Chapter 2

Evelyn

It was an exhausting day today. I ran errands for my uncle and went to the gym. I don’t really have friends—I’ve never been interested in making them. After the death of my parents, I became an introvert. I didn’t go out much, and the only company I had was my uncle. He has been my only companion ever since—my mentor, my teacher, my trainer.

When he took me in to live with him, I stopped going to school and was homeschooled instead. We are not wealthy, but we are very comfortable. My uncle is involved in some kind of business, though he never told me what it is, and I never bothered asking. The only thing I know about him is that he’s a retired military sergeant—nothing more.

It’s almost time for the event. I’m sitting at my dressing table, doing my makeup. Since the event is mask-themed, I decided to go with nude makeup, but I made sure my lips were painted red to complement my dress.

Done with my makeup, I slip into my dress—a beautiful piece made of lace and silk. It’s a backless dress with a deep plunging neckline at the front, stopping an inch above my belly button. Two large silk straps are tied together at my hip area, front and back, shielding my private areas, while the entirety of the skirt is covered in lace. A slit runs from my hip to the bottom of the dress. The dress should be considered scandalous, but it’s perfect.

I take a look at myself in the floor-length mirror and put my golden mask on. My black silky hair is styled in an updo, with tendrils framing the sides of my face, the green of my eyes shining vividly. With one last look at myself, I walk out of my room, ready for tonight.

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I look around at the sea of bodies covered in silk and tuxedos, everyone mingling and smiling, trying to ascend their way to the top of the social ladder. It’s a charity event, but I see it as a cover-up for the rich and powerful to connect and line their pockets. I take a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and sip slightly, trying to ignore the stares thrown my way. I’ve always disliked attention, but unfortunately, I can’t control how much of it I attract—especially with the dress I’m wearing and the way it molds to my curves.

“Glad to know I’m not the only one feeling this way,” a deep voice rumbles behind me.

I turn immediately to the voice and find a tall, hunk of a man standing directly behind me. He looks sharp and powerful in his neatly pressed tuxedo, his dark eyes staring intently into mine through his black-silver mask.

“Sorry?” I ask lamely, caught off guard by him.

He smiles slowly and moves closer to me. “You look like you can’t wait to be out of here. This whole charade bores you… doesn’t it?”

“Not really.” I smile, looking away from him.

“Hmmm.” He bends to whisper in my ear, “I don’t believe you.” His scent fills my nostrils. He smells exactly as he looks—dark and spicy. Straightening back up, he says, “I won’t judge you if you do. I feel the same way. It’s why I rarely attend events like this—fake smiles, fake concerns, fake friendships—all just a bid to extort from your pockets.”

“Are you against charity?” I ask.

“No,” he says. “I just hate the disguise.”

I turn back to my champagne and my search for Xander. It’s going to be difficult finding him—I don’t know what he looks like, and the fact that everyone is wearing a mask makes it even harder. I’m running out of time.

“Looking for someone?” Mr. I-Still-Don’t-Know-His-Name asks.

I turn back to him, smiling. “No. Why do you ask?”

“Because you keep looking around, and you seem tense.” He stops and eyes me curiously. “You’re here alone.”

“What makes you think that?” I ask.

He takes a step closer, the tip of his shoe touching mine. “Because no man in his right mind would leave a woman like you alone for a moment in a room full of wolves ready to attack.”

I wish I could see his entire face. Taking a step back to create some distance between us, I ask, “A woman like me?”

“Surely you know how you look, don’t you?” His dark gaze peruses my body slowly, lingering on my chest before meeting my eyes again. His stare makes me feel completely exposed—hot and vulnerable.

Fanning myself slightly, I move farther away from him. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” I say, then walk away, feeling his stare burn into my back.