by Doporto, CM
“Okay. I’d like to introduce you to my roommate and Ryan’s girlfriend, Natalie.”
“Hi, nice to meet you. You have magnificent creativity.” Natalie shook Lynn’s hand.
“Oh thanks. I really enjoy this part of my job.” Lynn squeezed her hand and smiled.
“I think you might know my aunt, Sharon Warren?”
“Yes, as of matter of fact I do. Too bad she couldn’t make it.” Lynn checked her cell phone again.
“I know. She doesn’t like to miss a good party. I’ll have to tell her about it.”
Lynn made eye contact with her for a brief minute. “Yes, you will. Have fun tonight.” She turned to Lise. “See you in fifteen.” Lynn made it obvious that she didn’t have time to chit-chat with her.
“Thanks, I will.” Natalie smiled and watched as Lynn frantically ran across the room over to the stage.
Natalie looked around for Ryan, but didn’t see him. The room quickly filled with employees all dressed up and showing off their elaborate feathered masks. She took out her phone and decided to text Ryan. She stopped when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
“I’m looking for a beautiful young lady by the name of Miss Natalie Vega. Have you seen her by chance?”
Chills ran up her spine. “That depends.” Natalie turned around, holding her mask up to her face, trying to downplay her excitement.
“Depends on what?”
“If you are the right guy behind that mask.”
He reached up and slowly lifted his gold and green mask. “Heelllooo beautiful.”
She moved her mask to the side. “Hi. I’ve missed you.”
He took her in his arms. “I’ve missed you too.” He drew his lips to hers and the second their lips touched, another wave of dizziness hit her. She squeezed her eyes shut and willed it to go away. Within a few seconds, it subsided.
“You two need to get a room.” Lise scolded.
Natalie quickly pulled back, feeling a flush of heat across her face.
“Hey, don’t encourage them.” Sal walked up and gave Lise a kiss on the cheek. “You look, amazing.” He took a step back, taking in her full outfit.
Lise did a quick pose and held her mask up to her face. “Thanks. So do you. Put your mask on. I want to see what you look like.” She pointed to the mask that hung around his neck.
“Oh come on. I don’t want to put on this stupid mask.” He rolled his eyes.
“Please, for me?” Lise fluttered her eyelashes at him. Her eyes sparkled and Sal’s eyes twinkled with delight. He held the black mask up to his face. It was obvious that Lise had him wrapped around her little finger.
“Are you happy now?” He let out a charming smile.
“Damn, you’re hot.” Lise snapped her teeth at him, then growled and winked.
“Okay, now you two need to get a room.” Natalie turned to Ryan and shook her head. “Hey, there’s Dr. Kronberg and Franz. Do you all want to meet them?” She glanced back at her friends who all nodded.
She led them to the other side of the ballroom. “Excuse me, Dr. Kronberg… Franz.”
The doctor turned around. “Yes. Oh, hello Natalie. You look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you and you look handsome yourself.” Dr. Kronberg wore a traditional tuxedo but no mask. Even if he had worn one, it would have been easy to spot the white haired scientist.
“Thank you dear.”
Franz turned around, chewing on his nails. He gave Natalie a flat smile and barely let out a, “Hello.”
“Hi Franz,” Natalie replied with a cordial smile.
Franz had on a blue velvet tuxedo coat and shiny black pants that looked like something from the 70’s. Springs of red curls stuck out in every direction, covering his blue and black sequined mask on top of his head. His eyes surveyed Natalie and her friends, growing big until the darkness covered the white of his eyes.
“I’d like to introduce both of you to a few of my friends who are also interning at the company. This is Ryan and Lise.” They shook the doctor’s hand. Franz nodded and waved instead of offering to shake their hands. “They are both in the marketing department and this is Sal. He’s interning in the technology department.”
“It’s a real pleasure to meet you both.” Lise gave the doctor a friendly shake and then smiled at Franz.
Sal extended his hand forward. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Kronberg.” He then turned to Franz, “You too.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you. I take it you all are enjoying your internship and learning?” The doctor took his time, making eye contact with each of her friends.
“Excuse me. It was nice to meet all of you, but I have something I need to do.” Franz walked off, not waiting for anyone to respond.
The doctor turned and said, “Okay, see you later Franz.”
Everyone looked at each other, probably thinking the same thing. Franz was a complete freak-a-zoid.
Sal didn’t hesitate to speak up. “Yes. The company has a very impressive technology department. It’s great to be able to work here.”
“I’m glad you like it.” The doctor replied.
Ryan held up his hand and did a quick sweep of the room. “The marketing department spares no expense when it comes to celebrating. It’s amazing what we have been able to do here.”
The doctor nodded and smiled. “Lynn does like to go all out.”
A distinguished man wearing a black and silver mask that perfectly matched his salt and pepper hair strode up to them. “Good evening. Is everyone ready to have a good time tonight?”
Natalie immediately recognized the voice that edged on arrogance. It had to be none other than, Russ Hayle, CEO and President of Kronberg Laboratories. He let out a sneering smile and his blue eyes pierced through his mask and landed directly on her.
“Hello Russ. Yes, I think these interns are ready, to get the party started, shall we say?” The doctor’s eyes darted back and forth between them and Russ.
They all smiled at him and let out a laugh or two. The doctor adjusted his metal frame glasses and cleared his throat a few times. “I’d like for you to meet my newest intern, Natalie Vega.”
Natalie extended her hand confidently and waited for Mr. Hayle to shake hers.
“Nice to meet you Natalie.” He reached out and took her hand in his and shook it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hayle.”
“Please, call me Russ.” He placed his other hand on top of her hand. He squeezed with both of his hands, giving her a more than friendly handshake.
“Sure… R--u--ss.” She stumbled on the words, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the way he held on to her hands. When she tried to pull her hand back he only held on to it tighter, not letting go.
“I’ve heard wonderful things about you.” His eyes widened and traveled up and down her body. His gaze lingered on her exposed breasts, sending an eerie chill down her arms, causing every hair to stand on end.
She yanked her hand away. “That’s good to know. I guess I have Dr. Kronberg to thank.” She turned to the doctor, eager to break away from Russ’ unsettling stare.
“Yes. I’ve told him what a great scientist you will be one day. I know a superstar when I see one.”
“Thank you.” She held up her mask in front of her chest, trying to cover it.
“Hi, I’m Ryan, Natalie’s boyfriend and this is Sal and Lise.” He stuck out his hand and gave Russ a manly shake. “We all intern here and were talking about how impressed we are with all the company does to celebrate.”
Natalie breathed a sigh of relief. Ryan had come to her rescue.
“That is good to know.” Russ shook their hands but didn’t show much interest in meeting them.
The lights dimmed and a band started off with a top-forty song. “It looks like the party is underway. Have fun tonight.” He turned to Dr. Kronberg and patted him on the back. “We’ll talk later.”
“You kids have a good time. Natalie, see you Tuesday.” Dr. Kronberg gave
a small wave bye.
“See you on Tuesday,” Natalie replied.
“Sorry guys, I’ve got work to do.” Lise turned to Sal. “I’ll be back shortly.”
“That’s why I volunteered to help earlier.” Ryan put his arm around Natalie. “I wanted to be able to enjoy the party.”
“I should have done the same. Oh well.” Lise shrugged her shoulders.
“Hopefully you won’t have to do too much. See you in a bit.” Sal replied watching Lise walk off.
“I got us a table.” Ryan pointed to a table with a reserved sign that faced the dance floor.
“Cool. I’m going to get a drink. Want anything?” Sal took a step in the opposite direction.
“Sure, I’ll take a Coke Zero.” Natalie replied.
Ryan placed his mask inside his coat jacket. “I’ll have the same. Thanks, man.”
“Alright.” Sal trailed off, making his way through the crowded ballroom.
They walked over towards the table when Ryan stopped and motioned with his head. “Look up.”
“Wow! How are they doing that?” Images of fire danced across the ceiling bringing it to life with the beat of the music.
“It’s a laser projecting the images. Cool, right?” His eyes followed the flames, watching it stretch across the ceiling.
“It’s awesome.”
“I suggested it to Lynn.” He smiled and tugged on the lapel of his tuxedo coat.
She held on to his arm, watching the flames dance. “Really? I’m glad she took your suggestion.”
“Me too. Come on, let’s go dance.” Ryan put his arm around her and led her to the dance floor.
***
The fast music turned into a slow ballad and the dance floor thinned out. “I need a break.” Natalie took a few deep breaths, wiping the sweat trickling down her forehead with her hand.
“One more dance?” He pulled her in his arms.
She sighed. “I’m all sweaty.”
“Please?” His stare was imploring and she couldn’t refuse.
“Alright, since it’s a slow dance.” She took another deep breath, trying to slow her heart rate.
He held her close and whispered in her ear. “Thank you.”
His hot breath left goose bumps all long her neckline. She squirmed, adjusting her corset. “I can’t breathe in this dress.”
“Do you need mouth to mouth resuscitation? I can do that ya know.”
She stared into his golden brown eyes. “I don’t know about resuscitation, but I’d love for you to undo this darn corset.”
His eyes widened with delight. “I can definitely do that.” He reached up and brushed her lower lip with his thumb.
She puckered and kissed his thumb slowly and sensuously, forgetting about her struggle to breathe.
He growled low in his throat. “I’m dying to kiss every part of your sexy and voluptuous body.”
“Mmmm, will you please?”
He leaned into her ear and whispered, “I’ll do whatever you want baby.”
His sexy voice awoke every nerve ending. She imagined him kissing every part of her. The thought sent shivers through her entire body. The word control crept into her mind. Before she could push back, Ryan trailed soft, sensuous kisses right below her ear down the nape of her neck. His other hand glided down her back, leaving a stream of sparks that caused her body to pulse with desire. The intensity of the sensation traveled up and down her body creating a hum of energy that buzzed between them. His scent filled the air and she closed her eyes, relishing his alluring aroma of sandalwood and bergamot.
When she opened her eyes her head throbbed and she swayed back. “Oh no, not again.” She held onto Ryan tightly, trying to steady her balance. This time it was more intense. Her head wobbled around like a bobble head doll and the floor moved fast under her feet.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” He held onto her, making sure she didn’t fall back.
“Ummm, I don’t know.” A surge of heat rushed to her cheeks and her body turned hot with fever. “I need to sit down.”
He guided her to the table. “Do you want some water?”
“Yeah.” Natalie nodded.
“Is everything okay?” Sean asked when Natalie sat down.
“She got dizzy. Is there any water?” Ryan looked around the table.
“Paul went to the bar to get some for us. Here he comes now, with a waitress right behind him. I’ll find an empty glass.” Sean got up.
“Here’s one.” Katie, one of the interns from the lab, handed Sean a glass. “She doesn’t look so good. Maybe you should take her outside or something.”
Natalie turned to Katie. “I’ll be fine. I think I got overheated wearing this heavy dress.” She picked up a napkin and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
“I need water please.” Sean gave the glass to the waitress, urging her to fill it.
Paul, who also interned in Marketing with Lise and Ryan, looked at them with confusion. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
Sean handed the water to Ryan and then turned to Paul. “She got overheated or something.”
“Sip it slowly.” Ryan handed her the glass of ice water.
She took a sip and then held onto the cold glass of water. The coldness felt good against her hot, sweaty hand.
Paul took a seat next to her. “My mom’s a nurse, may I?” He held up his hand.
She nodded. “I think it’s this darn corset. I can’t breathe.”
He placed his hand on her forehead. “My God child, you are burning up. You’re definitely overheated.” Paul sighed, fanning himself. “You’re making me hot just sitting next to you. And I don’t mean hot like that.” He rolled his eyes and loosened the bow tie around his neck.
“I hope not.” Sean narrowed his eyes at Paul.
Natalie wanted to laugh but didn’t have the breath to. It was all crystal clear to her now. Paul and Sean had a thing for one another. How did she miss that? She felt like a complete fool for thinking Sean liked her. At least she didn’t have to worry about that any more.
Ryan pressed his lips together and his eyes narrowed. He leaned closer to her. “You’ve been having these dizzy spells off and on since we met. Have you gone to the doctor?”
“No.” Natalie’s head dropped. This was not like her to avoid a potential serious problem.
He took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “Why not?” Ryan had never gotten mad at her but she knew he wasn’t happy with her.
“I don’t know. Maybe because it hasn’t been consistent. It’s only happened a few times.” Natalie picked up a program lying on the table and fanned herself.
“I think you need to go see your doctor first thing Monday or go to the university health center.” He brushed her hair back away from her face and his voice softened. “Natalie, please don’t ignore your health. What if this is something serious?”
“I know. I promise I’ll call first thing Monday. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Oh no, I feel sick,” she muttered under her breath.
“What’s wrong?” Ryan leaned his ear closer to her.
“I have to go to the bathroom. I think I’m going to throw up.” She eased her way up and grabbed her purse.
“I hope you feel better,” Sean said.
“Let us know if you need anything, Ryan,” Paul added.
“Thanks guys.” Ryan guided Natalie through the crowd to the nearest bathroom. Luckily, a waitress directed them to a single bathroom where she could have some privacy.
He tried to follow her into the bathroom but she turned and said, “Please, I need to be by myself.”
He stepped back hesitantly. “Okay. I’ll be right outside if ya need me.”
She nodded and shut the door. Immediately, she fell down to her knees, shaking and sweating profusely. She burned with fever and couldn’t seem to catch her breath. She wanted to rip the tapestry dress off of her body. She reached up behind her and managed to loosen up the lacing. She took a deep breath and l
ay face down on the cold marble floor, praying for the nausea to stop.
“Oh my God,” she shrieked when a piercing pain struck her entire body. She curled up into a fetal position. Every part of her hurt and ached to the point it felt like she was dying. She moaned and cried out in desperation for the pain to stop.
“Natalie, are you okay?” Ryan asked through the heavy wood door.
She managed to speak. “Yeah, I’ll be okay. I need to lie here for a while. Please… go away.”
“Are you sure?”
“Go away,” she moaned.
“I’m going to stay right here, in case you need me.”
“No, I’ll be okay.” She cried out, unable to hide the tears of pain.
“Alright, I’ll be back to check on you.”
The pain, like nothing she had ever felt before, penetrated through every muscle and joint in her body. She bit down on her lip to keep from moaning out loud, but the intense pain made it impossible to keep silent.
Heat rose from her feet and traveled up her body to her lungs. Thick and hot, it extinguished all her air until she gasped for her breath. Her body jerked and shook, convulsing out of control. Sweat poured out of her pores in puddles and her eyes burned with fever.
Slowly, she raised her hand up to wipe the mascara and sweat burning her eyes. She blinked a few times, struggling to focus on her hand quivering in front of her face. It glowed red and orange with fire.
“Natalie, are you okay?” Lise tapped on the door.
It took a second for Natalie to comprehend what her eyes were seeing.
“Natalie?” Lise continued to call for her.
“Natalie, can Lise come in and check on you?” Ryan spoke through the door.
She tried to talk but nothing came out. She tried again. “I’m okay,” she croaked.
That was far from the truth. She wasn’t okay. Something was definitely wrong with her.
“Are you sure? Can I come in?” Lise tried to open the door.
When Natalie heard the doorknob turn, she rushed to the door. She couldn’t remember if she locked it. She turned the knob slowly and sighed when it refused to move.
“Damn, that’s hot!” Lise shrieked.
