The Enchanted Ones

The Ball

Winslow

Damn it, I can't zip the dress.

I try to reach the zip on the back once again, but it's useless because I can't even locate where the heck it is.

I already curled my hair, so I give up trying to zip it and start doing my makeup. Thank god we have to wear masks so I don't put much effort into it.

My mask is black with dark red roses and gold outline, so it matches the theme I'm going for. I try to do a black-gold eyeshadow combo and I have to say, I'm impressed with myself. The eyeliner is more straight than ever and my lashes lifted perfectly. I smile at myself and twist my lipstick open. I look to the mirror to apply it, and notice Everett leaned on the doorframe, looking at me with a grin. I turn around, making eye contact, "What are you staring at, come help me with the dress." I tell him, and turn to the mirror again, applying the lipstick. I watch him from the mirror shaking his head while chuckling and walking to me.

He comes behind me and grips my waist, before sliding his hands up until he gets to the ziper. He does it so slow I bet it's on purpose to torture me. He starts slowly zipping it up, making eye contact with me in the mirror, looking to the zip, then back at me again.

Goosebumps run through my skin and butterflies in my stomach. I close my eyes praying to God it wasn't obvious. When he reaches the top, he doesn't remove his hand from my waist and I try to stop myself from turning around and smashing my lips onto his because hell why is he so fucking attractive?

"Look at me." I feel his hot breath on my neck and I open my eyes, watching him from the mirror never taking his eyes off me. My eyebrows lower when  I turn around to him. He pushes a curl behind my ear and quietly says, "You're so beautiful. You need to stop."

I frown and smile at him, "Compliments? I didn't know you could do that."

He chuckles and takes something out of his pocket. "You know how to tie these?" I take a look at what it is and realise it's a tie.

"You're a man that wears suits at work everyday and don't know how to tie ties?"

"Perhaps you'll be able to do it better since it's on someone else rather than yourself." He grins and hands me the tie.

I shake my head and take it from his hands. I adjust it so I can find the right length and when I do, I put the tie around his neck, pulling the wide side slightly lower than the other. I begin by crossing the wide end under the narrow one, while the tie hangs inside out around his neck.

I try to concentrate on the tie and not him looking at me and not taking his eyes off my lips.

I pull the wide end up and over the narrower one, taking the wide end down through the loop and tightening the knot. I move the wide end horizontally over the narrow end, pulling the wide end back up to the loop.

Once I make sure it is securely tied I flatten the top, making sure it sits perfectly in the middle right above his belly button.

"You're right, I did do it better." I smile proud of myself. I look up at him and find his green eyes looking at me with nothing but amusement. I ignore him and put on my heels, along with my golden necklace. I turn to him, signing for him to zip it. I slip my hair to the side and feel his fingers clipping the lock. When he finishes, he steps back, drinks me in and I tilt my head. Something's different wih his face.

"You shaved."

"I thought it would make for a smoother ride." He grins, running a hand through his jaw.

Excuse me?

Since when was this man this bold?

I chuckle and grab my mask from his grip, "I like it rough." And I walk out the door.