Page 119 of Flame True

People were relaxing in the seating area in front of the bar.

As far as Club Bandit went, this was a relaxed night.

“I know people can be overwhelming for you. Take another moment and let me know which colour you are.”

She looked around him, her breath catching as she spotted the third floor.

From here, they had a view of the glass viewing cube on the third floor.

“It’s just… I don’t want to face all these people. I can’t explain it.”

Nick thought she could, but he didn’t want to push her right now.

“Come back to the front with me. I have an idea.”

“Okay.”

He gave her a slight smile as they retraced their steps, seeing Ina at the reception desk again.

“Is everything okay?” Ina asked.

“Yes. Ina, I was wondering if you could show me the masks for sale?”

Mulberry squeezed his hand.

Ina nodded, “Yes, top shelf of the closet.”

Above the racks, she pointed to a row of black boxes he hadn’t noticed before. “I can get the step ladder, or if you don’t mind...”

“Of course” Nick pulled down two, set the boxes on a bench, removing the lids.

“Beautiful,” Mulberry reached for the soft moulded leather cat mask with ears.

Nick held up the opera-style mask.

“Which one do you like?”

“The kitty one,” Mulberry smiled.

“Yeah, I have one custom-made like that,” Ina said. “There’s a tie on the back to tighten it. I can help..?”

“I got it, thanks,” Nick said.

Ina nodded and backed out of the room.

“It’s so soft” Mulberry fingered the soft leather.

“Yes, it is, and it might be enough to give you a little shield. If you need to hightail it out of here, you speak up. I could always bring you back another time” Nick dropped a kiss on her collarbone, then took the mask from her and settled it over her eyes.

He grinned, spinning her to his front so she could see the mirror.

“Look at how gorgeous you are, little cat.”

The black mask highlighted her grey-blue eyes and fit her face perfectly.

Her nipples were stiff peaks under that dress.

“Ready, now, definitely. It’s green.” Mulberry rested her head against his chest. His hands swept along her body. “Perfect.”