Mine to Claim

Masquerade (Part 2)

Coletta

We arrived at the Manhatten Mansion at 7:15. It was absolutey gorgeous both inside and outside. There was a long stone driveway lined with lights that led to a large circular driveway. The mansion itself was at least three stories tall made of black stone and mahogony wood. It was a mix of modern and rustic elegance. A valet opened our doors and took the keys from Kate.

“Here we go! Let the night’s festivities begin,” she squealed as she linked her arm in mine. We walked up the stairs that led to two large front doors. They were made of wood stained a beautiful russet red with black iron accents. Guests were still arriving but the foyer and space leading into the ball room were already crowded. It was fun to see all the creative outfits that matched the Egyptian theme.

“Why did my sister pick Egyptian theme again?” I asked Kate as champagne was offered to us on a gold platter.

“It’s because a large donation from the museum was given in commoration for this event and currently their newest exhibit is on Egyptian art and culture.” Made sense I guess that the largest contributor would have some say in the theme of the event.

I noticed that many gentlemen in 3 piece suits of various colors including one man wearing turquoise and gold, had their eyes on me. I watched as they glittered with interest behind their masks. I smiled softly to myself as I sipped at my champagne.

For the next half hour Kate and I mingled with guests, both on the lookout for someone hot and interested to take to a hotel tonight. Currently, I was engaged in a conversation with a gentleman who was wearing a deep violet suit with a matching violet mask. His hazel eyes shone and his light brown hair was slicked back. He was definitely easy on the eyes and he was showing genuine interest in our interactions.

While he was sharing about his current interest in his personal life, hiking I believe it was, I felt someone watching me. My body instantly became aware of the overpowering presence and I knew it was him. Kate nudged me in the ribs.

“He’s here,” she whispered. I nodded my acknowledgement of her statement but kept my gaze remained on my potential one night stand. I could feel him prowling ever closer and I couldn’t deny the effect it had on my body.

Remaining steadfast on the man in front of me, I attempted to take in what he was saying. The hair on the back of my neck stood on edge and that’s when I felt the warmth of him behind me.

“May I cut in,” his voice rumbled and I nearly collapsed to the ground in a puddle of need. His voice did very naughty things to me. My one night stand man..what was his name again…I couldn’t remember. His eyes widened at the tall man behind me.

“You’re-” he started but was immediately cut off.

“Yes. I am. Now, I’d like a moment with this stunning woman in front of me.” His voice was like steel. The man got the message and quickly excused himself. That was a little anti climatic. I was hoping he would at least attempt to stay. I guess not.

Finally, I turned to meet the man who has haunted both my dreams and waking moments. Dimitri Vlaskevitchi. God he was even more handsome than I remember. He wore a black suit with gold accents and a black mask that only emphasized the perfection of his face and really made his jade green eyes pop. His lips lifted in a wicked smirk.

“Did you think to make me jealous my love?” he rumbled. I didn’t want him to see just how much he affected me and it took every ounce of will power to purse my lips in response to his question. His eyes roamed up and down my body and I felt as if he were undressing me with his gaze. I clenched my thighs together to help assuage the ache that was growing there. “You were succeeding quite well.”

“Excuse me,” I asked softly, my breath hitching.

“In making me jealous princess. You succeeded. I’m a very,” he paused to give me a heated look, “possessive man and I don’t like to share what is mine.”

I scoffed. “Well then you should have made your claim five years ago.” Another waiter was coming by with more champagne and I quickly grabbed one as he passed by. I noticed just behind Dimitri that Kate was talking to a very handsome man that had quite the presence himself.

“If I had, I don’t think you’d be as prepared as you are for me. Tell me Coletta, how often have you touched yourself thinking of me? How often have you woken up from dreaming of me? And how often have you sought out other men in your attempt to get me out of your system?” Too damn often. But I didn’t want to admit that. He didn’t know just how much he affected me…although based on his questions he already knew. Smug bastard.

He took a step closer and I attempted to take a step back but his hand whipped out so fast and grabbed my waist. The heat of his hand seared me and it was all I could do from not falling into him and begging he take me.

“From today on, you are mine Coletta,” he whispered, his lips brushing the side of my face.

“You are so sure that I’m going to just be yours, just like that?” I asked incredulously.

“You’ve been mine for the past five years.” He was so confident in his answer and I couldn’t even deny it.

His lips brushed the tip of my ear and I inhaled sharply. “Are you wet for me princess?”

“Yes,” I whispered. I coudln’t deny him anything at this point. I was his. He was absolutely right.

“You understand I’m going to have to punish you for having s*x with other men these past five years?” I could feel my n*****s harden at his tone. It was velvety steel.

I nodded. “What are you going to do?”

“You’ll find out tonight love. Now, I want you to say good night to your friend and come with me.” I was a sucker for men who were dominant in nature and Dimitri was the very definition of dominant.

Gazing up at him with a hooded gaze, I licked my lips. His gaze flickered there and the shade of green instantly darkened. Reluctantly, looking ahead to where Kate was, I moved to let her know I was leaving for the night. Her eyes widened with excitement when I mentioned who I was leaving with.

“You better tell me every f*****g detail come morning,” she demanded and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Will do, in the meantime, it seems like you’ve found your man for the night.” Kate bit her lip with a wicked grin.

“Let’s go, Whyatt will make sure to look after your friend tonight,” Dimitri said as he placed a possessive hand at my waist. Whyatt must be the name of the man who obviously had Kate’s attention.

Without another word, I obediently followed Dimitri, anticipation humming throughout my body.