by Judy Corry
I got ready at Maya’s house the night of the Winter Ball, since my parents were out of town for my grandpa’s eighty-fifth birthday party. Anticipation bubbled in my stomach the whole time Maya curled my hair, and by the time the doorbell rang I was so sick with nerves I didn’t know whether I’d be able to make it through the night.
Maya opened the door and Arie stepped through the threshold with a corsage in hand. I was careful to make sure my jaw didn’t drop as I looked at him. He looked incredible. He wore a black tuxedo with a purple vest and a purple tie around his neck—matching the color of my dress precisely. It was almost as if he’d watched me buy it.
He stopped a few feet short of me, and a crooked smile crept up his lips as he studied me. “You look stunning, Emma.”
My cheeks heated at his compliment. “Thanks. You look very handsome yourself.” I noticed he didn’t seem to have his mask with him and wondered whether he’d forgotten this was a masquerade ball. I didn’t want to wear a mask if he wasn’t; that would be weird. “Where’s your mask?”
“It’s in the truck. I didn’t know if I should wear it now or wait until the dance.” He held a corsage out to me. “I, uh, brought you a corsage, though. Do girls even wear these things nowadays? Sophie told me they did.”
“Yeah.” I reached out my arm, and he placed the corsage on me. “It’s beautiful! Thank you!” I gave him a brief hug, then studied the corsage. It was made with a single, large purple rose and was unlike any corsage I’d ever seen. It had little jewels on it that resembled little leaves with plastic stems and the band was an actual purple bracelet that I could wear long after the flower dried up. I loved it!
Maya walked over to admire the corsage. “That is pretty! You have good taste, Arie.”
I stepped to the mantle and grabbed the boutonniere I had for Arie. “I got you this.”
“Nice.” Arie smiled and held out the lapel of his jacket for me to pin it onto. “I think this is the right side for it.”
“It is.” My fingers trembled as I attempted to pin the white rose to his jacket. After fumbling for a minute, I got it secured.
Maya picked up the camera her mom had set on the couch. “Let’s get a couple of pictures of you two. I promised your mom I’d take a few since she couldn’t be here this evening.”
Arie held out his arm and I placed my hand in the crook of it as we posed for a few pictures. I always felt awkward taking pictures for dances. I smiled and hoped it looked like a normal smile. I was so nervous that my facial muscles quivered as I tried to turn the corners of my mouth up. I hoped Arie didn’t notice.
I knew I shouldn’t be so anxious since I’d spent plenty of time alone with Arie. I think I was just nervous because this was an actual date.
The lights were turned down low, and music filled the air as Arie and I walked into the university’s ballroom where the Winter Ball was being held. I glanced around at our surroundings. The dance floor took up most of the space, and there were tall columns along the outer edge, wrapped with twinkling lights, which held up the second story balcony. The dance committee had outdone themselves this time. It was breathtaking.
I spotted Kathryn and Conner dancing close by and waved to them.
Arie led me to the middle of the crowded dance floor. Peering at me through his black Venetian mask, he asked, “Would you like to dance?”
“I’d love to.” I took a few steps to close the gap between us. Arie placed his arms around my waist, and I wrapped mine behind his neck as we swayed to the music.
Nearby, Maya and Derek were dancing, too. Maya smiled at him, and he looked like he was over the moon. I was surprised at how different Derek appeared all dressed up—more mature and dapper in his tuxedo. Maybe Maya really was right about him being sweet and charming, instead of cocky and argumentative like I’d always thought. I never would’ve predicted them ending up together, but after seeing it, I could believe almost anything.
After a few dances, Arie took my hand and led me to one of the tables for some refreshments. He pulled out a chair for me and then said next to my ear, “I’ll be right back with your water. Is there anything else you’d like?”
I wouldn’t mind a few minutes alone with you in some secluded alcove. “Umm, whatever you’re getting is fine,” I said instead.
I watched Arie as he walked to the refreshment table. He had a confident walk, almost a swagger. I don’t know whether he moved that way consciously, but he looked good doing it. I studied his broad shoulders and the strong lines of his body, feeling lucky to be at the dance with the best looking guy at school.
It wasn’t just his looks I was attracted to, though. Yes, he was gorgeous, but there was more to him than that. He was such a gentleman, and he always made me feel special. He was smart, always ready with a witty remark, trustworthy, patient, caring, and he also had the most amazing voice I’d ever heard.
Arie returned with water and a plate of goodies in hand—brownies and chocolate-dipped strawberries. “I recall you liked brownies.”
“Thanks. I’m surprised you remembered.” I took a small bite.
He winked at me. “I have a good memory, what can I say.”
“Oh yeah? What other things do you remember?”
“I remember the first time we met.”
“Oh no! Not that, please!” I briefly covered my eyes with my hand. “I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life! I think you need to find some way to wipe that from your memory.”
“Why?” He leaned closer, his eyes dancing with delight. “It’s okay to have accidents every now and then.” He paused. “Unless, of course, you weren’t paying attention to where you were going.”
He knew! He’d known all along that I thought he was so unbearably attractive and hadn’t been able to think straight when he was around.
“You weren’t distracted by anything now, were you?” He took a small bite from his strawberry.
“I might have been the teensiest bit distracted by something.”
“Really?” he asked, feigning surprise.
“Come on. Like you don’t know the effect you have on women.” I couldn’t meet his gaze. I might as well admit to it since he knew anyway. “The only reason I crashed my cart was because I had to catch one last glance at the cute guy I just walked by.”
“You thought I was cute then?”
“Didn’t I say that?”
“I wanted to hear you say it again.” He smiled wickedly at me.
“And what did you think of me the first time we met? Did you think I was a complete ditz?” I asked.
“Not a complete ditz.” When he saw me scowl, he added, “Come on, I’m kidding. No, I didn’t think you were a ditz. I thought you were a sweet damsel in distress who needed some assistance from the dashing new guy in town.” He crumpled his napkin into a ball and tossed it on the table.
“Okay, that’s better.” I nudged him in the side. “As long as you thought I was sweet.”
When a slow song started, Arie pointed to the balcony above us and asked, “Do you want to go up there for this song?”
I nodded. I had hoped for a secluded alcove earlier, but a balcony would do. Arie placed a hand on my lower back as he guided me past the chaperones and climbed the staircase at the back of the room. When we made it to the top, I saw the balcony was empty. No one else had thought of sneaking up there yet.
Perfect.
If we stood near the edge of the balcony, we would be able to see everyone dancing below, but if we stayed closer to the wall of windows, it would almost be as if we were the only couple at the dance.
We opted for the more private area, away from the railing.
Arie pulled me into his arms, holding me so my body was pressed against his as we danced.
He looked down at me with a coy smile on his lips and said, “Is this the time where I’m supposed to whisper sweet nothings in your ear?”
I smiled and nodded, curious about what he’d do next.
Arie moved his
mouth next to my ear. His warm breath sent chills down my spine as he whispered, “Sweet nothings, sweet nothings, sweet nothings.”
I giggled and slapped his chest. “Oh, Arie, you are smooth. Is that what you say to all your dates?”
“No, just the ones I like.” He winked.
I tried to catch my breath, hoping he wouldn’t hear the sudden pounding in my chest. I’d hoped for so long that Arie would like me, and now that he’d said as much, I was tongue-tied and didn’t know what to say or do. Somehow, with all that was going on in my head, I managed to dance without tripping over my own feet.
The song had reached the final chorus when Arie started singing the words to the song, his warm breath causing goose bumps to rush along my neck and arms.
He was serenading me! I hugged him closer as he sang, not wanting the song to ever end. It felt amazing to be so close to him, held tight against his muscular body as we danced. But the song ended, and I reluctantly let go of him as he loosened his arms, which had been wrapped around my waist.
He removed the mask from his face, placing it on top of his head, and then he touched the mask on my face. “Do you mind?” he asked, as he peeled the mask off.
“No, I don’t mind.” Anticipation filled me.
“There, that’s much better.” He smiled, setting the masks to the floor. Another slow song started, and we resumed our dancing position, only he held me a little closer now. “I’m glad you decided to come with me to the dance. I wanted to ask you long before the whole thing with Brian happened at your party.”
“Really?” My voice squeaked.
He dipped his chin down. “When Maya came to warn you about Brian, I thought I missed my chance.”
I was dumbfounded but managed to say, “I’m glad to be here with you, too.”
Our faces were so close. I only needed to move slightly to close the distance between our lips. My stomach muscles tightened at the thought.
I let my eyes linger on his lips. They were so perfect. I wanted to reach out and touch them, to trace the outline of his mouth and feel the smoothness under my fingertips.
But I pulled my gaze away from his lips and stared into his deep blue eyes instead. Our eyes locked, and something of a spark reflected in his.
Could he be thinking about kissing me, too?
We stood there, staring at each other for a long moment with something growing between us, like an invisible electric charge that kept building and building as the seconds ticked by. When I didn’t think I could take it anymore, a half smile spread across Arie’s lips, and he broke eye contact.
My chest deflated.
Another moment lost.
Arie started singing along with the music again, his lips close to my ear. I contented myself with wrapping my arms more tightly behind his neck as I listened to his velvety baritone voice. When the song was almost over, Arie’s lips pressed against the spot below my ear. A rush of blood flowed through me, goose bumps prickling my skin, and my heart skipped three beats. He nuzzled into my neck, kissing me there again before pulling back. When he looked at me, his eyes were different. They were full of desire, scorching my insides.
He seemed to forget all about dancing as he placed four fingers behind my neck, his thumb caressing the skin along my jaw. A path of fire followed his touch, and then he leaned his face closer. His lips brushed against mine ever so lightly, his lips softer than anything I ever felt before. He gave me a series of slow kisses that left me breathless. He took his time, tasting each kiss, measuring each breath, causing a tidal wave of bliss to pour over me.
“Are you okay with this?” He mumbled against my mouth, his breathing shallow.
“Yes,” I gasped. And his lips moved with mine again.
I clung to him as he kissed me, thinking for sure I would faint. Thankfully, I didn’t, but I could barely breathe in my tight dress as his arms wound around me, pressing me against him.
I’m finally kissing Arie Blackwell! I’d dreamed of this moment so many times, but all my imaginings had fallen so short of the real thing. It was overwhelming! His mouth was warm, his kisses addicting.
I was pulling him even closer when one of our phones buzzed in Arie’s tuxedo pocket.
Arie pulled back. “Sorry, I have to check that. It could be my aunt.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
Couldn’t his aunt wait? I tried not to feel annoyed that our moment had been interrupted.
“It wasn’t my phone,” he said after checking. He stuffed his phone back in the pocket and pulled out mine, handing it to me.
It was the blocked number again.
I can’t believe you still came with Arie after getting my texts. He’s been following you around for weeks. You should have said yes to me when I gave you the chance.
I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand. Brian had sent those?
“What is it?” Arie leaned closer, a concerned expression on his face.
I showed him the message.
Arie clenched his jaw. “Brian’s been harassing you?”
I nodded. “I didn’t know they were from him until now. My phone always said they were from a blocked number.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Arie asked, almost impatient.
I shrugged. “I didn’t know you’d care so much.”
“Well, I do.” Arie stuffed my phone back in his pocket, grabbed my hand, and rushed me down the stairs. When we were on the dance floor again, Arie scanned the crowd. His eyes narrowed when he spotted Brian.
“I’ll just be a minute. Don’t go anywhere,” he said before leaving me alone on the dance floor. Arie headed toward Brian, who was talking to one of the chaperones for the dance, Mr. Lund. He pulled Brian aside to a corner of the room.
The fast song that had been playing soon ended, and a slow song started. I felt awkward standing in the middle of the room by myself while all the couples slow danced together, so I decided to find a bathroom to freshen up in.
When I walked out of the ballroom, the hall was empty, save for Mr. Lund who was stuffing his phone into his pocket.
“Where’s your date, Emma? Didn’t you come with Arie?” Mr. Lund asked as I got closer.
“Yeah, he had to talk to Brian about something. Figured I might as well get some air while he was busy.”
He tilted his head forward and spoke in a hushed voice. “Didn’t want to stand alone during a slow song?” He smiled as if he understood completely.
I nodded. “Guilty as charged.” I looked around the lobby. “Do you know where the nearest restroom is? I always get turned around in big places like this.”
He pointed behind him. “Just go around this corner, and then take the second left.”
“Okay, thanks.” I smiled and then headed in the direction he pointed. The hall was dimly lit, and I didn’t see any obvious signs of a restroom. Had I heard his instructions wrong?
After making it to the end of the corridor and finding no restroom, I turned to head back the way I came. But I barreled right into Mr. Lund’s chest.
“Oh, sorry, Mr. Lund,” I said, fighting the urge to scream as I jumped back. “I-I didn’t know you were behind me.”
“That was the plan,” he said before grabbing me around the waist, hoisting me over his shoulder, and running out the back exit.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
ARIE
WHERE HAD EMMA GONE? I looked back to where I’d left her but didn’t see her.
I bolted out the ballroom doors and ran down the main hall, scanning my eyes around frantically.
She wasn’t anywhere!
My head pounded as I ran into the parking lot just in time to see two men stuffing Emma in the back of a white van and driving away.
No!
I sprinted to my truck thirty yards away and started it with a shaky hand. I couldn’t let that van out of my sight.
I shouldn’t have left Emma alone for a minute. This was all my fault!
What kind of an agent was I?
I had one person to keep track of, one, and I hadn’t done that. Who knew what her kidnappers planned to do with her? I had no idea what Fenris’s plans were.
All kinds of terrible thoughts forced themselves into my mind as I chased after the white van. I pulled the phone from my pocket and called Jason.
He picked up after the first ring. “Hello?”
“They took Emma,” I said, breathing hard.
“What?” He barked. “Who? Do you know where they went?”
“I don’t know who. I’m following them.”
“Where are you? Sophie and I will try to head them off.”
“We just turned on Highway 56, headed west.”
“We’re on our way. Don’t do anything stupid,” Jason said. “We’ll get her back.”
“I’ll never forgive myself if anything happens to her.”
I hung up the phone and concentrated on my driving, gripping the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white. This road wouldn’t meet another city for miles, and I didn’t have a full tank of gas. The chase couldn’t go on forever.
I pulled my gun from its clip in back of my tuxedo pants. All I needed to do was close the distance between us to get a good shot at the tires.
I rolled down my window, and a cool breeze whipped at my face. I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, praying the freshly fallen snow wouldn’t cause me to spin out of control and lose the chance I had at catching them.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
EMMA
CHEST TIGHT, I tried to breathe inside the pillowcase, but I couldn’t get much air in. It was like trying to suck air through a straw. If I didn’t draw in a deep breath soon I would pass out.
The van made a quick turn, causing me to slide to one side. With my hands tied behind my back, I couldn’t keep myself from sliding all over the floor as the van turned with the bends in the road. My stomach turned sour, and my mind started whirling around in circles. I knew my stomach wouldn’t hold up much longer once my ears began pounding and my face flashed with heat.
