Masquerade (Masquerade #1) Read online

  We park and get out to walk into the same Italian hole in the wall. I order the same thing I had that night, and he does too.

  After supper we drive back to Alan’s apartment. He says he forgot something that he needed for later tonight.

  We walk in. “Red, can you go in my room and see if there is a card on my bed or nightstand. It’s a business card that has a phone number on the back that I need.”

  “Sure.”

  I walk into the bedroom to see candles lit all over the room, and rose petals scattered over the bed.

  I turn around when I hear him walking up behind me. “This is—”

  He puts his lips on mine, kissing me deeply. He pushes me back towards the bed until I feel my legs hit the mattress. He gently lays me down, never breaking the kiss. He pulls my leg up to wrap around his waist.

  He begins to move back and forth, causing friction between his jeans and my exposed pussy. I knew tonight would be a good night to go commando.

  He pulls back from the kiss and stands up to look down at my body. “I love when your pussy isn’t covered and is dripping wet for me.”

  He hikes my skirt up to my waist then pulls me up into a sitting position. He pulls my shirt off then my bra, throwing them to the side.

  He commences to take his shirt off and then his jeans. He pulls his boxers down, and the tip of his cock is shimmering from the pre-cum, which is glistening on his head. I lick my lips in response.

  He nestles himself between my legs. He captures my nipple in his mouth, sucking it and subtly biting. He then slowly starts rubbing his dick in between my folds before sliding it into me.

  I gasp as he fills me up. He stills. “Please move, Alan.”

  He begins moving faster until he takes me to my climax. Once he sees he has satisfied me, he releases himself into me.

  “This never gets old,” he says as he kisses me.

  We get up and put our clothes back on, so we can have our walk in the park.

  As I slide my skirt back down, I look at Alan. “Babe, you okay?”

  He shakes his head. “Yeah, baby. I just don’t know how to tell you this but just to come out and say it.” He looks deflated. “We can’t go to the park tonight. I have to meet with some of my brothers at the party to discuss some things. I honestly don’t know how long we will be either.”

  I guess this was what the bad feeling was. “It’s okay. I understand.”

  “Are you sure, sweetie? I am so sorry about all of this.”

  “Yes, I am fine,” I say, feeling hurt and used. “I understand.”

  He grabs my hand and kisses my fingers. “I knew you would. If it gets too boring for you tonight, I won’t blame you for going home early.”

  “I will see how it goes.” I smile, trying to not show how hurt I’m feeling.

  “Okay. It’s up to you.”

  Finding my shoes, I slide them on since Alan has already made his way to the car. We drive to the frat house in complete silence. I can’t even look at him.

  We pull up and park at a full house. I get out and walk away from him to get into the house as fast I can. I see Mindy as soon as I open the door.

  She looks up and waves at me mouthing, “Come here.” I start walking, but I have to turn sideways to get through the crowd already dancing on the makeshift dance floor.

  She grabs my hands and spins me around until she sees my long face. She then pulls me towards the kitchen, puts a red Solo cup in my hand, and drags me outside into the backyard of the house.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I mean, it’s just we couldn’t go to the park because for some stupid reason Alan had to meet with his stupid ass brothers about some stupid shit nobody cares about,” I say in a huff, getting even madder.

  She shakes her head. “Alright then, babe. Guess what stupid shit we are doing tonight?”

  “Maybe we can just go back to the room.” I bat my eyelashes at her.

  “Oh, hell no. We are getting drunk. You ready?” She holds her cup up to me. I look around us to see the house is at capacity. I l turn back to+ her with some hesitation until I come to a conclusion and say fuck it. I bump glasses with her and chug my beer down. She yells in appreciation and chugs her own.

  We walk back into the house to get another drink and start dancing the night away. We dance for what seems like two hours. I look at her and point to the restroom. She nods her head in the direction of the bathroom, so I make my way to freshen up and pee.

  I come out, needing more alcohol. I’m not getting buzzed enough, so I get myself another beer. Walking into the kitchen, I see Alan. I run up to him, putting my arms around him.

  “Hey, babe. I was just looking for you. Well, I kind of was.”

  Oh, shit. I know that look on his face. It’s a mixture of sympathy and annoyance. He leans in to my ear whispering, “I have to go and get my sister again. I am so sorry, babe.”

  My head whips back to look at his face. “What the hell, Alan?”

  He pecks my lips. “I’m sorry, Red. I have to go now and get her before something worse happens. I will call you tomorrow.” He walks off, making his way through the crowd.

  I am standing there looking like someone just killed my dog. His sister is such a damn troublemaker. He is always having to go and bail her out of something.

  Before I know it, I have downed the beer I just got. I reach for another and lean against the counter. I look around and try to find Mindy when I catch a pair of blues eyes that could melt your panties off.

  He is staring at me, so I look away, trying to find my roommate and best friend before I fall on the floor screaming with an orgasm. I can’t find Mindy, and I need to look over to see if that guy is still standing there. I slowly make my way back to where he was standing, and he’s gone.

  Well shit. I push myself off the counter when I see blue eyes right in front of me. I start falling backwards, and he reaches out, catching me by the waist to hold me straight up. I feel a bolt of electricity running up my spine from where is arm is touching me.

  I stand up to gradually get out of his grasp. He looks down at me with a charming grin on his lips. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

  He must have noticed because he says, “Are you okay?”

  I open my mouth again to hear my voice cracking to say, “I’m really sorry.”

  “No, my fault. I saw you across the room and needed to get over here as fast as I could to see you.”

  I look at him with curiosity on my face. “Do I know you?”

  “No, not yet anyways. You are just so beautiful,” he says with a smirk.

  I should be scared right now, but I can’t seem to find the fear. Instead it feels like lust. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I have a boyfriend. I look at my drink and bring it to my mouth to drain the cup.

  Mindy comes walking up beside me. “Here you go, babe. I got you another drink.” She looks at the guy standing in front of me. “Who’s your friend?”

  I turn away from him to look at her. “I don’t know. I mean, I just ran into him. We haven’t exchanged pleasantries yet.”

  He is still looking at me when he says, “I’m Chris. Chris Knowles.”

  “Well, Chris, I am Mindy, and this hot little thing you can’t stop drooling over is my best friend, Julia.”

  I whip my head to look at Mindy and hit her in the ribs with my elbow. “I’m sorry. She has no filter.”

  His laugh is the sexiest thing I have ever heard. “It’s okay. Julia, would you care to dance with me.”

  Mindy’s eyes are about to pop out of her head. I look back up at Chris. “Yes that would be nice.”

  It just happens that Evanescence’s “Lonesome” comes on. He holds me tight up against his body. His hand is on the small on my back, and he guides me into a slow dance. I feel like I could get lost in his arms. I feel safe and protected.

  The song ends, and he whispers in my ear, “Can we go outside to talk?”

  His breat
h in my ear makes me shiver, and I nod my head yes. He guides me out to the backyard, and we find some chairs close to the back of the yard where it is a little more private. I take a seat, and he moves his chair right in front of mine.

  “So, Julia, where you from?”

  “I’m from Georgetown. You?”

  “I’m from all over really. My dad liked to travel.”

  “That must have been fun.”

  “It was okay but just when every time I started making friends, I had to leave.”

  “I bet that does suck,” I say, looking down at my hands.

  “It wasn’t the best time, but now I have been here for two years, and I really feel at home. I transferred out of California State in Long Beach. I joined the frat this year too.”

  “Wow, you’re far from home, huh?”

  “Yeah, pretty much.”

  Sitting outside in the courtyard, I look up at the gorgeous stars glowing in the sky. Our conversation has come to an awkward silence. I don’t know what else to really say. I look at my phone to see it is after midnight. I jump up. “I should really get going.”

  He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. “Why do you have to leave?”

  “Well, Alan, my boyfriend had to leave, so I really do need to go and check on him.”

  “Let me at least walk you back to your dorm. I hate for you to be out this late walking by yourself.”

  Smirking, I reply, “It’s not but a couple of blocks back to the dorms.”

  “Well, that is still a couple of blocks too many,” he says with an amused look on his face.

  “You won. Let me go tell Mindy I am leaving. Give me a few minutes.”

  “Take your time, sweetie. I will be at the front door waiting on you.”

  I turn around to see Mindy dry humping the quarterback of the football team. Shaking my head, I walk over to her, and I stand in front of her yelling, “I am leaving.”

  She acknowledges me with a nod and a shit-eating grin on her face. That could only mean one thing: She is going home with the guy, so she won’t be home till morning. She turns around, wraps a leg around the guy’s waist, and grinds against his cock. I slap her ass, and I hear her yell in appreciation.

  I walk back through the swarm of bodies dancing, drinking, and talking to finally make it to the front door. Chris is right where he said he would be.

  “You ready?” he asks.

  “Lead the way.”

  We talk the whole walk back about different things going on in our lives and even some about family. He seems to not be very close to his family at all. I can’t imagine not having that closeness.

  Before I know it we are at my door. I dig my key out of my pocket. “Thank you so much for walking me back to my dorm.”

  “You’re welcome.” He looks nervous all of a sudden. “Julia, I have a question to ask you.”

  Oh shit, oh shit. What is he about to say or do? I can’t find my voice. I dip my head up and down, telling him to go ahead.

  “Can I have your number? I know you have a boyfriend, so since I can’t have you that way, at least I could have you as a friend.”

  I let out the breath I was holding. “Sure. I would love to be friends.” I grab his phone and call my own. “Here you go. Now you can save it, and I will save yours.”

  “Thank you, Julia.” He kisses my forehead. “Sleep tight.” He turns on his heal to leave.

  I walk in through the door in a haze. I do my normal routine of getting ready for bed still not sure of what to think of Chris. I also have this feeling like I am forgetting to do something.

  Before I can think too much, my phone starts buzzing. I look down at it to see it’s Alan. Shit. I was supposed to call him.

  I swipe my phone quickly. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Red. I’m so sorry about tonight. I promise I will make it up to you.”

  “How’s your sister?” I say, a little more harshly than I meant to.

  “She’s good now. I really hated leaving, but she was really messed up bad this time. All her dumbass friends just let her do it. Will you forgive me?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry for being ugly. It’s just she always pulls this shit,” I say, feeling a little bit bad for being mean.

  “I know, Red. I’m sorry is all I got. I hope one day Ginny will straighten herself out. Thank you for always being understanding. How was your evening?”

  “It was good. I met a new brother of yours. He is really nice. He walked me home to make sure I got here okay.”

  “And this new brother would be Chris, right?”

  “Yeah. You’re not mad, are you?”

  I hear a smile in his voice. “No, Red. I just will be thanking him for making sure he got my girl home okay.”

  “Good.”

  “Baby, you need to get some sleep. You sound tired.”

  “Okay. I love you.”

  “I love you too.” The line goes dead.

  Chapter Six

  Chris has become a permanent fixture in my life. I can talk to him about anything, and he does the same. We get to know each other more and more every day we are together.

  Alan and I are still together. He is so happy to know that I have Chris in my life to watch out for me when he can’t. His sister is causing more problems than Alan or his parents can handle. They put her into a facility for drug and alcohol abuse. She was in there for six weeks. She came out better than ever until her ex waltzed back into her life.

  She is a mess this time. No one can seem to help her, but her brother still goes to save her. I get so upset sometimes with him leaving to help a girl that is never going to help herself. Don’t get me wrong. I understand she is family, but sometimes you have to let them fall before they can get back up.

  Needless to say, Alan is grateful for Chris. If he is unable to make a date or take me to a party, I always have Chris there to step in. I actually set him and Mindy up. They are casually dating, as Mindy would call it. In other words, they are dating, but they are able to screw other people, meaning she is doing the screwing. It seems to work with them, so I say nothing.

  It is the night before graduation day. We have all finished our exams and received word that we will be getting our diplomas. The frat decided to put on a big end of the year/senior party. Mindy and I get dressed up to the nines for the night’s festivities.

  We are meeting Alan and Chris at the frat house since they had to be there to help get everything set up. We get there a little bit before anyone else starts to show up.

  I walk into the house to find it decorated with crape paper thrown over all the beams in the ceiling and the kitchen fully stocked of beer and liquor. I see Chris before I see Alan.

  Chris walks up with a solemn look on his face. “Julia, I don’t know how to say this, but Alan—”

  I cut him off quickly. “Had to leave to go and get his cracked out sister. Fucking figures.”

  “I’m really sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. The least he could have done was call me himself.” I feel my face on fire from being so enraged.

  “Well, he said he didn’t have time because he really needed to get to her. He said he would call after a while.” Chris clutches me in a hug. “I will be here for you. I tried to tell him to call you, but he just kept saying he had to leave. I really hate that he did this to you. You deserve so much better than that.”

  I hug him back tightly. Pulling back, I look up at him. “It’s all good,” I say, grinning. “We’re getting drunk tonight. He’s not ruining my fun.”

  He kisses my forehead chuckling. “Well then, let me fix you a drink.”

  I’m on my seventh or eighth drink, I think. Hell, I can’t remember. I just know I feel tipsy at the moment. I finish the last bit of the drink in my hand and walk back to the kitchen for another one.

  I look around and catch Mindy all over some guy I have never seen before. You know, she really is a tramp. I mean that in the friendliest way possible.

  I feel the a
lcohol even more now, and I need to find a seat before I fall over. I walk outside the front door and sit down on the porch, letting my legs dangle off the side. Damn short people problems. Even drunk I feel him before I see him.

  “Julia, I have been looking for you. Are you all right?”

  I look up at him with the biggest shit eating grin. “Hell yeah. I’m all right. I am more than all right. I am feeling marvelous, Christopher.”

  He sits down beside me. “I think after this drink you are done, sweetie.”

  I stick out my bottom lip. “Why?”

  “Because you are saying words like marvelous and calling me Christopher, so I think you are done.” He lets out a hearty laugh.

  “Fine, meanie. Have it your way.” I chug the rest of my drink and hand him the empty cup.

  I lean my head on his shoulder. “You know what, Chris?”

  “What is it, Jules?”

  “I love you. I always have, but I have been too scared to admit it.”

  I hear him clear his throat. “Well, I love you too. You’re my best friend.”

  Raising my head of his shoulder, I look him in the eye. “No. I mean I love you, love you. Every time you’re around, I get butterflies in my stomach. I can’t ever stop looking at you.”

  “I think you have just had a little too much to drink, Julia. Let’s get you home.”

  I Jump off the porch. “Dammit, Chris, I haven’t had too much to drink. I am telling you how I feel. Are you not listening to me?”

  He jumps down after me. “I’m hearing you, but let’s get you home, and we will talk more there, okay?”

  “I think I can handle that, but shouldn’t you tell Mindy where we are going?”

  “I have already texted her, which she probably won’t notice since she is practically having sex on the dance floor.”

  We start walking when I realize I can’t even stand up straight. Chris lifts me back up on the porch and tells me to get on his back.

  I do as I’m told, leaning my head on his back, taking in his smell. I could stay here all night. We get to the dorm, and he takes his key out to unlock the door. He lays me on the bed, takes my shoes off, and covers me up.

  “Mister, I still want to talk.”