Big Book of Little Stories

To Be With You: Part Three | One More Touch.

Walking into the ballroom, the room had been turned purple thanks to the mass of themed decorations and alterations made to the lighting. It was breathtaking really as the who is who of society turned out to support the cause. Denton had Carmen’s arm linked so tightly in his  pins and needles had started to spread from her fingers to her elbow. Behind them came two body guards, and finding their seat Carmen didn’t hide her surprise at seeing Mason already at the table.

“Ah, Mr. Redden. Good to see you again!” Denton dragged Carmen around to see him, letting her go for a brief second so he could shake his employees hand. “You remember my wife?”

“Of course, it’s a pleasure to see you again Mrs. Rivers.” In a bold gesture, Mason took Carmen’s hand in his and gently kissed her knuckles. “I must say you are the most beautiful woman I’ve seen all night!”

Carmen glared at Mason as she pulled her hand away and turned from him rudely. On the outside she played her part perfectly, while inside she was fighting to ignore the fever that spread from her heart down towards her legs. She had never seen Mason dressed so formally and didn't appreciate the impact he was having on her. His hair had been cut and his blue eyes caught the dim light like the crystals in her gown making them sparkle.

“Denny, come dance with me!” Carmen pleaded, taking his arm she looked up at him seductively. If he didn’t know what she was doing, he’d almost believe that was what she wanted. Smirking he placed his hand on the curve of her back, taking a step as if to guide her towards where the orchestra played a gentle swaying melody.

“Not yet darling,” the look Denton served Mason with had his confidence ruined. “Mr. Redden, would you mind?”

“What?” Mason’s voice caught in his throat at Denton’s request and glancing in Carmen’s direction, he could see her fear.

“I just saw someone I need to speak to. It won’t take long.”

Carmen attached herself back to her husband’s side, “Please no business tonight!”

“It won’t take long. Mr. Redden?” Denton’s face hardened as Mason managed to breathe again and with a nod, extended his arm for Carmen to take. He hated how good it felt to have her with him as they passed through the crowd and joining the other dancing couples, he longed to hold her closer than what he was certain Denton would allow.

“I wasn’t lying, you’re the most beautiful woman here.”

“How do you want the evidence? I have it all in my purse.” Carmen ignored the feelings she had in that moment. She refused to look him in the eye and was constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting for Denton to appear.

“Not here. Can you get away? Stay with me tonight.”

 “It’s too risky, what if-“

“There is enough going on that will keep your husband busy Carm. Trust me, he won’t miss you tonight.”

While Mason shared his plan on how they could leave the party without raising any suspicions, Carmen focused on what Denton had told her. Mason would never really love her, not like he did. He knew her, all of her and the effort he had put into getting them where they were today was something she couldn’t deny. She wanted a new world, but couldn’t escape the one she was in. She didn’t want to, not as much as she had thought she did.

Sure enough come eleven, Carmen wanted to go home. Denton had spent most of the night on his phone or outside barking orders to his workers as he refused to tell her what was going on. After their first dance, Mason had been told his services were no longer required and making her own escape, Carmen ran down the stairs of the town hall and into the waiting car.