Page 7

7

CARLOTTA

I turn in my seat and study Archer’s ridiculously handsome profile intently now that the mask is long gone.

Archer.

God, never in a million years would I have guessed that the man I had a steamy make out session with at the party was my brother’s elusive contact. From what I’ve heard Miceli say, Archer is like a ghost and most likely former military. But he doesn’t know anything for sure. Not even the man’s full name.

“So you’re the mysterious Archer…” I murmur thoughtfully. “Is that even your real name?”

“Sure,” he responds vaguely.

I let out a snort of disbelief. “That doesn’t sound very convincing.”

“I can be whoever you want me to be, Carlotta,” he states smoothly and turns the car onto the freeway.

“How do you know my brother?”

“I know all your brothers.”

He’s so evasive and I cross my arms. “Where exactly are we going?”

“Upstate.”

Frustration fills me. He’s answering my questions, but at the same time, he’s not giving me any new information. For the next ten minutes, he focuses on driving and I chew my lower lip until it starts bleeding. Dammit.

I can feel him pulling away, closing off to me. And that’s the last thing I want because I’m so attracted to him. We were hot and heavy, but now he’s cool as a cucumber. And I know exactly why.

It’s because I’m Miceli Rossi’s little sister.

“Why does it matter that I’m Miceli’s sister?” I ask, going for bluntness and laying my cards out on the table. Because the man sitting beside me is nothing like the one I met at the masquerade party. My steamy stranger is now a distant memory. In his place is a man who won’t even talk to me much less look in my direction.

For a long moment he doesn’t say anything. Just sort of mulls over my question. Then he sends me a quick side glance and says, “It matters a lot.”

“But why?” I press, not letting him off the hook so easily.

“It’s not a line I want to cross.”

“Don’t you think we already crossed that line?”

“Not the most important one. No.”

My face screws up in a frown. He’s basically telling me he regrets what we did and now he won’t touch me with a ten foot pole. Thanks a lot, Miceli. God, talk about clitorference. Why is everyone so damn scared of Big, Bad Miceli Rossi? I mean, yes, he’s huge and intimidating, but Archer is no slouch. He’s got a dark intimidation factor working in his favor, too. Not to mention he’s well over six feet and solid muscle. I suppose he’s built more slimly than my brother, but still very athletic.

“Are you scared of my brother?” I ask, crossing my arms, getting straight to the point.

“I’m not scared of anyone,” he says without hesitation.

Then the worst possible thought enters my head. Maybe after he saw me without the mask on, he’s no longer attracted to me. I rub a hand over my heart and the urge to cry hits me. Is that why he’s being so cool now? He just doesn’t think I’m pretty and it’s as simple as that.

Suddenly, I’m so embarrassed and I don’t want to even look at him. Turning the other way, I face the window and stare out at the passing night and cars. Rejection hurts and I know that better than anyone. The only guy I ever dated rejected me and slept with another woman right before I almost slept with him. It was humiliating.

Painful memories of Rendall and what a fiasco that relationship was—if you could even call it that—fill me and my heart aches. What is wrong with me? Am I that undesirable? It seemed like Archer wanted me, but that’s when he didn’t know who I was and maybe it was just exciting because we were strangers wearing masks.

I really have no idea. A part of me wants to ask him. But there’s no way in hell I’m going to subject myself to further embarrassment. No, thank you. I’ve experienced enough mortification for the night.

Since I don’t say anything to keep the conversation going, the rest of the drive is absolutely silent. At some point, I close my eyes, lean my head against the window, and drift in and out of a light sleep.

I’m not sure how much time passes when I hear the crunching of gravel beneath the tires and open my eyes. A quick glance at the glowing numerals on the dashboard tells me it’s been a couple of hours and I yawn, sitting up and leaning forward to get a better look out the windshield.

It’s pitch black out and we’re really in the middle of nowhere. Tall trees surround us and after driving down a long, winding driveway, a small cabin comes into view.

“Where are we?” I ask sleepily. My dress feels too tight and all I want to do is take it off and slip into a warm, comfy bed.

“My place. It’s safe,” he assures me.

“Sorry for being such an inconvenience.”

“It’s fine.”

“I didn’t mean to ruin your evening.”

Archer stops the car in front of the cabin and looks over at me. “Ruin my evening?” he echoes, a dark brow arching. “Sweetheart, you were the best part of tonight.”

My heart flutters in my chest and he’s looking at me so intently that I can’t even string a sentence together.

“C’mon, let’s go inside,” he says and gets out.

I open my door and a cold breeze whips my hair and skirt up, chilling me. Rubbing my hands up and down my bare arms, I watch him open the trunk and pull out a duffel bag.

“Wow. You’re prepared,” I comment. Why does he have a packed bag with him? “Were you planning on coming up here after the party?”

But he shakes his head. “No. I just always have a bag ready.”

“Why?”

“In case I need to leave fast.” He eyes me. “Why do you ask so many questions?”

“I’m inquisitive,” I tell him with a cheeky grin.

“Clearly.” His tone is dry, but he gives me the hint of a smile. “Let’s go inside before you freeze. I have some clothes you can borrow so you can get out of that dress.”

“Oh, thank you,” I gush, following him up the steps and waiting while he unlocks the door. “I can’t wait to get this thing off. As pretty as it is, I’d like nothing more than a pair of comfy seats and a T-shirt.”

“That can be arranged.”

We go inside and Archer flips on a light then locks the door behind us. There’s a chill in the air and he turns the heat on as I move forward, looking around. It’s small, but oh-so charming. A large fireplace takes up one wall with a worn, comfy-looking couch in front of it. There’s a small kitchenette and stairs that go up to a loft which I assume is a bedroom. It seems like he hasn’t been here in a while because I notice a light coating of dust on the entryway table.

“This is nice,” I say, clasping my hands in front of me and rubbing them briskly.

“I can make a fire,” he tells me, noticing that I’m cold. “Fair warning, it’ll heat this place up fast.”

“I won’t say no to a nice, warm fire.” I watch him lean over, unzip the duffel bag and start digging around inside. His tight ass pops out from under his suit jacket, giving me quite the view and I lick my lips.

“Sweetheart, you were the best part of tonight.”

His words repeat over and over in my head, making me wonder if he actually is interested. He must be, right? Why else would he have said such a thing?

Archer stands back up and turns around. Of course, he catches me staring at his delicious ass which turns into his crotch because he’s now facing me. And, oh my, is there a lot to look at. My face flushes and I force my eyes up, meeting his which look even darker than before. Something flashes through his espresso gaze, but I’m not sure what.

Desire maybe?

He clears his throat, holding out a shirt and sweatpants.

“Thanks,” I mumble, taking them.

“Go ahead and use the bathroom first while I get a fire going. You can have the bed up in the loft.”

“Where will you sleep?” I ask, feeling bad if there’s only one bed.

“On the couch.”

“I can sleep on the c?—”

“It’s fine.” I give him a doubtful look. He has ridiculously long legs that are going to hang right off the edge. “Really, I don’t mind.”

“Only if you’re sure,” I insist.

“I’m sure. Now go wash up. It’s late.”

He’s right and I’m exhausted. Turning on my heel, I head over to what I assume is the bathroom and step inside. Like the rest of the cabin, it’s small, nothing elaborate, until I see the shower.

“Oh, wow.” I walk over and check it out. There’s no door and it’s wide-open with a smooth stone wall and a big, waterfall shower head above. “Very fancy.”

I’m too tired to use it now, but I will definitely try it out tomorrow. Right now, I just want to change. After kicking off my heels, I reach around and attempt to unzip myself. It doesn’t go so well. After struggling for a few minutes, I let out a soft curse.

This dress isn’t coming off without some help.

Mustering up my courage, I open the bathroom door and look out to see Archer bent over again, lighting the kindling. Damn, that ass of his is a sight to behold.

“Um, Archer?”

His head snaps around. “Yes?”

“Can you, ah, help me?”

He immediately stands up, brushing his hands off on his suit pants, and walking over. “Sure. What do you need? There should be a new toothbrush in the cabinet.”

“Actually, I need you to unzip me.”

His eyes roam hungrily down my body and heat seems to flare within their dark depths. Unless it’s just my overactive imagination, he looks very, very interested.

“Oh, right.” He gives me a nod and motions for me to spin around.

I turn around, presenting him with my back and he grabs the zipper and slowly tugs it downward. And something inside me lights up. His warm, slightly rough knuckles touch my skin and it’s like a light caress trailing down my back. A shiver runs through my body and I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my thighs together.

Good Lord, this man has the power to wreck me. All sorts of wicked thoughts begin to fill my head. Like what would it be like to have Archer as my first lover.

“Done.” His voice sounds raspier than usual and a slow, steady throbbing makes my pussy pulse.

Swallowing hard, I turn back around, clutching the dress to my chest so it doesn’t fall open and give him a show. Even though I am slightly tempted to let it slide down a little. Maybe give him a peek.

“Thank you,” I murmur. He gives me a sharp nod then turns and walks out. With a soft sigh, I sag against the edge of the counter.

My thoughts whirl as I find the new toothbrush along with some toothpaste. Archer is the most delicious man I’ve ever laid eyes on and I’m debating over what to do about the situation.

After brushing my teeth, I find a facewash and I scrub all my makeup off. It belatedly occurs to me how different I probably look because I went all out tonight with smoky eyes, sparkles and red lips. Now, I look at myself in the mirror and feel like I just washed most of my self-confidence down the drain.

What if Archer doesn’t find me attractive anymore? I also look a lot younger than I did with a clean, fresh face. Oh, well. There’s not much I can do about it now. But one thing has firmly taken root in my mind—I am stuck in this cabin for the next few days with the hottest man I’ve ever encountered who is giving me more than just a few butterflies. More like a million.

The timing feels right to spice things up. And, honestly, what have I got to lose? Other than my virginity? My life has been boring and predictable for so long, and Archer excites me in a way Rendall never did.

Of course, he might not be interested. That would be tragic and would no doubt shatter my ego. But, it’s a chance I’m willing to take. Mustering up all of my courage, I make a decision: I’m going to seduce Archer.