uncovered so much emptiness I thought didn’t exist. I have to explore it.”

  “I don’t know…” Tears stung her eyes as the force to consider his proposal pierced her heart. She did miss him. Yes, they broke up. And yes, he left poorly. But she couldn’t deny the need to have him fill the spot in her heart that still wore a bandage.

  His chair screeched across the floor, and he crouched. His hand held hers. “Just think about it. If you choose not to, fine. But if you say yes, I want you in this with me. And I promise to do the same.” His green eyes pleaded.

  Her hand brushed the soft whiskers of his kempt beard. “But what if it doesn’t work? What if I’m not ready?”

  He forced a smile. “Then say the word, Shane, and I won’t bother you again.”

  More tears flowed, dropping into her lap. He was giving her a choice, and even though she could tell it pained him, he still opened the door to the possibly it could be slammed shut.

  “I’ll think about it, Jacob.”

  “That’s all I can ask.”

  14

  Shane stood at a cocktail table, her team celebrating a banner year in music for Omega Records at the American Music Awards. Three of their artists had won, including Artist of The Year.

  She raised a glass. “Here’s to all of you. Without your hard work and dedication, Omega Records wouldn’t exist. Thank you.”

  They cheered and drank. The group moved around the party, and she stood back, taking in the scene. She was still amazed at what she had become. If not for these people, she would not be a success.

  “It is amazing, isn’t it?” A familiar voice whispered in her ear.

  She jumped, nearly choking on her champagne. “You scared me.”

  She turned and hugged Jacob. He kissed her cheek, holding her a moment too long. He was dressed in a traditional tuxedo, with a hint of sheen when it caught the light, and a white pocket square.

  “And you’ve been avoiding me.” He released her with a grin, the comment lingering in the air. A few weeks had passed since his proposal to try again, and she had avoided any contact, unsure of which direction to choose. “You received the flowers, I presume?”

  A breathtaking bouquet of handmade flowers had been delivered to the office. Sheets of song lyrics had been spun into flower buds with vinyl record pieces used for stems and leaves.

  “I did. They were beautiful and very creative.”

  “I thought you’d like them.”

  Silence deepened between them. He narrowed his eyes slightly, enough to let her know he waited for a reaction. She held still even though her stomach somersaulted. After all, he had taught her the best poker face in the business.

  He cleared his throat. “Congratulations on your success this evening. And how lovely you look decorating it.”

  A sudden lightness rushed through her. She glanced down at her olive J. Mendel gown with pleated layers. They danced when she moved, exposing her black strappy heels. The plunging neckline was covered by fine lace with her waist cinched in a black sash.

  “You know, David, I can’t go anywhere without looking the part. And congrats to you too.”

  Avalon Music Group had won several awards, primarily in the rock sector. “Thanks. It’s been an interesting year for sure.”

  He plucked the champagne flute from her hand and drank the remaining bubbly, setting the empty glass on the table. She narrowed her eyes and smirked. He was not referring to the awards ceremony.

  He crooked his arm. An immediate hesitation jolted her then released. A few minutes with him couldn’t hurt.

  As he led them toward the outside balcony, she smiled at him, still enamored by his appearance. Every long, light brown hair in place, his beard tightly groomed, and his green eyes always flickering with heat, he still zinged her. It had to mean something… Stepping outside, the wind swirled, sending a chill through her.

  “Here, take this.” He offered his jacket and placed it on her shoulders.

  “Thanks.” She smoothed the stray strands escaping from her chignon.

  As they walked to the edge of the terrace, he said, “Nice job on the Digmore deal. A signing bonus, huh?” His green eyes twinkled. “Should’ve seen it coming. You always felt for those starving musicians.”

  She laughed. “It’s finally paying off.”

  “It has.” His smile faded.

  When she set her hand on his arm, a tense ripple of muscle expanded his shirt sleeve. “How are you outside of work?”

  “Fine,” he replied dryly. He leaned on the railing and gazed out over the twinkling city lights. His jaw tightened. She knew his tells, and nothing was fine.

  “What’ve you been up to? I want to know.” She giggled, pushing her index finger into his bicep.

  “You could have called and asked.”

  She shrank inside his large coat. “I just needed time to think.”

  “Right.” He gripped the railing and swallowed. “I’ve only had time for work. There’s no one to go home to. Unless you’ve made a decision.”

  “I’m sure women are lining up for one of your D/s arrangements,” she teased. She regretted the joke as soon as it left her mouth. Was she jealous?

  “Ow. Harsh, Shane.” He slammed a fist to his heart as his face crinkled in jest. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m still waiting for you.”

  He turned and grabbed her hands from under his coat. They were warm and inviting as they intertwined with hers. Her heart rate quickened. He still made her crazy. Bastard.

  She removed them and quickly pulled the coat closed to add a layer of protection between them. She found the farthest building of the city skyline. “Jacob, don’t.”

  He moved closer. Cologne wafted her nose, a familiar scent, melting her insides. He wrapped an arm around her waist and tried to tug her closer. She remained still, like stone, even though the temptation to fall against him called to her.

  He leaned in so his mouth brushed her ear. “Don’t fight us, Shane.”

  She moved back and blinked. She was fighting them, and she was exhausted over the distance she tried to achieve. Who was she kidding? The Dom at Resort was a fling. He’d made the temporary situation clear, and she accepted it. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try again with Jacob.

  Her skin heated, and her stomach fluttered. He inched closer, his eyes shifting to her lips. She wouldn’t stop him.

  “Shane. Jacob,” Gavin said churlishly from behind them.

  She squeezed her eyes closed, and the corners of her mouth pinched as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn’t have. Jacob released her.

  “Gavin.” Jacob took the champagne glass Gavin was holding and offered his hand.
r />   Gavin gave the other glass to Shane, ignoring Jacob’s gesture. “Shane, may I have a word with you?”

  “I’m in the middle of something. Can it wait?”

  “No, it can’t.” His gaze hardened.

  “I think it can, don’t you?” Jacob smirked, rocking on his heels.

  Gavin clenched his fists by his side as he stepped closer to him.

  “Boys, please. Can we leave the theatrics at home?” She laughed, trying to ease the tension.

  They glared at each other when Gavin said, “One minute, Shane.”

  “All right, fine. As long as this stops.” She handed Jacob his jacket. “Hold your thought or whatever.”

  Shane and Gavin stepped past the threshold. The thick drapery hanging from the ceiling hid them from the balcony windows.

  “What’s gotten into you?” she whispered.

  “You’re walking into danger with him. You can’t trust him,” Gavin warned.

  “A little dramatic, even for you. I’ve known him for years. Sure, he’s tenacious, but never dangerous.” She set the glass of champagne on the table next to them and crossed her arms. Her defensive hackles rose.

  “I’m serious. You need to be careful.”

  “Careful? Seriously, what’s going on with you?” She tilted her head. Gavin, the hard-brooding man in front of her, was kinda cute.

  He rubbed his forehead, chest slightly heaving under his opened tuxedo jacket. The unease rolling off of him lifted the hairs on her nape.

  “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Okay, talk.”

  “Not here. Can we go somewhere?”

  She glanced at the door to the terrace where Jacob waited. “I can’t. I’m in the middle of something. Can we talk about this another time?”

  His darkening irises met hers. “Okay. Fine. Another time.”

  She wrinkled her brow, a slight concern shifting through her. The man never refrained from bulldozing over her.

  “Thanks. Now go celebrate and lighten up a little. It’s a party.”

  He grunted and stormed away. Why the sudden protectiveness? Was he jealous? Appeared he was becoming fond of her. She smiled as she stepped out into the chilled air.

  “Jacob?”

  “Everything okay?” she heard him ask from the corner of the terrace.

  She found him straightening from where he’d leaned on the railing. The wind delicately shifted his hair. A smile went wide like he understood her tone.

  “Everything’s wonderful. You wanna get out of here?” She motioned her head to the door.

  “Where to?”

  “Surprise me.”

  “Mmm,” Shane moaned. “It tastes so good. More please.” Jacob scooped another bite of ice cream from the container and fed it to her. “Only you would keep my favorite flavor in your freezer after all this time.”

  “I thought maybe one day you’d be here to enjoy it again.” He winked, scooping some for himself. “I have to say, you’re on to something with this flavor.”

  Shane was in his penthouse, propped up on a stool by the breakfast bar with her shoes kicked off and perched next to her clutch. He had loosened his bow tie, and it hung around his neck with the first button of his shirt opened.

  The spoon left his succulent mouth. Still one of the sexiest men she knew, even eating ice cream.

  “Come here.” She giggled and he leaned over to her. “You have some in your beard.” Her thumb swiped the divot in his chin. He snatched her hand and sucked her finger, cleaning it of the remaining chocolate.

  “Too good to waste.”

  Yanking her hand away, she blushed. “Now, now, you can stop with the charm. We’re in a good place.”

  The container and spoon clunked on the marble island. “Is that your decision, Shane?”

  “Can’t we enjoy this without all the pressure? I mean, we’re eating ice cream in your kitchen and enjoying each other’s company.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. She’d hurt him, but his eyes said something different.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” His voice came through anxious.

  “It isn’t nothing. You’re doing your thing,” she said, wrinkling her nose.

  “What thing?” he half laughed.

  She pointed, making circles around his face. “When your jaw gets tight and your eyes get all angry.”

  “I don’t have a thing, Shane.” She raised her eyebrows. He exhaled. “All I was going to say was maybe one more night together for good measure. A free pass. No decisions made until tomorrow.”

  His eyes flared a green-glowing fire when he leaned on the sides of her stool, trapping her. The mood shifted. Playful, upset, then fucking sexy as hell.

  “Nothing good would come out of that, and you know it.” She focused on the grooves along the hardwood floors. A tingling feeling in her gut spread like wildfire through her veins. Oh, God.

  “You can’t tell me you aren’t the slightest bit interested.”

  She remained paralyzed. “I…”

  “Tell me,” he whispered. The energy seeping from his body made her stomach flip. The familiar demands from him never truly left her. Her body succumbed to his voice. It was torture to hold out, her courage to resist slipping. To revisit what they’d had—for one night—wouldn’t be a hardship on her libido.

  She gazed into his eyes, a calm control centering her. “I am interested.” A sly smile appeared on his perfect face. “But I set the rules this time. I want it hard, and I want it deep. Tomorrow, we go back to how we are, decisions unmade. No expectations, no strings. Agreed?”

  His eyes narrowed, trying to read her newfound confidence.

  He nodded. An acceptance of her compromise. She kept her eyes locked with his. They battled with each other silently.

  With agonizing movement, he removed the bow tie from his neck and tied it around her eyes. “We can’t have you debating my every move with your sight, now can we?”

  Shit. She swallowed and parted her lips.

  The long black sash from her waist loosened before he shifted to the floor. He tied each leg to that of the stool. Divine intimacy sparked her heart. Her Jacob.

  His hands skimmed her inner thighs, the dress moving with them. Her heart pounded when he reached the apex, exposing her to the chilled air. His index finger brushed the outside of her panties. Her clit pulsed.

  “You won’t be needing these.” He ripped them in half.

  Then she was alone. Exposed. The blood rushing in her ears was so loud she couldn’t concentrate. This was a mistake. She flung her hands to cover her sex.

  “Tsk, tsk, my Lovely.” His voice came from the other side of the kitchen. “Am I going to have to tie your hands too?”

  “No, not necessary. I’m sorry,” she said quickly. Just go with it, Shane. You can handle one night of ecstasy with him. She allowed her hands to fall to her sides.

  “Sorry, what?”

  Sir. She rolled her eyes, thankful he wouldn’t see with the blindfold. Pushing him to the breaking point of this mental game sent a thrill through her. Her rules. Her way.

  “I asked you a question. Until I get an answer, you’ll sit there,” he said calmly.

  She could wait him out. Eventually, he’d cave and continue. She straightened her posture defiantly.

  “Let me be clear. I have the rest of the night. Every minute you make me wait, you’ll be punished. Remember, Shane?” The floorboard squeaked as he moved. She could feel him before he spoke. He nudged her nose. Warm breath on her skin. “Each minute is equal to a punishment of my choosing with each lash becoming more intense. First, a spanking.” He licked her neck, and she melted. “Second, a riding crop, and so on.” He sucked her lobe. “It’s your choice.”

  She shivered. The promise of pain moistened her sex. He was a master at play, and she should know better than to test him. But as much as she enjoyed it, she needed to set the tone. She had the power, and the choice was hers. Not his.
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br />   “One minute, Lovely,” he taunted.

  The angel on her shoulder squeaked, Say it! While the devil said, No, let him wait.

  He moved behind her. “Two minutes. I did miss using the paddle on your ass.”

  “Okay! I am sorry, Sir!” she shouted.

  His low chuckle reverberated her insides, turning them to mush. Damn it.

  “Much better. Where was I?” A metal object scraped the marble island. “Let’s see if we can officially make this my favorite flavor.”

  A cold spoon met her mouth. The chilled ice cream dripped as she sucked her bottom lip.

  “Let me help you.”

  His warm mouth heated her lips as she held her breath. He licked the remnants of chocolate before his tongue entered her. God, Jacob was kissing her. It was as she remembered. Sensual. Firm. Arousing. He always made it seem like her lips were meant for his. Her hands made their way to his face demanding more of him. Her hands shook, taking on a life of their own, and brushed his face. He snatched them and secured them behind her back, not stopping his sultry assault on her mouth. Chills ravaged her body as he helped her remember her place. The old Shane flooded back. It had been too long since she’d had this privilege. It was heaven.

  Flashbacks ran through her mind. Times when they were connected and strong. Her heart synced with his. The elastic band bonding them coiled them together. Forever present. She pushed deeper into his mouth. He moved away.

  “Jacob, please.”

  “I plan on taking my time with you since this might be the only chance I get.”

  The spoon scraped the bottom of the container and droplets of cold liquid fell on her exposed sex. The back of the spoon followed. A surge of heat went through her, allowing a pool of her own liquid to drip between her legs.

  “God.” She threw her head back in agony.

  He shifted lower, his beard tickling her thighs, adding to her rising senses. As the ice cream dripped down to her opening, a trail of prickling heat followed. She could feel his eyes on her sex, turning her on even more.

  “Jacob,” she breathed.

  “Yes, Lovely?” His hot breath on her skin caused a tide of tremors to curl her toes.