Inside the ballroom of Blackwater Manor, Stephen and Ava accompanied Nick. Ava would soon be his friend’s wife. Nick had instantly taken a dislike to the woman. She was rude and self-centred. He had watched how she acted in the absence of Stephen. Marrying this woman would bring about some challenging experiences for his friend.
Nick had arrived only yesterday. His intention was to keep a low profile in England for the upcoming weeks. His father was attempting to arrange a marriage between him and his ex sister-in-law.
After his brother’s untimely death 8 months ago. The pressure had increased significantly recently, and stumbling upon a naked Sophia in his bed had been the last straw.
Sophia was ambitious to be queen one day. After Nick’s brother had passed away, she had easily transferred her interest to him. He was worried she would do something that would tip his hand. Leave him no choice but to marry her or step down. Let the crown go to some cousin.
His mother’s presence could have convinced his stubborn father if she were alive. Nick acknowledged that his own stubbornness resulted from his upbringing. Showing the same level of determination as his father, he adamantly refused to marry that dreadful woman.
There was a deadlock between his father and him. So he had left without security, leaving on his private jet. His father would know he was in England, just not where.
He had left as soon as he could, not telling his parent of his intent. Stephen had been his university room mate and lived within a suitable distance of London.
During their conversation last week, Stephen had suggested he stay at Blackwater Manor. The only events on their calendar were this masquerade ball and Stephen’s own wedding. Nick requested Stephen and his family to keep his identity a secret.
The last thing he wanted was for the media to find out that the new crown prince of Cristonia was staying here. Stephen had to give his word not to disclose it, not even to his future wife. Meeting the woman, Nick felt relieved that she was oblivious to who he really was.
From his perspective, she exuded the characteristics of a gold digger. Throughout his life, he had encountered numerous women similar to her. If a more promising opportunity arose, she would swiftly switch her affections. Specifically, him. While he might sound arrogant, his words are undeniably accurate.
Up to this point, she had been quite dismissive towards him, only thinking he was a friend from Stephen’s university days. Someone beneath her notice or interest.
If only she knew! Hadn’t Sophia been the same? Her motivation for marrying his brother was driven by the title and status rather than the money or love. Oh, the money was nice, and she liked to spend it.
After his brother's death, Nick had gone digging into her activities. He had found out what and who she had been spending the money on even before his brother’s death?
Nick heard the gasps and voices suddenly quietened around him, then someone saying, “Who is she?” Nick, like the rest of the crowd, turned his head towards the person who had captured everyone’s attention, positioned near the ballroom doors.
“Sweet Jesus!” Stephen mumbled, realising it was probably not the best thing to say with his annoyed fiancée right next to him.
“Who the hell is she?” Ava inquired in a pinched voice. Nick had a strong liking for Stephen, so he didn’t want their disagreement to turn into a public confrontation. The lady that everyone was speculating about moved away from the doors, walking gracefully through the crowd. She lifted her head and scanned the room.
With her tall, slender and well-formed body, she truly was beautiful. She had stunning hair that flowed in waves down to her waist.
Nick said, “She would be my date.” He hoped it would keep Ava from having a meltdown. Walking away from them, he headed to intercept the lady. As he reached her, leaned in to whisper in her ear. To the casual observer, it would look like he was kissing her ear. Not yet. Maybe later, Nick thought.
She smelled divine. “My name is Nick. If you don’t want a scene with a very jealous soon to be mistress of the Manor. I would say you are with me.” Nick pulled back slightly and noticed her stunning blue eyes widen, then shifted to look towards Stephen and Ava. She was familiar with them. Then why did nobody have any idea who she was? Interesting.
Rapidly evaluating the situation, the blonde with Rapunzel-like hair nodded. “I think that would be for the best,” she whispered.
“And whom shall I introduce you as?” Nick was eager to know her name. She was a mystery. He found her more intriguing than he had found any woman in a long time.
“Hmm.”
Ella had to make a fast decision. Her sister’s anger was clear on her face. Ava had little reason to complain if she pretended to be this man’s date.
He was a stranger. Ella couldn’t explain her certainty that the man in front of her was not local. Perhaps what set him apart was his commanding presence and unique physical attributes - no one else in this area had shoulders as wide or a physique as remarkable as his. There was an intriguing aspect to his posture and presence.
With a small head shake, Ella returned her attention to her sister’s reaction, her current problem! Her sister was definitely furious. Ava would be extremely mad upon learning that she was Ella.
Ella watched as Ava became even more upset as she watched them. Ava was no longer the centre of attention. Wouldn’t that be the same at any masquerade, with masks involved as everyone tried to figure out who each person was?
Looking around, Ella saw she could instantly identify almost everyone. She knew them too well, having lived in town her whole life. People were still looking at her, trying to figure out the person behind the mask. Talking among themselves. That was an bonus, saying she was this man’s date. he was obviously a stranger. That would put her in the same category.
Ergo, the problem, Ella had gone from wearing one mask to another. Everyone didn’t know who she was. The spotlight was no longer on Ava. Ella wished to steer clear of any scene that could cause distress for Mary Blackwater and everyone here.
Ella knew coming to the ball had been a bad idea, and now she felt sick. She couldn’t just leave. In a way, this stranger had come to her rescue and may have just saved her from a scene nobody wanted.
Ella’s mind was completely empty as she desperately tried to come up with a name quickly. Using the name of someone their age in town was not an option for her.
She was completely unknown to everyone dress as she was and wearing a mask that covered part of her face. Em had fulfilled the role of her fairy godmother in a sense. Ava being the evil sister. Everything about tonight fit the fairytale.
“Cindy. My name is Cindy.” She said breathlessly. “Smile Cindy, we are about to enter the lion’s den.” He took her hand and led her towards Stephen and Ava. Ella breathed out. She could do this.Would they be able to identify her by her voice? It wasn’t anything like Ava’s. Ava had one of those high pitched girly voices. Ella saw no need to increase her volume so everyone around her could hear everything she said like Ava did.It was too risky to talk normally, just in case. Ella would intentionally pitch her voice lower to keep others from guessing.The decision to use the ball to seek revenge on Ava was a big mistake. She found herself in a position where she had to cooperate with this stranger. Her mind was racing as they reached the other couple.Nick placed his hand on her lower back on her bare skin, making her breath catch. His hand was hot, and it did something to her she hadn’t experienced before. It was all she could do to keep her smile in place when facing Stephen and Av
Ella’s attention was caught by Ava and Stephen as they stood near the edge of the dance floor. She sensed her sister’s extreme anger, and Stephen was discreetly trying to calm her down. Ella had doubts about its effectiveness. It wasn’t just her who was looking towards them - others were, too.“I give that marriage a year at most.”Even though she felt sad by his statement, Ella believed he was likely correct. Stephen will go to great lengths to maintain their unity after marriage, but if Ava continues to embarrass him and his family. There is a possibility that he will have to reconsider.Everyone knew that the Blackwater’s upheld traditions in the community, which were old-fashioned. She knew how Stephen would feel about public scenes or even PDAs (public displays of affection). She was desperately wishing for the prenup to be watertight.“Really, all couples fight Nick. My parents have been together for a long time, but they fight. Rarely grant you.” Looking back at the other coupl
Nick lifted his head, then kissed her quickly on the lips before dropping to his knees in front of her. Slid his mask to the top of his head out of his way, still holding her dress up to her waist. He ran his other hand up her long legs, caressing her smooth skin. She was like silk. Her hands fell to his shoulders, not following his instructions to not move. She cried out.“Shh,” he said before moving forward and placing his mouth against her most intimate part, running his tongue over her silk and lacy underwear. She gasped in surprise, making her other hand grip the back of his head and bringing her up to her toes. Her intoxicating aroma overwhelmed him, arousing his senses. Nick ran his tongue over the damp area on her underwear, a result of her craving for him.She was so responsive, so sensual, and so very sexy. Nick knew there was no way he could leave her now. He had wanted to take her in a bed, not against a gazebo wall in the garden where a party was taking place a few hundre
As they walked back to the manor, Nick led Ella to the side entrance so she could go to the ladies’ bathroom with no observers. She really needed to clean up.“Do you want me to wait here for you or meet you back in the ballroom?” Sliding an arm around her waist, pulling her in close.He had put his mask back in place and, like her, she could only see the lower half of his face. Yet, the sight she beheld during their rendezvous under the moonlight was breathtaking. His eyes were as dark as his hair. With a soft touch, Ella traced her hand along his sculpted jaw. She loved the sensation of his stubble grazing her fingers.“I think we both have been away too long. You go back. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” Leaning in, he kissed her hungrily. Not wanting to let her out of his sight even for a minute.“I’ll be waiting for you. I also think we need to talk before the night is over.” Giving her one last kiss before turning and heading down the stairs to the ballroom.Ella entered the bat
As he ran to the top of the stairs leading to the grounds surrounding the manor and driveway. Nick looked both ways, scanning cars and pathways, looking for Cindy everywhere. Starting down the stairs, he kept looking, hoping to spot her bright hair in the moonlight.He moved at a fast clip down the driveway along the line of cars. He had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, knowing she had run from him. Needing to know what she had heard. Was it just he was a prince?Nick heard footsteps, turning to see Stephen running to catch up to him. “Do you see her? Tate just told me your date has run off.”“No. I can’t find her.” Nick didn’t see any cars start up or lights turn on.“Do you know why she left like that? Phone her. Ask.”“I would if I knew it.”“She was your date. How do you not have her number?”Frustrated, Nick said, “she wasn’t my date. I tried to stop a scene I could see brewing with Ava and I was trying to help. Cindy is a local.”“No way mate, I don’t know a Cindy and I
It wasn’t until the next morning Nick found out why Cindy must of ran and he was mad as hell and ready to kill Ava. The only thing that was stopping him was his friendship with Stephen. Ava had found out from Stephen that he was getting pressured to marry his sister-in-law and was currently hiding out in England. The little bitch had thought this gossip too good and had spread it around.Like any piece of gossip, she had told the story wrong. She had told everyone he was to marry Sophia. Had that been why Cindy had run? Had she heard this rumour?Sitting down with Stephen and Tate having breakfast the morning after the ball, his friend couldn’t apologise more. But now he needed to find Cindy because the damage was already done.He struggled to comprehend her virginity. She had been so sensual, so tantalising and exotic. Their sexual chemistry was like he had never experienced before.He would not let her slip through his fingers once he found her. If he was being forced to marry. Why
Sunday morning, Ella had breakfast with Emily at her friend’s apartment before Ella made her excuses and left. Emily had questions that at this time Ella wasn’t ready to give. Only repeating the same part of the story she had told her last night. She couldn’t tell her friend the whole truth. She couldn’t even voice it out aloud.Ella didn’t sleep well last night, running the events of the ball through her mind. Feeling sick just thinking about it all.If she had stayed the previous night in her own place, Ella was sure she would have cried herself to sleep. She had stayed a virgin this long. If she was going to give away her virginity so easily, why hadn’t she pushed to sleep with Stephen during their engagement? Instead, she had given it to someone she just met at a masked ball.A two-timing asshole at that. Ella felt very discontented and disappointed in herself. In the end, she solely held herself accountable. She had behaved recklessly last night. The situation was contributed bec
Nick looked out one of the top floor windows at the manor later that day. He watched the reporters being held back at the gates by his security team.Devlin, his personal guard, watched the scene alongside him. “Sir, I have to say running like you did without proper security was a very dangerous move.”Because of their long-standing relationship, Nick didn’t take offence at Devlin speaking to him in this manner. He had known the man even before he had started working for his family. “I know, I get it. Just needed to get away. Becoming the crown prince wasn’t part of my plan, especially with the pressure from my dad to marry Sophia. Who I don’t want.”Nick was sure Sophia had manipulated his father into believing it was the best thing for everyone, that they should get married. “I would denounce my title before I marry that woman.”Having witnessed Sophia in action for years, Devlin understood his reasoning. He held little to no respect for the woman. “Tell your father the truth about S