Mask Me (An Empyrean Novel)- The Atlas Collection- Book 1

Part 5

Once the room settles down, the activity picks up in various areas of the ballroom. This time there are hoops hanging from the ceiling as women twirl and spin above us. Their elongated bodies flowing gracefully from one position to the next.

On the far side of the room, couples dance the tango across a parquet floor. While on stage acrobats perform daring moves. The same music producing different forms of artistry, depending on where you gaze.

The hustle and bustle have me on edge. At the limit of my small talk abilities, I catch Samantha's eye and motion to the bar. Concern brushes across her face, but I wave it away, smiling and make my way through the crowd.

Usually I prepare for days to go into such a large social situation as "Alexandra". This morning I had planned on curling up all day to write, not end up at the Gala of the year. Glad for the respite, I lean against the bar.

"What can I get you?", the bartender asks, his eyes appraising my appreciatively.

"Dealer's choice," I quip. "Something a little sweet and bit unusual."

I return his smile, then turn, allowing my eyes float lazily around the room, taking in exotic scene before me. It doesn't take any time to recognize the who's who of the DC society and political circles, mixing and mingling.

"Here you are Miss," the bartender says, placing a blue glow-in-the dark cocktail in front of me.

I look at the drink, my face a mixture of confusion and amusement.

"You said you wanted something unusual," the bartender grins at me.

"Yes, I think this most definitely falls into the category of unusual," I reply, picking up the glass and taking a tentative sip. The cool liquid coats my tongue, the hint of pineapple chased by a mixture of rum and citrus.

"It's superb," I say, lifting glass toward the bartender, in a show of appreciation and turn back toward the ballroom.

Pinpricks light up across my body and I try to chalk it up to my uneasiness when I see a pair of piercing grey eyes staring at me from behind an intricate leather mask molding perfectly against his face.

"Good evening," the deep baritone voice slips across my senses, pulling my nerves taunt. It is the same voice which announced the award earlier on stage.

"Might I join you?" he asks, nodding to the high top table a couple steps away.

I smile and nod, not trusting my voice. He motions to the bartender who nods and prepares his drink.

"Quite the unusual cocktail."

"Yes." I reply smiling, "This happens when you put your drink choice in the bartender's capable hands."

To my surprise he chuckles, picking up the dark amber liquid the bartender has placed on the edge of the bar.

"Shall we?"

I nod and he leads the way over to the table. My eyes gaze down to his firm ass, marveling at the animalistic grace and killer good looks. I follow closely behind and I sigh, thinking how it would feel to cup his ass cheeks in my hands and pull him closer. Shocked at my own thoughts, I feel the warm blush rise in my cheeks.

"That was quite the speech you gave earlier this evening," I comment, trying for light casual conversation.

"Thank you. My sister really has done an amazing job. I was honored they asked me to present the award." His grey eyes look back at me with a studied intensity, and he smiles.