Chapter Nine

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