Surprise Bidder

I let out a sigh as I carry an empty tray back to the kitchen. My free hand goes to my forehead.

What am I thinking? What am I doing? Why won’t my head stop spinning or my heart stop pounding? Am I not feeling well? Maybe I should just-

My thoughts skid to a halt as a hand emerges from the shadows to latch onto my arm.

Chapter Two

Gavin

My hand clenches into a fist at my side as I watch the man in the red suit grab the blonde waitress’s arm.

I’ve been searching for her since I caught her staring at me from the balcony. That unflinching gaze of sheer awe and unabashed desire seems etched in my mind forever. I would have found her sooner if not for the other phone call I had to take after she left- that and the fact that all the waitresses are wearing the same outfit and mask. But finally, I have.

And I will not let anyone take her from me.

I’m about to make my presence known when she speaks.

“I’ll only say this once, sir. Let me go.”

My eyebrows arch. I may not have been attending parties like this for long, but I’ve never seen a member of the staff take such an insolent tone with a guest. Don’t they get paid a lot to cater to the guests’ every whim?

The man in the red suit seems to know it. He chuckles, not taking her request seriously.

“Don’t worry, dear.” He pulls her closer to him. “I’ll make sure it’s worth your while.”

My jaw goes rigid.

“Let me go or I’ll scream,” she threatens.

“Oh, I don’t mind if you scream,” he answers in a voice that grates on my nerves. “In fact, I’ll make sure you do.”

The scumbag lowers his face to hers. I step forward. At the same time, she swings the tray in her hand at his face. He yelps as he staggers backward. Blood flows from his injured nose. He lifts his hand to touch it, and at the sight of the red drops on his fingers, he gives a gasp of horror. Then his features twist in rage.

“Why, you little…”

He raises a hand to hit her but stops when I clear my throat. The glaring eyes behind the scarlet mask meet mine. I glare back.

Back off, you son of a bitch.

He seems to get the message. His hand drops and the resentment in his eyes fades. Holding his nose once more, he scampers off. I turn my gaze to the waitress and find her retreating as well, tray pressed to her chest. After a few steps, though, she looks at her hands and stops. A soft curse leaves her lips before she rushes into the nearest bathroom.

I follow her and manage to keep the bathroom door from fully closing so I can let myself in behind her. She sets down the tray she just masterfully used as a weapon and washes the blood from her hands in the sink. It must have ended up on the edge of the tray when it hit that man’s nose, then dripped onto her fingers.

When she’s done, she looks around for paper towels.

“Here.” I toss her my handkerchief.

She catches it but looks confused.

“I…”

“Use it,” I command.

She hesitates but eventually complies. As she wipes her hands with my handkerchief, I glance at the tray.

“Impressive. I didn’t know they trained waitresses in the art of wielding trays now.”

Her blue eyes narrow. “Please don’t mock me, sir.”

“Mock you?” I walk slowly towards her. “I was praising you for being strong and brave, paying you a compliment. Believe me, I never give one I don’t mean.”

The tension in her shoulders fades. She does believe me.

“In that case, thank you.” Her lips hint at a smile. “And not just for your words and your handkerchief…”

She hands it back to me.

“…but also for helping me.”

“Don’t,” I tell her.

She gives me a puzzled look.

“You seem to think I did something noble just now, but you’re mistaken.” I unbutton my jacket and step forward so I’m standing right in front of her. “I’m not a hero.”

I hold her curious gaze as I slip my handkerchief into the breast pocket of her dress. I feel her shiver as my fingers brush against her clothed nipple. She looks away.

I lower my head so I can whisper in her ear. “I wasn’t rescuing you. I was simply claiming what’s mine. After all, I saw you first.”

I feel heat spike in her cheek. I let my fingers brush against it before grasping her chin.

“You didn’t look away earlier. Don’t look away now.”

Those sapphire eyes point back at me, peering at me from the holes of her silver mask, which somehow makes them seem even bluer. They remind me of a lake lit by the moon, deep and mysterious.

“Are you afraid of me?” I ask her.