y out of breath. As he reac

he gambling room," he explained, pointing at the man I

ing in his disheveled appearan

line from the recent attempt on my life still coursing through me

haos, I walked past him, ma

, noticing the fear etched on her face. I wasn't expecting her to be this frightened

like that." She sai

tel, Me

luxurious Bentley Mulsanne. They had just arrived at the hotel wh

e". She said, her v

s windows sealing shut, but Claire, with

he beckoned, reach

duced an invitation card, a glimme

soirée of elegance and allure. And you, Marcel, will be my chosen companion for the night,"

He collected the invitation, while still wondering if she was inviting him o

rocess his though

a chance to get a good deal," she teased, a playful smile gracing her l

he whispered, blowing a te

ther thinking when he tried to match me up with her? S

about it," h

f perfect teeth before turning around and di

and bold, and he s

the car to hit the road, the engine purrin

w: A few hours before

splayed all the scars I've earned over the years, each one a story of its own. Tattoos were unnecessary; th

e red wine in hand, a rich Merlot, my favorit

ing the masked party?" he m

. "Why?" I inquired as I stepped out, not

I moved over to him, took th

ake," he pleaded, to which I just smile

. "This is so good," I exclaimed. At this point, all I wanted was

rom now, and you're still BARE." he said those last words w

It's nothing special to me

you attendin

happened to have an invitation a

tone, "I hope you aren't t

an?" I asked, g

e". he

who her father is. We don't need any trouble, get your eyes off her and stay clear of Claire. There are other girls out t

hat I finally got to see her? She's an adult and can handle herself, if she wants a taste of what I have to offer..." I said, pointing to myself "who am I to deny her?" I added, purposely trying to push Sebastian's buttons. I was

hardened, his concern t

.." he said, continuing to ramble on, but my full focus was on my target. The moment I noticed he

me, he must have finally caught on

asquerad

legance, where the crystal chandelier danced on the mas

added a touch of mystique, I caught sight of Claire, he

ht blue with delicate lace de

planting soft kisses on each ch

to show up as my date"

honor your invitation but not as your date

had just said as she quic

n bat an eye. She had so much energy in her. She was really a happy one.

d her back, the other holding her hand softly, as w

you?" I dec

t on and on speaking, she was a total blabbermouth. In that split sec

g moment, my eye