Page 46 of With This Mask
"Missed you," he murmurs against my lips, and I can't help but smile.
"It’s been three hours," I point out, my heart hammering in my chest. "But I missed you too. Even if everyone else won't shut up about us."
"Let them talk," he says, his eyes darkening with determination. "We're together, and I'm not going to hide it."
His confidence is infectious, and for a moment, I believe him. Maybe we can weather this storm of gossip and judgment. Maybe it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
"Come on," he says, taking my hand. "I’ll give you a ride."
The sun drops low on the horizon since we’re in the depths of winter. It casts a warm glow over Alec's sleek, black car as we approach it. Alec pulls open the passenger door, and I slip inside. I take in a deep breath as he closes my door, the smell of luxurious leather filling my senses.
Alec pulls out of the parking lot, but silence settles between us. A lot happened today. There’s a million things we need to talk about. But we each just sit there in silence as we drive to our destination. Finally, we pull into the parking lot beside Alec’s building. Alec only takes my hand as we step into the elevator. Finally, he’s unlocking the door to his apartment.
I walk straight through the lavish space as soon as the door is open. I cross straight to the blinds in the living room, the ones that look right at the building next door, and lower them till their closed.
Victoria won’t get any footage of what goes on once Alec and I get behind closed doors.
I let out an exasperated sigh. My eyes rise to find Alec walking into the living room and standing beside the couch.
"We need to talk about what happened,” I say, my shoulders relaxing as I finally voice the words.
"Talk about what?" Alec counters, raising an eyebrow. "I meant everything I said, Salem. I’m with you. I don’t want anyone else. I’m damn proud you’re mine."
"Even if it means putting me in the spotlight? And what about your father? Has he called yet?" I ask, my voice shaking slightly.
"No, he hasn’t yet, but fuck my father," he says firmly, his jaw set with determination. "He doesn't get to control my life or who I choose to be with. If he has a problem with it, then it's his issue to deal with." A slow, seductive smile spreads across Alec's face as he walks towards me. "As for the spotlight... I thought you were learning to enjoy it.”
"Enjoy it?" I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Sure," he replies, that wry smile still playing on his lips. "You step in front of a camera, knowing millions of people will have their eyes on you. The mask gives you power. I know you feel it. Why not borrow some of that courage now? Not that being with me should be that scary."
I can feel my cheeks burning at his words. He's right, of course. When I'm behind the mask, I don't have to worry about anyone knowing it's me. I can be bold, daring, and unapologetically myself. But the thought of stepping into the light without that protection terrifies me.
"Being in view isn't a bad thing, Salem," Alec continues, his voice dropping an octave as he steps closer. He reaches a hand up, placing it against the side of my neck. He brushes his thumb over my skin and my body ignites instantly. "You deserve to be seen. You're fucking incredible, and everyone should know it."
His words ignite a fire within me, and I can't help but glance down at his lips, suddenly aware of the way he's looking at me – like I'm the most desirable thing he's ever seen. My body responds to his heated gaze, and I shiver with anticipation.
"Show me," I whisper, almost surprised by the boldness of my own request.
Alec doesn't hesitate, pulling me close and crushing his lips to mine in a searing kiss. His hands roam from my waist, up my sides, expertly unbuttoning my shirt. My own greedy hands claw at his shirt and I yank it up and over his head.
Fuck. He has such perfect skin. Clear and smooth. And his body is sculpted to perfection. I run my hands up over his chest as he pulls my own shirt off. He bites at my nipple through my bra, a low growl coming from his chest.
"Tell me what you want, Salem," Alec demands in a low, sultry voice. My heart races as he looks up at me, his blue eyes dark with desire.
I know exactly what I want. I had a dirty dream about it last night. But the thought of actually asking for it… I blush hard and my tongue just won’t move.
“Salem,” Alec says in a low warning. “Don’t you dare try to hold back.”
“I—” The words are trapped in my throat by embarrassment.
“Salem,” Alec says again as he brings both of his hands to either side of my neck, tipping my head back to look him in the eyes. “There is nothing that I don’t want to do to you. There isn’t one inch of you that I don’t want to worship. So, stop being self-conscious, and tell me exactly what you want. Right now.”
"I want you to taste me," I blurt, my breath hitching with anticipation. I've never been with someone who's wanted to give me oral sex before, and the idea of Alec – this wealthy, powerful man – kneeling before me, eager to please, sends shivers down my spine. “I’ve never…”
"Good girl,” he murmurs as a wicked grin spreads across his face. “Your wish is my command."
His hands wrap around my waist as he guides me back toward the couch. My face is red hot, my breath coming just a little too quickly. But Alec leans in, kissing the slope of my neck. “You don’t know how much I’ve fantasized about doing exactly this. Thank you for finally granting my wish, Salem.”