Luke gripped the cloth on either side of my legs and ripped it apart. I was so wet that I could feel a rush of coldness as my damp panties were exposed.

  “Luke, please,” I whined when I felt him shift.

  If he left me alone now, I would cry. I had never felt like this in my entire life. I was so turned on that it hurt.

  “You look beautiful,” he mused. “Hair fanned around you like a halo, your legs spread, and your pussy so wet, begging to be filled.”

  I didn’t have to beg again or wonder if he would leave me. He hooked one finger into my damp panties and moved it aside.

  Maybe later, I would be embarrassed by his sharp intake of breath against my core, but right now, it only turned me on even more. I lifted my hips toward him like I was some sort of offering. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me higher until his lips teased my pussy. His touch was like a lightning bolt, making my core constrict.

  “Look at the way your pussy is begging to be filled,” he groaned before he finally licked me.

  “Luke.” It was a desperate scream.

  His tongue moved from my center all the way to my clit, where he used the tip to add pressure just where I needed it the most.

  “You wanted a kiss, didn’t you, Summer?” he asked, but before I could reply, I felt his lips kissing my clit.

  I groaned, almost coming out of my skin. Luke slowed his ministrations, eating me out like I was a delicacy when I wanted to be devoured. His tongue teased my entrance while the tip of his nose pressed against my clit. My legs shook over his shoulders. I was so close now, and he was toying with me.

  “If you—” Lick. “—want—” Another lick. “—to come—” He bit my clit. “—then fuck my face.”

  Oh God. My legs tightened around him, and I began to grind against his face, seeking the pleasure he was denying me. He hummed his approval into my core, and I felt it ignite me. I was almost there. I could feel it, and when he inserted two fingers in me and sucked my clit, the coil that was tightly wound snapped, and I screamed his name.

  Time ceased to exist, and I felt like I was floating on air. Was this how it felt to fly? When I regained my hearing, all I could make out were my heavy pants. Luke was no longer between my legs, making me wonder if he was even here.

  “Cecilia will help you change for the ball. I’ll be back by then.” Luke’s voice came from across the room.

  “So, no breakfast?” I tried to lighten the mood, waiting to see if he would say this was a mistake.

  “I already ate.” His voice drifted through the room, followed by the slamming of my door.

  16

  LUKE

  I arrived at the house just in time to get ready for the party. My plan to run away had backfired when the smell of Summer’s pussy was on my fucking skin. Retreating had seemed like a great plan, but my balls begged to differ.

  She had been right there, and it would have been easy. I would have fucked her, but then what? Fucked myself over in the process?

  Pulling a lighter and cigarette from the inside pocket of my suit, I sat on the edge of the bed and sparked. I was a real piece of shit, wasn’t I? It didn’t matter if her pussy was dripping for me. At the end of the day, I was the one holding all the cards, and that imbalance wasn’t fair to her.

  I caught sight of my profile in the mirror and laughed. I was a real fucking hypocrite. Acting like I had morals when this manor was dripping in blood. Ghosts haunted this place, and yet I refused to let go. The dead had more hold on us than the living because we refused to let go.

  “Showtime,” I mumbled as I grabbed my mask and the box that contained the one for Summer.

  Since Summer wasn’t in the foyer yet, I made my way to the left wing, but this time instead of going to that room, I ended up in the old lab.

  As soon as I opened the door, the smell of ashes and bleach invaded me. It was everywhere, the odor too strong to be contained inside these walls.

  On the far wall, a now broken sign still read Ferro Beauty. How was it that this company was full of dirty fucking secrets? I’d inherited a broken empire that was about to collapse with all the missing funds and a key to a box somewhere in the world that held the answers to all my problems.

  When I walked back to the foyer, the first thing I heard was Bear’s paws scratching against the floor. I put my hand inside my pockets as I waited for Summer to make her way toward me.

  The dog trainers tried to persuade me to get a Lab and golden retriever mix since that breed had the most success. There were moments when I didn’t trust my own shadow, so I felt it was best to get a dog with sharper guard instincts.

  Cecilia must have stayed behind since Summer was alone. After what happened this morning, it wasn’t wise—not that she’d care.

  She looked divine. Her hair was done in some sort of half updo with waves. Her face had some makeup, but nothing over-the-top. Her lips weren’t red, thank God for small miracles, but they were a soft pink.

  Now her dress—that was another fucking story. It was black with intricate floral lace, and the underdress was the exact color of her skin. The top part of the dress consisted of a ribbed corset, while the bodice molded to her body and flared out at the bottom. The sleeves on the dress were made of lace, leaving you to wonder if she was actually naked.

  Bear stopped walking until he was in front of me. When I gave him the command to sit, he did as he was told.

  “You look beautiful,” I told Summer as I stepped forward.

  “The dress is long enough that I could wear flats. Thank you for that.”

  I tipped my head and then quickly realized she couldn’t see. When I reached for her glasses, I could see the confusion on her features, but I cut her off.

  “It’s a masquerade ball. I got you something,” I let her know as I put the mask over her face. Once that was done, I grabbed her hands and let her feel the mask.

  The Venetian eye mask had trimmed lace all around and a small layer that covered the eyes. This was for Summer so she wouldn’t be self-conscious about her scars, and the extra lace that covered her eyes was the perfect form of bait, ensuring we wouldn’t raise suspicion.

  “Are you ready?” I asked her once I had fastened the mask.

  “Yes.” Her voice lacked conviction, but it was too late to go back now.

  By the time we arrived in the city, my hand was going numb. Summer didn’t say much, but her grip told a different story. I didn’t know if it was the altitude of the helicopter, the fact that she had to wear protective gear and it dulled her senses, or the fact that she would be going out to an event, but she was nervous.

  She let me lead her to the elevator without a word. I watched the numbers tick down toward the ballroom. Once there were three floors to go, I pulled her closer to my side, my arm wrapping around her waist, and I felt her lose some of the tension.

  “I’m not very good with people,” she rushed out as the elevator pinged, signaling that we had made it to our floor.

  I leaned down and brushed my lips against the shell of her ear. “It’s okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  As soon as we stepped foot in the ballroom, I could feel eyes on us. I rarely showed my face at these events, and I knew that was where Hector had the upper hand. The public loved him, while I was the recluse who had saved the company yet refused to give a single interview.

  And here I was with a date. Not just any date—one that could bring this whole place to ashes with the truth she kept close to her chest.

  “I thought you weren’t coming.” Elizabeth’s accusatory tone was the first to greet us.

  So much for being able to stay incognito. I already knew the mask wasn’t going to do shit for me.

  “Elizabeth.” I tipped my head in acknowledgment but didn’t bother with introductions, and Summer tensed when she realized I wasn’t going to introduce her.

  “And who’s your date?”

  “Come on, dove, let’s go get a drink.” I pulled Summer with me toward the bar.

  “An ex-lover?” Summer asked with a bite to her tone.

  Was it jealousy?

  “She’s my secretary,” I explained.

  “That you dated.” Her question sounded more like an accusation.

  “I don’t do dates.” I smirked, and even though I knew she couldn’t see my face, I knew she was irritated by my tone.

  She left it alone for now, which I was grateful for. This would be amusing another time, just not now when I was using her as bait. Tonight, she was nothing but arm candy meant to get the people in my circles curious enough to come and brave a conversation with me. And if Summer would pick up on a clue or two, that would be a bonus.

  It was our first go at things, so I knew not to get my hopes up, but also, a part of me didn’t want her to find anything. What would be the aftermath if she did?

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” I greeted the men who were by the bar.

  “Ah, Luke, we can’t even pretend not to know who is underneath the mask,” one of the more pleasant board members said.

  I gave a humorless chuckle. “My cross to bear.”

  “I don’t believe we had the pleasure of meeting your date,” another man said, and I instantly recognized his voice. August—he was so far up Hector’s ass that I was surprised he was standing here without him.

  The smile I gave them was predatory. I dug my fingers into Summer’s waist; in comfort or warning, I wasn’t sure which, but she took it in stride.

  “This is Summer,” I told them as my hand moved up and down her side, handling her like she was an object.

  Since I didn’t use her last name, it could go one of two ways. The first, they would think she wasn’t anyone of importance, just some random girl I dressed up, or she was someone I was trying to maintain anonymity with and was keeping her identity hidden. I mean, with a name like Summer, it would make sense.

  Either way, it would pique their interest and keep them talking while giving Summer more time to get familiarized with their voices. The conversation kept going for a few more minutes. I admired Summer; I imagined this could be very overwhelming, but she was taking it all in stride.

  The mask she wore was perfect because none of them suspected that she was blind. She had perfected the art of turning to face whoever talked to her, and you could feel her attention on you. She didn’t need to see you for her to analyze you.

  “This will be Fe—”

  “Excuse us, gentlemen.” I cut them off before they could full-on get talking about the business.

  Once we had stepped out of the way, Summer took a deep breath.

  “Would you like a moment?”

  Summer nodded vigorously.

  I led her toward the hall so she could use the restroom. As soon as we stepped out of the ballroom, the noise lessened, and I could hear Summer’s heavy sigh. Maneuvering her so she was against the wall, I put the hand that wasn’t holding her above her head, caging her in.

  “Hey, say the word and we can leave,” I whispered in her ear.

  “I’m okay,” she assured me. “Which way do I go?”

  Oh fuck—her cane.

  “I’ll take—”

  “It’s okay. I can manage on my own, Luke.”

  Of that, I had no doubt.

  STRENGTH

  I may be timid, but I’m not weak.

  I may whisper, but I can still speak.

  I might have been broken, but my pieces still fit.

  I’ve reinforced them, so you better watch out for me.

  17

  SUMMER

  It was overwhelming to be around so many people. Although I never saw the spotlight, there was something about being onstage that separated you from the rest of the world.

  As I made my way to the bathroom, I realized I had been spoiled. I was not used to walking around without a cane. Roaming around like this reminded me of the first days in la Casa del Silenzio. Was it a compound or a mansion? I never bothered to find out, but I would trace the walls of my room over and over again as if, by some miracle, a door would appear and take me somewhere else.

  The only other place it took me was the bathroom, where I learned to find solace in a scalding shower. I used to make myself believe that the burning water would wash away the sins on my skin.

  I heard the door open as I was in the stall, and I quickly hurried up so whoever had entered wouldn’t try and spark a conversation with me. I got out and walked straight to the sinks. I wished I had enough time to splash some water on my face. I was shaking my hands, trying to dry them since I was not going to waste time finding paper towels.

  “Who are you?” a voice asked from my left, and that was when I realized I’d never heard a stall closing. The voice took me by surprise, and it made me jump.

  “I’m no one,” I whispered as I tried and failed to regain my breathing. I extended one of my arms and gripped the sink, needing to find a tether.

  The tapping of a heel got closer, and I let go and took a step back. Luke was outside of those doors waiting for me. I knew that if I yelled, he would come in here, but there was no reason to overreact. This woman was simply asking a question. She wasn’t threatening me, although her energy was strong and her tone possessive.

  “No one?” She took another step forward. “I’ve never seen Luke treat anyone like he does you. One would think you were made of glass.”

  “Sounds like something you should take up with him, don’t you think?” I tipped my chin up and squared my shoulders.

  Without another word, I turned around and reached for the door, and then it took me a few seconds too long to locate the handle. It was enough time for the woman behind me to pull at the strings that held my mask together.

  I felt it get loose as I walked through the door and hoped Luke was waiting right there for me to come out. The mask began to fall away from my face as I stepped into the hall. Luke did not call my name, but the woman turned me around by the shoulder and got a good look at me.

  Her gasp felt like a physical blow.

  If that wasn’t enough, the man’s voice that spoke didn’t belong to Luke, but it was a voice I recognized.

  “Are you ready to go, Elizabeth?” The French accent was just like how I remembered it.

  My nails dug into my palms, and I had no hair I could use to cover my face with.

  “What the hell is going on here?” Luke’s tone came from down the hall, and he sounded furious.

  Without turning back around, I ran to him blindly, trusting that he would catch me—pun intended.

  Strong arms wrapped around me. I buried my face into his chest, and he didn’t question it. One of his hands stroked the back of my head, keeping me in place.

  “Why is her mask off?”

  I could feel Luke vibrating with anger. When he spoke, each word was dripping with venom. He walked us toward the woman…toward him, while making sure I was still in his arms. The closer we got to the other couple, the more I wanted to imprint myself in Luke’s skin.

  “Elizabeth,” Luke warned.

  “Mon amour, what’s the problem?” I froze, and Luke noticed.

  “Fauché?” Luke seemed to question.

  Before either of them could speak, Elizabeth did so.

  “Who is she? And why are her eyes so fucked-up?”

  Luke let go of me, and I felt cold. He stepped away but did it without turning me around, for which I was grateful. A few seconds later, he pressed my mask into the palm of my hand but didn’t put it on me.

  I was just about to tie it again when I heard gasping, and then he was yelling in French at Luke.

  “You’re going to kill her.”

  My shaky fingers weren’t cooperating, and I couldn’t get the mask to tie. I pressed it to my face and turned around to face the rest of the people. The beat of my heart was thumping wildly that it made it harder to focus on other things. If I needed further confirmation that the French man was the same one from my nightmares, his cologne was the final nail in the proverbial coffin.

  “You stay out of this, Fauché, because you’re next,” Luke warned.

  “L-L-Luke.” My voice was shaky, and I didn’t even want to bring attention to myself, but now more than ever, I needed to be far away from here.

  “If I see you at the office on Monday, you’re dead,” Luke threatened. In seconds, I remembered the woman had talked to us earlier, but in my overstimulation, I had dismissed her voice, and what a mistake that had been.

  A few seconds later, a loud thud hit the floor, and she was gasping for air.

  “You’ve gone mad, Fe—”

  Whatever he was going to say was cut off by Luke.

  “If I were you, I’d tread very lightly, Fauché.” Luke’s voice was a harsh whisper, and I barely made out the words that he said. “L’ora del silenzio è finite.”

  A chill went down my spine at the confirmation I didn’t know I was looking for. I had hoped that my blind eyes were making me conjure demons that were not there, but my body remembered them all too well.

  “Come on, dove, let’s get you home.” Luke’s voice was much gentler now.

  He tied my mask for the second time that night. Luke didn’t take me by the hand. He held on to me tighter than ever before, that I was sure if we continued this way, my imprint would be left on his side.

  “Pedro,” he spoke, and I thought someone else must have been in the hall with us before I soon realized he was on the phone since the conversation was one-sided to my ears. “I’m taking Summer to my penthouse. I need you to keep an eye on Fauché.”

  The ballroom broke out in applause as we stepped foot into it. Some sort of video was playing in the background, announcing some new launch. As we walked away, we passed by a group of men who were speaking loudly. My knees buckled under the weight of the secrets that were threatening to be pulled out of me.

 

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