Behind the Mask

Chapter 29

Nate's POV

I held the door as Victor carried Marissa's sleeping form into the front room. Even asleep she looked stunning in the white gown Gabe had picked out. Her hair had mostly fallen out of the updo she wore and now fell in tendrils over her shoulders. I took the clothes bag from the driver along with her purse and satchel and hung them on the wall hooks near the entryway.

She stirred in his arms and looked up at him with a sweet smile. "Hey beautiful, sorry if I woke you," Victor said. "Do you want me to grab you something to change into?"

"Hang on, I'll get her something," I offered and dashed into my room. I came back out and handed her a t-shirt and some shorts with a drawstring waist. "Will this be alright?"

She held them against her chest and giggled, "These will be perfect. I'll just step into the bathroom to change." I watched her as she left then turned back to Victor.

"So how did the date go?"

He grinned and blew out a breath, "It was good. The changing act in the backseat of the car was sexy as hell, and dinner was great. The conversation got a bit heavy, and I ended up telling her that I'm falling for her - that all of us are." My eyes went wide. I mean, he's right, but damn I don't know if everyone was quite ready to admit it - was I? "I'm gonna run up and change. Let her know I'll be back in a minute, will you?" he said as he headed up the stairs, not waiting for a response.

I heard her bare feet padding on the hardwood floor as she came back into the room with her dress in her hands. "Um, do you know where the dress bag went?" she asked, looking around. I stepped to the entry and grabbed her things, handing them to her. "Thanks," she mumbled as she dug through the bags, then groaned. "Shit."

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Her cheeks flushed red, "Well, uh, when I changed, well," she coughed then spoke quickly, "Victor threw my bra off and it isn't in here - oh heavens, it must still be in the back of the car." She facepalmed and groaned, "I sound like a fucking teenager." I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing at the thought. She gave me a harsh glare and I tried to stop, but it only made me laugh harder, then she broke out laughing as well. "Please tell me you all own that car and some random person isn't going to find my lacy stuff in the backseat," she groaned.

"It should be in the parking garage, doll," I told her. "Do you want me to go check?"

"No, it's late. I can get it before work," she replied.

I smirked, "Personally, I prefer you without one." She blushed and hid behind her hair she'd taken down. I moved next to her on the couch and brushed her hair back from her face. "You're too beautiful to hide, Marissa."

She searched my eyes as if she thought I was lying. "I've never felt beautiful, but all of you say it to me so often, I'm beginning to."

"Good, you deserve to hear it and know it," I gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek. "So would you like to watch a movie?" I asked as I heard Victor and Gabe enter the room.

"Spitfire!" Gabe yelled and jumped on the other side of her on the couch. "I've missed you," he exclaimed as he pulled her into a hug. "I hear you looked stunning in the Chanel dress I picked - I think someone was quite pleased."

Her blush bloomed again, "It was amazing, thank you both so much. I felt like a queen wearing it. Nate was just putting in a movie for us, are you two joining?"

"Sounds perfect," Victor replied, "I'll let the others know."

Group text: Victor: Heads up - movie night with our beautiful Marissa is starting now in the family room - bring snacks!