Blissful Masquerade: A Dark Why Choose Romance (Ruthless Desires Book 1)
Chapter 2

WHEN AVA and I get to the hotel that the ball is taking place at, we’re already a half-hour late. I wanted to leave early, but Ava insisted on coaching me on my flirting skills first.

We didn’t get anywhere, though—whenever I tried to act sexy, we both just started laughing.

“This place is gorgeous,” Ava says, looping her arm through mine as we enter the building.

“It really is,” I murmur, taking in the place. It looks like it belongs in a classy European movie, and I can’t help but feel like I shouldn’t be here.

But Ava adjusts my mask, steps back, and beams. “You look absolutely stunning, girl. You’re gonna kill it tonight.”

I give her an uneasy smile. What I’m wearing is gorgeous, sure—it’s a cream, low-cut dress covered in sparkly beadwork. The skirt isn’t nearly as poufy as Ava’s, and the sleeves hug my hands, leaving my long, thin fingers peaking out.

But as for the girl in the dress? She feels out of her element.

Why does it feel like everyone here knows my boyfriend cheated on me?

“Deep breaths, my friend,” Ava says, running her hands along my arms. Then she’s tugging on my hand, pulling me into the ballroom.

The room is classic—stone archways, a domed ceiling, the works. It truly feels like we’re in a palace.

To top it off, the entire room is cast in blue and purple lighting, with crystal chandeliers catching the light. The whole place looks magical.

“Dance with me,” Ava blurts, and before I can respond, she has me in her arms on the edge of the dance floor.

We spin through the crowd of elegant gowns and snug-fitting suits. As we do, Ava scans the room.

Bringing her gaze back to mine, she smiles shyly. “I may have told someone I was gonna be here tonight. Just seeing if she came.”

I laugh. “Good thing I didn’t let you give up your ticket. Damn, woman. You’re a bad planner.”

She levels me with a stupid grin. “At least I can actually function as a normal human being around my crushes.”

My face turns beet-red instantly. “Yes, I can! And I don’t have crushes on any of them. I’m just awkward.”

She giggles, glancing behind me. “You sure about that? Because I have a feeling you’re about to lose your shit.”

My eyes widen. No. There’s no way.

She spins me around, and I freeze. Three men stand at the edge of the room, chatting and sipping amber-colored liquid from their tumblers. Their simple black masks may cover their faces, but I’ve spent enough time secretly observing them to be able to spot them anywhere.

The way Oliver throws his head back when he laughs. Rhett’s calm facade that never lets up. And the habit Elliot has developed of running his thumb over his bottom lip.

God, it’s so fucking hot.

“That’s them, right?” Ava’s voice is too loud, and I cringe. “It’s gotta be. It’s gotta be!”

“It doesn’t matter.” I steer us toward the opposite side of the room. “I’m just their Friday morning entertainment. No way they’ll recognize me—or care if they do.”

But a small part of my heart begins to hope, even though I wish it wouldn’t. Elliot’s eyes flash through my mind, filled with intention and such clear sincerity.

My stomach jumps as I recall that Oliver said he read A Tale of Two Cities. Elliot asked me last week what one of my favorite books is, and I blurted it out without thinking. I sobbed when I read it in high school.

The song ends, and we head to the makeshift bar set up in the corner. Ava orders something from the bartender, but I just stick with punch. No alcohol for me tonight—I need to stay in control.

Otherwise, I might wake up tomorrow and replace myself with my next ex-boyfriend from hell.

We replace an empty table and sit down. With a smirk, Ava turns to me.

“They’re looking this way.”

I’m grateful for the semi-darkness of the room. This way, she can’t see me blushing again. “Well, maybe they’re looking at you.”

“Babe. My usual look screams lesbian.”

As if on cue, Ava’s face lights up, and she waves at someone behind me. I turn and see a pretty woman walking toward us, an equally enthusiastic look on her face.

I’m about to straighten out when my gaze snags on Rhett. And, for the second time today, he meets it—and takes my breath away.

“Hey, do you mind if I . . .” Ava gestures to the dance floor. She’s already standing.

I smile up at her. “Go.”

With a grin, Ava rushes into the arms of the woman she waved at. My heart swells. Ava deserves to be happy, and I can’t help but hope she gets that chance.

Sipping my punch, I look anywhere except for the spot where Elliot, Oliver, and Rhett are. I can still feel Rhett’s gaze on me, burning the exposed skin on the back of my neck.

I sigh. With Ava occupied, I’ve lost my dancing partner. And, unfortunately, most of the people here already came with someone to dance with.

The thought makes me think of Adam, which causes a frown to form on my face. To be honest, even if we’d stayed together, he’d probably be sitting at a table sulking on his phone.

Kind of like what you’re doing right now.

A tap on my shoulder causes me to jump. I turn to replace a middle-aged man looking down at me.

“Now, what’s a girl like you frowning for? Smile, honey. It’ll make you so much prettier.” He slides a hand onto my shoulder. His mask covers his whole face, but I can only imagine an ugly grin covering the whole thing.

“You want something?” I say in an unamused voice, leveling this man with a you’re-a-pebble-in-my-shoe look. I hope it shows even with my mask.

Damn. I really can be a bitch sometimes.

“I was hoping for a dance, seeing as your date must’ve abandoned you. What a dumbass, am I right?”

Inwardly, I roll my eyes. As I’m about to reply, a deep, calm voice sounds from behind me.

“All of her dances are taken for the night, unfortunately.”

With relief, I turn to see Elliot stepping uncomfortably close to this guy. Thankfully, he backs off, raising his hands.

“Sorry. Didn’t realize she was taken.” Then he walks off, probably to replace some other poor, miserable girl who’s found herself alone on Valentine’s Day night.

I give Elliot a timid smile. “Thanks.”

He chuckles. “Looks like you had it handled. Honestly, Wren. If looks could kill.”

I frown, feeling my nose crinkle in the way Ava always says is cute. “He was being gross. And he couldn’t take a hint.” Don’t thank him again, don’t thank him again, don’t— “Thanks again. Really.”

“Glad I could help. Well, uh—” He tugs at his tie. “Just so you know, I meant what I said.”

“Huh—what?”

“About all your dances being taken for the night. If you want them to be, that is.” He shrugs, like my answer won’t affect him either way, running his thumb across his bottom lip.

Goddamn.

I look around the room, as if an excuse to tell him no will be waiting for me. What I see instead is Ava, in the arms of her partner. She points two of her fingers at her eyes, and then flips them around to point them at me, mouthing, I’m watching you.

“Uh—sure. Wait, you’re sure? Are you here with a date?”

Shaking his head, Elliot offers his hand, and I take it without hesitation. “We’re here keeping an eye on Oliver’s little sister.”

I let him lead me onto the dance floor. When he puts his hand on the small of my back, I shiver.

“You cold?” Elliot frowns, and again I’m struck by the absolute sincerity in his expression.

Jesus. What is it about these men?

“N-no, not cold.” I place one hand on his shoulder, letting him hold my other one in his. It’s big and warm, and his grip is strong yet gentle.

“Why do I feel like that’s the second time you’ve lied to me today?”

Fuck. I bring my gaze down, staring at his chest. His tie is thin, perfectly knotted at his neck. “Not the second,” I say softly. “Promise.”

He gives my hand a gentle squeeze, and when I glance back up at him, he’s wearing a sad smile. “You weren’t supposed to be here with Ava, were you?”

For a moment, I stop, stumbling as Elliot takes a step and pulls me forward. But he keeps me upright, his hand on my back steadying me.

“You’re very perceptive,” is all I can manage.

With a small shrug, he says, “I overheard a bit of your conversation this morning.”

Heat creeps onto my cheeks, and I fight the urge to ask him which part. “It’s better this way. My ex is . . . something else.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

I inhale, breathing in his scent of sandalwood and oranges. It’s a calming smell, which is exactly what I need right now. I just want to forget about Adam, but instead, the fear of ending up with someone exactly like him lurks in the back of my head.

Just focus on the present, Wren.

When I look back at Elliot, I replace him watching me. His thumb runs across the back of my hand, and it shoots electricity up my arm.

“You look absolutely stunning, you know.” His voice is low, and I stare as heat blooms in his eyes.

My lips part. I usually got a “nice” or “pretty” from Adam, if he complimented me at all. But absolutely stunning?

“T-thank you. You do, too. Although, I mean, you always do. With your suits and all.”

He laughs. It’s as mesmerizing as the stars. “Didn’t realize you were looking.”

“You didn’t?!” It comes out much more incredulous than I meant, and he laughs again. All of my focus goes to his mouth as it curves into a beautiful smile. His lips look soft and perfect, like they’re begging me to kiss him.

His arm tightens around my waist, and I realize he’s staring at my lips, too. As he swallows, I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down.

Oh god. Is he going to kiss me? Is that what I want? Fuck, I don’t know what I want.

The song ends, and Elliot brings us to a halt. My dress swishes at our feet, and I look down, breaking the moment.

I regret it instantly.

“Are you thirsty?”

With a small nod from me, we head over to the refreshments table. To my relief, Elliot keeps his hand on my back. We both get some more punch.

For a few minutes, we stand by the table, admiring the heart-shaped cookies with pretty designs from the icing. “You know,” I say, turning back to him, “these cookies really are beautiful. In fact, this whole event is pretty classy, considering it’s for one of the cheesiest holidays of the year.”

Elliot laughs. “I’d have to agree with you there. Valentine’s Day always seems so fake, you know? Forced.”

“I swear, it’s the one day couples actually treat each other like they’re in love, just to go back to being shitty to each other the next day.”

My words bring my mind back to Adam. To be honest, he couldn’t even fake being a good boyfriend for a day. It was always, “Why do I have to get you flowers?” or, “It’s a stupid holiday, it’s not worth doing anything special for.”

And it just made me feel like I didn’t matter to him.

God. I have no idea why I stayed with him for so long.

Elliot raises his eyebrows, tilting his head and watching me closely.

“Oh my god,” I murmur. My whole body feels like it’s on fire. “I didn’t mean to say any of that out loud. Oh, fuck.”

Turning away, I cover my face with my hand. Now I look like a girl who’s baiting him for sympathy and attention. Dammit.

“Hey.” His voice is gentle as he takes my wrist in his hand, spinning me to face him. “Don’t worry about it. He’s obviously been on your mind.”

“I wish he wasn’t.” I shake my head, sighing. “I’m so sorry, Elliot. I didn’t want to dump any of that on you.”

His arm slips around me, and I can’t help but relax into him. He smells so good. “Let’s get you a distraction, then. Me and the guys can keep your mind occupied.”

I practically melt at the grin he gives me. And as he pulls me across the ballroom, I notice the undeniable heat building in my lower stomach. I know he probably didn’t mean he and his friends would keep me occupied that way, but I can’t stop my brain from going where it wants to go.

When we join the two men leaning against the wall, Oliver’s face lights up. Rhett gives me a small nod, his eyes traveling over my body and making me squirm.

“You look like a princess,” Oliver says, leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. He smells of vanilla and a woodsy musk scent that has my head spinning.

When his lips brush against my cheek, I lose all words. These three men have completely invaded my senses, and my body is drawn to them in a way my mind can’t quite comprehend.

I’m sure it’ll catch up eventually.

“Finish your punch, Wren,” Oliver says, looking at me like I’m a toddler who just did something cute.

For some reason, I replace myself doing exactly what Oliver told me to. When my cup is empty, Elliot takes it from my hand.

With a gentle push in Oliver’s direction, he says, “Have fun.”

Then I’m in Oliver’s arms as he whisks me to the dance floor. I let out a giggle. Both his arms wrap around my waist, pressing me into his hard chest.

Finally, I remember how to speak. “You look nice, too.”

“You’re adorable,” he murmurs, and I feel my world spin as he dips me backward. I grab onto his shoulders before realizing I don’t really need to. This man is strong.

When he pulls me back up, I gasp in a breath. His eyes crinkle as he smiles. And right now, with the music filling my ears and his very presence dizzying my senses, I’m pretty sure there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep that grin on his face.

“So—uh, how do you know Elliot and Rhett? Are you friends? Business partners?”

“We met in high school, and we’ve stuck together ever since.” One of his hands leaves my back, coming up to brush a few stray hairs out of my face.

“That’s nice,” is all I can manage.

His fingertips linger on my skin, skirting across my jawbone. When they fall to the sleeve on my arm, I let out a breath. No man’s touch has ever affected me this way.

Geez. What is it about these guys?

Thankfully, I’m able to pull myself together more quickly this time. I smile up at him, and he returns it with an easy grin.

“Tell me, princess, what do you like to do other than read?”

“Hmm.” I tilt my head toward the ceiling, frowning like I need to think about it. Finally, I say, “I like puzzles. And word games. Oh! And I love being outside. Well, when the weather is warmer. Snow and I don’t really get along. It makes me anxious.”

His smile fades for a moment at that last part, like he’d do anything to make sure I’m never anxious again. But the crack in his happy composure only lasts for a split second. “Puzzles, you say? And word games? My god, you really are just as much of a nerd as Elliot.”

I clasp my hands behind his neck. “You’re not?”

He shrugs. “School was never my thing. Although after watching Elliot and Rhett over the years, I must say, knowledge really is power. But there are plenty of types of knowledge—book smarts are only one of them.”

What an interesting thing to say.

I’m about to ask what type of knowledge he possesses, but the song comes to a soft end.

“Thank you for the dance, princess.” Oliver squeezes my waist before one of his hands slides into mine. It feels so natural, so right, that it takes me by surprise.

“Do you want more punch?” he asks when we re-join Elliot and Rhett. “Gotta make sure you stay hydrated.”

For the umpteenth time today, I fucking blush. Because a man offered to get me punch. “Sure. Thanks, Oliver.”

He grabs my cup from Elliot before disappearing into the crowd. I miss the heat of his hand in mine instantly, but before I can think about it too much, Elliot’s hand has returned to the small of my back.

Warmth spreads through my whole body.

“Do you normally work weekends, Wren?” he asks.

I shake my head. Perks of being a long-time employee at the shop. It took years to get Saturdays and Sundays off.

As the next song starts, Elliot and Rhett exchange some kind of glance. The meaning is lost on me, but I swear I see a spark of nervousness in Rhett’s eyes. Elliot, however, looks determined. Almost . . . hopeful?

When Oliver returns with my punch, I sip it slowly. Their eyes all flit to a young girl who hasn’t left the dance floor all night. Her hair flows down her back, flying around as her date twirls her this way and that.

She must be Oliver’s little sister.

I scan the room for Ava, replaceing her laughing at the refreshments table. She catches my eye and winks, waggling her eyebrows just like she did this morning. I almost choke on my drink.

“You good?”

“Great,” I squeak out in between coughs. Someone takes the drink from my hand as I try to catch my breath.

Goddammit, Ava.

Finally, I clear my throat, and Rhett hands me back my drink silently. I chug it, trying to get rid of the discomfort still lodged in my throat.

When I glance back at Ava, she’s laughing, and she can’t stop watching me. I throw her a middle finger, taking a deep breath.

“That’s your coworker, isn’t it?” Oliver says.

Nodding, I turn so I’m facing away from her. I can’t have another repeat of that incident. “We came together. I’m glad she found someone to spend the night with. I didn’t want her to be lonely.”

“And what about you?” The words come from Rhett. Cool, calm, with his head cocked slightly in interest.

“Me?” My voice is significantly more high-pitched than I meant for it to be.

Oliver elbows him in the chest. “Ignore this one. Wanna dance again?”

I laugh. “Sure.”

He steps toward me, but Rhett grabs him by the back of the neck and hauls him away. Then he tugs me away from Elliot, my small hand clasped in his larger, calloused one, as he leads me to the dance floor.

When he finally turns to face me, that nervous look is back on his face. “Fuck. I don’t actually know how—” He frowns, looking at me like I’m a puzzle he can’t solve. For a second, I’m afraid he’s going to abandon me.

“Just put your hands on my waist.” I guide them, letting them settle above my hips. I rest mine on his chest. “To be honest, I’m not the best dancer, either. But most of the couples around us are kinda just swaying.”

His eyebrows are knit together in concentration, but when he glances around the room, he seems to relax. Everyone else is taking a laid-back approach to dancing, choosing instead to focus on their partners.

I take a tiny step closer to him. He’s so warm, and I can feel his heart pounding through his chest. There’s so much tension in his body, I’m afraid he might explode.

“Hey.” I keep my voice gentle, bringing one of my hands up so my fingers brush his cheek. What am I doing. What am I doing. WHAT AM I DOING?! “You’re doing fine. And I’m happy to be dancing with you.”

He lets out a stunned breath, but I feel him relax underneath my palms. He stares at me with such intensity I feel like I might burst into flames. When his eyes flit to my lips, I can’t help but smile.

But he doesn’t kiss me. All he says is, “Thank you. I’m happy, too.”

He holds me closer, and we fall into a comfortable pattern, not moving too far from the spot we started in.

It gives me a moment to relax. And to let my mind catch up. It’s far behind again, wondering what happened to the whole keep your guard up, you’re going home alone thing. Because right now, I’d let any of these three men take me home in a heartbeat.

Even Rhett. I’m beginning to think his standoffish-ness is simply due to nervousness and social anxiety.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” I say, looking up at him. His jaw is still too tight, his shoulders a bit too high.

“I—social things—larger events—I’m not a big crowd type of person.” He pulls me flat against him as Ava spins by with her partner, too drunk to care that they almost hit us.

My skin tingles at every point of contact with Rhett. Never mind that there are multiple pieces of clothing between us. My body has a strange reaction whenever one of these men touches me. I may not understand it, but I can’t change it, and I’m not saying I don’t like it.

It’s definitely a new experience, though.

Rhett grunts when he looks down at me, replaceing my face mere inches from his own. His lips part, and I’m sure he’s going to lean down and close the space between us, but then he straightens.

My face falls, and I have to look away. My whole body feels deflated, which is a surprise—I wasn’t expecting this level of emotions for a man I’ve only ever chatted with.

When the song ends, Rhett’s hands fall from my sides. But then he works his jaw, and his hand slides into mine. As other couples filter off the floor, we follow suit, heading back to Oliver and Elliot.

Almost instantly, Rhett drops my hand, taking his spot leaning against the wall. I let myself step closer to Elliot, and when my arm brushes his, he wraps it around my waist.

“Come with me for a moment,” he murmurs into my ear.

He takes me out of the ballroom and into a quiet hallway. After a few steps, he backs me against the wall, placing both of his hands beside my shoulders. “I’m going to ask you a question, and I need you to answer honestly. Don’t consider my reaction at all. Understood?”

With wide eyes and a smile I can’t wipe off my face, I nod. This is it. This is it. He’s finally going to kiss me.

His lips brush against the spot where my neck meets my jawbone. “I’d like to take you home tonight, Wren. Would you like that?”

“Yes,” I whisper as my stomach does backflips. “But Elliot.”

“Hmm?” He presses his face into my neck, inhaling. The action causes a shiver to shoot up my spine.

“I need you to kiss me first.”

With a low chuckle, he pulls away to look me in the eye. One of his hands cups my cheek, and I lean into it with a smile.

“Preferably right now.”

“Whatever you want,” he says, leaning closer.

When his lips meet mine, I moan. He smiles against my mouth, pressing his body into mine. And when he finally, really kisses me, fireworks go off in my stomach. It’s not until he pulls away and I replace myself gasping for air that I realize I’ve grabbed onto his arms, pulling him toward me and not letting go.

“Would you like to leave now?” he says, his body still pinning me to the wall.

I groan. “Yes.” I can feel how hard he is against me, and it’s taking all my willpower not to grind against him in the middle of this hallway.

A slow smile crosses his face, and he kisses me again. “Go get your coat. I’ll tell the others we’re leaving.”

With a nod that’s probably too enthusiastic and a tad desperate, I head to the coatroom. There, I text Ava, letting her know that I’m heading out. She sends me three eggplant emojis back, and I roll my eyes.

“Ready?” Elliot comes to stand beside me, reaching out and buttoning up my coat. Rhett and Oliver stand behind him, each shrugging on their own coats.

I nod, glancing at the other two. Are they coming with us? I suppose it makes sense that they all rode together. Before I can ask, Elliot’s hand has returned to my back, and we head outside.

The cold air bites at my skin, and I shiver. But we’re not even on the sidewalk for ten seconds before Elliot is opening the door to a dark limo and helping me inside.

Geez. This is fancy.

All three men pile in. Elliot settles in next to me, and Rhett and Oliver sit facing us. And that’s when the awkward feeling hits.

The one that sits in the air, reminding me that I’ve flirted with all three of these men tonight, but I’m only going home with one of them.

Redness creeps over my cheeks, and a heavy feeling settles in my stomach.

They spent their night with me, and now they’re leaving early because Elliot is. Am I the reason they’re going home alone tonight?

God, I hope not.