“So, I see.” By the humor in his tone, my answer pleased him. Or maybe it was the garter. There was no more time for conversation as the intensity of the music continued to escalate.
This was more than a dance. It was a test. A game of dominance and submission underscored by sexual tension. I stiffened my arms and pulled away. The words of my dance instructor floated through my subconscious. Be angry. Let the audience see the struggle. He snapped my body to his and stroked a leisurely hand from my armpit to my hip. Goosebumps peppered my skin. I spun away, only to be returned by a tug of his arm. We continued our war of wills around the room.
At the finale, he bent me backward over his thigh, arching my spine until the ends of my hair swept the floor. The smooth fabric of his trousers rubbed against my bare back. I was totally at his mercy, one foot on the polished marble, the other lifted to keep from tumbling over. His lips grazed the column of my throat in an erotic caress. Excitement and lust simmered in my veins. I was living my fantasies in the arms of an exotic stranger.
The music ended, and the crowd erupted into applause. I’d been so engrossed in our power play that I’d failed to notice the onlookers, or that all the other participants had moved to the sidelines. We were the only couple on the dance floor. Under normal circumstances, this kind of attention would have made my stomach queasy, but beside him, it seemed natural.
Adrenalin buzzed through my head, more intoxicating than the liquor. He eased me to my feet. Once I’d steadied myself, he released my hand and bowed. “Thank you for the dance.” Before I could respond, he melted into the crowd. I watched his broad shoulders disappear. A curious sense of regret tempered my euphoria. That was it? One amazing dance, and he left?
Someone touched my elbow. I erased the disappointment from my expression and turned to find Everly. She drew me aside and fanned her cheeks with a cocktail napkin. “Holy crap, Rourke. That was hot. Who is that man?”
“I’m not sure.” I stared wistfully in the direction he’d gone, but my attention wavered at the weight of Nicky’s disapproving stare on the stranger’s backside. What was it between those two men? “I think he’s Roman Menshikov.”
Everly’s gaze followed mine in the direction the stranger had gone. Her brows lowered. “It could be, but I don’t think so. Everyone says he’s out of the country.”
“I know, but there’s something about him.” I searched through the guests, looking for disheveled black hair and an unshaven jaw.
“Did you ask him?”
“How could I? I certainly can’t tell him who I am. Ivan will throw me out.”
“True. Well, no matter. You have another admirer,” Everly said, her eyes dancing with delight, nodding toward Nicky. “This is so exciting. Are you having a good time?”
“Yes.” The answer required no conscious thought. “I haven’t had this much fun in years.” As always, my thoughts returned to her welfare. “What about you?”
“I’m having a great time. A few of my friends are here.” She squeezed my hand. “Thank you so much for coming. I could never have attended on my own. This is the best bachelorette night ever.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for dragging me here.” I smiled back at her, thrilled by her excitement.
“I think you should hook up with one of those men.” The mischievous glint returned to her eyes. “A good lay would do wonders for your self-confidence.”
“Oh, no.” I shook my head.
“Yes. You absolutely should. Think about it. Everyone here is anonymous. It’s like Las Vegas. What happens here, stays here.” Her eyebrows lifted, but she quickly got her expression under control and ducked her head. “Don’t look now, but the brown-haired gentleman is coming this way, and he doesn’t seem happy.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Look at you, stirring the shit. I’m out of here. Have fun and be safe.”
“Don’t you dare leave me, Everly.” Despite my plea, she sashayed toward the back hall, waving her fingers over her shoulder in my direction. “Traitor.” I steeled myself for more of Nicky’s questions.
“Did you enjoy your dance?” he asked. If he was displeased with me, the face beneath his mask gave no indication of his feelings. Neither did his tone. “You were a vision out there. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone quite so breathtaking.”
“Thank you.” I felt the blush creeping into my cheeks. “I’d like to take the credit, but my partner was responsible for most of it.”
His jaw flexed, a small but obvious indication of his disapproval. “He always had a flare for the dramatic.”
“I thought you didn’t know each other.” Something about his demeanor had changed since we’d parted earlier.
“We knew each other as children, but we haven’t run in the same circles for a very long time.” As if he sensed my mistrust, he shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “I apologize if my behavior is unacceptable. I’m afraid the sight of you in another man’s arms has brought out my jealous side.” A lot of years had passed since any man had flattered me quite so thoroughly and with such skill. However, pretty words had never turned my head.
The orchestra segued into the next song, an upbeat, modern tune. Over Nicky’s shoulders, I caught sight of the mystery man. He was talking to a busty beauty with raven hair. The plume of her elaborate gold mask jerked and bobbed as she spoke. His words might have been for her, but his eyes were mine. A dozen yards separated us, but the heat of his gaze seared into me.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” Too late, I realized Nicky had asked me a question.
His gaze followed mine. A frown of frustration shaded his smooth features, a frown he quickly erased. “I said my schedule is full next week, but the week after, I’ll be in Manhattan for meetings. I’d love to take you to dinner.”
“I appreciate the invitation, but it’s just not possible.” Once I returned home, I needed to find an apartment and a job and check in on my aunt. Nervous anxiety squeezed my stomach. I didn’t want to think about real life. Not yet. Not until I had no other choice.
Across the room, the dark stranger ended his conversation with the busty woman and strode toward us like a shark slicing through a school of fish. The crowd parted for him then closed in his wake. A wave of heat swept up my chest and into my neck before settling in my face.
“Tell me your name. Please.” Nicky took my hand, drawing my attention back to him. “I’m begging you.”
“Don’t beg, Nicky. It’s embarrassing,” the stranger said.
I placed a hand on my stomach to steady my breathing as his cologne reached my nose. The spicy, masculine, and hypnotic scent conjured images of tangled limbs and fingers clutched in bedsheets.
Nicky turned and said something low and guttural in Russian to the stranger. Although my Russian was rusty, I caught a few snippets of profanity and the phrase don’t mess with me.
The stranger laughed before turning to me. “I apologize. We’re being rude.”
“Are you speaking Russian?” I asked. “I’m afraid I don’t understand much.”
“Just as well. It’s an uncivilized language,” the stranger said. His stern smile signaled the end of the topic. “I’m about to go for a walk. Would you like to accompany me?”
Nicky touched my elbow. “Don’t fall for his pretty words. You can’t trust him.”
“Walk away, Nicky,” the man said. From behind the edges of his plain black mask, dark eyes glittered dangerously.
“No, I don’t think so.” The younger man squared his shoulders.
“I’m not asking.”
Nicky sighed, his tone turning petulant. “You’re breaking the rules.”
“Ah, but you forget. I make the rules.” The stranger’s posture straightened, his height growing. The cut of his tuxedo suggested a powerful chest beneath his tailored lapels.
“Did you ever happen to think that maybe she’s not interested?” Nicky’s voice teemed with irritation.
“And maybe she is. Did you ever think of that?” the strang
er asked.
“Gentleman, please stop talking about me like I’m not in the room,” I said, finding my voice at last. Both men had the good grace to look abashed.
“Again, I apologize,” said the stranger, his eyes locking with mine. Something about this dark man lit a fire in my veins. I wanted to know more. Who was he? Why was he here? What had he done to gain an invitation?
“I’d love a tour,” I said. “Nicky and I were about to say goodnight anyway.”
“Can I have a word in private?” Nicky ducked his head to my ear, speaking too low for the stranger to hear. “Are you sure about this? He’s not the kind of man to be trifled with. You might find yourself in over your head.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself.”
Nicky glared at the stranger, a silent conversation passing between them. Then his gaze turned to me. After an awkward pause, he let go of my hand and bowed. “It’s been a pleasure, Cinderella. I hope our paths cross again soon.”
“Goodnight,” I replied. “Thank you for your company this evening.” With long strides, he crossed the ballroom and disappeared into the hallway. Part of me was sad to see him go, but the other part felt relief. Nothing could come of our relationship. It was best to end things before it became too messy. As much as I liked Nicky, I preferred the company of the dark man at my elbow. His attention made me uneasy and exhilarated, like those precious moments of anticipation before a rollercoaster plunged over the first hill.
“Cinderella? Interesting choice of names.” He closed the distance between us until his shiny shoes rested next to my sandals.
“Yes. I like it. And you are?” Dangerous. The answer flashed through my head. I pushed away the assumption. Nothing about this man seemed threatening, except to my ovaries, which had begun a dance of excitement.
“My friends say I’m the devil.” Once again, he took my hand in his. The intimate glide of his fingers between mine unleashed a repressed longing to feel those fingers elsewhere on my body. “But I suppose if you’re Cinderella, then I’ll be your Prince Charming.”
“That’s a little presumptuous, isn’t it?” I baited him in an uncharacteristically flirtatious tone, my confidence buoyed by Nicky’s attentions and too much champagne.
“It’s not presumptuous. It’s a truth. That’s something you should know about me. I only deal with facts.”
Somehow, in the space of our conversation, we’d drifted toward one of the curtained alcoves along the perimeter of the room. When the curtain closed behind us with a whisper of velvet, and the bright colors of the ballroom dimmed into candlelit darkness, I realized I was alone with a man I didn’t know. A very tall, ominous man, whose broad shoulders and penetrating stare dwarfed the room. Nicky’s words echoed back to me. He’s not the kind of man to be trifled with. I swallowed a frisson of fear, as intoxicating as it was disturbing. No need to freak out. The party continued outside the alcove. Help was only a few feet away.
“I thought we were going for a walk.” My gaze flicked to the heavy drapes, judging the distance in case I should need a hasty escape.
“Later. First, I want to know more about you.” His hooded gaze traveled over my face, lingering for two heartbeats on my lips. How many nights had I dreamed of a man like this—one who’d thrill and frighten me? He braced a hand on the wall by my head, hemming me in. Up close, he smelled of leather, expensive cologne, and fine, rare things.
“There isn’t much to tell really,” I said, my knees weakening. Although his nearness set my senses on high alert, I didn’t feel threatened, just aroused.
“You’re an American?”
“Yes, a New Yorker.” I bit my lower lip to keep from giving away more than I wanted.
“Why did you come to this party?” He leaned closer, edging me backward until the hard paneling chilled my backside.
“Why does anyone come to these parties?” I asked, feeling lightheaded at his closeness.
“To enjoy anonymity in a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere. To experience decadence without the threat of discovery.”
“You sound like a travel magazine.” I pressed my palms against the wall at my sides and reveled in the escalation of my pulse.
“People come from all over the world for this experience. There are places here—secret places—with access given to only a select few. I can take you there. We can explore those mysteries together.” He drew in a deep breath, angling his head and scenting me. The primitive gesture caused an immediate pulse in my sex. “You haven’t answered my question.”
“Yes,” I said, feeling weak-kneed, excited, and frightened in rapid succession. “To all those things. I want to experience all of that.”
“Let me show you everything your heart desires.” The low, seductive music of his voice and an excess of champagne dulled my common sense. I had the distinct feeling I was being seduced by Satan, and the safety of my soul hovered in the balance. “Well, Cinderella, will you join me?”
“Okay.” For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me. When he increased the distance between us, lowering his hand from the wall, disappointment washed over me.
“Before we begin, may I see your invitation?”
His request sent my stomach plummeting to the floor. “No, you may not.” I lifted my chin, trying to pull together my faculties. “I don’t have it on me. It’s with my friend.”
“You’re not a very good liar. And you’re not Beverly.” Each of his words raised my temperature another degree until I thought my insides would combust. How would he know Beverly unless he was Menshikov?
“I never said I was Beverly.” If I was caught, I had nothing to lose by bluffing. Meeting his gaze, I conjured a playful smile. So many sins could be hidden with a smile. “I came here under the assurance that no one would question my identity. If anyone found out that I was here, it could be very—damaging—to my reputation and my career.” This was total bullshit, but I kept going, even though my heart jackhammered against my ribs. “Are you threatening my privacy? Because I’m pretty certain that’s a direct violation of the rules.”
“Rules were made to be broken.” Full lips rolled together. I couldn’t help staring at the gesture and wondering how those lips tasted, how they kissed. Would he be forceful? Gentle? Would his hand fist in my hair while his knee parted my thighs?
“I’d bet my life that you don’t have an invitation.” His eyelids lowered to slits. “I know everyone at this party. Everyone but you.”
“Are you sure? I’m sure we’ve met before. In Rome? Or maybe Paris?” I met his gaze, refusing to blink. “I think we’re done here,” I said, calling his bluff. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“God, a woman with balls. I love it.” He threw back his head and laughed. The deep sound shimmered over me, easing the tension in my shoulders. “I’m one hundred percent certain we’ve never met. I couldn’t forget someone as lovely as you.” The weight of his gaze crawled over my face, lips, breasts and hips, scraping over my nerve endings, alighting my body with a new and intriguing kind of fire. He rested a fingertip under my chin, tilting my eyes up to his, the tip of his thumb grazing my skin. “Very well, Cinderella. You win. I’ll give you a pass this time.”
“I’ll stay, but only if you behave.” God, he was handsome. The silk mask and thick but well-groomed beard couldn’t hide the sharp lines of his square jaw, the chiseled planes of high cheekbones, and the knife-blade edge of his nose.
“I realize I’m out of line, but you’ve piqued my curiosity.” If only I could see his eyes. Were they blue or brown? Under the shelter of his mask, I couldn’t tell.
“Are you Menshikov?” How else could he know that I entered the party under the guise of Beverly Ellis?
He studied my eyes for a long second. “No, I’m not. But I know him very well.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“That you’re here without an invitation?”
Too late, I realized my mistake. “No, I mean—”
/>
He silenced my words with a fingertip to my lips. “Hush. Your secret is safe with me.” His gaze dipped to my mouth again. I slid my tongue across my bottom lip, suddenly famished and thirsty, dying for relief from a hunger I never knew I possessed. “For a price.”
* * *
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