Mask of Desire

by P. L. Harris

  Finally, the fuzziness began to clear and her breathing returned to normal. Tash’s gaze fell on the dress on the seat beside her. “Connor, you will not win. I am stronger than I used to be, and tonight I’m going to prove that. If not for me, for Sinead.”

  ****

  Kayden stood by the foyer door and surveyed the jovial crowd gathered in his company. He’d known some for years, but others were new friendships, barely given the chance to prosper. Grief struck Kayden like a lead weight in the pit of his stomach. This was his first New Year’s Eve without his partner. Kayden clenched his fingers into fists at his sides. His gut churned, knowing that Todd’s hero antics cost him his life.

  Damn it, Todd, you should have been with me at the Halloween party, not off trying to be a fucking hero. What the hell were you thinking, going into the drug bust without backup?

  They had a deal to never go it alone. Kayden’s heart twinged with a pang of guilt. Todd wouldn’t even see his daughter, Emma, blossom as she grew into a beautiful young lady. At least his wife Katie had Emma to keep Todd’s memory alive. She looked more and more like Todd with every passing day.

  “Are you sure you have to leave so soon after New Year’s?” Katie’s words shook him from his stupor.

  “Ah, honey, I’ll be back before you know it,” he said engulfing her in a warm brotherly hug. “Now that the bastard’s behind bars, this is a good chance for me to take some down time. Maybe I’ll travel for a while. I’ll always be a phone call away, if you need me. I hope you understand?”

  Katie pulled back and socked him one in the upper arm.

  “Ouch,” Kayden said rubbing his tender muscle. “What was that for?”

  “You dummy,” she barked, hands on hips, showing her best authoritarian pose. “Of course I understand. I’m the one who insisted you go…remember?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I suppose you are.” He lightly pressed his soft lips on her forehead in a kiss of appreciation.

  “I just didn’t realize you’d be leaving so soon.”

  Their gazes connected and her green eyes flickered, a hint of sadness reflected in them.

  “It’s time you took care of you for a while. Emma and I will be fine. We have plenty of support around here and Todd’s parents will be here mid-January. ”

  “Thanks, sweetheart. I promise I’ll pop over to see you before I leave.”

  “You bet your arse you will,” she said, folding her arms across her chest. “Now, go and mingle. Say your good-byes before your adoring public gets antsy.”

  She made a shooing action and he grunted and moved away. He barely made it past the staircase before his breath caught in his throat. The sight of the mysterious, tattooed beauty across the room sent his blood boiling. Kayden’s lungs burned with desire.

  She was here. He’d recognize that tattoo anywhere. The brief glimpse he’d gotten at the Halloween party baited his interest. It was colourful, vibrant, and flowery, almost like a vine of some sort. He was intrigued. Kayden was pretty sure it extended off her shoulder and down her back, but it was where it ended that piqued his interest the most. His gaze followed her delicate moves as she floated across the floor toward him.

  Who are you? Where did you come from? Hell will freeze over before I let you get away this time.

  He wanted inside her, deep inside her. Feel her melt in his arms. His dick grew hard, just at the thought of her beneath him. This was his second chance and he would not blow it.

  ****

  Tash stood by the entrance, frustrated by the unwanted attention she was receiving from the masses of men ogling her assets. Damn you, Sinead, for making me pretend I’m someone I’m not. More lies. Thankfully, the intricate black mask, coupled with her curly, brown hair extensions and blue contacts, safely hid her identity.

  The place was packed. It looked like the whole town was in attendance. Tash’s ears stung from the deafening music blaring in the background. How the hell anyone could have a decent conversation was beyond her.

  Tash ignored the nosy male glances and headed toward the drinks table. All Tash wanted to do was stay home with a chilled glass of wine and bring in the new year with her best friend, Bridget Jones, but Sinead had other ideas.

  Who the hell comes down with a fever and a cold right in the middle of the Australian summer? Sinead, that’s who. It’s not like it’s cold. In fact, the weather hadn’t dropped below thirty degrees since November.

  Tash’s sides ached. Her tight corset held the dress firmly to her tense body. It was the only undergarment she owned that would hold Sinead’s dress in place. Tash hadn’t worn it for some time, and it was a fluke it still fit so snuggly. With any luck, she’ll be able to find Kayden, finish the deal, and be back home with Bridget before midnight.

  She sipped her wine and scanned the crowd. Tash’s gaze fell on the robust man in the corner of the room chatting to another woman. Kayden. His costume wasn’t much of a disguise. Although his eye mask covered his high cheekbones, it really did nothing to disguise his sexy, deep-blue eyes. But then she would recognize his muscular physique anywhere. She may have only met him once, but her body remembered it as if it were yesterday. Breathless, Tash forced herself to look away. She glanced around the room, but repeatedly her gaze was drawn back to Kayden. The florescent light highlighted the straight line of his jaw. His broad shoulders were hidden only by his expertly tailored tuxedo, which fit him like a glove.

  She shook her head. Stop, stop, stop! This is not why you came here tonight.

  Hesitantly, she lifted her gaze, holding her breath as her eyes met his. It was as if lightning had struck, and she felt the jolt right down to her sex. Get a grip, for God’s sake.

  It’s now or never. She started to make her move before she lost her nerve.

  She placed her glass on the table, took a deep, quivering breath, and headed in his direction. Stay focused, Tash. Remember, the only person you can count on is yourself. Men cannot be trusted, even ones as handsome as Kayden Langford.

  Tash couldn’t breathe around the knot in her throat. She was within meters of him. God, he was gorgeous. The perfect man. But Tash knew they didn’t exist.

  Men cannot be trusted…men cannot be trusted.

  She swallowed. “Mr. Langford, how nice to see you again.”

  Kayden’s intense expression crawled down her body, taking in every detail. His chest expanded in slow, controlled breaths. She didn’t move. Seeing him this close had an entirely different effect on her than any other man, even Connor.

  “It’s very nice to see you again. Welcome, I hope you enjoy the evening,” he said.

  “Thank you, I—”

  He offered her his hand. “Shall we dance?” he asked, cutting her words short.

  She paused and swallowed hard. Tash finally threaded her hand in his. His silky touch shot electric charges up her spine. He all but dragged her to the dance floor.

  “I…I can’t dance.”

  “No problem,” he said, swinging her into his arms. “I’ll lead.”

  His hand imprinted on her skin like a scorching burn. Holy shit.

  Their bodies connected like magnets. Gone was the gentleness, replaced by an edgy man that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. His jaw flexed and his gaze locked with hers. His dark eyes consumed her, and just when she thought she’d die from lack of oxygen, he spoke, triggering a gasp of breath.

  “You have me at a disadvantage.”

  Her brow creased. “Excuse me?”

  He pulled her jittery body closer, electrifying Tash. She felt the heat rush to her face as his rock-hard erection pressed into her belly.

  Men cannot be trusted…men cannot be trusted.

  Beady eyes of onlookers gawked at them as their bodies swayed in unison to the music like liquid silver.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “They’re all staring at us,” she whispered, her heart plummeting.

  “No, they’re staring at you,” he smirked.


  “What?”

  “More precisely, they’re staring at the most beautiful woman at the party and she just happens to be in my arms at this very moment.”

  Tash tensed and she opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught around the knot in her throat.

  Kayden’s gaze sharpened as if he could read her thoughts. “They’re just as intrigued about you as I am. You’re a mystery, one that needs further investigation.”

  She shook her head. “No, no mystery here.”

  “Oh, but there is, and I’m going to make it my mission to find the mystery behind the woman.” He smirked. “I’m extremely good at reading people, and I think we both know there is strong chemistry between us.”

  “I wouldn’t exactly call it chemistry,” she blurted out, ignoring her racing heart, which was ready to explode from her chest.

  “Really?” he said with raised eyebrows. “What would you call it then?”

  She stared at him, her eyes roaming every feature of his face, finally resting on his soft lips.

  “If you keep looking at me with those sultry eyes, I’m going to get ideas…well, more ideas than I already have.”

  Kayden held her captive gaze in his. Tash closed her eyes and held her breath as he ran the back of his fingers down her cheek, past her earlobe, and along her neck. “Smooth, like silk.” His finger stopped behind her earlobe. “I’ve wanted to taste you here,” he whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. He traced the skin down to her collarbone. “And here.”

  Good Lord, the man’s lethal. She bit her lower lip and he released it with his thumb.

  “You’re making me nuts, the way you bite that lip of yours.”

  Focus. She guided her thoughts back to the real reason she was here this evening. She cleared her throat. “Mr. Langford, the reason I’m here tonight is—”

  He silenced her ruby-red lips with his finger. “No, don’t tell me. Tonight is about us. You and me and the pure sexual hunger that burns between us. I know you feel it, just as I do. It doesn’t matter why you’re here, just that you are.”

  A sweet ache pooled in the depths of her belly. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God. She was fighting a losing battle. Tash couldn’t ignore the attraction between them, any more than she could ignore the wetness between her legs.

  Butterflies filled the pit of her stomach. What harm could one night of pleasure do? It had been so long since passion and excitement played a role in her life. Sinead’s deal can wait.

  She took a deep breath. “On one condition.”

  “Name it,” he said breathless.

  “No questions.”

  He hesitated only a moment. “Deal.” He slid his palm down her tense arm and held on tight to her hand. His tone was suddenly formal. “I’m assuming this is your first visit to my house?”

  She nodded.

  “Then how about I give you a tour?” he said, his breath hard and fast. “I’m sure there are much more…appropriate places we can conduct business.”

  Kayden held her close to his side as he marched in the direction of the hallway, ignoring anyone who stood in their way.

  ****

  Kayden stood by the bar in the corner of his study. His hands shook as he poured two glasses of wine. Nervous energy shot through his body. He’d never been nervous around a woman before, but she was different. Kayden didn’t want her to be a one-night stand. Finally, he was ready for more.

  He paused at the veranda door, soaking up the serene picture of her silhouetted against the silver moonlight. The wind swirled her long, chestnut-brown curls around her bare shoulders. Kayden’s chest tightened under the weight of her beauty. The moon’s rays caught the shimmering outline of her tattoo. It was beautiful; she was beautiful. He’d never wanted to taste a woman as much as he wanted to taste her, and taste her he would. By the time tonight was over, he’d taste every inch of her delicious body. But it wouldn’t be enough. It would never be enough to satisfy his want. Not wanting an inch of distance between them any longer, he joined her.

  Kayden handed her a glass and her smile weakened his knees. “Shall we toast?”

  She nodded, holding up her glass.

  “To new beginnings,” he said softly.

  “New beginnings,” she repeated. They tapped their glasses together and sipped. Her eyes softened as the glass moulded to her plump lips. His balls ached from being so close and not touching her. Kayden’s teeth clenched, evidence of his struggle to maintain control of his physical reaction to her.

  She shivered, even though it was a balmy thirty-seven degrees.

  “Cold?”

  “A little, must be the sea breeze,” she said almost in a whisper.

  Itching to touch her, he said, “Let’s head inside where we can make ourselves more comfortable.”

  She nodded and headed back inside, Kayden palming her lower back. She paused by his mahogany desk and placed her glass down, her slender back teasing Kayden’s senses. Reaching her in three strides, Kayden pushed in behind her, brushing the wisps of hair from her silky neck. He pressed his lips to her right shoulder, where her tattoo began. He wanted to kiss it all the way down her body to its unknown end. His cock grew more painfully hard by the second. He’d wear a permanent imprint of his zipper, if he didn’t release it soon.

  She glanced toward the door. “What if someone comes in?”

  “Impossible,” he said. “I locked the door.” Eager to know her identity, Kayden reached for the ribbons holding her mask in place.

  “No,” she whispered stilling his hands with hers. “It adds to the mystery of the night, don’t you think?”

  His hands burned under her delicate touch. Saucy little minx. Two can play at this game. “Your wish is my command, milady.” Kayden ran his tongue over the outline of her tattoo. He sucked at the emerald-green vine leaves. She gasped when he nipped her skin between his teeth. “My woman likes that.”

  Moaning in pleasure, she rolled her head back into the crook of his neck. “God, you’re so beautiful,” he said against her soft skin. She tasted every bit as yummy as she looked. “Honey, if the masks stay on, then the clothes are coming off.”

  “I think that can be arranged,” she said, her breath coming in short bursts.

  God help him. He wanted to be inside her now, feel her sweet wetness surround his rock-hard shaft. His hand slid around her torso, anchoring her to his chiseled chest.

  Her ragged breathing matched his. She was as hot for him as he was for her.

  “Oh God,” she gasped as her body wilted into his. “You feel so good.”

  “Sweetheart, I haven’t even begun to make you feel good,” Kayden said, unclipping the top button on her dress. “By the time I’m done, you’re going to beg me to never stop.” He could feel her racing pulse against his lips as he worked his way up her neck to her cute little earlobe.

  The glide of her dress zipper opening purred through the semi-silent room. The swiftness with which it fell both shocked and pleased him.

  Kayden’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, posed in a black, bone and lace corset, adorned with the sexiest stay-up stockings he’d ever laid eyes on. He didn’t think he could get any harder, but the image of her in those black heels would be burned into his mind forever.

  “Holy shit, what are you trying to do to me? Kill me before we even get started?”

  She turned, her brow creased. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about how fucking amazing you look, dressed in that sexy corset. I’ve never seen anything so hot in my life.”

  “Oh.”

  Kayden raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Seriously? Is that all you can say?”

  A cheeky smile spread across her face.

  “You have no idea how sexy you look right now, do you? If I were any more turned on, I’d probably come in my pants,” he said, threading his arm around her waist, thrusting her body up against his rock-hard cock. He eased a hand around the back of her neck and brought his lips down on
hers. He took them hard, tasted them, savored them.

  He kissed her again, deepening it this time. His urgency bled into her mouth. He stole her breath. Her sweet scent soaked his body from the outside in.

  Jesus, I’ve died and gone to heaven. Once he was deep inside her, soaking up her wet desire, she would know that she was his.

  He drew in steadying breaths, trying to calm the adrenaline that buzzed through his body. “I’ve changed my mind. The panties come off but the corset stays on,” he whispered against her sensitive earlobe. “I’ve thought of nothing else all night, except fucking you naked, but now all I want to do is have you take me deep inside you while you’re wearing this sexy corset and those fuck-me heels.”

  “I…I think that can be arranged,” she said, visibly shaking in his arms, her breathing heavy and laboured. Just the way he wanted her, hot and desperate for him.

  He ran his hand down the inside of her black, silky knickers, easing a finger into her wet pussy. “Bloody hell,” he rasped out. “So wet, and so ready for me.” He kissed her again, couldn’t stand to be away from her mouth for even a second.

  She gasped when he pushed another finger inside her. “You like?”

  “Mmmmm, I like,” she panted.

  “I want to taste you, taste that sweetness bathing my finger.” He walked her back toward the lounge, lowered her, and spread her legs. He leaned down and pressed kisses over the silky hairs of her pussy. Her hips bowed off the lounge, thrusting into his waiting mouth. He nuzzled deeper into her folds, soaking up her sweet honey scent. He used his wet fingers to open her to him, his tongue plunged in, brushing from her entrance to her clit. She let out a jagged moan that filled his ears with pleasure.

  He felt her body tense under his touch. “Let go, sweetheart. Show me how good it feels.”

  “Oh God, don’t stop,” she moaned as her fingers dove into his hair. Need oozed from every inch of her taut body.