Report's Of The Forbidden

Chapter Six

I slip my knife under the folds, I pull out the glossy paper it reads

*The Domain*
You've been formally invited to attend The Anonymous
Masquerade Ball, at The Domain.

Dress Code requires that you wear your most formal attire, and you must wear a masquerade mask to be granted entry.

Friday, 12/15/23 at 9 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

I put the invite on the refrigerator so I don't lose it. I grab my laptop so I can do some digging, but nothing comes up. Why is this club so secretive? It's very strange, who would have sent me this? I've never heard anyone talk about this place, I'm pulled from my thoughts as my phone goes off. * Hey it's Ryan, wanna go to dinner?* butterflies flutter in my tummy * Of course, when?* My phone dings again, wow a man who answers back right away and is handsome? Win - Win. *Tonight at HOF, you get the best of both worlds, great food and ice cream!* I smile * Sounds like my kinda thing, what time?* Ryan takes no time to respond * 7 I'll pick you up* excitement fills me *I'll be ready :)* I quickly send my address.

I have a few hours, which will be filled with me showering and getting ready because I take forever. I struggle to figure out an outfit, I am not at all one for dresses but I feel like one would be best for the occasion. As I dig far in the back of my closet, I'm met with a little black dress. Curling my hair and doing a half up with pieces framing my face, I do light makeup with chapstick to finish it. While tightening my straps on my heels, I hear a knock. Rushing to the door, I am greeted with a very charming Ryan.

We make small talk as we are seated looking over the menu. Feeling overwhelmed not knowing what I should order, Ryan looks over at me and chimes in " Sorry if this isn't fancy enough, it was a last minute idea and I'm sure you have guy's bringing you to top of the line places"

I don't know whether that was a compliment or not. "Oh no this is what I prefer, being fancy isn't my thing"

He winks "Well just you wait, I might change your mind"

Wondering what he meant, the waitress came to take our orders. The waitress seems to be extra, but I can't blame her. Ryan is very attractive. I'm not jealous but it is a little annoying, clearly he's here with me but she's trying to shoot her shot. Seemingly the type that doesn't care if they have a girl or not, very skanky in my opinion. As the night went on, we chatted about the project but ended that subject quickly. It started getting late.

Ryan drove me home and was sweet enough to walk me to my door. "I really enjoyed dinner with you Aspen"

I blush, looking at my feet. Ryan grabs my chin and leans in, as our lips are centimeters apart we are disrupted. A loud cackling and stumbling is heard, rounding the corner is Mr.Bourbon and the same female I saw him with weeks before.

"Mr. Morgan, Miss Heineken '' he nods at us.

"Well I'll see you tomorrow Aspen" Ryan turns on his heels and leaves.

I sigh, fumbling with my keys, I see Mr. Bourbon open his door letting his company in. "Have a good night, Miss Henieken''

The way my name rolls off his tongue, sends shivers down my spine. I lean against my door, dumbfounded that he lives in the same complex as me. I stomp my foot "That prick fucked me out of my kiss!"

Grabbing my pj's, I strip out of my dress and climb into bed. I can't help but think about what Ryan said at dinner, I wonder if he sent me the invite? The feeling is back, anxiety mixed with happiness. Sleep seems to take over quickly, I snuggle into my fuzzy blanket letting it consume me.