Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I squint. Could this be her? I would think so if it weren’t for the regal air of this woman and the confidence that oozes off her. The little beauty in that office this morning had a shy air about her, none of this self-confidence.
The woman walks to enter the castle, cameras still flashing to capture her beauty. As if knowing my eyes are on her, she stops and looks up over her shoulder. I feel this pull to get to know her. Narrowing my gaze, it occurs to me that I just might already know who she is.
Yet, I still don’t know her name, which occurred to me only an hour ago. My mother hasn’t a clue either. I’m growing more intrigued with my little vixen.
Even from this distance, she has a pull on me. When she drops her head and turns for the castle entrance again, I know it’s her. For the briefest moment, that shyness appears.
I turn and head back inside. I need to get down to the lower level and find her. However, once inside, I run into my mother and Bianca. I’ve been avoiding this woman and her daughters like the plague.
I don’t want to hear a word from her mouth. She smiles and it grates on my nerves. She doesn’t need to wear a mask because that phony persona does enough to cover her face.
“Princeton, is that you? You look dapper.”
“No, you’re looking for someone else,” I reply and keep moving.
My mother gives a low chuckle as I go, but she doesn’t call me on my shit. I jog down to the first floor and move through the crowd toward the doors. They’ve closed once again.
“Fuck.”
I push through the thick crowd, but I’m losing time. I have no way of finding her in this throng of people. Or so I thought.
Right as I think my luck has run out, the crowd opens as if hearing my frustration. There she is. Everyone stands and marvels at the gorgeous woman who walks through the opening.
The crown on her head catches the light. She looks like a true queen. Her head is held high as she moves forward. As if having a mind of their own, my feet lead me toward her.
She’s more breathtaking up close. Her breasts are so inviting in her gown. There’s a glow to her dark skin.
The music seems to get louder as we draw nearer to one another. Our eyes connect through the masks. The silver and blue of hers frame her gorgeous face perfectly.
“You’re stunning,” I say as we stand before each other.
“Thank you.”
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of knowing your name.”
She tilts her head to the side. Her lips turn up into a mischievous smile. I suck my bottom lip into my mouth, thinking about how delicious her plush pillows will taste.
“It’s a masquerade ball. Isn’t the point to be anonymous.”
I grasp hold of her waist and pull her into me. “Have it your way. I’ll have it before the end of the night.”
“So much confidence.”
“I always get what I want.”
“Hmm, okay,” she murmurs with a smile on her lips.
I twirl her around the dance floor, feeling the eyes of everyone on us. I couldn’t care less about their gazes. I’m entranced by the creature before me.
She fits in my arms perfectly. Her soft breasts have molded to my front. Her scent has my mouth watering. I’ve yet to pinpoint what she smells of, but it’s as enticing as she looks.
“Do you often outshine your clients at their own parties?” I tease.
“I am a guest, just as you are. I haven’t come to outshine anyone. I’ve come to enjoy an enchanted evening.”
“Okay, if that’s the way you want to play it. You are a guest, just as I am. Therefore, you can come with me for a stroll in the gardens. I hear they have truly enchanted them for this evening,” I reply.
A moment’s hesitation crosses her face before she looks around the ball. She releases a heavy breath before turning back to me with a nod. I give her a crooked grin.
I offer my elbow to lead her to a set of doors lining the back wall. They’re all open to lead out into the lighted grounds. Once we step out, a gasp leaves her lips.
I’ll admit, I’m impressed myself. The back of the castle has been transformed into something magical. Lights are strung everywhere, twinkling with a sort of pulse of their own. The thought of fairies and magical beings pops into my head like I’m a small boy who believes in those things again.
“Wow.”
“You can say that again. Beauty for Ashes does amazing work,” I say with a hint of humor.
“Yes, they do. You can tell this was done with love.”
I smile at her words. She moves to straighten a string of lights before she catches herself and tugs her hands back. It’s interesting to see her marvel at something of her own creation. I have no doubt she had a hand in this. It’s like watching parents view their child for the first time.