Sofia's POV
I tried to ignore it. God I fucking tried to ignore it. But that feeling… like a thread being pulled tight around my neck. Someone was watching me. Possessing.
I scanned the ballroom, my eyes darting past masks and silk gowns, past champagne flutes and slow-dancing bodies. The music was low, but I couldn't focus. My skin prickled and my breath shortened.
It was then I saw him.
He was in the far right corner. Alone, and towering. You couldn't not notice him.
He wore a black baphomet mask that looked sleek, horned, and terrifying. His suit was tailored to perfection, the kind of fabric that unarguably cost at least $10,000. But it was his aura that hit me hardest. It wasn't just strong, it was suffocating, even from how far I was.
He held a glass of whiskey, swirling it slowly, as looked right at me.
I froze.
We stared at each other, unmoving. His gaze didn't wander nor blink. It pinned me in place like a butterfly on glass. I wanted to look away. But I couldn't. My body betrayed me, drawn to him like a moth to flame.
Then, slowly, he raised a single finger and crooked it.
Come.
My heart dropped. No. He couldn't mean me.
Every nerve in my body screamed that he was danger.
I tore my gaze away, catching my breath.
Focus, Sofia. You're here for Daniel. Not… whatever that was.
I forced myself to look back at Daniel, who was still babbling about getting me the best lands. His soft, orange mask was a blessed distraction. Gosh, I never realized just how beautiful the orange color was.
"…so, yeah" he said, squeezing my butt again. "The Texas government is holding a land auction. But honestly, the plots aren't that impressive, sweetheart. You could do much better with private sellers-"
I cut him off. "No. The government auction is fine, baby."
He blinked. "Oh, um…okay. But…"
"I like clean deals." I said, forcing a smile. "I'll feel safer since it's the government."
Against my will, my eyes flicked back to the corner.
He was no longer drinking. He stood straight, hands in his pockets. He tilted his head slightly, as though asking why I had dared disobey him.
Who the fuck is this guy?!
Taking a closer look at him, a shiver slashed down my spine. For some weird reason, he reminded me of the mafia man who shot Marshall.
I closed my eyes and willed myself to calm down.
No. No. No way in hell. That's impossible. The universe couldn't be that cruel.
Fuck. I needed to get out of here.
I turned to Daniel, clearing my throat. "Can you add me to the attendance list, and email me the invite, please?" I squeeze his chest gently "I'll give you my number."
"Oh…yes…O-of course" he stuttered.
"Perfect" I said, handing him my business card, which had the fake name, Celeste Brown, and a email address.
I glanced back at the spot, but he was no longer there. He had moved.
Oh, no. That was bad.
I hurriedly reached for a pen and began writing my number on a napkin for the excited Daniel.
But then I froze. Listening to my instincts, I look behind me, and there he was, striding toward me.
Long, deliberate steps. Like a predator closing in on its prey.
My pulse spiked, and I dropped the pen.
"I need the restroom" I blurted to Daniel, grabbing my clutch. "Be right back."
Before Daniel could react, I bolted.
I walked fast, and didn't look back, fearing I would see him right behind me.
He wouldn't dare come into the women's bathroom!
I slammed through the restroom doors, and leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.
"What the hell?" I whispered, clutching my chest.
Some of the women there stared at me like I was crazy. I ignored them and rushed into a stall, plopping down on the toilet lid.
"Tati." I whispered into my earpiece.
"Sofia. You okay?"
"Fuck, no. I…I…think he's here."
"Who?"
"The mafia guy from the library. The one who shot that guy."
She gasped. "What?! Wait, are you sure? Don't scare me."
I rubbed my sweating hand on my thighs in frustration. "Girl, I hope I'm wrong. But you know how my instincts are. Gosh, I'm fucked."
There was silence. Then a sharp intake of breath. "Sofia, you need to get the hell away from there! Leave that casino. Now."
The picture of his veiny hand flashed before my eyes.
I bit my lip as my mind raced. "I…I can't. I need Daniel to confirm the invite."
"You're insane, Sofia. This is the mafia we're talking about here."
"I know. But I need to do this. Maybe he didn't recognize me…"
Tati cursed under her breath. "Be for real, Sofia."
"I'll be quick. Talk soon, babe." I hanged up.
Minutes passed as I thought of what to do. Finally, I forced myself to leave the safety of the stall.
I peeked out carefully, scanning the ballroom from a small corner. No sign of him.
Relief flooded me. Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe it wasn't him. Maybe I was wrong.
My instinct rarely lied, but tonight… God, please let it be wrong just this once.
I spotted Daniel near the bar and walked up behind him, wrapping my arms around his pudgy frame.
He melted instantly. "You're back."
"Yeah." I said, smiling.
I finished writing the number on his palm, and we returned to the dance floor. The music shifted had shifted to a slow, sensual rhythm.
But of course, who was I kidding? My instinct never lies.
I felt his presence by my side. Black and Icy.
I didn't need to turn. My heart knew. My body knew.
Then, a whisper brushed my ear. "Hello."
I was done for.
His voice was deep, dark and sensual. Just like I remembered. His breath was minty and warm against my neck, mingling with the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
I couldn't speak or move.
He had removed his jacket, revealing a jet-black shirt that hugged his torso like a second skin.
It felt like he was naked in front of me.
I turned slowly, as my heart hammered.
My eyes met his, and I swear he smirked at me behind his mask! I just cant prove it.