Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
MASON
I glare at the man taking pictures with Tara. Who the fuck is that guy? Could he be a friend of hers that she didn’t know was going to attend the masquerade, too?
He has to be someone she just met, though. When he sat next to her during dinner, she didn’t seem to know him.
Yes, I’ve been keeping an eye on her. Not as much as I would have liked, as I had to attend to a security concern, which turned out to be a false alarm. I want to make sure she’s not getting hassled like she was on the boat.
Clearly, she doesn’t mind this new man, who didn’t make much effort with his attire. While she seemed cold towards him earlier, they’re now laughing together. And I find myself wanting to butt in and whisk her away.
Crazy.
I shake my head as I watch Tara and her new friend hurry to the Dome. That means it’s time for me to move along. Nothing good will come out of reviving old feelings. Tara still hates me, even though she seems to like Romeo a lot. Unfortunately, Romeo can only ever be the masked one to her.
Funny how even after ten years of not seeing her, I still feel like this. Is it because I still can’t shake off my guilt, or is it because I still have feelings for her after all this time?
My smartwatch vibrates, and I’m relieved by the distraction from my thoughts.
Norman has sent me a message. He and the other guys haven’t seen anyone suspicious hanging around Odette’s party.
Damn. Eric’s spies had probably pulled back, seeing that Tara wasn’t on the showboat. Still, I ask Norman to continue watching Odette and her friends.
My stomach grumbles, and I realise I forgot to eat on the boat. Guess why? Yes. I couldn’t keep my mind off Tara. But I’m starving now, and I need something to drink.
The food vendors situated in one of the exhibition halls are too busy, so I decide to go out to a fast food outlet nearby.
The cool air outside is a welcome change from the relative heat inside the Dome. I take my masks off, contemplating whether I should just go home after I eat something. Tara doesn’t need me anymore. She has that guy—whoever he is—to keep her from unwanted attention. Ugh.
I get to the food outlet and notice two young women wearing ballgowns. Their masks are on the table as they eat burgers. Why are they still out here?
“Hi, ladies,” I say. “The concert has started, in case you didn’t know.”
“Oh, we’re not attending anymore,” answers the brunette. “We sold our tickets.”
“We’re not scalpers,” says the blonde hurriedly. “But a guy offered us an insane amount for our tickets just as we were about to go in.”
Her friend chuckles. “We just couldn’t say no. Plus, he seemed desperate.”
“And so thankful,” adds Miss Blonde. “He probably didn’t expect anyone to sell their tickets to him because he wasn’t even in a costume.”
“He did have a Robin mask,” says Miss Brunette.
I frown. “A Robin mask?”
“Yes. You know, Batman and Robin?” She turns to her friend. “Did you see if he was with anyone?”
“No. He has to be with someone, though. Why else would he buy two tickets?”
My heart thuds hard. “So, this guy just approached you and offered to buy your tickets just like that?”
They both nod.
“We’re not gonna get in trouble, are we?” asks Miss Blonde. “I didn’t see any signs that said no scalpers allowed. Plus, like we said, we weren’t planning on selling our tickets.”
“No, you’re good. Thank you.” I head straight back to the Dome, ignoring my hunger. The person who bought the women’s tickets sounded like the “Robin” who befriended Tara. What if he’s Eric’s spy?
Or he could be totally innocent and just a massive fan of one of the acts playing tonight.
But I’m not about to let this go without investigating it further. How do I go about it, though?
I decide to call Odette, but her phone just keeps ringing. After two more tries, I call Norman.
“Hey, boss,” Norman answers. “What’s up?”
“Hey. I’m trying to call Odette, but she’s not answering. Can you find her for me? I need to talk to her.”
“Sure thing. I’m not far from her group. Wanna wait?”
“Yes. Thanks.” I hear music, applause, and cheering in the background while I wait for Norman to find Odette. A few moments later, my cousin is on the phone.
“Hey, Mason!” she said cheerfully.
“Hi! Enjoying yourselves?”
“You bet! We’re having so much fun! Where are you?”
“Um, I’m working. Hey, you know how we want to find Eric’s spies?”
“You found them?” she asks excitedly.
“No, not yet. Can you do me a favour, though? Can you and all your friends there send me the pictures you took before the showboat left the dock? I only want the ones that show other people in the background.”
“This is to help find Eric’s spies?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll ask them when the show finishes.”
“No, Odette. Ask them right now, please.”
“Right now?”
“Yes. The sooner, the better. It shouldn’t take long. Like I said, I only need the ones you took before the showboat left the dock and that have people not belonging to your party.”
“Right, I got it. Does this mean you have leads?”
I take a deep breath, hoping I do. “I’m trying to determine that.”
“Okay, I’ll ask everyone now.”
“Thanks. Get them to send the pics to you first, and then you can send them all to me. That way, I only need to check your messages.”
“All right. Bye.”
“Bye.” I hang up, hoping Odette does treat this request with urgency.
Just as I arrive back at the Dome’s entrance, I start receiving photos from Odette. I scrutinise each of them, carefully checking the people in the background. I’m hoping to see Tara’s new friend, but he’s not in any of them.
I send Odette a thank you text, slide my phone back into my trousers pocket, and put both my masks back on. Then I swiftly make my way back inside. Whether or not underdressed Robin is Eric’s minion, I’m still going to remove Tara from his presence. Better safe than sorry.
The music is almost deafening, and I’m not sure how I’m going to find Tara and her newfound companion in the sea of masks and costumes. After minutes of searching, I finally spot them dancing to the upbeat music.
A pang of jealousy hits me as I watch them twirl and move in sync. They seem to be getting along well. And Tara looks like she’s genuinely having fun, a sight that both warms my heart and stirs up an undeniable sense of possessiveness.
Just as I’m contemplating my next move, the lively music transitions into a slow melody that fills the room with a romantic atmosphere. This is my chance. Taking a deep breath to steel myself, I approach the pair.
“Mind if I cut in?” I interject, offering Tara a warm smile as her friend steps back, looking slightly surprised.
Tara’s eyes widen, momentarily caught off guard. Then her face breaks into a smile. “No. Of course, not.” She turns to the other guy. “Is that okay, Arpi?”
Ah, good. I have Robin’s real name.
“Sure, no problem,” Arpi says graciously. “I need a drink anyway. I’ll see you later, okay?”
Tara nods before locking eyes with me.
I step closer to her and clasp her hand, feeling a surge of elation mixed with nervous excitement. As I wrap my other arm around her and we begin to dance to the slow, romantic melody, I can’t help but get lost in her captivating gaze. It’s like the world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us swaying to the music.
Her body warmth against me sends a shiver down my spine, and I find myself unable to look away from her luminous eyes. I swear there’s an unspoken connection between us, a magnetic pull that seems to draw us closer with every step we take on the dance floor.
Not in my wildest dreams have I imagined I’d be holding her this close again. And still, all the cells in my body yearn to be even closer. Much, much closer.
Applause rings all around us as the band stops playing. Already?
Reluctantly, I release Tara, returning to reality as the lead singer announces a short break before the next act starts.
“Thank you,” she says, eyes wide. “That was…nice.”
I nod, everything about me agreeing wholeheartedly. “It was.”
“I’m thirsty. Do you want to get a drink?”
“Sure.” I’m glad it’s me she’s asking and not Arpi, who’s nowhere in sight. Thank God for that.
“Oh, wow,” Tara says when we get to where the drinks vendors are. Very long lines have formed for their booths.
“What would you like?” I ask.
“I only want a Coke,” she says hesitantly, eyeing the queue.
“You wanna get it outside instead? It might be faster.”
“Good idea.”
I honestly didn’t plan it, but as we make our way out of the building, I’m holding Tara’s hand. Again .
Oh, what’s the point in denying it? She still has my heart, no matter how much time has passed.
But I can’t do anything about it.
I ignore the pinching in my chest. Since my chances of getting back together with her are non-existent, I’m just going to enjoy each moment in her company that I’m surprisingly blessed with. What else can I do?
A cool breeze hits us as we step outside, and I notice Tara shiver a little. I take off my cape and wrap it around her shoulders. It’s big enough that she can use it as a cloak. “There you go,” I murmur.
“Thank you,” she says.
And there’s that sweet smile again that makes me want to plant a kiss on her mouth.
I fill my lungs with air, pressing my lips together to alleviate my need. “Let’s go over there.” I point towards the direction of the fast food outlet I went to earlier.
Tara nods, slipping her hand into mine. Well, I can’t blame myself for that! I’m sure she feels this intense attraction between us, too. And it means so much to me that she doesn’t even know what I look like.
God, it’s killing me that I can’t go beyond handholding!
I force myself to chill. I’m just here with a friend. Nothing else is going to happen.
We get to the fast food outlet. While the place looks full, there’s no line for the cashiers.
“Do you want something else with your drink? A burger, perhaps?” I ask.
Tara shakes her head. “I already had dinner. Did you have anything to eat?”
My stomach decides to be heard, grumbling loudly. “That’s your answer right there,” I say with a laugh.
“You poor thing. Get a burger! I’ll sit with you while you devour it.”
How can I say no to that?
I buy the items while Tara looks for an empty seat. When I receive our order, she’s still looking for a table.
“There are benches outside,” I suggest. “As long as you won’t be too cold.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Across the street from the eateries are a row of tables and benches overlooking the big Olympic Stadium. It’s the perfect spot because it’s quiet right now, probably because people prefer to be inside where it’s warmer. Most importantly, I’m able to choose a table furthest from a lamppost. The lack of light should help prevent her from discovering who I am after I take my bottom mask off so I can eat my food. I also sit next to her so that we’re not facing each other.
“You met a friend tonight,” I can’t help but comment as I dig into my burger.
“You mean Arpi? I don’t think I can call him a friend because I won’t be seeing him after tonight.”
My heart does a little dance.
“I don’t intend to give out my phone number to anyone tonight,” she adds.
“Right.” That’s good.
“What about you?”
I raise my brows. “Me?”
“Oh, I forgot. You’re working, so you’re being a professional.”
“Well, technically, I’m off the clock,” I say with a chuckle. “The head of security at the Dome is a friend of mine, and I volunteered for an hour tonight so I can go in. I don’t have a ticket.”
She bumps her side against mine. “Sneaky and smart.”
“I know.”
“Well, you better eat fast or you’ll miss the next band.”
“It’s okay. They’re not my favourite.” And I’d rather stay here with you.
“They’re not my favourite, either. I just want to see the Glowing Devils. But…”
“But?” I prompt.
She shrugs shyly. “I don’t mind missing them. It’s nice sitting here with you.”
My heart expands. “Yeah, it is,” I murmur.
Tara takes a long, deep breath. “I like this…talking to you out here with just the two of us. It’s like a date that’s going well. Not that I’m asking you for a date. I still don’t want us to take our masks off. But…it’s just nice to feel like I can be as adventurous as I want tonight. It’s not something I expect to ever experience back home.”
I frown. “I’m sorry that you feel so constricted.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I love my job. I care about my community so much, and I’m honoured to…do what I do. I love living there and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.”
She takes a long sip of her drink. “But I don’t have a satisfying dating life there. I’m just very picky. Plus, because of my job, I don’t want to indulge in one-night stands with men and be the subject of gossip. It’s the price I pay for being a well-known figure in a small town.”
“Maybe you should start masquerade parties like Masks On there,” I tease.
Tara laughs. “That’s an idea.” She shifts so she’s facing me. “Romeo, I don’t usually proposition men. But tonight, I feel a kind of freedom that I might never ever feel again. Remember when I said on the boat that I don’t want life to pass me by without experiencing some things?”
I nod, my heart galloping so hard that I can feel the pulsing in my ear.
Tara shuts her eyes. When she opens them again, they’re blazing. “Will you have a one-night stand with me?” she asks.
Fuck, yes. Let’s go! My cock is instantly ready.
But I’m tongue-tied. Sleeping together means taking off our masks. Yes, we can probably leave them on, but hell, if I’m going to make love to Tara—and I’ll need to remember to call her Juliet—the masks will get in the way of doing it well. I won’t be able to kiss her or lick her properly if I have my upper mask on. It’ll be too much in the way.
Tara places a hand over her mouth. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry. I thought you wouldn’t mind.”
Oh, shit. She misunderstood my silence.
“No, no,” I say hastily. “I’m all for it. I was just thinking of how we can keep our anonymity. You said that’s important to you.”
“Well, I was thinking we could do it in a really dark room where we couldn’t see each other, but…” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry. Please don’t lie just to let me down gently. I’d rather be told the truth to my face. I know that a very strong attraction is needed by some people to sleep with someone else, and I just assumed?—”
“Hey.” I grasp her hand and squeeze it. Her words and expression tell me she’s questioning her desirability, and my heart aches at the possibility that what I did to her a decade ago was a big cause of her insecurity and distrust towards men. Well, I’d rather die than make her think I’m rejecting her right now.
I place her hand against my hard-on. “See? If we’re not in a public place, I’d say let’s do it right here, right now. I was just thinking of the logistics.”
Tara’s chest heaves from a sharp sigh as a smile forms on her face.
“So, you were thinking of a very dark room, huh?” I ask, my voice turning coarse as desire zips through my veins.
“Yes. Or we can keep our masks on,” she says tentatively, keeping her hand on my bulge.
I shake my head. “No. Masks have to come off. Everything off. If I won’t be able to see all of you, then I want to be able to feel all of you.”
She stares at me, licking her lips and breathing heavily.
That’s it. I can’t help it anymore. I lean down and place a soft, lingering kiss on her mouth.
“Where can we do it?” she whispers against my lips.
My mind whirls, and I make a decision. “My place. It’s only ten minutes from here.”
I hope she’s serious about total darkness, or she’ll find out who I am.