Between The Lines and YOU

WARNING ⚠️ SPG ALERT ⚠️ NOT SUITABLE FOR MINORS. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our enchanting masquerade soirée! Tonight, we embark on a journey into a world of mystery, elegance, and hidden identities. It’s a pleasure to have you all here, ready to celebrate this night of masked marvels…" I stopped listening to the speaker, too distracted by the hunger gnawing at me since earlier. On top of that, the mask was itching against my skin, its feathers brushing into my nose. The event had barely started, but all I wanted was to go home and sleep. "Pria, where are you going?" Asher asked when he saw me heading toward the food. He was sitting next to Lyra, his eyes sparkling as they lingered on Ivy. "To eat." "Seriously, do you have a crocodile living in your stomach? Can’t you wait?" I rolled my eyes, no longer amused. The gate was the same color as my gown, and even the velvet ribbons on the entrance, the pillars, and the staircase, everything was drenched in purple. Good Lord, purple everywhere. The only things that seemed to sympathize with me were the glittering candles, at least not in purple. The lights were dim in our corner, and only the four of us were at the table. The wide open space in the center was reserved for later, where we would dance the cha-cha and tango. "Ivy Rafaela Dela Cruz! Let’s give her a round of applause, everyone." The spotlight instantly found my stunning friend, who now stood with a wide, radiant smile. The room erupted in applause. Ivy had so many guests, childhood friends from elementary school, relatives who had flown in from abroad. The place was overflowing with people. Still, I hadn’t spotted Freya. Most likely, she was tucked away in some corner, already chatting away with new acquaintances. I also noticed a few professors from V.C.U. mingling in the crowd. But the one person I wanted to see still hadn’t appeared before my eyes. With everyone masked, it was nearly impossible to pick him out. I was certain he was here with his girlfriend, no doubt. "I’ll go with you." Kael nodded and joined me as we walked toward the buffet table. There was so much food I didn’t even know where to start. Everything looked delicious. Kael picked up a glass of blackberry champagne, while I kept my distance from the chocolate fountain, knowing Freya, she’d actually shove me in if she caught me too close. There was a donut tower, chocolate bars, candies, black-and-purple macarons, and countless other treats. I reached for a gold pearl oreo. My Gosh, it was divine. "Madam, would you like some wine?" a man in a formal suit asked, balancing a tray of filled glasses. I was about to take one, but Kael stopped me. "No, we’re good." "Why did you send him away? I’m thirsty," I muttered, grabbing another gold pearl Oreo instead. "It’s too early to get drunk, Pria." "Who said I was planning to get drunk?" "Try this." He handed me a champagne cocktail. So much for too early to drink. "Let the festivities begin!" The lights shifted color in an instant, the music swelling with it. Guests began searching for dance partners, while those who already had one were out in the middle, savoring the moment. The music was romantic. But all I had planned tonight was eating and drinking. I wasn’t going to get drunk. At least that’s what I told myself before I downed the entire glass of champagne cocktail. "Pria." Drexler suddenly appeared out of nowhere, looking striking in his white tuxedo and gold tiger mask. "Drex." I gave him a small, polite smile. Kael was still beside me, seemingly indifferent, though I knew he was watching. "May I have this dance?" I wanted to refuse, but I couldn’t bring myself to. He might think I was avoiding him, which to be fair, was true. I glanced at Kael. I didn’t want to leave him behind. His eyes seemed to ask, Do you want to dance with him? I gave a small nod. Still, unease stirred in my chest. This wasn’t the same Drexler I’d once known. His gaze was different now, something I couldn’t put into words. Unlike before, I wasn’t comfortable around him. And yet, on the other hand, I didn’t want to judge him too harshly. We had been friends once, after all. "I’ll watch you from here, don’t worry." Kael’s whisper made me smile. He brushed his hand gently against my cheek, offering me a reassuring grin. I was truly lucky to have a friend like him. I accepted Drexler’s hand when he extended it, bowing slightly as if we were in some old-fashioned courtship ritual. His smile never left his face as he led me to the wide dance floor. He placed both hands on my waist, while I rested mine lightly on his shoulders. The music was so loud I couldn’t hear what he was trying to say. He leaned closer, his eyes fixed on me in a way that made my skin crawl. The smell of alcohol lingered on him. Maybe I’d made a mistake coming with him. "You’ve grown even more beautiful, and sexier too, Ace." I stiffened at the feel of his hand brushing against my waist. "Of course, we’re not getting any younger, Drex," I snapped back, though my voice betrayed the nervousness twisting inside me. Our table was nowhere in sight now, not even Kael. Drexler had brought me to the very center of the floor. "I haven’t forgotten the last promise you made to me. I’m here to collect it." "I buried that promise long ago, Drex. You disappeared like smoke. It’s not my fault if I can’t keep it anymore." Behind his mask, I caught the flicker of sadness in his eyes, the hint of an old wound. "I came back here for you. I want to court you, Pria. I’ve been ready for a long time, I’ve been waiting for you." But my eyes had already been drawn elsewhere. I recognized that gaze, steady and unyielding, watching me from across the dance floor. Even as our eyes met, he didn’t look away. Cold. Lethal. Like a siren’s eyes that could drown me in an instant. His eyes. I knew it was him. Even if he wore an elegant mask that covered his face, I would always recognize him. I thought seeing him again would be enough. But instead, every nerve in me screamed to run to him, to pull him away, to kiss him senseless. He had hurt me deeply, more than anyone ever had. And yet, I couldn’t deny it, I missed him. He was still staring at me. "I-I just need to use the restroom," I muttered, not waiting for Drexler’s reply as I rushed off the dance floor. My friends were probably wondering where I was by now, but the truth was, I really had to pee. I hurried into the empty cubicle. When I was done, I nearly gasped, my breath catching as I stepped out and saw him. He was leaning against the sink. Still looking at me. Arms crossed. Those cold, siren eyes cut right through me. What now? Was he here to reject me again? To scold me? "Knox" I forced a small smile, trying to hide the way my nerves rattled me from the inside out. Even though my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst, I still walked toward the sink where he stood. His scent enveloped me the closer I got, and I wanted nothing more than to just grab him and hold him tight. Silently, I washed my hands. If he didn’t want to talk, fine. Maybe it was better this way, easier to finally move on. I was about to leave when he suddenly grabbed my wrist, dragging me out of the restroom. His grip was firm, unrelenting. I tried to pull back, but he didn’t let go. My mind and heart were at war again. Was he going to hurt me all over again? He pressed the elevator button, still holding my hand. When the doors slid open, he pulled me inside with him. Only when the elevator began to rise did he finally release me. His eyes met mine in the reflection of the mirrored wall. I looked away, putting distance between us as my knees weakened. He drained me, like a vampire feeding on my strength. "Your dress doesn’t suit you." The compliment slipped out of his lips like venom dressed as sugar. Sweet, deadly, intoxicating. The kind of praise that lifted you so high, you almost wanted to jump from a bridge just to feel it crash..I didn’t answer. There was nothing to say. When the elevator doors opened, I would run. I would leave him. He removed his mask. I pulled mine off too, I had wanted to be rid of it for hours. Was he… okay? "Do you… still… like me?" His tone shifted, soft, almost hesitant. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look at him. It was only then I realized he’d been drinking. His flushed cheeks, the languid heaviness in his eyes. Just like me, it seemed he needed alcohol to gather the courage to face this moment. "Yes, Knox. It sucks, right? You probably felt disgusted when I confessed—" I froze when he suddenly leaned in and kissed me. He pulled away, biting his lip before locking his eyes on mine. Gosh, I wanted to pull him back and kiss him again. He looked sinfully irresistible like that, sexy, magnetic, impossible to ignore. Was I going to let myself hope again? When the elevator doors opened, he didn’t drag me. Instead, his hand found mine and held it firmly. Using his keycard, Knox opened the door to a hotel room. The moment the door shut, he cupped the back of my neck and crashed his lips against mine. His left arm wrapped tightly around my waist while his right hand pressed firmly at my nape, holding me captive in his kiss. I wound both arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. I missed this. I missed him, his kisses, his touch, everything about him. I wanted this. The alcohol was intoxicating, but nothing compared to the way his lips felt on mine. Kissing him was far more dizzying, far more dangerous. I wasn’t that drunk a moment ago, but now? I couldn’t tell anymore. The heat coursing through my body was overwhelming. Maybe he was drunk too. But who cares? He groaned against my lips. A smile tugged at mine. Gosh, that sound, it was addictive. Point for you, Pria. I gasped when his hand slid lower, gripping me at the curve of my backside. He took advantage of that moment to push his tongue past my lips. I fought for dominance, refusing to give in completely, but still, he kissed so damn well it made me moan against him. I’d take any heartbreak just to taste him again. I pushed him back slightly, desperate for air. We both stared at each other, breathing hard. Then he kissed me again and pulled me toward the bed, our lips never breaking apart. He sat down and, like he always used to, pulled me onto his lap. The fitted fabric of my dress made it impossible to straddle him properly. That is, until he lifted the hem of my dress high enough for me to part my thighs. Now I was facing him fully. His lips trailed down my neck, his hands roaming, claiming every inch they touched. The fire between us was consuming me whole. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was just him, but I couldn’t stop myself from moaning when he sucked against the sensitive skin of my neck. He tried slipping his hand under my dress but couldn’t. Then, without warning, he tore it apart. Heat burned across my face as fabric gave way, leaving half my body exposed. He stared at me then. Admiration. Desire. Hunger. All of it burning in his eyes. "Do you want me to stop?" Instead of words, I answered with a gentle kiss to his lips. I wanted this. I wanted to give myself to him. If he shattered me after tonight, I would still treasure this moment as a gift. I wanted him to be my first. That way, he’d remember me. I wanted him to remember this night with me. I stood and stripped off my clothes one by one until nothing covered me. My skin flushed crimson, hotter than fire, surely red as a tomato. It was only thanks to the alcohol that I had the courage to bare myself to him like this. I saw him swallow hard, again and again, his eyes glued to me. His gaze was molten, shining with so many emotions I couldn’t name. "Fvck," he muttered under his breath. He stood, kissing me fiercely before guiding me down onto the bed. Propped up on my elbows, I watched as he slowly peeled off his clothes. His eyes never left mine until he was down to nothing. I swallowed hard. His body was breathtaking, sculpted, smooth, masculine. Especially his very brave buddy that looks like ready to be in a battle. I gulped hard, damn, his buddy was too big. "Ahh…" I moaned softly when his knee pressed against my most intimate spot as he climbed on top of me. "You don’t know how fvcking sexy and ravishing you are right now, love," he whispered in my ear, nipping gently at the lobe. Tears pricked my eyes at the word he called me. Love. I wanted to believe it. Even just for tonight, I wanted to let myself believe he felt something for me too. Even if it broke me tomorrow. He kissed my forehead first, then each cheek, the tip of my nose, and finally, my lips. I moaned when his chest pressed against mine, the heat of his bare body amplifying the fire already consuming me. My entire body trembled, overwhelmed by sensations I couldn’t explain. His lips trailed down the column of my neck. I arched my back when his hands covered my breasts. The pleasure was maddening, his palms kneading, his mouth hot and demanding as he sucked at one before giving the same attention to the other. He gave my body equal worship, making me feel as though I were floating. I couldn’t decide where to turn my head, the pleasure pulling me in every direction. I even tried closing my thighs at the strange new heat growing between them. But I couldn’t, because he was already there, in between them. "Ahhh… K-Knox… fvck!" My sanity shattered the moment his bold tongue brushed against my most intimate part. He dragged one finger along me, sending shockwaves through my body. His thumb moved in expert circles over my c**t. When he looked up at me, he wore a smile that stole my breath. Bloody hell, he looked devastatingly hot. "You’re so we—" "S-shut up." He chuckled, the sound vibrating through my bare skin and raising goosebumps everywhere. I hadn’t known it could feel this intoxicating. Without leaving my breasts unattended, he replaced his mouth with his free hand. Then he rose, leveling his face with mine, and captured my lips again. My hands, which had been clutching the sheets, slid to his back, clinging as though he were the only anchor holding me steady. "Knox…ahhh—" I gasped, jerking when he finally put his hard buddy inside me. He stopped moving for a while, then when I finally got to adjust to his size. He thrust it in and out several times. The stretch burned, tears pricking my eyes. He stopped moving, his gaze piercing into mine. He moaned too as he pushed a little more. I wanted to tell him to pull his buddy out, it hurt, it stung too much. Instead, in my frustration, I bit his lower lip, drawing a soft, wicked laugh from him. "I’m sorry, love. It’ll get better, I promise." He kissed my eyelids gently before sealing my lips again. I endured the sting as he began moving again, slow at first, pushing in and out of me. Before long, my cries grew louder, my body trembling at the foreign yet addicting rhythm. His pace quickened, his buddy thrusting harder, faster. "Moan, love. Moan my name." "Fuc—ahhh… stop it, Knox!" I pleaded, because something inside me was building, growing unbearable, ready to explode. My toes curled, my body arching helplessly as he moved even faster. "Damn it, Pria… your body’s driving me insane." I think he was closed too. "Kno—Knox…ahhh—" And then it happened, his buddy moved quicker, rougher, until something inside me snapped. We both moaned in pleasure, as he pulled his buddy out and it exploded in my back. A rush of release tore through me, and I collapsed, trembling, weak, my nails sliding from his back. "Let me do the honor of cleaning you…and tasting my reward," he whispered, kissing my forehead. I was too weak, too sensitive to move. My eyes stayed shut, every nerve ending still burning. I thought he was pulling away when he finally withdrew his buddy. But my eyes flew open when I felt his breath against the most sensitive part of me. Oh fvck. I moaned again, my body convulsing as another wave of release tore through me for the second time.