Page 18 of Moonlit Colorado

I’d made my decision, but I could still hardly believe it as I said, “I have to find Piper first. To tell her where I’m going.”

His smile unfolded like a piece of silk. “I’ll come with you. I’ll give her my name and contact info so she knows you’re safe.”

“No. I’ll tell her your room number. That’s enough.” I didn’t want the temptation to ever contact him again or give him a way to contact me. This was just about tonight. “I’ll meet you upstairs. What room is it?”

“701. Top floor.”

Nerves and anticipation fizzed beneath my skin.I can’t believe I’m doing this.

“I’ll head up and order us a bottle of champagne.” He stroked the back of his hand down my cheek. “I’d love to take off that mask and kiss you right here, but I’m going to save it until we’re alone. That way, I won’t have to stop.”

“Okay,” I breathed.

He pressed a keycard into my palm. “I’ll be waiting.” He turned and walked toward the lobby.

My heart thumped like crazy while my hand squeezed the card he’d given me. The key to his room. No, not just a room. Hissuite. Where he was heading up now to wait for me to join him.For sex.

“701,” I repeated to myself. I had the absurd thought that I was going to forget the number. “701.” The top floor. Like a penthouse or presidential suite or something?

Opening the flap of my purse, I tucked the keycard inside and took out my phone to text Piper.

Me

Meet me in the lobby? Need you asap

Piper

Of course. U ok?

Yes, but need to talk to you. NOW

I put my phone away and wove around partygoers on my way to the exit. The same way Mr. Black had gone a few minutes ago, though I didn’t see him when I emerged in the cooler air of the lobby. He must’ve gone straight to the elevators and up to his room.

Maybe he was taking off his jacket right now, unknotting his bowtie. Rolling up his sleeves and ordering a bottle of champagne with two glasses.

I wondered what he’d feel like. I could already imagine his large, rough hands on my body. His tongue in my mouth. His cock pushing inside me, filling me while he held me down on the bed.

Oh my lord.

“Miss?”

I jumped at the gruff sound of a male voice behind me, my hand pressing to my throat in surprise. “Yes?”

This man wore a boxy suit and a hard expression. His head was shaved bald, his skin pale, and his goatee was a mix of black and silver. He wore a mask, but didn’t look like a party guest. More like a bouncer. Or private security, except there was something cruel in the twist of his mouth and the lines around his eyes.

“Where did you get the red mask?”

“Why does it matter?” I sputtered.

“Answer the question.”

“I found it.”

“Where?”

“None of yourbusiness.” I untied the mask and took it off, lifting my chin defiantly. Something told me not to mention Ms. Scarlet. Just how many men were looking for her tonight? Andwhy?

A soft hand rested on my shoulder. “Grace, what’s up? You okay?”

---