"A great party..." Anaïs smiles raising her glass of liquor and I nod, holding my whisky and pretending to take a sip although I only wet my lips. My stomach is still upset despite I'm feeling better now that I'm more relaxed, I don't think I should drink this anyways but the glass helps me to keep my hands busy.
"I get the impression that you like all parties," I reply looking at her amused with my elbow leaned on the counter.
"Oh no, only the ones that offer good liquor, good food, pretty girls... and the possibility of doing business with those powerful idiots. But don't tell them that I called them that, they think they're very smart and they must like me if I want to get a good commission in exchange of my services as a financial advisor."
"I understand you, I face the same problem as an interior designer. I can't tell my clients clearly that they have terrible taste..."
"Meow."
I turn around startled to look at the woman who's meowed softly in my ear. She's leaned on the counter waiting for the bar tender to serve her the cocktail she ordered, she has long and brown hair, gorgeous curves, pretty tanned skin and plump lips under her cat mask. Her white dress is tight enough to highlight her breasts and hips but it's elegant, a very expensive designer garment, for sure. A furry and fluffy tail is attached to the silver belt around her waist and she's holding it with her fingers, playing with it while showing her flawless manicure.
"Good evening, Miss Kitty," I purr playing along while watching her cautiously. I don't know who she is, I've never met her before, I'm almost sure of that even if she hides her face behind a mask. She could be a guest looking for a partner to spend a pleasant night together, most members of this club are doing the same right now, but she could also be a member of the Upper Circle, someone sent by them to monitor my movements. I shouldn't forget that this is my evaluation period and I'm not a full member of the Black Orchid yet.
"Pretty," the woman whispers using the tip of her tail to graze the sleeve of my purple jacket, going up to my shoulder and down my chest till pointing at one of the golden buttons.
"I could say the same to you," I answer while letting my eyes rake all over her body from her high-heeled shoes, going up her toned legs, till stopping on her breasts, not hiding the fact that I'm checking her out boldly. Miss Kitty smiles and pushes away a stool to be able to move one step closer but, suddenly, a bunch of blue silk fabric blocks her way.
"Good evening, Iselen," the soft Australian accent caresses my ear while her perfect lips touch my jawline right below the mask for a second.
"Ruby Rose... Hello..." I stutter shocked when I feel the woman too close, putting her arm around my waist casually. "You look stunning tonight... Are you the Goddess of the Moon?" I ask looking at her silver mask embellished with sequins that matches the amazing long dress covered with fake diamonds that shine like stars, although they don't glow as bright as her eyes behind the mask when she smiles.
"You're right. Now guess who she is..." Ruby points back over her shoulder with her thumb.
"Oh, come on. Seriously?" I ask amused when I see the black cape, white lace collar and elegant top hat. Her face is covered with a white mask with a long-curved beak. "A plague doctor... very appropriate, Doctor Ahren."
"I told her it was too obvious and everybody would recognize her," Ruby replies but Bluma is not paying attention to her because her eyes are fixed on Miss Kitty, watching her quietly with... hostility. The brown haired woman fidgets awkwardly and finally decides to grab her drink and vanish, leaving the spot near the counter free for Ruby to sit down on the stool and the doctor gets even closer.
