Page 63 of Arranged To Be Mine

“Is that how you see me?”

“It’s how you’ve been with me.”

I let my forehead rest against hers, our masks touching. Her eyes fluttered closed.

It would be so easy to kiss her right now. I wanted to taste those red-painted lips. That was part of the plan, after all. Public displays of affection to sell our relationship to the watching world.

But for some reason, I didn’t want to share this moment with onlookers. Didn’t want the cameras or the gossip or the knowing looks from strangers. This felt private. Sacred, almost. Something that belonged only to us. I had no desire to perform for anyone.

I pulled back slightly, and her eyes opened, confusion flickering behind her mask.

“Not here,” I said quietly.

“What?”

“Not here.” I took her hand, lacing our fingers together. “Come with me.”

I led her off the dance floor, weaving through the crowd toward the exit. My heart was pounding, blood rushing in my ears. I could feel her hand trembling slightly in mine, could sense her anticipation matching my own.

We burst through the ballroom doors into the cooler air of the lobby. The contrast was jarring after the warmth and noise inside, but I didn’t slow down. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to the limo driver.

“Where are we going?” Darcy asked.

“My place.”

She didn’t argue. Just squeezed my hand tighter.

The limo pulled up within minutes. I helped her inside. The door barely closed before she was on me, her hands fisting in my jacket, pulling me toward her. Our masks bumped together. She let out a breathless laugh before she reached up to remove my mask.

“Off,” she said.

“Not yet.” I caught her wrists gently. “Wait until we’re home.”

She swallowed. “Okay.”

The drive felt endless and instant all at once. We sat close together, her head on my shoulder, my hand on her thigh. Neither of us spoke. Words felt unnecessary.

When the limo finally pulled into my driveway, I helped her out of the car. The ocean breeze caught her hair, sending it dancing around her shoulders.

She looked at me, those blue eyes bright behind her phoenix mask.

“Now what?” she whispered.

I took her hand and led her toward the front door.

“Now,” I said, “we take off the masks.”

20

DARCY

Ifollowed him inside. I knew what this was. We both did. He didn’t ask and I didn’t bother trying to play coy.

The moment the door shut behind us, Beau turned to me, his eyes dark behind that fox mask. I reached up, my fingers trembling slightly, and untied the ribbon at the back of his head. The mask slipped away, revealing that gorgeous face I’d missed all night. The heat in his gaze made my stomach twist with want.

He did the same for me, his hands gentle as he freed my phoenix mask and set it aside. The second it was gone, his mouth was on mine.

The kiss was nothing like the ones before. This one burned. His lips parted mine with a hunger that matched the fire I’d been carrying all night. His tongue slid against mine, pushing deep into my mouth. I clutched at his jacket, pulling him closer, and pushed my tongue against his. He tasted like whiskey and danger. Heat pooled low in my belly and spread through my veins like liquid flame.