The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

Jasper spins me around again and lifts me in the air, his hands firmly on my waist as he slowly lowers me. I look up and my eyes land on Rixon as he enters the room, looking unbelievably handsome in his black tux and mask. His dark eyes land on me, his lips twitch into a brief smile before he grabs a glass of champagne and disappears into the crowd.

As the song starts to come to an end, Jasper spins me, so I pirouette a couple of times before tugging me roughly back against his chest. My hands press against his pecs to hold myself in place and he lifts my leg to wrap it around his waist, just as the final note ceases.

'A little extra don't you think' I tease, gesturing at my leg.

'Never.' He grins and releases me; Lucia and Aria applaud loudly as we walk back over to them.

I catch glimpses of Rixon throughout the evening, we avoid each other so as not to attract attention. He keeps himself obscured by the crowd, but I feel his eyes on constantly, it's reassuring.

'Are you okay You seem distracted,' Lucia comments and I feel shit that my friends don't know anything about how awkward it is between me and my parents.

'Um, yeah, I'm fine,' I lie, taking a large gulp of champagne.

A beautiful singer takes to the stage, usually mum likes me to sing, but this year I got her to hire someone. It would have been awkward to plan anything together with us barely speaking, and I'm not sure I'd even be able to hit a note without shaking tonight, there's too much on my mind.

'She's good, how come you didn't want to sing' Aria asks and I spot Rixon coming towards me.

'Nerves,' I tell her, handing her my glass of champagne, 'Excuse me,' I leave my friends and meet Rixon as he weaves through the guests.

'Hi.' I smile, feeling stupid that I'm so excited to see him.

'Hey. You look stunning,' he compliments me, his fingers gently brushing the edge of the mask, lightly touching my cheek.

'Thank you, you look incredible,' I take a step closer and run my hands down the front of his blazer, feeling the unrelenting muscle beneath it.

We step apart and obscure ourselves behind a large group of people as we wait for the song to finish. Once it does, I know the singer will move onto her final song before midnight, when the masks come off.

My heart pounds nervously in anticipation, but a quick squeeze of Rixon's hand around mine makes everything worth it.

As the singer trails off, couples leave the dance floor whilst others join it. Rixon leads me into the middle and deftly pulls me into his arms.

The singer begins the song I requested and Rixon moves perfectly, leading me around the room. I barely notice her beautiful voice hitting each note as I just stare into his dark eyes, wondering how I got so lucky, and why my parents can't see what I see.

I can smell his cologne, which is good, because it's masking his scent. Hopefully my parents are too busy entertaining guests to pay any attention to who I'm dancing with.

All too soon, the song comes to an end and Rixon pulls me close. Our attraction is palpable, he leans down, and his lips move confidently and ardently over mine. My eyes fall closed, and I press my palms against his warm chest, feeling his strong heartbeat thud quickly under my hand.

I know if I'm with him, I've got everything I need.

The clock chimes twelve times for midnight and I hear my Mother claim the stage and announce that everyone should remove their masks.

Rixon reaches behind my head and undoes the silver ribbon, I pull my mask off my face and smile at him. I then reach and undo his mask; he slides it off and winks at me.