Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Anger courses through me as I clench my free hand and stand to my feet. I have to get ahold of myself. Regardless of the situation, I can’t let myself lose control. Making my way to the small liquor bar stashed in my desk, I pour a whiskey and throw it back in one go.
It’s not like me to get upset over a woman like this, and I don’t like it.
Riley: My friend said it’s called The Echelon. They’re holding a charity event or something; she got tickets from a friend who couldn’t make it. Have you ever been?
My simmering rage at the thought of anyone else looking at her shifts to interest as a slow grin spreads across my face.
Sweet little Riley, walking right into the lion’s den with this one.
Nick: I have. My friend owns the place. I take it this is your first time going?
God, Thomas is going to be insufferably pleased when I show up tonight.
It may not be my smartest idea, but it is a masked event, just like most of the shindigs at The Echelon, so it’s not like there’s much chance of Riley recognizing me. I’ve already managed to hide behind two masks without her noticing; a third can’t be that difficult.
Riley: Haha, yeah. Taylor said it’s super exclusive but that they open it up a little for events like this. Is it nice?
My lips twitch in amusement as I think through how I often spend my time there.
Nice isn’t exactly the word I’d use.
I’d rather show her than tell her, though.
Nick: It certainly has its charms.
I can’t help being a bit annoyed that she’d go to a place like that without me, but she obviously doesn’t know the full extent of what The Echelon is. Thomas doesn’t often advertise the back rooms when he’s hosting an event like this, and Riley clearly isn’t one for the nightlife. Her friend might be aware, might even be planning to encourage Riley to have a little fun tonight, but I can handle that.
After all, I know where Riley is going now, and I already have a table set aside with my name on it. Getting my hands on her will be easier than ever.
And I’ve been growing steadily more impatient the longer we’ve been texting, anyway.
Riley: Are you going to be there tonight? Since your friend owns it and all, lol
God, she’s so cute when she’s nervous.
I can’t wait to fuck every last thought out of that pretty little head.
Nick: I already made my donation, so I was planning on spending the night in, but if you’re good, you might just see me.
Without waiting for a response from her, I swipe back to my texts with Thomas.
Nick: I’ll be there. Keep Riley Morgan’s ticket aside for the auction and make sure she’s selected, and put the entry fee for her and her friend on my tab.
A slew of question marks answer me, followed by rapid-fire demands for more information. I chuckle at his obvious excitement and bewilderment, but there’s no reason to keep Riley a secret anymore.
By the end of tonight, she’ll be mine, through and through.
Nick: I’ll add a zero to the check I wrote you if you shut the hell up.
The text flood stops immediately, with one final response coming in from him.
Thomas Vale: You’re a dick. I’ll make it happen.
What a good friend. Maybe I’ll add two zeros to that check.
After all, Riley’s worth it.
I push up from my desk and head over to my closet, stepping in to pick through my suits for something that will do for tonight. The mask I always wear to The Echelon is stiff black fabric with intricate silver stitching, handmade and custom fitted. I want to match with Riley, just a bit, so I decide on an all-black suit with a silky blue pocket square, leaving the first few buttons of my shirt undone to offer just a peek at my chest.
We’ll look stunning beside each other.
And she’ll look fucking perfect beneath me.
My heart beats wildly in my chest, a combination of excitement and arousal pumping through my veins as I walk back out of my closet to grab my phone.
Another text from Riley waits for me.
Riley: Am I really going to get to see you again?
A smirk tugs at my lips at the obvious hope in those words, but I decide to pocket my phone instead of answering her.
After all, she’s going to find out my plans for her soon enough.
No need to spoil the surprise completely.
CHAPTER 12
RILEY
My heart is literally going to beat out of my chest before we even make it through the doors. He might be here tonight. I might actually get to see him again.
Holy shit. This is happening.
The line to get in is moving far too fast; Taylor is chatting with the people in front of us like she’s known them for years despite having met them about five seconds ago. My mask feels too tight on my face. Leave it to Taylor to forget to tell me this was a masquerade charity auction.