Beyond the Masks

by Nicky F. Grant

  He straightened, towering over her. Placing his hands in his pockets, his resigned posture caused her to become alert. Something was off. A line formed between his lips, a pensive gaze flicking back and forth.

  “Gavin?”

  “There’s something we need to discuss.”

  The hairs on her nape prickled. “Is it about the Digmore deal?”

  “No. Not work related. Not really, at least.” He paused, and his chest rose and fell. “It’s about us.”

  The word sounded like it held weight. Were they an us? No. However, exploring the density of it did elicit a piercing curiosity.

  “Us? You say it like we are—”

  “Shane Vaughn, you are up!” the DJ shouted over the microphone, music piping out of the speaker system.

  She cringed at the interruption. She faced David, giggling with the other Omega employees. She narrowed her eyes, immediately angered and embarrassed.

  “Not now,” she mouthed. David shrugged with his hands in the air.

  “Shane Vaughn to the stage,” the DJ called again.

  “They’re calling your name,” Gavin said.

  She faced him, closing her eyes as she put up a finger. “One minute…” She chugged her drink and finished off his bourbon to chase the tequila. His eyes widened in surprise.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Show time.” She handed him an empty glass and smoothed out her high wasted pants. On her way to the stage, she tossed her purse at David. “You’re in so much trouble.”

  She stepped on the small, elevated stage and stood in front of the Unidyne mic. An 80s bass line beat, and immediately, her skin flushed. Of course, he would choose this song.

  “You’re dead,” she mouthed as her shoulders rolled. If David wants a show, he’ll get a show.

  She grabbed the head of the microphone and hit the first set of lyrics. She pointed to the employee table swaying her hips, liquid courage taking her away.

  David cheered, whistling loudly through his fingers. “Go girl!”

  Tasha’s hand cupped her mouth in shock as her CEO let loose. Shane made eye contact with Gavin across the room as he shuffled his stance. She affected him, and her confidence swelled when she hit the chorus of “Like a Virgin.”

  The sudden freedom to flirt and exchange hot glances made the word us become a possibility. It appeared her decision to be with Jacob had been decided. One night of passion didn’t mean forever. He was a closed chapter, and she wanted to explore the lingering forceful attraction to her subordinate. Screw it; Jacob had his chance.

  Gavin mouthed, “What the fuck?”

  She smiled, removed the mic from the stand, and danced her way off stage to David sitting at the nearby table. Turning her back to him, she lifted one hand in the air and moved her body down, bending her knees. Gavin’s scorching gaze was all over her as the hairs on her nape prickled in delight.

  She slowly sauntered back to the stage, rolling her hips. She positioned the microphone and stared at him. Liquor swarmed her bloodstream like a truth serum, as the final words on the karaoke screen were more than lyrics.

  As the music played out, the entire bar roared in applause, Gavin not relinquishing his gaze. His face was serious and stoic, unreadable at best, and all she could offer was a smile. The understanding of what she sang floated between them.

  Another loud whistle caused her to snap her gaze to David. She bowed, walking to Tasha. “Happy Birthday.”

  “Oh, Ms. Shane, you’re the best!” Shane hugged her as she snatched her purse before returning to the bar.

  Shane shouted, “A shot of tequila, please!” Her nerves were meeting the reality of what she’d done. And the quick decision to eliminate Jacob from her life was firm. Maybe it was the alcohol pushing her over or Gavin’s presence; she didn’t care. It was something new. Yeah, a fresh start. Her face flushed hot from the wicked, but welcome, thoughts of Gavin taking her home. Making them an…us.

  “Interesting show,” he remarked, as the air became thick around them.

  Fumbling to grab the shot glass, her brain scattered on sex and Gavin and…oh my God, what did you do?

  “Yeah, yeah.” She tossed the liquid back, closing her eyes as the burning sensation washed away raging thoughts. Much better. She exhaled and opened her eyes to see the grin on his face. “Something funny, Mayne?”

  “Nope.” He leaned closer with his hand resting on her thigh, reflexively moving of its own accord. Her heart leapt at the contact, and suddenly, she resembled a teenager on a first date.

  “Let’s go and talk somewhere.”

  Her phone rang, and she jumped to answer it. “The Foo Fighters are coming to town next weekend.”

  “Random.” He retracted his arm, a mask sliding over his face.

  “I need to get this. Meet me at the main entrance of Madison Square Garden at seven-thirty.”

  Before he could respond, she sped toward the hallway. Real smooth, Shane.

  “Hello, this is Shane.”

  “Lovely,” Jacob’s voice snaked through the phone.

  “I told you to stop calling me that.” She cursed the butterflies in her stomach. Make up your mind!

  “I’m not one to follow commands. You are,” he teased.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Andrews?”

  “Hmmm, Mister has a ring to it... Say it again,” he requested with a low purr.

  Her body responded instantly to his request, the hair on her arms standing at attention. She snorted in frustration. What the hell? “Jacob, please.”

  There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. “I know you got my text. You’re running.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Then why haven’t you told me you don’t want to be with me?” He had her there. “Anyway, we can discuss it later.”

  “Is there a later?” She whipped a hand to her hip.

  “I’m heading out and wanted to see if you were available.”

  “Available for what?” she asked, irritated. She peered out into the bar and saw Gavin talking with a tall blonde in a red dress. Her eyes narrowed with jealousy. Who was she?

  “Slow down, Shane. This isn’t a booty call, but if things present themselves, I wouldn’t object.” She could hear his grin through the receiver. “I was going to ask if you would meet me for dinner.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t trust myself, and this is too much right now.” She set her purse on the chrome mounted pedestal sink in the bathroom.

  “What happened wasn’t by accident. Don’t you see?”

  “Jacob, I’m…I’m unsure about all of this.” Her hip rested against the sink, and she pressed her tear ducts.

  “Let’s talk. I’ll be at Asiate if you change your mind.”

  The phone went dark. Enjoy your dinner for one, Mr. Andrews. She tossed the device into her purse and stepped into a stall. The door creaked open followed by two voices.

  “What a jerk,” one woman said.

  “Forget about him, Blair. He doesn’t deserve you,” the friend responded back. Shane smirked. This is what girlfriends did for a woman scorned over a guy.

  “How did I get things wrong? One minute I’m his “little whore” and the next I’m treated like last night’s lay. Just because he owns some sex club, doesn’t give him the right to be an asshole.” The woman’s voice cracked, and Shane froze. Was the man from the club here? At this bar?

  The stall creaked open as Shane approached the sink to wash her hands. As the friend rubbed the other woman’s back, Shane noted the red dress she wore. It was the attractive blonde talking to Gavin. This can’t be. It has to be a coincidence.

  “Um, excuse me,” Shane began. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Are you talking about Gavin Mayne?”

  “You know him?” Blair responded, crossing her arms over her large perky breasts. Shane’s chest tightened in rage as Blair’s inadvertent admission slammed her like a fist to the stomach. Gavin was her masked man. Tha
t motherfucker.

  “I…work with him,” she said, treading lightly as her face heated. She could have sworn smoke blew out of her ears as she washed her hands to keep her fists from balling. How could he? Why would he? Of course, he would know it was her, he owned the goddamned club!

  Through the mirror’s reflection, Blair examined her like the competition.

  “Sounds like there’s something more, or you wouldn’t be asking,” she huffed.

  Drying her hands, Shane grabbed her purse. “No, nothing more than work. I’m sorry I asked.” Tossing the paper towel in the receptacle she said, “Hope you ladies have a better evening.”

  Shane fled the bathroom, fuming inside. Her breathing accelerated. How dare he! She rounded the corner, and Gavin had his back to her, talking to Tasha and David. Don’t cause a scene. Your employees are here. Fists formed at her sides, and blood pumped in her ears. She wanted to sock him in that beautiful face of his. David made eye contact, opening them widely. He sped over to her.

  “Are you okay?” Her eyes remained fixed on Gavin. “Doll! Snap out of it!”

  “I need to leave. Now.”

  “What happened? You look like Carrie ready to take down the prom.”

  “I’m leaving.”

  His smile faded to a frown. “Shane, you’re shaking. What the hell happened? Is it Jacob?”

  “C-call me tomorrow.” Tears seeped from the corners of her eyes.

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “No. Please stay. I don’t need a scene.”

  His mouth tightened when his brows knotted. “Okay. But please be careful. Love you.” He kissed her cheeks and hugged her.

  “Thank you.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d been scammed, taken advantage of. Gavin fucked her and knew it. Her world was splintering around her as she reached the door.

  The crisp winter air hit her face. She drew breath like it was the first time she’d inhaled since finding out. She slouched against the brick building, bile rising in her throat. What was she going to do? She walked aimlessly down the sidewalk holding her middle. She observed passersby, walking and laughing around her as Manhattan was coming alive for the evening. But she was alone and sought comfort.

  She stepped onto the street, hailed a cab, and got in. “West 60th and Columbia.”

  16

  “May I help you, Miss?”

  “I’m looking for someone…” Shane’s gaze frantically darted over the crowded restaurant until it rested on Jacob sitting in a corner booth. She blew out a breath, her chest loosening. “I see him.”

  The elaborate mauve and cream dining room soothed her as she approached his table. The large silver branches covering the ceiling loomed over the patrons as they dined. Floor to ceiling windows allowed the twinkling lights of New York to add to the ambiance.

  Jacob ate by candlelight. The shadow of the flickering flame accentuated his bearded jaw as he chewed on his meal. He commanded the space even while alone. He had a certain air, and he was what she needed to escape Gavin’s betrayal. Jacob was her comfort. He’d make the pain go away and make her feel she mattered.

  He never missed a beat. His eyes flared, making her knees turn to jelly. He stood.

  “You made it.” He kissed her cheek. She pressed against him, drinking in his cologne, spicy and clean, causing her hormones to ratchet a few notches as the nostalgia swaddled her. My Jacob.

  She drew back, stunned she could fall so quickly all over again.

  Straightening she said, “I’m not staying.”

  He backed away coolly and sat, gesturing at the empty bench across from him. She paused for a moment. She didn’t want to be wined and dined. She wanted one thing from him tonight.

  “Sit,” he said, emphasizing his command. She slid into the booth as he poured wine into an empty glass. “Drink.”

  The warm, red vino poured into her mouth, and she swallowed slowly. Her shoulders relaxed as the wine worked its magic.

  “You’ve been upset.” Her eyes met the linen dressed tabletop, a flush burning her cheeks. He leaned forward. “What happened?”

  He wouldn’t show her love if he knew she was there to erase Gavin’s deception. Her heart squeezed at the thought of using him.

  She blinked. “I want to fuck.”

  A humorous growl came from him. “Since when have you topped from the bottom?”

  “I’ve changed since we were together.” She slowly undid two buttons on her silk blouse. “Let me be clear, I want you buried deep inside me until I’m too exhausted to scream your name.”

  She tossed her hair behind her shoulders and lightly brushed the top of her breast. She absorbed his hot gaze as his green irises followed her movements.

  He shifted in his seat, intersecting his fingers in a steeple under his nose. “You told me you were unsure about us when we spoke earlier. Have you changed your mind?”

  “I’m sure about our arrangement.”

  “Is that what we have?” His brow furrowed.

  “Yes. Friends with benefits. Fucking each other whenever we want.”

  “Shane, watch yourself,” he warned with an authoritative bite, which caused her panties to dampen. “You have no idea what you’re asking, and this wasn’t part of the deal.”

  She poured another glass of wine. “Why have a deal when we can explore things another way? You want me, and I want you. Simple.”

  She swallowed the contents, not breaking eye contact. The room suddenly became too hot from the yearning of their two souls, the unspoken promises he made through his gaze, and she wondered if she would combust right there.

  “That’s what you want? Because I want you for more than just a fuck, Shane. It’s complicated. Far from simple.”

  “Yes. I want you to take me.” Regret surged through her veins.

  The waiter approached the table. “Will there be anything else, sir?”

  His gaze remained on hers as he removed a credit card from his inner coat pocket. “No.”

  Once the elevator door closed, Jacob backed her into the corner until her spine hit the guide rail. His hand traveled the length of her nape and squeezed.

  The heat radiating off his chest penetrated the air, kicking up her desire, his eyes a green blaze as they narrowed. “Don’t think for a second I’ve ignored your brush-off. Something is up, but I’m giving you what you need. What you want. You can’t hide from me. And if this is how I can prove how much you mean to me, so be it.”

  “But I…” she muttered, nearly suffocating from his sudden intensity.

  “Shhh, Lovely. Listen.” She gripped the cool steel railing.

  His hand landed on her hip, pulling her closer, his erection meeting her sex. His words were smooth despite the obvious arousal between them. “Remember, Shane, this is on my terms. You’re being given a privilege, and I want something in return.”

  “Oh?” she swallowed between labored breaths.

  “I want this”—he pointed to her forehead—“free of any distraction. It’s you and me tonight, no one else. No games, no play, just us.”

  Her lips parted to breathe as she drowned in guilt. He knew someone else existed, and she was using him. Her brow creased with worry and shame as he broke her down.

  The way his eyes danced over her face to the way his thumb made lazy circles on her neck caused her blood to drop south to the ball of nerves throbbing between her legs.

  “And I want this.” A kiss landed on her breast right above her heart, and it scorched her insides.

  She slid her fingers through his long hair and kissed him wildly as his beard grazed her face with delectable friction. He licked her mouth, his tongue plunging in and out while he moved her arms behind her back. He was in control. He sucked her neck, and she threw her head back, taking in his powerful stance and graceful dominance.

  “Yes…”

  She loved the way he commanded her, touched her. The way he explained what he needed was pure poetry, and she would obey his request. No G
avin. No distractions. Only them.

  She wrapped one leg around his hip, and he squeezed her round buttocks. He ground his erection against her as liquid flooded her cleft from the impact. She was sure she would shoot into the stratosphere.

  “Jacob,” she whispered. “Please.”

  A smile spread against her neck as he nibbled the spot that always sent her into delirium. Goosebumps rose on her already hot skin. The elevator pinged and opened, allowing them to break.

  “Are you sure?” She nodded. “Don’t mess with me, Shane. I may be giving you what you ask but know it isn’t without concern.” His fingers traced her face. “I care about you, and even if I lose you, I won’t regret this. I will ask again. Are you sure?”

  She swallowed. His eyes fought to remain hard. But maybe this was what she needed—to feel him again. To capture his vulnerability.

  “Yes, Jacob. I’m sure.”

  They hurried down the hallway as she scrambled for her keys, quickly opening the door then closing it behind them. He guided her into the bedroom as she attempted to shed her coat in a rush. She was in disarray, wanting nothing more than for him to be inside her. Filling her heart and soul. Making her forget the evening and uniting like they used to be.

  He, on the other hand, radiated calm. Sliding his coat from his broad shoulders, he tossed it on the vanity chair. The only noticeable struggle to his control was the tight grip he had on the knot of his blue tie. He tugged it off and let it drop to the floor.

  “Let me,” he said, the sound coming out as though he had gravel in his throat.

  He approached in two strides and undid each button of her blouse, then pushed it off her shoulders, revealing her see-through lace demi. He bent down and sucked each nipple through the lace, causing her back to arch toward him as the peaks hardened to a point in his mouth. Pleasure gathered in her belly as ripples traveled to her clit. He backed her against the bed, and she willingly fell onto the mattress. He stood over her, his eyes raking her exposed skin.

  “God, you’re fucking gorgeous,” he said.

  His body moved skillfully as he stripped. Each sinew of tight muscle flexed all the way to her favorite part, disappearing beyond his waistband. He unzipped her slacks and unhurriedly moved them from her hips. She fumbled with his belt buckle while she pushed the burning guilt from her mind.