Free Passion Unleashed (Masquerade Part I) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

She was supposed to socialize, make herself known. That was the idea. But it seemed silly to try to do that while wearing a mask.
    She was acutely aware of the strikingly handsome man that seemed to always be within touching distance. He had a magnetism that could not be ignored, not that she felt like ignoring it.
    She discreetly glanced over and noticed the hardness of his body. Even under the soft lines of his suit, the hard strong lines of his physique were evident. "What am I doing?" she said. The lady next to her in a purple mask turned to her instinctively. "What was that?"
    Heather blushed, but fortunately the mask covered all. "Oh , nothing, sorry."
    She saw the stranger's dark hair, thick in the front, almost spiked, with thin sideburns. His strong jaw was not hidden by the black silky mask. If only she could see his eyes.
    At the moment she had the thought, he looked over. His eyes caught hers. They held each other’s gaze just a moment too long. He epitomized masculinity. It was the way he stood, the way he looked at her, something in his demeanor.
    She felt a bit weak, maybe it was the champagne. She turned away from him, her clit suddenly hard. She felt embarrassed at her sudden excitement.
    Excusing herself from the group of women, she made her way to the nearest bathroom. With the heavy wooden door closed securely behind her, she leaned up against it and closed her eyes. But instead of regaining her composure, all she saw was visions of the man she couldn’t stop looking at.
    She couldn't help but notice his hard ass as he'd turned away from her, removed his jacket and tossed it over a nearby chair, all in one smooth movement. That black suit he’s wearing fits him like a glove.
    Her desire rose and was determined to overtake her. She had to get it together before going back out there. Parties were stressful enough. She didn’t want to act like a giddy fan. Even with his mask on, she could sense he was exceptionally charismatic.
    Heather checked herself in the mirror, admiring her Alyce Designs metallic dress. She’d searched for weeks to find the right dress to wear with her gold embroidered mask. The long strapless gown accentuated every curve. She was pleased.
    Ryan waited patiently for her to return. He had to see her again. He'd turned away momentarily after their eyes met. She was special, not like all the too-perfect women he was always around. This blond beauty was different.
    Heather made a step into the hallway and looked out into the huge ballroom filled with elegantly clad guests. Yet, there seemed to be no one in the room except for the dark stranger who she couldn’t seem to avoid. There he was, not more than a few feet from where she’d left him.
    Reflexively, she turned and walked down the marble hall, away from the ballroom entrance. The home was huge and the hall seemed to go on and on. The noise of the party faded away behind her. She was thankful for the quiet. Peeking inside an open door to her left, which appeared to be a huge library, she checked to be sure it was empty. She stepped inside and waited a moment. It was quiet and she was sure she was alone.

3 - The Library
     
    Gazing around the warm library, she felt calmer. The oak bookshelves went all the way to the ceiling, filled with books, with a rolling ladder to reach them. She stepped over the plush maroon-colored carpet to glance at some of the titles , leather-bound classics plus more recent ones she’d seen on the best seller list . She loved to read. Being here with so many books, she felt momentarily comforted.
    When she’d locked eyes with the stranger in the silky black mask, she’d felt immediately aroused. As she moved, she noticed her panties were still wet.
    She turned around to examine the oversized desk and caught her breath. Seemingly from nowhere, he was suddenly standing beside the massive desk. Heather stared at his strong shoulders and hard chest outlined under his thin shirt.
    “I didn’t mean to