Teaser

Caught in the throng of people, I sipped my wine, hating how vulnerable I felt tonight.

"Elizabeth!" Stella, my closest friend, called out.

"How are you? Is everything okay?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I feel lost, Stella. I don't know what to do next," I admitted, hesitating.

"Is this about your boss's proposal?" I could see the worry in her eyes.

"Yes, I can't seem to turn him down," I confessed, my gaze fixated on my wine glass.

"Have you accepted it?"

"I had to. That's why I'm here, celebrating," I said, forcing a smile.

Stella pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm here for you, no matter what," she whispered.

"Thank you, Stella."

As I savored my wine, I pondered the possibilities that lay ahead. Should I marry my boss's third son? The benefits could be substantial.

"Shall we dance?" Stella asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I smiled at her, accepting her invitation. We donned our masks once more and made our way to the dance floor.

As I let myself move to the rhythm of the music, I pushed my worries aside, allowing the pulsating beat to consume me.

As I swayed my hips, shouted, and threw my hands in the air, I couldn't shake the turmoil in my mind.

We were at a sophisticated social event, where I was representing my employer, Delaware Enterprises.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm hands on my hips. I spun around to meet a pair of captivating dark eyes. He wore an exquisite necklace that immediately caught my attention, and his breath, minty and fresh, brushed against my face.

His warm gaze and flawless smile left me breathless. I was tempted to remove his mask, but I held back.

Suddenly, dizziness washed over me, and I was caught off guard when a stranger quickly steadied me.

Without thinking, I leaned into the stranger, soaking up the warmth radiating from his strong chest.

"Desire is overwhelming me," I confessed.

"Are you sure?" he asked, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Do I look like I'm joking? I need to escape the pain," I replied, my voice filled with determination.

As thoughts of my lover's betrayal crept into my mind, a familiar pain gripped my chest. Frustration overwhelmed me, and I clenched my fist.

I accepted the stranger's invitation as he led me to a more private area. Without a second thought, I kissed him, and he responded eagerly.

We savored each passionate embrace, his kisses sending my senses into overdrive.

I reveled in the warmth of his touch, my breath hitching as he tenderly caressed me. We paused, both of us gasping for air.

"May I take off your mask?" His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine.

"No, let's keep them on," I replied.

Once again, he pushed me against the wall, his hand exploring my body as he kissed my neck.

I looked up at him, feeling a thrill of anticipation. His fingertips traced a path up my legs, making me gasp.

His touch stirred a wildness within me, a sensation I'd never experienced before.

Everything was new and exciting, especially when he moved his attention to my other side.

A wave of heat washed over me. Even though a part of me wanted to stop him, I couldn't deny the pleasure his touch brought.

I was lost in the moment, but reality soon intruded.

A sudden realization hit me. I was supposed to be preserving my chastity for my upcoming arranged marriage to my employer's third son.

When I felt something hard pressing against me, I quickly pushed him away.

"What the hell!"

"I'm sorry, I... I think the wine got to me. I should go," I quickly said, gathering my composure and walking away.

Without waiting for his response, I turned to leave. But before I could get far, a strong hand gripped my arm. I spun around to face him, meeting his deep, dark gaze. His expression was unreadable.

"Who are you?" The question, a demand really, hung in the air, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me. I averted my eyes, unable to bear the weight of his scrutiny. My legs, suddenly leaden, threatened to give way.

"I'm not comfortable sharing my name with strangers. Could you please let me go?"

Once again, my eyes were drawn to the necklace around his neck.

"Why do you still see me as a stranger?" he asked, his face showing genuine surprise.

"I've said all I need to say. I should go," I replied.

Feeling a sense of relief when he finally let go, I quickened my pace, eager to leave the dimly lit area behind.

I had come dangerously close to giving away something precious to a complete stranger.

"Elizabeth, where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!" Stella exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, Stella. As you know, I'm still trying to deal with my ex-boyfriend's betrayal and the idea of moving on. But I see the value in this opportunity, for both me and my mother," I said, sighing deeply.

"Remember, I'm here for you, Elizabeth. Just call me if you need someone to talk to," Stella said, pulling me into a tight hug.

As Stella's comforting words washed over me, I felt a sense of reassurance. Despite the uncertainty and turmoil, I knew I wasn't alone. I had Stella, my rock in the storm.

Stella released me from the hug and looked me in the eyes. I found myself constantly thinking about the stranger. His mesmerizing eyes, his commanding voice, the way he held me... it was all I could think about. I knew I should be focusing on my impending marriage.

"Elizabeth, you need to focus," Stella said, her voice gentle yet firm. "I know this stranger has left an impression on you, but remember what's at stake."

Her words brought me back to reality, but they did little to clear the image of the stranger from my mind.

"Stella, it's not that simple," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't stop thinking about him."

Stella sighed, her hand reaching out to hold mine. "Elizabeth, you're about to enter a marriage. It's normal to have doubts and fears. But don't let a stranger from a party cloud your judgment."

I knew she was right. I had a responsibility, a future laid out before me. But the stranger had stirred something within me, something I couldn't ignore. Despite the impending marriage, despite the responsibilities, I found my thoughts drifting back to him, the mysterious man who had left an indelible mark on my mind.