"You know how to find us when you're ready to play instead of talk business," another woman pouted at him. He couldn't even remember her name. He needed to make it known soon he was no longer available, although he knew that wouldn't stop most of the women he was used to dealing with. He walked away and forgot all about them as soon as he left.
He kept his eyes on Nicole, feeling a clenching in his gut, as he tried to figure out what she was thinking of the party. He knew it was so far removed from her normal life she was most likely uncomfortable.
He was stopped several times on his way over towards her and had to fight to not growl at the continued interruptions. He wanted to get to her before she decided to slip away. He wouldn't be able to play out his game if she were to run away and change. After all it was a masquerade; the night was about secrets and romance.
He ignored the next couple of people who tried to stop him and made a beeline toward Nicole. Damn, she was so unlike the stick figure women surrounding him. She had on a fitted black dress, showing off her luscious hips and impressive br**sts to perfection. Her stomach was flat and her legs seemed to go on forever. She was wearing a pair of high heels that only enhanced those gorgeous legs. He would definitely make sure his cousin's spouses took her out shopping more often, since he greatly liked the affect.
He wanted to see her dark hair released from the bun it was currently tied in. He wanted to rip the mask off her features and see her flawless skin but then the mystery of the game would fade away.
"How are you this evening?" he asked her from behind, as he finally made his way to her darkened corner. He had to fight the smile as her entire body stiffened for a moment as she slowly turned to face him. He felt another clench in his gut as she looked at him with her incredible blue eyes enhanced by make-up to look even more exotic than ever before. The part of her face he could see was stunning, as usual. Let the games begin.
Nicole looked at Ryan and forgot how to speak for a moment. He was seriously the sexiest guy she'd ever encountered before, even with the mask, or maybe because of it. He towered over her own five and a half foot height, making her have to look upward. He had broad shoulders, shown to perfection beneath the custom made black suit. He'd been gorgeous as a teenager but the man before her was simply breathtaking.
His full lips were tilted up in a smile that seemed to be hiding some kind of a secret. His intense green eyes were looking at her as if she was his next conquest and she found the idea wasn't unpleasant. She saw his hand lifting towards her mask and quickly took a step backwards.
"I'm wonderful and yourself?" she finally managed to answer him, with what she hoped was the proper amount of mystery.
"I'm much better now that I've managed to find you. Have we met before?" he asked. She couldn't figure out what he was playing at but she found she was intrigued. She knew he had no doubts about who she was but for some reason, he wanted to play a game. She was willing to play along for a while, especially after her glass of champagne. She also had added confidence from her clothes and expertly applied make-up.
"I believe I'd remember meeting you but isn't the whole point of a masquerade to remain a mystery?" she asked him. She was surprised by the quivering in her stomach, which didn't seem to be subsiding. She had to admit she was still attracted to Ryan and his admiration was stroking her ego.
"Ah yes, a masquerade is full of mystery but I'm finding I really want to see what's behind your mask," he said, putting his full amount of charm behind the words. The longer they played their game, the more aroused he was getting. He couldn't ever remember wanting a woman as much as he wanted her. He forgot his cousins were even in the room and completely forgot about all the other party goers. He had eyes for only Nicole.
"Haven't you heard you don't always get what you want?" she said with a full smile. She knew she needed to make an excuse and get away from him but she found she was enjoying the flirting. What could it harm, anyway? She could put all their problems behind her for one night. He wouldn't try anything at the party and she could go back to being distant when the bell chimed midnight but for now she felt like Cinderella, which made her daring and bold.
"Actually, no one has told me 'no' for about twelve years," he answered. He watched her eyes widen as she realized he was serious and she'd been the last person to tell him no. He found it unbelievably erotic she wasn't afraid to stand up to him. He loved her spark and he loved that she wasn't willing to cower at his feet. It was never fun to chase someone when they weren't willing to run.
"Well then I think it's about time you were told you can't have something you want," she said with a seductive smile. She then turned and started to walk away. Ryan was so stunned he almost let her go. He felt the grin spread across his features and was shocked to find he was suddenly having a very good time. He quickly caught up to her at the edge of the dance floor and without saying a word he pulled her into his arms.