Sociopath's Obsession(3)

The stranger came into the bright moonlight and my heart stopped.

He was tall, above 6 foot 5. His broad shoulders fit perfectly in the tight jacket he had on, and although muscular, lean would describe his body better. His hair was in a bun behind his head. A mask covered half of his face, leaving only his beautiful amber eyes staring at me and his full lips begging to be kissed.

The energy around him made my stomach flutter, and something deep within me yearned for his touch. Had I found that one person in the world who could be it for me?

Where the hell did that thought come from? Those two glasses of champagne to calm my nerves before the event clearly were a mistake.

And more importantly, who was he? I’d never met him before. I took a step back and he raised his brow.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” His voice was like the rarest music, husky and soul-shattering. In my twenty-two years, I’d never reacted like that to a man.

“I’m just surprised to see anyone here; that’s all.” He extended his hand to me. Without thinking, I gave it to him, and his lips gently pressed on my skin in the lightest of kisses. With that one touch, desire so profound ran through me, making it hard to contain a moan. When his eyes rose to mine, something flashed through them, but it was quick and impossible to catch. For a second, no one spoke. The air between us was electrified. Licking my lips, I finally asked, “Who are you?”

His mouth spread in a sinister smile.“Isn’t that the whole point of a masquerade ball? To not know anything about anyone?”

I nodded while I tried to swallow the disappointment.

You just freaking met him, woman; get a grip!

“Probably.” My hoarse reply made him squeeze my hand harder, and then he let go.

“What’s a beautiful girl like you doing outside alone?” His abrupt change of subject seemed wrong, like he was acting a part. His demeanor changed; his mouth lifted in a cocky smile.

“Just boredom.” My cheeks heated at his compliment, and for the first time, I was grateful to my mom for convincing me to wear the golden dress, which hugged me like a second skin. Made out of silk, the dress was long, ending at my feet. The back was open, and the whole ensemble emphasized my curvy body and drew attention to my breasts. When I first tried it on, showing so much skin made me angry and I flat out refused to wear it. But apparently, Dad had some important plans for me, since even he argued about the dress.

Right at this moment though, nothing brought me greater pleasure than knowing the stranger found me attractive.

He smirked then sat down next to me on the bench. A small gasp escaped me as his thigh brushed my hip; however, he showed no indication he heard it.

“Yeah, could get boring.” He still hadn’t told me his name.

“So are you a friend of the family?”

He shook his head. “Business acquaintance. One of the people your dad needs to convince he hasn’t slept with his assistant.” My mouth opened as my eyes widened at his words.

“You know who I am?” What happened to the mysterious ball thing? And how could he recognize me if I had no freaking clue who he was?

“Hard not to recognize those blue eyes, Sapphire.” A jolt ran through me at hearing my name on his tongue. He drew out my name, as though tasting the sweetest chocolate in the world and he didn't want it to disappear. I had no idea it was possible to make a name sound so delicious. Then the annoyance creeped in.

“So you know my name, but I can’t know yours?”

He froze and then nodded. “Pretty much. You don’t want to know me, sweetheart.”

Folding my arms, I glared at him. “You are pissing me off.”

His laughter filled the air, making butterflies flutter in my stomach. Seriously, who was this guy who turned me into a cheesy female?

“I understand. I don’t want to ruin the image though.” At my confused glare, he continued, “You know, meeting a stranger in the garden and liking him.” This guy was unbelievable.

“I see. Are you an expert on female fantasies or something?” A bolt of jealousy hit me at the idea of him with other women.

His face hardened. “Yes, I am, sweetheart.”

Good to know I was dealing with a serial player. Maybe that explained why my body and mind felt dizzy around him. “Good for you.”

Suddenly his hand was on my nape, turning my head to his, and our faces were inches apart. A soft gasp left my lips from surprise.

“They don’t matter.” Still shocked from his action, my eyes admired his high cheekbones. The smell of his expensive cologne went perfectly with his manly scent, which I wanted to bathe in. “No one but you,” he whispered, his thumb gently running over my lower lip. My hand rose to touch his cheek, but he stopped me, enclosing it in a tight grip with his hand. “No,” he said, and then he slowly leaned down as my lips opened, waiting and needing the kiss he was about to give me.