Chapter Five

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THE HEAVY WEIGHT OF my ball gown swished and clung to me.

Every layer and detail gave me power and mystery, ensuring I became unrecognisable. My mask hid my forehead and eyes, the cut so perfect it looked as if it was a part of me and not a disguise.

To be honest, I felt freer than I’d ever been and also terribly lost. I liked the sensation of wearing a dress designed for a princess, but I also scrambled to remember the simple girl within me. The girl who could spend an entire week wearing different coloured gemstone bikinis and nothing else. The girl who drank coconut water straight from the nut and frequently had dirt under her fingernails from helping in the vegetable gardens on Lebah.

As much as Sully’s wealth allowed us to live a life of utmost luxury, we were simple in our tastes. The money we spent was on animal welfare, medicine, and rehoming.

As long as we were safe on our island together, that was all we ever needed.

And this? This gown made me look as if I’d stepped from one Eden into another. One full of decadence and danger.

Sully strode beside me, his arm looped with mine, his back straight beneath the smoky grey tux that shimmered silver in lamplight and unforgiving metallic in the darkness. I studied him out of the corner of my eye. His mask covered his entire head, leaving only his nose and jaw exposed. His blue eyes glowed behind the grey disguise, harsh and delicious.

White beads decorated where his eyebrows would be, twining in a complex design up and over his skull, leading to two horns that were ridged like a goat’s.

He could be a devil or a demigod...or both.

He was the most magnificent man I’d ever seen, and...he’s mine.

As we glided past the windows, opaque and reflecting like mirrors now that night-time had fallen, I caught glimpses of myself. I saw a delectable woman on his arm that was every bit as impressive and imposing as he.

My gown matched Sully’s tux in infinitesimal ways. The bottom of my skirts was smoky grey—as if I’d stepped in clouds and hadn’t fully shed their cloying colour—but beyond that...I was iridescent.

A snakeskin pattern etched the fabric, growing from faint lines into bold patterns the higher up the bodice it went. From my hips to my shoulders, the fabric was almost sheer, allowing opalescent scales to hint at my flesh beneath. Two fabric trains fell from my shoulder blades, adding to the swatches of material following me down the sweeping staircase toward the murmur of voices and the crush of crowds below.

As we’d prepared for the masq, we’d heard more and more guests arrive. The crunch of gravel as limousines pulled up and deposited their partygoers, and the occasional roar of a helicopter landing on the grounds.

Once again, a window refracted my appearance, revealing that my dress might be based on a snake’s sinuous, silky poison but also garnered inspiration from other creatures too.

The long gloves I wore went up my biceps, intricately detailed with beadwork in the shape of bees and butterflies. Stitched over the iridescent snakeskin fabric were the tiniest of seashells and within the smoky grey swirling around my feet were the starched lace embellishments in the shape of feathers and fronds.

My mask had matching horns to Sully’s, only on a smaller scale, along with diamonds over my brow and along my cheekbones.

The entire ensemble was a mismatch of reptilian, avian, sea life, and ground dwellers. All animal themed in high-end couture.

Reaching the bottom of the staircase, I clung to Sully’s arm as we braced ourselves and headed toward the hum of voices. Flutters of my orgasm that Sully had given me in our shared shower continued to tease between my legs.

It’d taken two attempts to get dressed, thanks to Sully’s insatiable desire the moment I’d slipped into the gown.

We didn’t need to talk to know that tonight would be enjoyable but also a struggle to mingle with so many strangers. As long as Sully stayed close by, I would be content to smile and chat, despite missing the serenity of our shores.

Brushing past a few couples, we stepped into the giant ballroom.

It took my breath away.

Pillars and tumbling velvet curtains. Wainscoting and plasterwork ceilings. Six ginormous chandeliers drenched gowned and tuxedoed guests in fragmenting rainbows.

The room was crowded but not overly so, all attention upon the small podium where a band had paused in their playing. A man in a black tux with a black mask stood beside a woman in a raven and swan dress, black feathers blending into white with a half-mask covering one eye.

They spoke, but we were too far away to hear exactly what was said. However, Sully nuzzled my nose, murmuring, “That’s him. Jethro and his wife. See her necklace?”

I nodded. How could I miss the huge diamond collar around her throat? “She’s beautiful.”

Sully grunted, his eyes not on our hosts but the head of his security, Radcliffe.

Radcliffe and a few of his team from Quietus—his old mercenary firm—now lived on Goddess Isles with us and protected whatever needed protecting. He’d travelled with us, staying discreet and unseen.

Radcliffe nodded once in our direction, spoke into his cuff to the rest of his team, and faded back into the crowd.

A round of applause sounded along with a roar of laughter, dragging my attention to a man in a white tux standing beside a woman in a gorgeous gown sitting in a wheelchair.

And then the speech was over, and the Hawks vanished from the stage. The band struck up a romantic, soulful serenade, and the party began.

“Want to dance, my lovely goddess?” Sully asked, turning to me with a graceful bow.

I placed my hand in his. “I can’t dance, but if it’s an excuse to touch you, then definitely.”

He grinned, pulling me through the crowd to the dance floor where other couples had fallen into a waltz.

I’d never ballroom danced in my life. “Eh, what do I do?”

Sully gathered me close, angling me correctly and spreading my arm out with his. “Just follow my lead. I don’t exactly know what I’m doing either but just follow the music. Who cares about the proper steps.”

Biting my lip, I allowed him to glide me forward and back, my dress swaying and train pooling by my feet as we swept around the floor.

To start with, self-consciousness kept me highly aware of other more talented couples. But then the song changed to a more passionate rendition, and masked men clutched their women closer, spun faster, encouraging lust to mingle within the finery of decorum.

My own need struck a sizzling match.

Sully’s touch went from comforting and familiar to laced with that heady electricity that always got us into trouble. My breath came quicker as I did my best to ignore the crackling chemistry and copy others, focusing on mastering my dancing instead of pouncing on my gorgeous husband.

Unfortunately, Sully felt it too. Nuzzling his nose against my throat, he sent another scattering of fireworks through my blood. “You’re flushed, my love. Is it from my dancing or perhaps something else?”

I moaned.

I couldn’t help it.

My breasts grew heavy. My core liquefied. My fingernails dug into him as I fought rapidly building desire. Sully had always triggered my primordial nature. From the moment we’d met, our bond had transcended conversation and even emotional connection. It was raw and violent and—

“I need you, Sully,” I breathed. “Dancing was a bad idea.”

He gripped me hard, swaying me to the beat. With him pressed so close, I took liberties that would guarantee retribution. My hand snaked from his waist and around his muscular thigh. My gown blocked others from seeing as I wrapped my fingers around his impressive erection.

He jerked. His quick gasp making me wet and tingly.

“Jinx...” His growl wrenched my head up.

His blue eyes glowed like the Java Sea as he cupped my cheek and ran his thumb over my mouth. His touch instantly ignited a thousand kisses and a million touches we’d shared over the years.

And I lost myself to him.

Another song began, and our bodies melted into each other. My fingers stroked him through his silky tux trousers. He clawed at my back and cupped my chin with dominance. His head came down, mine tipped back, and our lips connected without any care of people watching.

My hair had been left loose, draping down my back where Sully tangled his fingers within the strands and pulled.

I forgot how to breathe as he kissed me deeper. Our masks grazed each other’s, goosebumps covered me beneath glistening snake scales, and I forgot that we weren’t free to do whatever we wanted.

Living on an island meant we had privacy to indulge in our lust whenever the hell we wanted. If Sully wanted me over his desk, he could. If he wanted me when walking back to Nirvana, we could be as loud and as wild as needed.

I hated clothing.

I hated that I couldn’t climb him right now and have him plunge inside me.

“God, Sully.” I moaned into our kiss as he guided me around the perimeter of the dance floor. Our lips nipped and connected. Our blood crackled for more. Our tempers ignited to be alone.

While we danced, our hands roamed.

Our tongues tangled.

Our hearts possessed each other.

As another song began, we were once again on an island. Only this time, we were in a sea of strangers instead of the wide-open ocean.

“Fuck, I want you,” he groaned into my mouth as we completed another circuit, moved to another song, and allowed the music to fully corrupt us.

I rubbed myself against him, shivering with need. “Do you think anyone would miss us if we went to find that dungeon?” I licked at his mouth as he kissed me hard. “I need you inside me.”

“Fucking hell—” His kiss turned into a meal, tasting me, chasing my tongue and biting my bottom lip as I submitted. His large hand splayed on my lower back, wedging my hips against his as he ground himself indecently into my gown.

Panting, he pulled away and looked down my chest, his gaze hot and wild. “I can practically see your nipples through that dress. If we find somewhere to fuck, I can’t guarantee it will be intact afterward.”

I shuddered with his threat. “I’m okay with that.”

“Don’t think our hostess will be.”

“It’s her fault that I can’t keep my hands off you.”

He smirked. “Pretty sure it’s me who can’t keep my hands off you.”

I cupped him again, squeezing his hot length. “We share the same affliction.”

Sully’s throat rippled as he swallowed down a snarl and pushed my hand away. “Don’t push me, Eleanor. I’m seconds away from—”

“Can I cut in?” a smooth English voice said.

Sully froze. Anger flashed in his eyes as he arched his head over his shoulder. His shoulders braced to ensure whoever asked for a dance with me fully understood who I belonged to, only for him to relax and a strained chuckle to slip through his lips. “Jethro. Hello.”

Pushing me to his side and wrapping his arm around me, Sully ran a hand over his jaw as if doing his best to shed our unsatisfied desire. “You don’t have the best timing, but it’s nice to see you.” He held out his hand. “Thanks for the invite.”

Jethro stood stoic, his head with its black mask tilting to the side. He studied us for a few seconds before a smirk lifted his lips. “If you’re contemplating where the nearest empty room is, I can assist you.” He shook Sully’s hand. “I must warn you, though, Hawksridge has a habit of getting you lost if you don’t know your way around. And I fear you might not return if you leave. Besides.” He laughed under his breath. “They do say anticipation is the best kind of foreplay.”

Sully chuckled. “Not hiding your tricks these days, I see.”

“Hard to ignore when you’re broadcasting your wants so loudly. You have a one track mind, my friend. Sex instead of enjoying my exclusive masquerade. I’d be offended if I wasn’t so amused.”

“Jethro.” A woman appeared by his side, swatting his arm. “What’s gotten into you? You know you shouldn’t pry into—”

“Relax, Nila.” Jethro released Sully’s hand. “He knows what I’m capable of. He knows most things about me.”

“And it seems you know me. I’ll have to remember to protect my thoughts around you. What did we agree on in our second drug trial? Something about humming a nonsense song to prevent you from—”

“I’m afraid I’ve evolved since then.” Jethro laughed again, his tone dark but friendly. “You’re at my mercy while in my hall.”

“Or you’re at mine.” Sully grinned. “Seeing as you just complained my thoughts are rather loud. I could make your life a living hell.”

“They’re so loud, you’re giving me the urge to vanish with my wife and find a dark corner.”

“Kite!” The woman next to Jethro swatted him again.

Sully chuckled louder before bowing. “Hello, Mrs Hawk. Stunning as always.” Before Nila could respond, Sully turned his attention back to his friend. “You were wrong, by the way.” He bared his teeth. “We weren’t thinking about finding an empty room, more like a dungeon. I’m sure you have a few of those beneath this castle.”

Jethro paled slightly before mirroring Sully’s grin. “Of course. Complete with manacles and a rack. However, I wouldn’t recommend either. Not nearly as fun as advertised.”

“I give up.” Nila threw her hands in the air. “Honestly.”

Sully let out a bark of laughter. “If I care to believe the rumours, old friend, I’d wager you know many methods of torture.”

Jethro once again stilled before he shed his tension with a smile. “Rumours exist for both of us, don’t they, Sullivan?”

“They do indeed.” The two men studied each other before they conceded whatever competition they’d shared. “Good to see you. It’s been too long.”

“I agree.” Jethro smiled at me. “And that’s why I’m pissed you were thinking of leaving the masquerade so soon.”

“I blame your wife for that.” Sully chuckled. “The dress is very...enticing, Mrs Hawk.”

“Call me Nila, please.” Jethro’s wife smiled.

“He’s right, Needle. His appreciation of your work is...loud.” Jethro laughed as the woman beside him pinched his waist.

“Behave, Jet. I swear to God.”

“It’s fine, Nila,” Sully said. “He’s only trying to embarrass me and my wife.”

“I’m trying to aid you and your wife in a situation you are both in the midst of. But I’m going to be selfish and ask that you restrain yourselves so we can enjoy your company before you disappear.”

What the hell is going on?

I couldn’t make sense of this.

Who was this man?

And why did Sully act as if speaking to a clairvoyant wasn’t a big deal. “It seems being drug-free has enabled an even greater sensory ability.” Sully narrowed his eyes behind his mask. “It would be intriguing to test you again, Jethro. See where your skills lie, now that you’re a happily married family man.”

“Perhaps.” With another smirk, Jethro turned his focus on me, changing the subject as if he had no intention of being Sully’s test subject. “I’m sorry for my behaviour, Ms. Grace. It’s rare for me to be able to share my true self, and I apologise if I upset you.”

Before I had time to speak, Sully muttered, “It’s Eleanor Sinclair. Not Grace. Not anymore.”

“Of course. How clumsy of me.” Jethro waited until I put my gloved hand in his, then he kissed my knuckles. His thumb ran over the bumps of my diamond rings that had been fashioned by his jewellers with Hawk diamonds. “You are, I must say, perfect for him.”

I tugged my hand back, slightly unnerved by whatever abilities he possessed. “We’ve just met, so I’m not sure how you can say that but...thank you.”

“I feel like I know you well.” His bronze eyes twinkled. “I’m glad you found each other. And I’m glad the clothes my wife made fit so well and have my friend’s approval.”

Nila rolled her eyes, only half her pretty face obscured by her mask. Her dark hair was tied back, and the black and white feathers on her gown rippled with air eddies as couples danced past.

“Hi, Eleanor, I’m Nila. Ignore my husband.” She held out her gloved hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I nodded, shaking hers gently. “Likewise.”

She grinned as two tiny children bolted past, ducking around ladies’ skirts and racing past men’s legs. “And those two hurricanes are our children.”

Jethro chuckled as the kids vanished into the throng. “Kes and Emma. You’ll meet them later.”

Sully cocked his head, studying his friend. “Family life truly agrees with you, Jet.”

“It does. No drug can compare.” He sighed, his humour fading a little. “I’m sure I’ll pay for this little soirée, but I thought it was time to begin introducing Emma and Kes to society. Prove to the tabloids and conspiracy theorists that whatever rumours plague Hawksridge are no more.”

“Fair enough.” Sully gathered me close, tucking me into his side. “So far, the ball seems like a success.”

“It’s an overly glorified business convention, really,” Jethro said. “I invited you to catch up, but it’s also a good time to make new contacts for your business. Especially the new islands in the South Pacific. Rapture, was it?”

“Correct.” Sully nodded. “We’re thinking about a visit there ourselves, actually. You and your family are welcome to come.”

“Maybe.” Jethro smiled. “For now, how about I introduce you around? You’d be doing me a favour by taking some of the attention off me. I can feel it a little too keenly.”

Sully threw me a look. “I’m happy to come, but I don’t particularly want to leave Eleanor.”

“By all means, bring her—”

“Oh, don’t you worry about her,” Nila said. “She’ll be bored while you talk business. I’ll happily keep her entertained.” Coming closer, Nila murmured, “I’m sure you have questions about my strange husband. And I can give you a tour if you’d like? Show you the gardens or the greenhouses. Maybe the stables?”

“Oh, that’s kind.” My unwillingness to leave Sully vanished. Our chemistry faded in preparation of being apart. I looked at Sully, my heart glowing as he nodded gently.

“I won’t be long. I’ll come find you after.” His eyes heated with sinful promises.

“Okay.” Smiling at Nila, I added, “I’d love to see your horses. We saw you riding this afternoon.”

Nila beamed. “The stables it is. I should’ve offered that option first, seeing as I’ve heard about your fondness for animals.” She motioned toward my snakeskin dress. “That was designed in a collection a year or so ago, but I figured it was perfect for you. In hindsight, I should’ve embellished it with more creatures. There truly are unlimited patterns you can pull from nature.” She eyed my dress with critique rather than satisfaction. Annoyance clouded her gaze, then inspiration glowed bright. “Oh! I could do an entire collection based on the attributes of hunter and prey! I could design fangs out of wire and—”

“Needle, stop.” Jethro chuckled. “We have friends to entertain, not new wardrobes to create.”

Nila nudged him with her shoulder. “I can do both at once.”

“Don’t listen to her.” Jethro looked at Sully, then me. “If you let her discuss clothing, you’ll find yourself sitting in her sewing room while she sketches until tomorrow.”

Taking Sully’s elbow, Jethro bowed at me and his wife. “On that note, we’ll see you two ladies in a bit. Don’t get up to mischief.”

Nila fluttered her eyelashes. “But I like mischief.”

“Yes well, our intention tonight is to squash the rumours, not to create more by making me chase after you to ensure you behave.”

Nila laughed, glancing at Sully. “See what I have to live with? He can do whatever he wants, but me? No way. Do you threaten your wife on a daily basis like he does?”

“I’d say almost hourly, actually,” I said before Sully could. “Then again, I issue my own just as often.”

Nila laughed harder. “I’d like to hear these threats.” Stepping back, she opened her arm in invitation. “You can give me some pointers. Shall we? A quiet walk to the stables will be a perfect time for gossip.”

Sully groaned. “Jethro, I’m happy your wife provides you with the emotional stability you need, but I’m not so keen on her corrupting mine.”

“If anyone is doing the corrupting, it will be your wife, not mine.” Jethro grinned. “Come on. Let me introduce you to our guests.” Kissing Nila, he broke away from our group, giving Sully privacy to kiss me goodbye.

His kiss was swift and strict. A dominant reminder that we belonged together, and that he’d come find me soon. “I won’t be long. Stay safe, Jinx.”

I kissed him back. “You too.”

Nila took my hand and dragged me the other way as Sully followed Jethro into the crowd.