Read Online Passion Unleashed (Masquerade Part I) by Emily Jane Trent - Free Book Online

1 - Masks
     
    The shiny black limo began to slow. Ryan slipped on the sleek black mask. He wondered if he would still be recognized. Anyone could be wearing a black Armani suit over a light shirt. The idea was to blend in.
    Patricia, his personal assistant, had insisted he attend. After 14 years, he'd learned to trust her judgment. In some ways she had done more to advance his career than his own agent.
    Tonight was a big deal. It was the birthday of Matthew Lowen , the owner of the studio. Matt was known to be somewhat of a quirky guy. After all, he worked with many Hollywood stars, so that was to be expected. For his party, he wanted everyone to wear a mask. He thought it would be fun to party incognito.
    They pulled up along the sweeping drive. Ryan saw several limousines ahead of them. "Right here will be fine, Daniel." His chauffeur gave a nod, looked back at Ryan in the mask covering half his face and gave an amused smile.
    "Maybe I can slip in without a lot of fanfare. After all, that's the whole purpose of this affair." Ryan shifted in his seat. He noticed several others strolling up the red carpet to the huge ornate double doors. He glanced at his watch, then brushed some invisible lint from his sleeve and adjusted his mask.
    "Have a fine evening, sir. I'll be here when you've had your fill."
    “I’m counting on it.” A slim attendant in a tuxedo opened the door for him to make his entrance. He took a deep breath involuntarily. No crowds of adoring fans. He’d make a casual entrance.
    Before he could take a step onto the red carpet, a vision of loveliness floated in front of him. She seemed not to notice him at all. Her gold embroidered mask covered some of her features but could not hide her stunning beauty. The gold slip of a dress settled around her sumptuous curves.
    He would never forget that bright blond hair and those pouty lips, accentuated with bright red lipstick. His cock stirred and hardened. Luckily , he was in not the tight fitting jeans he was known for.
    Ryan realized he'd forgotten to breathe. He never dreamed she would be here tonight. This evening might turn out better than he'd imagined.
    Heather Lawson caught a glimpse of him looking at her. But that was not unusual. She knew she could attract attention when she wanted to. She quickened her step to get ahead of him and elegantly stepped to the front entrance as gracefully as she could in her gold glitter Guess pumps . She handed her invitation to the gentleman at the door who smiled and welcomed her. She glided past the entrance.
    Right behind her, Ryan shifted foot to foot as the attendant glanced at his invitation. "Mr. Ryan Spencer Blake, good to see you sir. Welcome. Do have a good evening." Before the words were fully spoken Ryan was through the door, his eyes searching the room.
    He was barely inside before he was stopped by a group of actors he recog nized, despite their masks. He pretended not to recognize them . That was part of the fun. He acknowledged them politely and brushed past the little group. Finally, in the main ballroom he glanced around and took in the sea of masks, of all colors and designs.

2 - The Party
     
    Across the room stood the lovely blond, already holding a glass of champagne and smiling to a couple of other elaborately masked women dressed in evening gowns. Ryan stopped so suddenly that two guests behind him bumped into his back and knocked him forward. He never looked around or said a word to them.
    He moved forward in her direction and then to the side, near a table loaded with elegant food s, grabbed a china plate and plunked a couple of bites on it. He took another big sip of the champagne the waiter had served him on the way in, Comtes De Champagne 2000, as good as the reviews claim, he thought. Looks like Matt is celebrating in style for his birthday. So far, Ryan had been able to stay invisible. He wondered how long that would last.
    Heather chatted about nothing in particular to the women around her.