Mason's roguish grin had me jittery. The night was flying by and midnight wouldn't be far away. I was taken off guard when Mason handed me my first glass of champagne, but he pointed out that it was a special occasion. We managed to stay tucked away in the corner unnoticed for the better part of an hour. Even with all the noise and music in the room Mason didn't take his eyes off of me. When I noticed Rose coming toward us with a camera we tried an unsuccessful escape.

"Mason Belikov don't you move a muscle," a very annoyed Rose yelled, "Did you think that you were going to slink away on your last night here?"

Mason shrugged and gave her his best innocent expression, "No of course not." Mason's smile could have melted butter.

"You look so handsome," Rose said tilting her head toward him and fixing his collar. "Don't you think so Paris?" Rose asked me slyly.

I smiled brightly biting back a chuckle, "Yes very handsome."

Rose looked extremely pleased, "Well then don't you think that we should take some pictures? I may never see him this dressed up again."

"Seriously?" Mason frowned.

"Yeah," Rose snapped back and took a couple of unfocused shots. "Paris move closer to Mason," Rose motioned. "Put your arm around her Mason! Come on, please smile."

I smiled knowing that Rose would probably send a copy of the pictures to my mother too. Mason pulled me back flush against his chest and wrapped his arms around my waist. He leaned close sending shivers down my neck and whispered into my left ear, "I'm going to need another glass of champagne after this."

We both giggled and let Rose take her pictures.

After complying with Rose's impromptu photo shoot. We each grabbed our second glass of champagne and tried to sneak out of the room. Mason slid his hand down my arm and linked our hands with a practiced ease. He pulled us toward the back exit and right into Abe.

"Where are you two headed," Abe said accenting the last few words. A sly knowing smile creeped across his face.

"Bathroom," I said too quickly.

Abe's eyebrows raised. "You need Mason to accompany you to the bathroom?"

"No," I squeaked out. I was really going to have to work on my fibbing. Mason closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Mason, come have a little chat with your grandfather while Paris excuses herself," Abe said winking at us.

"Okay old man," Mason said dropping my hand and grabbing the glass out of my hand.

I took a deep sad breath and gave them both a small wave. I stood watching Abe put his arm around Mason's shoulders and walk away before I left in the direction of the bathrooms.

Getting caught in my lie I took the opportunity to wash my hands and touch up my makeup. When I returned I scanned the room for Mason, but I walked right into my father.

"Come dance with me, please," he asked sweetly holding his hand out to me. "I want to get a dance in before I can't recognize the music." My father is an incredible dancer. He can even make my mother, who hates dancing, look like a pro. Even as a child I loved dancing with my father. I would stand on his feet and he would spin me around our living room. He was the one that insisted I take my first dance class and I had been hooked ever since.

An older man sat at a piano in the corner of the room with two women playing violins and another tall man with a cello, but no one was dancing to the classical music there were playing. "But, no one's dancing," I pointed out questioningly.

"So," Dad said taking my hand and pulling me toward the music, "never stopped me before."

We waltzed in a small area that had been marked off as a dance floor. There wasn't much room, but we easily glided around the space. Dancing with my father was so relaxing. I didn't need to think or stress. I could almost close my eyes and enjoy the freedom of the music.

Halfway through the song I noticed my father staring at my new earrings. "I can't believe that you grandmother actually gave them to you," Dad said stunned.

"I tried not accepting them, she doesn't really take no for an answer," I confessed.

Dad smiled, "No, I'm glad she did. They look amazing on you."

It's a fact that when a girl get a compliment from her father it has twice the effect that it would from anyone else. My father's comment made me proud and my back straightened.

When the song was over I noticed that both Eddie and Jill and couple that I didn't recognize had joined us.

"See," my father said teasingly, "I've always been a trend setter. Go find your friends I just wanted one dance." He looked almost sad to let me go.

Catching Mason watching us out of the corner of my eye I almost left, but decided one more dance wouldn't kill me. "One more dance?" I offered and he perked up taking my hand one more time.

Abe pulled Rose to the dance floor and tried to get her to move with the music. Watching Rose step all over Abe's feet I had to bite back a laugh. Rose was not a dancer. Dimitri stood with Mason laughing.

When the song ended I took a step toward Mason right as Rose grabbed my arm. "How did you get so good at that?" she asked spinning her pointer finger around in the direction of the small dance floor.

I giggled and shook my head, "Practice?"

"Got room on your dance card for one more?" Abe asked holding his had out to me. I let out a frustrated sigh and took his hand. Abe was ridiculously agile for his age. As we moved I could feel the train of my dress gliding behind me and prayed I wouldn't step on it.

After a hug from Abe I looked around the room for Mason. I didn't see him immediately, but I did see Jill coming toward me with a large martini glass in her hand. She twirled a glass stick into her drink and bit a large green olive off the end.

"I'm going to miss you so much Paris," Jill said sadly.

I frowned, "Don't worry about that now. Tonight is all about you. Let me see that ring."

Jill had been proudly showing it off all night, but the thrill hadn't worn off. She proudly presented it to me telling me all about how her grandmother had always promised it would be her's one day. I tried to listen, but after scanning the room I locked eyes with Mason. He was sitting with a group of guardians. Myron was talking and Mason looked like he wanted badly to escape.

A woman in a tight bun came over and passed a silver tray of cheese covered crostini. After two glasses of champagne I was grateful to have a little food going in my stomach

Just as Jill finished her story Eddie walked over to join our conversation. He wrapped his arms around Jill and whispered in her ear making her giggle.

I turned to give them privacy just as Eddie spoke, "Hey Paris are you still going to play for us?"

I let out a long breath. After all the earlier commotion I had forgot all about my promise to Eddie.

Jill spoke up excitedly, "You are going to play for us?"

"Sorry," I said wrinkling my forehead, "Alex has the music."

"Alex!" Eddie said in a deep commanding voice that cut across the room. When Alex looked up Eddie waved at him to come join our conversation.

"What's up love birds," Alex smiled brightly joining our small group.

Mason was now giving me sad eyes and looked antsy to break away.

"Do you have Paris' music?" Eddie asked.

Alex's face fell, "I left it in my room." He bit his lip nervously. "I can go run up and get it."

"No that's okay," Jill said sweetly it's almost midnight.

I let out the breath I didn't realize I had been holding. "I could always play it at your wedding."

Jill's eyes let up with excitement and I could tell planning her wedding was going to be something I wanted to stay out of.

"Can I steal you away?" Mason said suddenly coming up behind me.

"Please," I responded quietly.

Jill waved and behind me I heard her say, "They are so perfect together don't you think?"

I didn't turn to see Eddie's response.

"Thirsty?" Mason asked stopping a waitress and handing me another full champagne flute. The bubbles tickled my nose, but it was just sweet enough to quench my thirst.

"I never took you for much of a drinker," I said raising an eyebrow at Mason.

Mason leaned down close to me, but didn't touch me. "I'm not but, you have to relax sometimes right?"

"Right," I said taking another large sip. "If I didn't know better I'd think you were trying to get me drunk."

Mason snorted his drink coughing. When he was able to breathe again Mason gave me a wicked grin, "I don't need you drunk to get you in my bed Paris."

My mouth fell open and I looked around to make sure no one else heard us. "I don't think you can get drunk off of Champagne anyway," I said tartly.

Mason snorted, "You really think that I'd let anyone else hear me say that? I'm still a little afraid of you father."

"Three minutes till midnight," one of the musicians announced loudly.

I was itching to have Mason's hands on me. Anticipation coursed through me as the count down to midnight came closer, but Mason didn't make any move to touch me.

"You better hold up your part of the bet," I warned him.

Mason's eyes sparkled, "What bet? I don't remember a bet."

I felt the fury come across my face as the count down to midnight came closer.

"I don't need a bet to kiss my girl do I?" Mason said seriously.

"Ten, nine, eight.." the crowd chanted.

"No, you never need an excuse you kiss her."

"Seven, six, five, four."

The humor washed from Mason's face,"Damn right."

"Three, two, one. Happy New Year!" Everyone yelled in unison.

I reached up and clutched Mason's shoulders. He gave me an adoring smile and he gave me a quick soft peck. I pulled back and searched his eyes questioningly.

"Later," he said against my ear.

Taking the last sip of my drink I leaned back and asked, "Later what?"

"Paris if I told you what I plan to do to you later you would blush so brightly the whole room would know what we were talking about."

Before I could respond a familiar clicking sound went off and we both turned our heads toward the light.

"Jill," I shouted seeing her holding Rose's camera.

"Sorry I just wanted some pictures for a scrapbook," Jill stuttered.

Since when do you scrapbook?" I demanded stepping back away from Mason. My body suddenly feeling very cold.

My father, Rose, Dimitri, and Abe stood conspiratorially off the side. "Everyone ready to join the big party?" Rose asked breaking the awkward silence.

"The big party?" I asked cautiously.

"Just wait till you see this place," Jill said steering me toward the door. "They out did themselves this year."

We entered a huge ballroom twinkling with lights. Chandeliers hung from the ceilings making the room feel magical.

The whole resort was partying and have a great time ushering in the new year. The enormous ball room was covered with over the top decorations complete with a mini sparkling disco ball in the center of dance floor. Round tables were set up around the room and drinks were being passed liberally. People were everywhere dancing, chatting, and drinking. Most of the girls were dressed to the nines with much tighter and more revealing than mine. I was pleased to see that my ensemble wasn't even close to the most risqué.

A waiter promptly offered us each another glass of champagne and I took it without thinking.

"Slowly Paris," my father said pointing at my glass. "Have fun, but make sure you eat something, okay?"

I nodded wondering if he knew that I had already drank three others.

A huge dance floor moved together as loud thumping techno music blasted out of speakers.

"I'm going to pass on dancing tonight," Dimitri said firmly as Jill pulled Eddie out into the mass of moving bodies.

Rose pouted, "Just one dance?"

"Rose seriously my hips do not move like that," he tried to explain as she pulled him closer to the dance floor.

"Paris!" Paisley squealed shuffling toward me in ridicoulously high heals. "I'm so glad you're finally here. Come with me," she said pointing toward the ladies room.

After giving Mason a cute little wave and took off with Paisley.

"Your dress is awesome," Paisley said stopping at the sink and rubbing underneath her eyes removing her smudged eyeliner. "Is that a Madeline Rumme?"

"Thanks," I said looking down at my dress, tripping, and sliding into the sink luckily unharmed. "I have no idea who the designer is."

Paisley looked up concerned, "You okay?

I nodded with a goofy laugh.

"How many drinks have you had," Paisley giggled.

"Only a few and it was just champagne."

Paisley shook her head clearly amused, "Be careful that stuff will give you a killer hangover." Paisley smoothed the front of her dress with her hands and told me, "Madeline Rumme is a very popular Moroi designer, but it doesn't matter you fabulous."

I smiled motioning to her red halter dress, "So do you. I wish I had worn a halter I feel so exposed in this dress, like if I move the wrong way I'm going to fall out of it."

"Nope all you need is a little lip gloss," Paisley smiled handing me some pink glossy liquid as women shuffled around us in the crowded space. "It will attract Mason's attention. He won't be able to keep his eyes away from your mouth."

I gave her a devious glance and took the tube from her.

"Our whole group has a table. Come with me everyone's here," Paisley told me as we exited the bathroom and were immediately assaulted with the sound of The Black Eyed Peas blasting at us.

"I'm not sure," I yelled at her, "I need to find Mason."

Paisley nodded and pointed to the area I could find her.

I found Mason standing by the entrance with Alex and a familiar group of guys. I walked toward him stopping to run my hands boldly up and down his arms. I grabbed Mason's hands and rested my check on his back taking a deep pull of his incredible minty smell.

Mason pulled me toward around him wrapping his arms possessively around me. Damn he felt good.

"Hey Paris," Alex smiled. The rest of the guys stood staring at me in surprise.

I grinned and leaned back into Mason's hold, "Hey Alex and your Peter right?" I pointed at one of the guy in the group, "I met you at Mathew's party?"

"Ah yeah," Peter said as his eyes moved down the neckline of my dress.

I chewed my lip uncomfortably tasting the cherry of the lip gloss as Flo Rider began to Whistle behind me.

"I'm going to go find Paisley," I said uncomfortably pulling out of Mason's arms, "you want to come," I asked suggestively to Mason.

Mason grinned and leaned over to give me a quick kiss on the hinge of my jaw, "I'll be right there."

"How did he get her?" Peter asked dumbly.

I whipped my hair around and boldly responding with a shrug, "he's hot." The champagne had loosened my tongue and made me feel brave. I marched off in to find Paisley grabbing another drink on my way to the table.

It was easy to find Mathew moving on the dance floor. A circle of girls had formed around him watching him gyrate to the music. I threw my head back laughing at his attempt to be smooth. Seeing me approach Mathew walked past his group of admirers and crooked his finger toward me. I pointed at my new glass and Mathew took it from me and gulped down the rest handing the glass to one of the hopeful girls.

"Day-um Paris you could give a man some warning," Mathew said raising an eyebrow at me. He was wearing a very classic cut black tuxedo. His bow tie was a little crooked and I instinctively reached out to straighten it.

You look," He paused and shook his head, "I have no words."

I slid my arms around his neck comfortably, easily following the rhythm of Cher Lloyd's Playa Boi.

"Where's Mason?" Mathew asked me cautiously.

"He's here somewhere," I told him unconcerned as I Found You by The Wanted started playing and totally lost myself in the music.

Paisley joined us on the dance floor with Andrew trailing behind her. Even Alyssa came by dancing her way through our group. We all took turns dancing only taking a short break when small tapas plates were brought to the table. I didn't want to eat. Even though there were beads of sweat running down the back of my neck, I just pulled my hair back and kept on dancing.

During the first few bars of Beneath Your Beautiful began to play everyone paired off. It was the first slow song I had heard played and I was suddenly missing Mason.

Before I even had time to pout I felt his strong hands grab me and pull me toward him.

"You were watching me," I asked raising an eyebrow at him.

Mason grinned, "Yup, I sure was."

I frowned, "Why didn't you come dance with me?"

"I was giving you a little time with your friends," he said pulling me closer to him. Instead of smothering me, Mason was giving me a chance to spend time with the other people I was about to lose. In a weird way that was incredibly sweet.

Holding me close Mason didn't let me go as the tempo of the music sped up. I was finally calling in my marker.

Mason danced like I never imagined he could. His arms tight around me, his body moving perfectly time with the music. The look in Mason's eyes told me I was desirable. Probably because of the four glasses of champagne I had had, I wanted him to have me. I could feel clearly with each move he made against me that he was feeling the same. The thrumming beat of the bass was intoxicating. Mason never kissed me, but I could feel his hot breath on my neck and his hands burning through my dress and onto my hips. I slid my hands up his fantastic arms feeling his muscles bunch under his shirt. My breathing was erratic and heavy as I focused completely on his dreamy brown eyes.

I sang along with Kesha asking him in his ear if my love was his drug. Even touching my lips to his ears had me turned on. Mason locked eyes with me and nodded seriously.

"You got your dance," Mason said as the song ended and another quickly began.

I shook my head, "That's all I get? I want more, so much more."

"I'm going to give you more Paris, believe me" Mason promised, "I just don't want to do it here for everyone to see."

I nodded jittery with anticipation and let him pull me out the doors of the ballroom. Mason pulled me quickly into a small dark room. Shutting the door he pushed me gently against the wall bumping my head against a light fixture. I smiled at him laughing through the thick tension. "What are we doing in here?"

The room was dark, but I could make out Mason's serious expression with just the small light peeking underneath the door, "I couldn't wait until we got upstairs." Mason finally kissed me immediately deepening it and exploring my mouth with his tongue. He tasted fantastic, like champagne and minty spices. I felt his hands move down my nearly naked back and along the curve of my butt and I stood up on my toes to kiss him properly. Squirming upward I moaned loudly into his mouth. My hands began to explore wanting to touch Mason everywhere.

Mason broke the kiss pulling back slightly to tease me, "I'm hot huh?"

I laughed causing my chest to rumble and catch his immediate attention. "You so are," I groaned as I felt his hands move over the silk of my breasts. Leaning back onto the wall for support arched toward Mason's touch and gripped his shoulders. "Mason," I whispered.

"I think we need to go upstairs after all," Mason admitted, agreeing completely I nodded and let him pull me toward the elevators.

"I love this dress" Mason said running his fingers along the edges of the back of my dress. I busted out laughing as he ran his fingers along my extremely ticklish back.

Mason turned me and gently moved my hair onto my shoulder. He began kissing the back of my neck and held me firmly as he tortured me. For the first time I didn't care that people could see us through the glass wall of the elevator as I enjoyed my torment.

Surprising me Mason entered the key into my door and picked me up carrying me into the room. He swiftly sat me bar's high counter and left me to lock the adjoining door.

With deft fingers Mason slide the straps of my dress down, "You have the most amazing chest Paris. I am not a boob man, but I got to tell you I want to burn the memory of them into my brain." I couldn't help giggling at the feeling of his rough fingers.

I ran my fingers down his chest loosening his tie and impatiently yanked his shirt opened scattering little white buttons on the floor. We both busted out laughing as he quickly removed his dress and undershirt. I ran my fingers along the bumpy plains of his chest, "I love your stomach. You've ruined me for all other men. No one has a stomach like this."

"I don't want anyone else to ever touch you," he admitted.

I let out a small huff, "I don't want anyone but you to touch me, ever."

Mason shivered at my words. "I love the way you smell. I'm going to miss it so much," me leaned forward and kissed my hair.

"I love your hair," I told him running my fingers through his messy silky waves.

Mason moaned gently running his talented fingers down my arms. He spread my legs and stepped closer to me kissing me so deeply it stole my breath.

Wrapping my legs around his waist Mason dumped us on my bed skillfully without breaking our kiss.

"You're the perfect girl Paris. I'm so lucky for having known you, even if it wasn't for very long."

"What?" I said incredulously pushing him down on the bed, "I am so not perfect and stop talking like you are leaving. I want to enjoy every second that you're here."

"You are perfect for me."

"You're drunk Mason!" I laughed.

"Maybe a little," he admitted.

"I think I'm in love with you," I said into Mason's neck and laying down beside him.

Mason sighed, "I think you are the drunk one Paris."

"I definitely am, but it doesn't change the fact."

"No I guess it doesn't," Mason sighed. "I didn't mean to fall in love with you. It wasn't a good idea."

A deep yawn came out of my chest as I lay snuggled in Mason's arms, "I'm sleepy."

"I have to tell you something."

"In the morning," I protested, "wake me up before you leave."

"It will be too late in the morning."

"Um hum."

"Paris?"

"Paris, wake up."

Mason stood next to the bed in his tee shirt and tuxedo pants. "Paris I over slept. Wake up."

"What's wrong Mason?" I said faintly tilting my head away from my pillow.

"I have to go," he said frantically.

"Okay, I'll see you in a couple of hours," I said running my hand slowly down his arm.

Mason kissed my cheek gently, "Goodbye Paris."

The alarm on my phone went off a few times before I heard it. The first thing I noticed was that my mouth was incredible dry. So dry I couldn't speak and even the groan in my throat threatened to crack it open. Dragging myself out of bed I turned on the faucet and used my cupped hand to put water into my mouth. It wasn't enough, I wanted to turn my head and run the water directly down my throat.

I dressed quickly not caring if what I put on even matched. All I wanted to do was find Mason. Paisley told me their plane left at ten and it was just after one. That left a few Mason and me a few more hours precious hours. I really didn't care what we did as long as we did it together. I would watch him pack, heck I would pack for him.

I made my way to the dining room. Eating only small bits last night should have made me hungry, but I was sick to my stomach. I wasn't sure if it was because I drank way too much last night or because Mason was leaving. I was probably a mixture of the two.

I walked into the dinning room and shuffled over to the table Jill and my Dad were already sitting at. I plopped down into a chair and my Dad immediately slid a large glass of water toward me with a chuckle.

"You want some tylenol?" Jill asked me sympathetically.

"Nope I'm good."

"Eggs, with hot sauce," my father declared, "That's what you need. That's great hangover food."

Eddie gave Jill a kiss on her forehead and joined us, "All Paris needs is some coffee."

"You look just like Mason did," Rose said shortly sitting across from me at the table.

I looked up having a hard time focusing on her with all the bright lights in the room. "Where is Mason?" my father teased, "he should be paying for his night of partying just like Paris."

"Mason had a one o'clock flight," Dimitri said sitting at the table next to his wife.

"What, what did you say?" I could hear the panic in my one voice. Alex walked around the table and took the last seat at the table.

"Mason almost missed his flight," Rose snapped.

"Wait, Mason's gone, like gone on the plane and left gone?" I said slowly.

"He didn't tell you did he?" Alex said sadly grabbing my hand. "Mason hates goodbyes, probably thought this would be easier."

"Easier?" I mimicked.

I thought I had been shocked before, but nothing had ever prepared me for this. My mouth was wide open and I started to tremble. "Mason's gone? He left. I thought your flight wasn't until ten?" I asked Alex.

"Mason wanted to go early," Rose said slowly the snappy tone gone from her voice, "He took a commercial flight. We booked it months ago."

I was hyperventilating as I took in the sympathetic looks of the others sitting at the table.

I hope everyone liked this Chapter. I love Mason, but he is human after all. More to come very soon. Remember if you are signed as a guest and you send me a question I can't respond to it. I always try and respond. Thanks for reading!