Chaptee 4

Forcefully swallowing the lump in my throat, I felt it drag its way down to my already churning stomach as I stared at myself in the mirror.

I'm looking at the woman I always wanted to be: flawless, expensive, living in luxury. And tonight, I am that woman.

A deep red dress—hell, a revenge dress—is barely holding me together. It’s long, but it’s hanging so low, both front and back, that it’s more like I’m not wearing anything at all. Perfect for the plan. Perfect to show off my tattoo.

I traced my fingers down my bare neck, trailed it over the hollow of my chest, exposed and teasing.

Tonight, I’m a tease.

"I believe this will complete your look," Tamara’s voice whispered behind me, and before I could protest, she draped a necklace around my neck—a ruby pendant, heavy and suffocating, adorned the emptiness around my neck.

She stepped back, eyes full of pride as she examined me in the mirror.

"You look more fabulous than I imagined. You’ll have Johnny’s attention in no time, I’m sure."

I bit back a nervous laugh. "Is that so?"

She didn’t notice, too busy beaming with excitement. "Oh, Cassidy, this is it. I’m certain you'll get him. I just know it."

I tried not to wince. It felt like I was being prepared for an execution, not a seduction.

Should I have my last supper? I think I should. But does the menu offer Johnny as the whole meal?

Mentally smacking the back of my head, I collected my wits and reminded myself to think straight.

"And I’m just here to... get his attention, right?" I asked, more to myself than to her, scanning myself one last time. Ready to claim the limelight, and bring the mystery arise.

"Do what we discussed. That’s all I need from you." She grabbed her purse, dismissing me with a wave. "Attract him. That’s the goal. You have everything else."

"Duly noted, Auntie," I muttered, taking a deep breath.

"I promise you, in the end, everything will be worth it," she said, her voice almost maternal, before slipping out of the room.

"Yeah, sure, it’ll be worth it. But you are so going to hell for this, Cassidy," I muttered under my breath, my heart pounding as I picked up my mask and joined the madness that was waiting for me outside.

The night was alive, but it didn’t truly wake up until I walked in.

An anonymous guest. No name, just presence. Hidden face, but impossible to ignore. An eye-opener.

The moment my heels hit the carpet, the room went silent—or was that just me, feeling like I was suffocating in the weight of everyone's eyes on me? It's just probably the loud beating of my heart deafening me.

The flashes of cameras were overwhelming, each click like a countdown to the moment everything would happen.

I didn’t even want to know what they thought of me. I didn’t care. I was here for one reason: Johnny.

I walked past a group of older men who probably only cared about their next glass of scotch, watch women's swaying ass, and made my way to the bar.

"Chardonnay, please," I said, voice low, sultry, like I knew what I was doing.

"For sure," the bartender replied, but his eyes were already wandering, taking in the what I was serving tonight.

It’s a masquerade, thank God. No one will know how shaky my nerves are right now.

"Johnny!" The old man's voice cut through the buzz of the crowd, and I felt a chill down my spine hearing that name.

My eyes darted, scanning the room, and there he was—my target. My boss.

I almost didn’t recognize him without his usual arrogance, but that suit? Damn, it still did the job. His body was even more imposing under the lights.

Even if the glittery mask covered half of his face, there's no way it could hide his charm. And those melting eyes still looked like they could strip anyone bare without even touching.

And the way he moved—even that was dangerous. Every stride was domineering, like he owned everything, including my thoughts.

I couldn't look away.

"You can do this, Cassidy," I muttered, trying to steady my breath. "Just get his attention. Make him want you, then leave him hanging. Just like what he told you he hated."

I licked my lips, suddenly feeling the weight of the game I was playing. No going back now.

His gaze swept over the crowd, looking for something... someone. I hated the idea of being just one of many.

But what really pissed me off? The way his eyes kept skimming over every woman in the room. Was he hoping for someone to just drop to her knees in front of him?

I shook my head, disgust bubbling up. He wasn’t going to get that from me.

The kiss he stole from last night was enough. There's nothing more he could take from me, because no matter how prone I am to falling for him, I'd never lend him my heart.

As I took another sip of my drink, the familiar scent of that perverted cologne hit me—so sweet and overpowering, it could practically make the whole room dizzy.

And then came his voice, smooth like velvet, from behind me.

"I’d have a Harvey Wallbanger," Johnny said, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine.

Before I could register what was happening, I felt his arm land on the counter next to me, his other hand grazing my waist.

I froze and stood there like a ballerina

"Hi…" His voice dripped with seduction, but it felt different this time. I was the target. "Nice tattoo you got there, hotness."

I could already feel his breath on my neck, the faintest hint of his nose brushing my skin. Tickling me.

"The name's Johnny Miles. And you are?" He wasn’t asking, he was claiming.

I've heard his dirty talks and endured his flirting for a long time now, but now that I'm the center of his attraction, it's wringing my neck that I'm almost fainting.

I turned to face him, all my nerves still alive but buried deep beneath the act I had to play.

I offered him a small smile—just enough to make sure he knew I wasn’t afraid, but not enough to give anything away.

"Mr. Johnny Miles…" I let his name roll off my tongue slowly, deliberately. The way his eyes locked onto my lips told me everything. He was hungry.

I placed my palm against his chest, feeling the heat of his body exuding through the fabric of his suit.

"Is this how you treat a lady, Mr. Miles? Invading her personal space without consent?"

His lips curled into a smirk, and before I knew it, he had grabbed my hand, pressed it to his lips—and instead of just kissing it like a gentleman, he sniffed it like it was the finest wine, then tasted it, savoring the contact like it was a rare delicacy.

I had to fight not to gasp. Proving how horny I am.

He chuckled softly, then leaned in even closer, brushing his lips against my ear. "I know ladies love surprises." His breath was warm, and my whole body responded, betraying me. "And a stunning woman like you standing here all alone? Well, that’s a crime."

"Don’t you have a partner for the night, Mr. Miles?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady.

He didn't even hesitate. "Solo flight." He paused, his eyes glinting with something darker. "Why would I need one when you’re already here?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat only growing heavier. I had to remind myself—this was just part of the game.

His arm wrapped around me, and with one last cocky grin, he finished his drink, tossing the glass aside like it was meaningless.

"Wanna have some fun?" he asked, his voice low, dangerous.

I leaned into him, suddenly feeling the pulse of heat that surged between us. I pressed my body closer, the need to get under his skin overwhelming.

Is this it? The plan?

My gaze went pass his shoulder and found Tamara watching. She nodded her head before blending in with the crowd like a ghost.

"Take me to heaven with you," I whispered. "Show me what it’s like."

His smirk was victorious as he whispered back, "With pleasure."