Behind the Mask
875 Words
The Grand ballroom glittered with its golden light, diamonds were flashing, champagne and soft laughter.
Alexis entered the hall in a black silk gown that clung on her body showing her perfect curve.
A silver mask framed half her face, the perfect disguise for the ice queen everyone thought they knew.
Her latest edition Louis Vuitton handbag made her look expensive and luxurious.
“Alexis, darling!” Patricia, queen of LA society, swooped in with air-kisses that smelled of powder and expensive perfume.
“That gown…don’t tell me it’s from your new collection?”
“its a preview,” Alexis said sweetly, accepting a glass of champagne.
“The anniversary launch is three months away.”
Three months.
Three months that now depended on Hunter Grey.
Her lips curved in practiced smiles as Patricia ranted about social scandals and business rumors.
Alexis heard none of it. Her mind was already in tomorrow’s boardroom.
She shouldn’t have come tonight.
She should have been home, sharpening her strategy.
But the thought of being alone in her penthouse, haunted by Henry's memories, had driven her here instead.
Patricia left to attend to other socialites leaving Alexis on her own.
“Another champagne, Miss?”
The voice froze her blood.
It was low and deep…sexy.
A voice she once knew even in the dark, a voice that once made her body shake in ecstacy.
Slowly, she turned.
Hunter.
He was tall in a black tuxedo, his mask was simple.
Ten years had carved him into something even more dangerous.
Broad shoulders, a sharp jawline , black eyes that still stripped her bare.
For the first time in years, Alexis Cole forgot how to breathe.
“I…” Her voice choked.
He stepped closer, and she caught his scent of oud and smoke.
Memories of silk sheets, broken promises, and that night he left her under the rain.
“Dance?” he asked, offering his hand.
She was supposed to refuse and run but instead, her fingers slipped into his like they had been waiting to be there all along.
They moved as if time had never passed, his hand firm at her back, her body betraying her, remembering him too well.
The music increased, but all Alexis heard was her heartbeat hammering in her ears.
“I've found love…
For me…”
Other couples spinned and turned while enjoying the love song, but Alexis' mind was in that bedroom under the silk duvet, ten years ago.
“You look…” His voice caught her unaware, making her gasp.
“Different?” she replied, hiding behind brittle calm.
“Untouchable.” His thumb brushed her knuckles, sending a shiver straight to her spine.
Her mask hid her face, but not the truth burning in her eyes.
Did you ever stop loving me?
Or just learn to hide it?
“Why are you here?” she whispered.
“The same reason you are. Hiding behind a mask.” His smile was bitter. “Pretending for one night.”
She wanted to hate him.
She wanted to walk away, Instead, she let him hold her, one more dangerous second.
Tomorrow…" she started.
"Tomorrow we go back to being strangers," he finished. "Tonight, we're just two people at a masquerade."
He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "One more dance?"
She should walk away with her dignity intact but she still accepted his hand telling herself it was an act of courtesy.
The song ended.
They didn’t move. The world around them dissolved until Hunter’s body went rigid. His jaw clenched.
“Hunter?” Alexis whispered. “What’s wrong?”
“Photographers.” His voice was tight. “Business paparazzi, They’re starting to recognize faces.”
Her blood boiled, If anyone saw them together tonight… if tomorrow’s negotiation leaked before it began…
“This was a mistake,” she whispered.
“Was it?” He pushed her against the terrace railing, city lights sparking like fire below.
His hand cupped her cheek, thumb tracing her mask. “Because this feels like the only thing that’s real.”
Her body betrayed her again, leaning into his touch.
“Alexis,” he breathed, her name breaking on his lips like a prayer.
The terrace door burst open, laughter spilling out.
Patricia and her entourage swept in, oblivious.
Hunter dropped his hand and stepped back.
“Alexis! They’re starting the auction,” Patricia chirped.
Alexis pasted on her flawless smile. “Of course.”
When she turned, Hunter was gone.
Back inside, she played her role of laughing, bidding, charming while her heart stayed on the terrace, raw and burning.
It was nearly midnight when she escaped into her car.
The mask was gone, but its weight lingered.
Her phone buzzed.
Meeting confirmed. 2 PM tomorrow. Hunter Grey leading negotiations. _ Marcus.
Her chest tightened.
Tomorrow, she will face the man who once destroyed a part of her.
A second text appeared, from an unknown number:
Thank you for the dance. See you tomorrow, Alexis. _ H
She pressed her fingers to her lips, remembering his touch.
And for the first time in ten years, Alexis Cole wasn’t sure if she was walking into a negotiation or straight into a war she couldn’t win.
- Writer
