Page 78 of Unbound Boxset

She took a deep breath and plunged. “I want to know you. The person behind the mask, the person inside. And I want you to know me.”

“People never reveal their true selves. They conceal and lie until they don’t know who they are anymore.” His tone held distance; pain. “They only want what they perceive, and when they find the truth, they leave.”

“I want to know you,” she repeated.

He suddenly gripped her arm and dragged her off the dance floor. He turned her around and pointed to the couple on the stairs who writhed in delight. The man had now shoved up the woman’s gown, and her legs lay open to any observer, her pussy pink and wet as the man slid his finger over her. Her cries were swallowed up in the roar of the crowd.

Hailey felt the strength of his rock-hard erection strain against her buttocks. Felt his fingers clamp around her arms. She stiffened, trying to mask her response. Her mind fought the knowledge her body already embraced. She wanted this man, wanted to be claimed by him.

“Do you see them, Hailey?” His voice was a low growl of sound. He slowly pulled her back against him. Lifted her up an inch. Then rocked into her with slow, subtle motions. “That’s what you came here for tonight. And I intend to give you everything you want. But first we set up the rules of the game.”

“What rules?”

“You’ll tell me everything. No lies, no half-truths, no denials. You must lay yourself bare and open as that woman’s legs, and let me do whatever I want to you. You’ll answer every one of my questions. Obey my every command for the whole time you’re here. And on the last night, I’ll let you choose. You can walk away without ever seeing my face. Or you can unmask and I will do the same.”

Her body shook. Her gaze was trained on the couple. She struggled to draw air into her lungs. “I have to give you everything?” Hailey repeated.

“Everything.”

She paused. Then craned her head around to face him. “Why make a bargain with me? There’s plenty of women here who’ll do whatever you want without hesitation.”

A half smile settled on his full lips. “Because you came looking for me. You made me want you.”

She closed her eyes and tried to clear her head. Tried to think of the implications of such a bargain. “I did no such thing and you still didn’t answer the question. You want more than just one night of sex. You want...”

“I want it all.” Her eyes flew open. He pulled her harder against him and forced his cock between her ass cheeks until she fell forward, unbalanced. Forced her to breathe in the masculine scents of musk and spice and soap; to cradle his iron hard thighs. Forced her to imagine those carved lips taking his pleasure over her body; to match each demanding thrust of his tongue and still ask for more.

“Aren’t you tired of hiding? When was the last time you exposed yourself to a lover - gave him a glimpse of your inner soul without the fear he’ll walk away? One year ago? Five years ago? Ever?”

She tried to turn away from the raw words whispered against her ear, but he grasped her chin between his fingers. “I want to know who you are. Use your mask to hide your face and feel safe, but give me the truth. I’m tired, too.” His voice grew weary; distant. “I want to see beyond the surface just this once. We have the opportunity of a lifetime right before us, we can both be ourselves and still be safe.”

She turned to meet his gaze. “And what about you, Phantom? I’m supposed to be vulnerable while you give nothing?”

“I’ll answer any question you ask. Give you every fantasy you have ever wanted. Isn’t that enough?”

Still, she hesitated.

“I promise I won’t hurt you. Everything we do together will be for your pleasure. But there will no halfway. All or nothing.”

At that moment, everything broke free within her. Her fantasy had been granted. She could explore the hidden parts of her sexuality with a man she desired. She could open herself up to this person in all the ways she had hidden over the years. Another man would finally know who she was – her body and soul. After being locked away in emotional isolation for her whole life – Ciro Demitris had offered the key to freedom.

But, God, what a price.

An icy chill raced down her spine and threw her into a panic. The taunting voices of her parents took hold – warning her to step back before it was too late. The image of her own night of personal heartbreak passed before her eyes. She would get hurt. He could use her and laugh and she would be alone again, except this time without pride and steeped in humiliation. What if she showed him everything she was and it wasn’t enough? What if he played a cruel game for his amusement? He would strip both her body and soul bare, and she’d be helpless against him.

The thoughts tangled in her mind like a whirling cyclone.

Then, Hailey realized she had nothing more to lose.

She was already alone and afraid to venture into any intimate relationships. This was her time to take a chance and believe in herself. She was so tired of being fearful of every twist and turn life threw out. She had done everything her parents had asked; she had been a good girl. But tonight was an opportunity to let her body fly; to selfishly take pleasure and revel in it. She could not walk away from this gift thrown at her feet.

“I need your answer. Will you give yourself to me until the masquerade is over?”

His hips continued the slow rocking, and liquid heat pulsed between her legs. She arched backward in a blatant invitation, and gave him her answer.

“Yes. I’ll do what you ask.”

His breath hissed behind her. Without words, he took her hand and led her up to the room she had found him in. He shut the heavily carved door and stared at her in the sudden silence.

Haily faced him, ready for wherever the night took her.