A/N: Are you ready for the big reveal? Hold on to your hearts!

Huge thanks to my awesome betas, SassySue (chayasara) and Wendy (wmr1601), for wielding the sparkly reds and smoothing out my words.

~*oOo*~

Chapter 3

~The Unmasking~

My heart was in my throat. "H-how did you find me?"

"Trade secret."

My thoughts went to where we were—in a banquet hall filled with mafia families. "Do you have any idea where you are right now?"

"A party." His lips quirked into a half-smile.

"I'm serious, Tony."

"You remember my name. I'm flattered." He lowered his mouth close to my ear again. "Everyone is masked. I don't see the problem."

"There are dangerous people here."

"I can be dangerous." His velvety voice sent a jolt of desire through me, and my breath quickened.

"You don't understand."

"Are you worried about me?" He turned us, tightening his hold. "Meet me in the mezzanine, and you can make me understand."

He let go of me suddenly, and disappeared into the crowd, like a specter. I stood alone on the dance floor, wondering if I'd imagined him. Palpitations fluttered in my chest, and I glanced around, wondering if I should meet him in the mezzanine or mind my own business.

My head said I should forget about him and get back to the party, but my racing heart and the pulsing between my legs said otherwise.

Angela sidled up to me, placing an arm around my shoulders. "Who's the hunk?"

"What?"

"That guy you were dancing with!"

"Santo?"

Angela turned me to face her. "Chica, you are so bad at keeping secrets. I'm talking about the one after Santiago Lanzo—the tall drink of water with that jaw and those lips . . . yum."

"His name is Tony."

"Tony who?"

"He's not part of this." I swirled my finger around. "He crashed the event somehow."

Angela laughed. "Brave fucker. But you know his name, so . . . what am I missing here?"

"I'm not getting into that right now, but I'll tell you later."

"Swear."

"Pinky promise. Can you cover for me for a few minutes?" I lowered my voice to a whisper. "I'm supposed to meet him in the mezzanine."

"Who's your girl? Don't worry about a thing. Be careful though. If you get caught here with an outsider . . ."

"I'm just going to tell him to get out of here, and I'll be right back."

The amused disbelief in Angela's eyes told me what I already knew—it wasn't likely I would be back that soon.

As I wove through the crowd, I was thankful everyone was masked, which made it easier to slip away. I remembered how to reach the mezzanine level from memories of parties when I was a teenager. A group of us would sneak up the stairs to smoke and play Truth or Dare or Spin the Bottle. It was a huge chink in Narnia's security plan.

I wandered up to the familiar door, noticing a thick folded square of paper wedged at the bottom to keep it from closing all the way. I opened the door, kicked the makeshift doorstop out of the way, and shut the door behind me. The sounds of the party were dampened, and my ears rang. I waited a few minutes for my eyes to adjust. The glow coming from above me allowed just enough light to climb the stairs by—not an easy task in stilettos and a long gown.

When I reached the top, I glanced around. The dim light coming from sconces affixed to the walls offered a murky view of the room. More light came from the bank of windows overlooking the Capital Room. From experience, I knew the windows were tinted, so the partygoers below wouldn't be able to see anyone looking down from above.

"Tony?" I whispered.

There was no reply. I wasn't about to go searching through all the rooms for him, so I wandered over to the windows overlooking the party. I had a great view of the room from here. I saw my father deep in conversation with Arthur Lanzo; my mother seemed bored; Marcus and Sophia were kissing like a couple of newlyweds. Angela was dancing with Santo, and they seemed to be having an intense exchange. I wondered what was going on there and vowed to grill Angela later. I scanned the other side of the room. The table opposite ours held the Masen family. Edward Masen Sr. was my father's oldest enemy. Most of the conflicts in Aro's organization were related to the Masens. Apparently there was a long-standing hatred between the two of them, and that's why my father was trying to bring multiple families together under his wing.

Edward Masen Sr. sat staring out at the party, his expression watchful and calculating. He was a few pounds overweight, but I could tell he'd been killer handsome in his day. Thinning black hair was slicked back from his broad forehead. Beside him was Elizabeth Masen, a real beauty. She had long waves of caramel hair, alabaster skin, and piercing eyes. Her beauty and poise presented stiff competition for Sophia Moretti. Sophia won due to the aura of sexiness she exuded, whereas Elizabeth, though very beautiful, was aloof. Masen's men surrounded the couple at the table. A teenage girl sat on the other side of Elizabeth, her dark head down as if looking at her phone, and there was one empty seat.

"There you are." Tony's soft voice came from behind me, and a warm finger traced lightly down my spine. He stopped before reaching my ass. Part of me was disappointed. "You look beautiful."

Sweeping my long hair aside, he pressed forward, trapping me against the railing that ran along the windows. Warm lips pressed against the back of my neck, and I shivered, closing my eyes. Delicious prickles awakened along my nerve endings, and I drew in a breath. His fingers ghosted over my back, one hand coming to rest on my hip.

Just as suddenly as he touched me, he stepped back, removing his hands and lips from my skin. My grip on the railing tightened, and I clenched my teeth.

"It wasn't just that night, was it?"

"What?"

"You're affected by me," he whispered, his breath hot on the back of my neck. "It wasn't just the situation."

I continued to face forward. "And what about you? Are you affected?" I was pretty sure of the answer because he was here.

"Very. You are ballsy and beautiful and fascinating." His fingers skimmed up my bare arms, coming to rest on my shoulders, kneading gently. "I've thought about you a lot. I had to find you, to see what this energy between us means."

A tingling heat was building inside me, and I fought not to react. "And what do you think it means?"

He ghosted his hands down my naked back and slid them around to hug my waist. He placed a kiss behind my ear, his lips hovering close. "I'm not sure exactly what it means, but I'm not willing to walk away without knowing."

I was relieved to hear him say so. All my dreams and fantasies the past few days revolved around him—his touch, his sensual lips, and the way he'd played my body like a fiddle, coaxing me to orgasm while Masen's men were searching for us. I wondered what it would be like to take his cock deep inside me.

I turned to gaze up into his intense green eyes. My mouth went dry, and all I could manage was to stare. He grabbed my hands in his and pressed them against his chest. His heart pounded beneath my palm. No matter how outwardly calm he seemed, his heartbeat gave him away.

"Can I kiss you?" He rubbed a finger across my lower lip, his eyes following its path.

"Please." My fingers tightened on the lapels of his tux, pulling him closer. I tilted my head back, and waited for his lips.

He gazed down at me for a moment, then cupped my face, his thumbs brushing my jaw.

When his lips met mine, it was with a gentle but insistent pressure. Our mouths fit together perfectly, and I wanted more. I let go of his tux and slid my arms around his waist, pressing my body against his.

With a soft moan, he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue against the seam of my lips until I opened for him. He took command of the kiss, exploring my mouth hungrily. I melted against him, losing myself, and ignored the voice in the back of my mind asking what I thought was going to come of this, what could come of this? My father had other plans for me.

He slid one hand into my hair, the fingers of his other burning a trail along my bare spine.

He pulled back. "I need to see you."

My heart quickened, and I nodded, ready to do anything he wanted.

He reached for me and carefully removed my mask. He was in shadow, so I couldn't see his eyes clearly, but his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. He explored my face so gently with questing fingers, learning my features.

"I knew you were beautiful the first time I saw you, but my memory didn't do you justice. You're exquisite, princess."

"I want to see you too." I reached for his mask, but he grabbed my hands.

"Not yet. I'm not ready for you to know who I am."

"Are you famous?" I teased. "Perhaps a wanted man?"

He shook his head. "You have no idea."

"You're scaring me, Tony."

He grasped my hands, squeezing them gently. "I don't mean to, and I want to tell you everything. Soon, I'll text you, and we can meet somewhere—just the two of us."

I knew it wasn't a good idea to continue this, but my head and heart were at war.

He let go of my hands and stepped back. "It's okay. This is too much for you. First I kidnap you, then I show up here."

Part of me agreed with him. What in the world did I think I was doing getting involved with a guy who held me hostage? Don't forget the part about his hot kisses and magic fingers. A larger part of me craved more of him, wanting to explore the white-hot attraction between us.

Tony turned and started walking away.

"Wait!" I followed him, looking up into his eyes. "I need to know what this is too. I've been thinking about you, replaying that night in my mind."

"You have?" His voice is low and hoarse.

I snaked my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his. Strong arms surrounded me, pulling us close. I could feel the bulge of his arousal against my stomach.

He pushed his tongue into my mouth, kissing me with abandon. He turned us, pushing my gown up my thighs as he lifted me on top of a table. I wrapped my legs around him, our lips meeting over and over. His hand crept up my thigh, one finger sliding over my silk thong.

"Mm, you're so wet, princess. Is that all for me?" he whispered against my lips, sending a jolt straight to my throbbing clit.

"Yes. Please . . ."

"Please what? Tell me what you need."

"I want your cock buried inside me." I nipped the side of his neck, sucking hard on the skin, knowing it would leave a mark.

He hesitated. "Are you sure about this, princess? I'd love to lick your pussy."

"I'm sure." I was on birth control, so pregnancy wasn't a concern. I should have been worried about STDs, but I couldn't bring myself to give a shit.

"Think I have a condom."

While he was digging in his wallet, I unzipped his pants and slid my hands inside to free him. My fingers wrapped around his cock, and I rubbed over the head with my thumb.

Tony hissed, jerking his hips forward. He ripped the foil packet with his teeth, and we worked together to roll the condom on.

He pressed forward, leaning over me, one arm supporting my waist. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes." Just fuck me already!

He easily tore the flimsy fabric of my thong and pressed the head of his cock against my aching entrance, sliding it back and forth. Lining himself up, he pushed into me inch by incredible inch. I moaned against his mouth.

"You're so tight." He hissed.

Once he was fully sheathed inside me, he pulled out slowly, then slammed back inside, setting a delicious rhythm. I cried out, and held onto his shoulders as he speared into me over and over. He licked and nipped a tingling path up the side of my neck, murmuring against my skin. I allowed my head to tip back, angling my pelvis to take his cock deeper, a soft whimper escaping as he hit all the right places.

I held onto him for all I was worth, allowing the sensations to coil tightly inside and build. Tendrils of liquid desire swirled chaotically, drawing me ever closer to the edge of bliss. And then I was flying, ripped from conscious thought as I was taken higher and higher, our bodies melding into one being. For a crazy moment, I forgot where I was, forgot who I was, and just hung onto him, riding out the best orgasm I'd ever had.

"Jesus, princess!" His entire body stiffened as he let go and cried out against the side of my neck.

We stayed that way for a while, our bodies joined, breathing harsh. His lips found mine, his kiss tender.

He swept damp strands of my hair out of my eyes. "That was—it was mind-blowing."

Pulling out of me, he redid his pants and stepped in close, helping me sit up fully.

Fear rocketed through me. What the hell did I just do? I gave myself over to a stranger. I hadn't even seen his face yet.

"Hey." He caressed my face, putting a finger under my chin. "I can see the wheels turning in that beautiful head of yours. Don't overthink this."

I grasped his wrists and held fast while he swept his thumb across my cheek. "How can I not? This is—it's just crazy! I've never done anything like this in my life!"

He smiled then, placing a kiss on my forehead. Scooping me up in his arms, he walked us over to a couch and sat down with me across his lap. "You've really never done something like this before?"

"Never! I'm far from innocent, but this is just . . . I don't know what to call it."

His strong arms squeezed tighter and he nuzzled his lips under my ear. "You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that. I've never done this before either—or anything like what happened that night in the warehouse." He touched my cheek, turning my face toward his and looking earnestly into my eyes. "I want you to know this means something to me, that you mean something to me."

I smiled, a thrill flaring in my chest. I leaned my head on his shoulder, and we cuddled in silence until there was a vibration in his pocket.

"Shit." He dug his phone out. "Fuck. I have to go." He helped me off his lap, making sure I was steady on my feet before getting up.

I straightened out my gown and ran shaking fingers through my disheveled hair. I didn't know what to say. Would I ever see him again?

Tony pulled me into his embrace and kissed the top of my head. "Please tell me this isn't it for us, princess. I need to see you again."

I smiled against his chest, relief flooding my body. "I want to see you again too."

Tilting my face up to his, he kissed me long and slow. "I owe you an unmasking. I promise to tell you everything."

"I'm going to hold you to that, Tony—if that's even your real name."

He smirked. "It's not my given name, but it is my nickname." He squeezed me so tight I could barely draw breath, then let go, linking our fingers. "I have to go, but I'll be in touch soon, my princess."

I smiled like a lovesick fool and watched him melt into the darkness. I got myself under control, and fumbled my way to the mezzanine restroom. The automatic light turned on, blinding me. Once my eyes adjusted, I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't look like I'd just been fucked by a masked stranger. My cheeks were flushed, my hair slightly out of place. Aro and Renee wouldn't notice anything amiss. Angela, on the other hand, was waiting to interrogate me.

Leaving the bathroom, I found my mask on the table and looked around for my thong, but it was nowhere to be found. It was ripped anyway, and nobody would know whose it was. Let the maintenance crew wonder about the good time that was had.

I made my way carefully down the dark stairwell. Throwing my shoulders back and standing tall, I opened the door and rejoined the party. Angela intercepted me when I was halfway back to our table.

"Hey, Chica!" She looped her arm through mine. "You totally fucked mystery man, didn't you?"

I laughed. "Totally."

She squealed. "So exciting! How was it, girl?"

The smile died on my lips, and I turned to look at her. "It was . . ."

Angela tilted her head. "What? He didn't hurt you or have some weird kink, did he?"

"No. It was mind blowing. I've never felt anything like that before, not with anyone."

"Wow."

"He said he felt it too. I mean, it sounds cliché, but the Earth moved."

The music paused, and we were interrupted by the DJ. "Hey, DJ Magix here. Hope you're enjoying your evening, everyone! Coffee and dessert will be served momentarily. In the meantime, someone has requested to make a brief announcement."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as Angela and I reached our seats.

Edward Masen Sr. made his way up to the DJ booth and took the mic.

Aro clenched a fist, banging it against his thigh. "Self righteous son of a bitch. He takes every opportunity."

"Good evening, everyone. I have an announcement to make. My son has returned from his travels and education abroad and will be taking his rightful place by my side to learn the family business. Very soon, his word will be as good as mine. I hope you will make his transition an easy one. Edward Anthony Masen Junior, stand up and say hello!" Masen pointed at his table to polite applause and lots of strange looks.

I looked over and noticed the empty seat from earlier was now occupied, but there were people blocking my view. I shrugged. It didn't matter anyway; my father hated Edward Masen and would never consider marrying me off to his son.

Angela grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "Oh my God. You are not going to believe this."

I followed her gaze back to the Masen's table, where Edward Sr.'s son was rising fluidly to his feet. Tall, broad shoulders, tapered waist. He lifted the mask away from his face to nod and wave. His gaze roved the room until his eyes met mine, and he froze.

Green eyes. Sensual, kiss-swollen lips. A hickey on the side of his neck.

"No-no-no-no-no."

"Sweet baby Jesus," Angela muttered, squeezing my hand.

Aro glared at Tony—who was also Edward Jr.—with smoldering hatred in his dark eyes. "More god damn trash to take out."

Men from various families made their way to the Masen table to welcome the son into the fold, to show respect and acceptance.

"Bella, I'm sorry." Angela, the perfect mafia daughter, looked horrified. She knew how bad this was.

Bile rose up in my throat, and I lurched to my feet, grabbing my purse and running for the bathroom. The line was long, and there were too many people everywhere, some of them trying to talk to me. I continued past the bathroom and raced to a security guard.

"Excuse me, sir. I don't feel well and really need some air. Where can I go?"

"Follow this hallway all the way down, make a right, and there's an exit to the back deck."

"Thank you!"

I glanced back and saw Tony looking around frantically. People kept going up to him, and he'd smile, shake hands, and continue moving through the room. I knew he was looking for me. I turned and rushed down the hall as fast as my stilettos would carry me. When I pushed through the door, the deck was almost empty. It overlooked beautifully manicured gardens with benches and gazebos leading down to the lake.

I slipped my shoes off and took the stairs barefoot. Once I reached the smooth stone pathway at the bottom, I ran all the way to the end and collapsed on a bench in a gazebo overlooking the lake. The night was cool and still. The full moon hung low in the sky, the soft light glittering like diamond dust across the rippling water. It should have been a romantic scene, but instead I felt crushed and violated.

Tears streaked my face, and sobs bubbled up from deep inside. I'd just slept with the son of my father's sworn enemy. What are the chances Tony didn't know who I was? Was he trying to get to Aro through me? Crossing my arms over my middle, I rocked back and forth. I felt helpless and used. Could I have imagined the attraction between us? He seemed so earnest, and he wasn't pushing for sex—or was that all part of an act to get past my defenses?

My phone vibrated. I pulled it out of my purse and looked through my notifications.

Angela: Are you okay?

Angela: Uncle Aro wants to know where you are.

Angela: I told him you had cramps. That made him stop asking questions!

Unknown: We need to talk, princess. Where are you?

Unknown: Please give me a chance to explain.

Unknown: Princess?

My tears flowed faster, and the pain of disappointment and loss roared inside me like an angry lion. More texts came through, begging me to hear him out. I blocked his number, then I texted Angela to let her know where I was.

Angela met me at the gazebo, a bottle of bubbly dangling from her grip. She popped the top off, and we took turns taking swigs of the champagne. She put her arm around me, and I rested my head on her shoulder. There was no need for words. Angela was my bestie, and she completely understood the position I was in.

"Princess." Tony's hoarse voice came from the darkness beside the gazebo.

If Angela hadn't looked toward the sound, I would've thought it was my imagination. She stood up, holding her palm out. "Stay right where you are, dirtbag! Just turn your disloyal ass right around and get lost."

If I weren't so upset, I would have laughed at the sight. Angela with her palm out, head tilted. But I was upset, and he was standing a few yards away.

"I need to explain myself." He walked out of the shadows and stood at the bottom of the gazebo steps, craning his neck in an attempt to see around Angela. "Please, princess."

"Don't call me that!" I shrieked, more tears spilling down my cheeks.

"I-I don't know what else to call you."

"How about pawn? I'm just a pawn in your family game, right?"

"No!" Tony tried to step around Angela, but she used both hands to stop his progress.

"Nope. You need to turn around, buddy!" Angela's voice was low and angry.

My chest clenched painfully. Part of me wanted to run into his arms. Another part of me wanted to gouge his eyes out. If Aro found out about this, he would skin me alive, and yet my heart wasn't wise enough to harden against him completely. I clutched at my chest, trying to stem the pain.

"You don't understand! I need to—"

"Is there a problem here, ladies?" A new voice broke in, and Santo walked smoothly past Tony and placed himself in front of Angela, effectively blocking Tony from getting to the gazebo.

"This miscreant is harassing Bella. I was just telling him to leave, but he doesn't seem to be getting the message."

Santo was almost as tall as Tony but stockier and wider in the shoulders. He stood toe to toe with Tony, speaking to me without taking his eyes off him. "Bella, do you want to talk to this guy?"

"No. I want him to go!"

"You heard the lady. This doesn't have to get ugly, man—but I'm up for it." Santo's voice was cold and hard, nothing like the gentle, funny guy from earlier.

Tony backed up a few feet, holding his hands out. "I don't want any trouble."

"Good." Santo stepped around Angela and held his hand out to me. "Bella, can I give you a lift home?"

I took his offered hand, and stood up. "Oh, my shoes."

"No worries." Santo scooped me in his arms, "Moretti, can you get her shoes?"

Angela grabbed my shoes, following Santo as he walked down the gazebo stairs. I tucked my head against his chest so I wouldn't have to look at Tony.

"I'm going to take these ladies home. You should reconsider your position, Masen. You've been back a few weeks, and already you're starting shit."

"I'm sorry, prin—I mean, Bella." Tony's voice was soft and laden with remorse.

Angela answered for me. "Thanks for apologizing. Now, fuck off!"

Santo carried me on the path that wound along the lake, and I was thankful we weren't heading back toward Narnia's. I was so fucked up, I'd never be able to pretend that nothing was wrong.

"Can you get the car keys from my right pocket? I'm parked in the middle of the lot on the left. Bring the car to the back of the lot, so we can get Bella out of here quickly."

"Yeah, sure!" Angela grabbed the keys and hurried up the trail.

As we turned off the lake path toward the back of the parking lot, I glanced back. Tony was still standing in front of the gazebo, watching us. When our eyes met, he reached a hand out to me, his eyes pleading. I pressed my face into Santo's chest, trying to shut out the sight of him.

"It's okay, Bella. We're going to get you out of here." Santo's voice was sure and comforting.

I clung to the strength of his arms cradling me, to his decision to intervene without asking questions. Santo was my hero tonight.

So why couldn't I stop seeing the shock in Tony's eyes when he saw me across the room or the pain on his handsome face as he watched me being carried away from him in the arms of another man?

~*oOo*~

A/N: So . . . serious situations ahead. Would love to hear your thoughts!

My new drabble-ish story Animal will be featured on The Lemonade Stand Sneak Peek feature on Saturday, September 24th. Will be teasing the summary, part of a chapter, the banner, and the date the story will start posting!

For Speak Now fans, the next chapter is almost finished and should be out soon!

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