Lucy stared out of the window of our hotel room. Gibbs and the team had left before us to ensure our safety. We had checked in so late last night that I had to carry her from our taxi to the room. She didn't know where the cameras were placed and she didn't want to know. Thankfully, I had managed to talk Gibbs out of putting any in our room but just on the doorway leading inside and outside our fifth story window.
As I set down her cup of tea, she barely budged. We had to limit our fun since this stalker could be anywhere. She was disappointed but decided it wasn't worth fighting about anymore. There wasn't changing Gibbs mind.
I sat across from her and tried to decide what to say. Nothing came to mind.
She absentmindedly grabbed her cup and sipped. "It's breathtaking up here."
I smiled. "I did manage to get one of the better rooms at short notice."
"Definitely worth your money."
"I'd say we earned it."
She smiled a little. "I wish we could go skiing or something."
"If any of us knew how to ski better, I would've made arrangements."
She sighed setting down her cup. "What are we going to do while we're here?"
"Well we could go to any railroad museum, an outdoor skating rink, or a dog sled ride for two."
"A dog sled ride?"
"There's also a horse drawn carriage but I thought that might be overrated."
She giggled. "Didn't you say there was some last minute event you had to attend?"
"A fellow author had tickets into a masquerade charity event at the Botanic Gardens tonight. It's both indoor and outdoor. There will be some auctioning for the Children's Hospital, dinner and dancing. They have a wonderful light display this time of year."
She went to the closet and shuffled through her clothes. "I didn't bring anything for that kind of event."
"Well then we at least know one thing we're doing today."
She smiled. "I want to go dog sledding too."
I pulled her in my arms, kissing her nose. "My pleasure."
Later that night, Lucy's POV
"Are you sure Gibbs is ok with this?" I asked.
Tim brought my hand to his lips. "I told you, they are part of the security tonight. Everyone is in masks, even security."
I scooted closer. "I'm just nervous."
"Everything will be fine."
I took a deep breath and grabbed my compact mirror. I'd never worn a mask before and I wasn't sure I had it on right. I definitely didn't want it to be crooked. The golden mask matched my navy blue dress but even though Tim had picked out the mask, I wasn't confident I was wearing it right.
He grabbed the mirror and threw it behind him.
"Do I have to ravish you right here to make you believe me?" He pulled me in his lap kissing my neck.
I felt the heat pool between my legs. I wanted his touch more than ever these last two weeks. All the panic and anxiety was becoming too much. I needed him to help get my mind off the ordeal.
"Mister Gemcity," the driver said into the speaker.
I jumped out of his lap. He chuckled but answered the driver. I could barely hear them talk about how we were arriving shortly.
Tim whispered in my ear. "I'm having every bit of fun with you tonight."
I blushed giggling excitedly.
As the limo made its way to the front, I couldn't help but gawk at the garden. The snow made the lights glitter that much more brilliantly. The greenery was still so luscious and healthy even in the midst of the bitter temperatures. Flowers and lights filled the outside to the center.
The door opened and I gripped onto Tim tighter. There were so many people in the room. Caterer's in suits shuffling through the crowd with drinks and food. Women in beautiful gowns, much grander and much more expensive than mine. The masks were elegant and whimsical; some in animal themed or fantasy inspired.
He gently kissed my hand. "You are the goddess among them all," he whispered.
Even though my cheeks burned, I was still incredibly nervous. His mask did little to hide his identity. Anything I did would be an impression on his character.
"Tickets please." Tony stepped in front of us and winked.
I smiled, thankfully another face I knew.
Tim showed him the tickets and he led us to our table. Tony winked at me before leaving our table. It might not mean much but it did allow me to breathe just a little. I was safe and there were people I knew here.
We sat down and immediately a couple approached. I felt my heart skip a beat.
Tim stood up and greeted them. "Ah Danielle, Danny. How are you?"
She kissed his cheeks. "Quite good as always, Tim." She glanced over at me. "You have a date for once?"
He chuckled. "I haven't been to any events for some time. My other job takes up a lot of my time lately."
"Not enough for you to have a woman at your side for an event."
I blushed and rose to my feet. I couldn't believe Danielle Steel was standing before me. My mother was a huge fan and had me hooked on her works. Now I was standing in front of her!
Tim pulled me to his side. "Danielle, meet Lucy. My girlfriend."
"Pleased to meet you," I sheepishly said.
She stepped towards me. "You as well." She looked at Tim. "Wherever did you find her?"
"Let's just say we met through a good friend," he chuckled.
She and her husband sat down. We did the same. A waiter came over and took our drink orders. Tim ordered us some white wine. I was grateful. I was too nervous and I wanted to relax a little.
As the night went on, I met several different authors, artists, and musicians. Some Tim had known and others were chance meeting. There were so many people with all kinds of money in the room. Security was so tight and I never did catch a glimpse of Tony again.
A few hours later, I could barely feel any anxiety. Tim showed me off to everyone he knew. He praised me in my work and anything about me. No one snickered or showed the slightest disgust that I didn't hold a higher title.
As the crowd began to dissipate, Tim arranged for us to leave. I told Danielle and all the others goodbye with high hopes to meet them again. As we got into the car, he chucked off his mask.
"God these events are tiring."
I leaned into his chest. "Did you at least have some fun?"
He wrapped his arms around me. "I'm supposed to be asking you that."
I giggled sticking my tongue at him. "I asked first."
He smirked. In a flash, he had my chin in one hand and my hair in another. He pulled gently but firm, forcing me to meet his eyes.
"Now what have I told you about that tongue?" he breathed. His sultry voice sending waves of need through my body.
"I'm sorry," I stuttered.
He kissed me hard, forcing his tongue into my mouth. I moaned wrapping my arms around his neck. My whole body was on fire.
As he left my mouth, his hand went to my knee slowly sliding up my leg. Throwing my head back moaning his name, he feathered my neck with hungry kisses. His thumb rubbed my clit through my panties.
"Tim!" I breathed.
He snickered. "I'm going to take my time playing with you tonight."
The car stopped and he straightened himself. I growled but readjusted my dress. As we headed up to the room, I couldn't stop thinking about how much fun we would have.
When the elevator got to our floor, we could see a crowd gathering at our door. Instantly my gut twisted in fear. I could hardly feel my feet moving.
"What's going on?" he asked pushing through the crowd.
I couldn't even scream as I saw our door. My name was written in blood. Pictures of Tim and me arriving at the event plastered all over the door frame. I felt my breath hitch and a darkness clouding my mind.