Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Gaines
A quick shower, a change of suits, and a rummage through a locked box of important documents in the closet of my guest room prepared me for tonight.
Each time I attended a masquerade event at Club Skyn, I’d pick up a new mask online. They were all understated, typically in a dark color, but always disposable.
After I’d have my fun in the form of a forgettable fuck, I’d discard the mask in one of a series of trashcans that lined my route home from the club.
Only once did I tuck the mask out of sight under my suit jacket to take home with me.
My reasoning at the time was simple.
That mask held the scent of the perfume of sweet Loretta Lamb. I could smell her fragrance on it and did for days after. It was only when her scent faded that I considered tossing it out like the others.
I didn’t.
I put it in the lockbox one afternoon when I was searching for a document related to the purchase of my apartment. It stayed there until an hour ago, when I found it, tried it on as I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom, and gauged how different I look now versus then.
My hair was shorter the night I was with Eloise. My jaw was shaved clean.
I was lean and fit, but hours in the gym since have honed my muscles. When I can fit them into my schedule, my workouts are another outlet for release.
It’s no wonder she didn’t have a clue who I was until she heard the word lamb fall from my lips.
I glance out one of the back passenger windows of the SUV I’m in. I opted for a rideshare since light rain has taken the city hostage tonight. The suit I’m wearing is one of the most expensive I own.
I bought two new suits shortly before Berk walked down the aisle to marry Astrid. I wore one to the ceremony. The one I’m in now was still in a garment bag in my closet, waiting for another special occasion.
Tonight fits the bill.
“How are you doing, sir?” The driver asks in a tone that I know is reserved for his customers who look as though they hold the promise of a good tip.
I already added a substantial one to the standard fee when I ordered the ride, but I’ll toss a few bills his way for taking the shorter route to where I’m headed.
“I’m good,” I answer honestly. “You?”
He catches my gaze in the rearview mirror. “Can’t complain.”
I nod in understanding.
“Are you on your way to a date?”
The question is expected since he’s driving toward a restaurant that’s located on the same block as Club Skyn. The mask is inside the inner pocket of my jacket, so to him, I’m just a guy on my way to a good meal.
“No,” I answer succinctly because I have no fucking idea what I’m headed into.
I’m playing with fire, and I know it.
If I see Eloise there, I don’t know what the fuck I’ll do. If she’s not there, I have no interest in taking another woman into a room.
Curiosity has gotten me this far, so I’ll let it play out and see where the cards land.
“Just another block,” he announces in a cheery tone. “You’ve been a great customer.”
Since I assume I’d be a better one if that tip landed in his hand, I tug my wallet out of my pocket and slide out a few bills. I tap him on the shoulder with the money. “You’ve been a great driver.”
He doesn’t reach out and grab it. Instead, his gaze darts to the left. “I don’t know how women do it. Look at that one running in the rain in those heels. Is that a mask on her face?”
I look out the car’s window in the direction he’s now pointing at, and the woman quickly weaving her way through the pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk.
I’d recognize her anywhere. It’s Eloise.
“Stop!” I yell, tossing the money onto the front seat. “Stop the damn car!”
“I can’t let you out here.”
My fingers are already wrapped around the door handle. “Stop the car now!”
My foot is on the street as soon as the car lurches to a stop.
I slide out and dart my way through the oncoming traffic.
A symphony of horns and anger-filled voices fill the air, including the curse-laden tirade directed my way from a guy behind the wheel of a delivery truck.
He has to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting me.
I ignore all of it because I need to get to her.
As soon as I’m on the sidewalk, I take off in a sprint, racing around people. Eloise never glances back or slows. I have no fucking idea who or what she’s running from, but I know panic when I see it, and that’s what I’m witnessing.
We’re too close to the club for me to scream out her name, so I yell something else to get her to stop. “Hey! Slow down!”
That does nothing.
I’m gaining on her but at least twenty feet are between us.
“Hey, stop! Sweetheart, stop!” a male voice calls from behind me.
Just as I’m about to turn around and tell him I’ve got it handled, she trips.
The clutch purse in her hand flies into the air, her legs give out, and she falls on the wet pavement.
Two women race toward her to help, but she needs me.
I up my pace until I’m near her, and as soon as I can reach out to touch her, I’m down on one knee.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen.” The same male voice that was behind me is now next to me.
I glance up at a blond-haired man wearing an elaborate devil mask covering half of his face. “What the fuck is wrong with you? Why the hell were you chasing her?”
“I think I know her,” he explains, his voice wavering. “I saw her in line at a club around the corner from here. I’m pretty sure she’s someone I used to know.”
I slowly turn Eloise over.
Her eyes fly open behind the mask she’s wearing. It’s the same mask she had on the night I first saw her in the club.
The man next to me leans down. I push him back with a hand on his shoulder. “Back off.”
“I’m trying to get a good look at her,” he snaps. “We hooked up once. I wanted another round.”
It takes all of the power I possess not to drive a fist into his jaw.
Eloise’s gaze searches my face. A thin trail of blood disappears under her mask from a cut on her forehead.
“You’re hurt, lamb.”
Her eyes widen. “You…you remember me?”
“It’s not her,” the guy next to me announces. “You’re not Demetria. I ran all this way for nothing.”
I toss him a sharp look. “Go to hell.”
“I’m dressed for it.” He laughs. “I’m going back to the party.”
“Should I call 911?” A woman standing near us asks. “Does she need an ambulance?”
“No,” I say, glancing in her direction before I level my gaze on Eloise again. “All she needs is me.”