Masquerade ✔️

six: nate

Let's cause a little trouble, oh, you make me feel so weak.

Cameras flash as I make my way up the steps of Andrew Petrova's lavish Los Angeles mansion, paps everywhere.

I don't think they're taking pictures of me, dozens of much more famous celebrities are walking up the stairs as well.

Securing the black and gold mask on my face, I remove my invitation from my coat pocket and extend it to the man checking the invites, waiting for his nod before proceeding.

The ballroom is enormous.

It's at least seventy feet long and just as wide, the ceiling arching high above my head. The floor is white tile and pillars support the roof, gorgeous white marble.

Windows cover most of the walls, giving a gorgeous view of the LA skyline, and a massive glass chandelier dangles from a secure gold chain in the centre.

Men in suits and women in elaborate dresses scatter the space, all wearing masks and probably all high-profile celebs.

"Sir?" A waiter proffers a glass of champagne and I take one, taking a tiny sip from the flute.

My eyes skim the room, searching for someone, anyone to talk to.

"Hi." A voice makes me turn and I make eye contact with an average-height, ebony-haired woman in a floor-length red dress, standing beside a tall man in a black suit trimmed in scarlet. They're both wearing masks, that almost resemble devils.

"Hi." Something about the man is familiar; the way he carries himself, like he hasn't a care in the world.

"Andrew." I snap my fingers, finishing my champagne with a large gulp.

"Nate. You've met my fiancée, Charlotte?" Andrew grins and looks down at the pretty woman, who's got a huge rock on her finger.

"Charlie." Andrew's fiancée smiles at me politely, shaking my hand.

"I'm Nate."

"Nice to meet you, Nate." Charlotte hands me another glass of champagne and looks away, searching the room.

I take the opportunity to study her. Charlotte is good-looking, with a slim figure and a pretty face, brown eyes wide and alert. Her lips are painted a deep red to match her dress and since I'm clueless about makeup, I can only say she was wearing some. She takes a sip of champagne and I notice a smudge of scarlet lipstick on the rim of the glass.

"Where's Noe?" Charlotte asks Andrew, who shrugs.

"I'm going to find her. Again, nice to meet you, Nate." She smiles and wanders off, leaving me alone with Andrew.

"Who's Noe?" I ask curiously, swallowing a long gulp of bubbly.

"Oh, my best friend Noelle." Drew replies, finishing his glass and grabbing another.

"Noelle Bellerose?" I remember the beautiful young woman I saw on that Victoria's Secret ad, the one with the alluring eyes.

"I take it you're a fan?" Andrew motions at the room absently. "Yeah, she's here somewhere. Listen, I'm going to go greet s'more guests. Enjoy the party."