“I don’t like the idea of cameras in my house.” I say.
“For your protection and my sanity.” Alexander responds.
I roll my eyes. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Alexander Jackson.”
“Or what darlin’? You’d hurt me? Punish me?” he snickers.
“You’d like that too much. Look, as much as I enjoy you all invading my home, in a few hours I have to go from country bumpkin to Cinderella,” I say.
“That’s fine,senorita.” Joaquin, the man I didn’t recognize before, finally speaks as he lifts from the couch and yanks Matthew with him.
“Oh…” I’m speechless. Spanish accents will do that to a girl. If only Sam or Reva were here to hear this.
“Pick up your jaw from the floor,” Alexander whispers in my ear.
Matthew and Joaquin spend much of the day installing security cameras in the back and front of the house. Not that I have a problem with them, but after years of no security, the thought of needing them now sends chills through my body.
I leave them to their work while I shower and prepare for the night ahead. I’d chosen a hunter green asymmetric dress, one that highlighted my curves and caressed my ass. One look into the mirror, and I remind myself of a sea siren. I have plucked, shaved, and striped every hair off my body and taped my boobs in. My black hair falls in tousled waves, capped with a black lace mask. Of course, my holster is strapped to my thigh, filled with a particularly pretty little dagger of mine.
I make my way to the Main Hotel with Matthew, who cleans up surprisingly well in a form fitting suit and trimmed up beard. Michelle would be in awe of this man.
The theme this year is Around the World, and the room is set up to emulate a culture festival. It’s magical; lights and different colors illuminate every corner, and the décor sparkles underneath them. A slice of different countries captivated in this room. Unfortunately, the magic is ruined by the shrill of Carla floating her way towards me. Even in a mask, she’s not hard to miss in a hideous Jessica Rabbit get-up. In an effort to ignore her as much as I can tonight, I pull Matthew towards the bar.
“So let me guess. You’re all hidden in the back alley, waiting for the command?” I ask as I sip my red wine.
“Mm, lurking the shadows, waiting to pounce on the nearest prey,” Matthew says jokingly. “So where’s Sheldon?” He continues to survey the room, angling for a glimpse of my boss.
“Not here or Carla would be attached to his hip.”
People are trickling in now, and the music is getting louder. I’m doing my job: hostess. Matthew, however, is staked out in the corner, watching everything. I spot Sheldon across the room in a blue suit with a court jester mask.Huh, how appropriate. He’s joined by a man I don’t recognize, tattoos visible along his neck, the sides of his head shaved, a full black beard with a hint of grey. He’s wearing a full black mask. I know the majority of people here, but I could not place him. He speaks with Sheldon before making their way towards me. I avoid eye contact in hopes that they get the hint and avoid me.
“Teresa,” shouts Sheldon as he waves his hand. I twist my necklace nervously, but paint on a smile nonetheless.
“Sheldon, looking well,” I say gracefully.
He nods in thanks. “I want to introduce someone to you. This is Jonathan Javert, the man with the biggest wallet in the building.” Sheldon roars a laugh, then looks at me and stops when I don’t join in. He clears his throat. “Anyway, I wanted you two to meet and perhaps get acquainted.”
Javert chimes in. “Yes, I hear you’re going to be the one in charge once the new building is opened. Two more months, I hear.” He tips his head to me.
I simply nod. “Yes, we’re on track, and I know our families are getting excited for the possibility of more room.”
“I’m impressed with your work and the accomplishments you’ve made with the Foundation.” He looks past me suddenly. “If you’ll excuse me, I see some people I must say hello to. Ms. Bjorn, perhaps you’ll grace me with a dance later tonight.”
I extend my hand to shake his, but he plants a soft kiss on it instead. I feel the heat of my blush rushing to my cheeks and pray Alexander isn’t anywhere nearby. I look at Javert’ hands, noticing a collection of feathers on his right. Interesting.
Sheldon leans over as Javert leaves. “Mr. Javert has been working with the Foundation for a few months. He’s a leader in his own association. I think he would be a good continuous partner.” Sheldon continues to droll on about the subject, and I tune him out, peeking around him. Mr. Javert continues making small talk with some donors I know very well, and I was so enraptured in watching, I didn’t notice Sheldon moving off into the crowd.
“Excuse, I was wondering if you’ve seen a Cinderella, looking for a prince?” A voice surprises me out of my thoughts, and I’m welcomed by a beautiful man in a perfectly tailored suit. God must have forged him in a fire himself, because Alexander is breath-taking. His mask is a quartered mask, black to match his suit, but I would recognize those eyes anywhere. The man is the presence of strength and power.
“Darlin’, you’re drooling,” he laughs as I rush to get a grip on myself.
I’m still at a loss for words. He walks around me, taking in every inch. I peer out of the corner of my eye to see Joaquin had met up with Matthew. I’m ripped back to the present as Alexander’s voice rings in my ears.
“Teresa, you are a sight. An angel fallen from heaven.” His voice is so sensual; if he keeps talking, I might come from just his words.
“Alexander,” I say.
“Yes?”