Masquerade by Arabella Quinn Read Free Book Online Page B

always the center of the crowd. Jackson was dancing with a stunning young woman. They danced so beautifully together that the crowd started forming a loose circle around them, giving them the floor. Derek’s eyes narrowed watching the hypocrite. Jackson was the envy of every man and fantasy of every woman at the party. If they only knew.
    The music drew to a close and the couple stopped. The woman belatedly seemed to realize the crowd had been watching them when they received a warm round of applause. She curtsied quite low, her perfect breasts threatening to spill from the elaborate dress she was wearing. She smiled quite bashfully, before Jackson gallantly took her hand and led her from the dance floor. Young men vying for her attention immediately swarmed around her.
    Derek couldn’t peel his eyes from the woman. There was something familiar about this woman, but he couldn’t quite place it. He tried to imagine what she would look like without the feathered mask covering most of her face, without her hair piled elaborately on her head, and without the ornate ball gown covering her delectable curves. It was driving him crazy; he was sure that he knew her.
     
    ***
     
    I took the glass of wine from the handsome young man, smiling my thanks. I was having a wonderful time receiving the attention of the group of men surrounding me, each jockeying for position. Although my dress felt way too tight and squished my breasts mercilessly to shockingly display them, I felt very free and empowered wearing the costume. I looked nothing like my normal self. The masks at the party leant an air of elegance and mystery, which I found very stimulating. A few glasses of wine and I was practically giddy with excitement. I really did feel like Cinderella at the ball.
    I was nervous when I had first entered. Jackson and his wife were greeting the guests as they entered, and it was obvious that Jackson did not even recognize me. I leaned in to whisper to him my identity and even his suave elegance could not hide his approval at my transformation. He introduced me to his wife and then reminded me that I had promised him a dance.
    I did not expect him to actually dance with me, but he did. He caused quite a stir amongst the ladies as he led me to the dance floor. I felt all eyes on me as I concentrated on not making a fool of myself. Luckily, I had danced for years as a girl, so I was quite light and quick on my feet. Jackson was an impeccable dance partner and soon he had me twirling around the dance floor.
    I teased Jackson that he was disappointing the ladies by dancing with me. Charming as ever, he told me that they were just jealous because I was the beauty of the ball. I laughed and replied that they wouldn’t be so jealous if they only knew the real me. Jackson gave me a strange look and then spun me. I landed back in his arms and then he pulled me tight and whispered in my ear, “Let’s give them a little something to gossip about!” Jackson proceeded to twirl me around the floor and dip me outrageously. I knew that we were causing a scene, but I was caught up in the moment. The dancing, the music, the costumes and of course the wine were all weaving a magic spell on me.
    I shook myself out of my reverie as I took another sip of wine. I laughed politely at one of the men’s jokes. I counted in my head. Seven! There were no less than seven men surrounding me, if I included the two on the periphery who were not quite as aggressive. The orchestra started playing again. The man to the right of me leaned in close to my ear to ask me to dance. I was having too much fun flirting with my fan club to break it up by dancing. I declined by feigning the need for rest.
    I realized the man on my left was stroking the inside of my elbow lightly with his fingers. I was contemplating whether I should allow it to continue; when I felt a strong presence break into our little group. The tall muscular man who approached made the men surrounding me look