Chapter Seven – A Night of Masks
882 Words
It was their second time going out together, but this night felt different.
Massimo hadn’t said much all day at the office, just the usual quiet commands and occasional looks that lingered longer than necessary. Alessia—Katherine, deep inside—felt his eyes even when he wasn’t watching her. Something was brewing behind his calm expression. She could feel it.
As they stepped out of the car and into the luxury event hall, she knew this wasn’t just any night. It was a masquerade ball, hosted by one of Massimo’s business allies. Men in black suits, women in silk gowns, all wearing elegant masks that hid their intentions as well as their faces.
Alessia’s mask was gold, simple but striking, resting just over her eyes. Massimo's was black, sharp around the edges—just like him.
"You look stunning," he whispered in her ear as they walked in. His voice was low, almost possessive.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice calm, though her heart pounded. Every event like this meant more people, more danger, and more secrets.
Massimo’s hand rested on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd like she belonged to him. In a way, she did. At least for now.
They moved through the ballroom with quiet power. Heads turned when they passed, especially the men who noticed her beauty—though no one dared speak. Not with Massimo at her side.
But then he appeared.
Lorenzo Vescari.
Massimo’s rival. Tall, clean-shaven, with a dangerous smile and a white mask that made his blue eyes even colder.
"Lorenzo," Massimo greeted with a nod, tight-lipped.
"Massimo," Lorenzo said, then turned to Alessia with interest. “And who is this beautiful creature hiding behind a mask?”
Before she could answer, Massimo placed a protective hand on her waist. “My secretary. Alessia Romano.”
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. “A secretary? With a presence like that?” His tone held something more—flirtation or mockery, Alessia couldn’t tell.
Massimo’s body tensed. Alessia felt it instantly.
“She handles more than schedules,” he said flatly.
Lorenzo chuckled. “Of course she does.” Then, to her: “A pleasure to meet you, Alessia.”
She nodded politely, holding her smile. Her mind, though, was racing. This was the man she’d read about—the one Massimo clashed with in business, territory, and influence. He was dangerous, and tonight, he was watching her with too much interest.
As they moved away, Massimo leaned closer and said quietly, “Be careful around him.”
“Why?” she asked, keeping her voice even.
“Because he’ll use any weakness he can find. And you”—he paused—“you’re starting to look like one.”
She didn’t reply. She couldn’t. Her heart beat too fast. Was that a warning? Or something else?
They danced later that night. Slow, with the music echoing gently through the hall. His hand rested low on her back. His other hand held hers tightly.
"You've changed," he murmured.
"How so?" she asked.
"You don’t flinch anymore when I touch you.”
She looked up at him. “Should I?”
He smirked. “No. But you used to. Now you move with me. Like you’re learning.”
Maybe she was. Maybe the role was sinking in too deep. Or maybe it was something else entirely.
She looked around the ballroom—so many people in masks, all pretending, all hiding. She felt just like them. Her own mask wasn’t just on her face. It was in her voice, her walk, her smile.
But under it… she was still Katherine Rowland. The girl who lost her parents to this world. The woman who had promised to bring justice, not fall into temptation.
After the dance, they walked outside to the balcony. The night air was cool, and the city lights blinked below them.
“Why do you bring me to these things?” she asked softly.
He leaned on the railing, looking out at the skyline. “To show them you’re mine.”
She blinked, startled. “I thought I was just your secretary.”
“You are.” His tone was steady. “But you’re also something they don’t understand. And that makes them curious. Jealous.”
She didn’t know how to respond to that. Was he protecting her… or using her?
“I saw the way Lorenzo looked at you,” he added, eyes now on her. “He’s planning something.”
She met his gaze. “Do you trust him?”
“No,” he said without hesitation. “But I trust myself enough to keep you safe.”
The way he said it made her chest tighten.
When they returned inside, things had shifted. She could feel it. The tension between the rivals. The curiosity of the others. Whispers moved through the room like smoke.
Later, as they left, Massimo held the door open for her. Just before she entered the car, he said quietly, “You belong to me now, Alessia. Don’t forget that.”
She turned to him, her voice steady. “What if I already have?”
He smiled then. A slow, dangerous smile.
“Then I’ll just have to remind you.”
- Writer
