Masquerade, A Tom Hiddleston Story

Part 6 "If music be the food of love..."

"Let's dance..." I decided firmly. Grabbing her hand before she starts to protest. I lead her down the stairway to reach the regular floor.

She didn't resist my forcefulness. I purposedly avoided her face. Knowing that if I stare at those green eyes I might just freeze. Behind me I can hear Lucas yelling to Sam

"Follow them. He's drunk as a skunk".

I can also sense that familiar feeling of being followed. Sam was behind me. Somehow I felt the urge to lose him.

Halfway down I took bigger strides. My running partner let out a laugh as she followed suit. The bouncer was shocked that someone from VIP would want to go out into the regular area. But he let us go with little enquiry.

It did not take us long to get lost in the sea of dancers. All chances of Sam able to find us fast is slim. We started moving to the song playing. Some millennial song that's familiar.

I found the courage to stare back at her face. Our eyes locked. My hand found her hips and stayed there. She placed her palm on my hand and rest another on my chest. She leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"So... You like me huh?"

I didn't answer. But with my free hand I lightly touched her chin. Guiding her face closer to mine. I landed my lips on hers. Chastely at first waiting for her response. When I feel her body coming closer to mine and a slight moan escaped her, I grew confident in deepening the kiss. Our first kiss.

It ended abruptly as the song changes and we were bumped by the large guy dancing beside us. We were staring into each other eyes once more. Both of us smiling ear to ear.

I brought my mouth next to her ear and whispered,

"If music be the food of love, play on"

She gently gave me a whack.

"Stop being such a stereotype!"

I pulled back and twirled her around. Making her laugh. When she came back into my arms, I rest my cheek on hers. She ran her fingers through my curls. I take in her intoxicating scent with every breath.

A lot of time must have passed since that kiss. But to me it felt like seconds before another voice, a gruff and baritone one whispered anxiously,

"Boss, I see paps"

I turned around to see whether or not Sam is pulling my leg. He's dead serious.

"Fuck" I cursed.

"Pardon?" Kate asked.

"There are photographers" I explained.

I nodded swiftly at Sam and started guiding Kate back to the stairway leading up to the VIP room. Lucas worried expression greeted us below the stairs. Hand on hips. He looked as menacing as the large bouncer standing next to him.

"Reckless behaviour Tom!" He whispered angrily.

I decided to not make matters worse by replying. I continued holding Kate's hand up the stairs.

As the music begins to leave our ears. I can hear the endless angry rumble coming from my manager.

"Reckless, stupid, irresponsible behavior..."

"I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking...I am..."

"Drunk as a skunk!" Lucas continued. I can almost make out smoke coming from his ears.

"Look I'm sure they didn't see us..." Kate sounded hopeful.

"They always get pictures!" Lucas growled at her.

"Hey easy..." I gave Lucas a stern look.

"Sorry... But do you want them to write that you were snogging someone at a club? Complete with pictures?!!" The last statement is definitely for me.

"If they do then it's fine..." I said firmly. I gave Lucas a look he is very much familiar with. A look that says "let's not discuss this with civilians". I give this look exclusively to Lucas when he's trying to discuss publicity stuff in front of my mother and sisters.

Lucas nodded in agreement.

Kate stared back and forth at us expectantly. Waiting to be clued in.

"Let's take you back" I offered. Squeezing her hand that is still safely in mine.

She gave me a small smile and nodded.

She whispered softly as we walked out through the back door of the club. Her green eyes twinkling naughtily.

"Party's over Jack"