Blissful Masquerade (Ruthless Desires, #1)

by Elira Firethorn

I swear, good men only exist in books. Specifically, books written by women.

“I hope you find some time to read this week, Wren. I know it makes you happy.”

When I look back at Elliot, I find him watching me. His thumb runs across the back of my hand, and it shoots electricity up my arm. “You look absolutely stunning, you know.” His voice is low, and I stare as heat blooms in his eyes.

Then I’m in Oliver’s arms as he whisks me to the dance floor. I let out a giggle. Both his arms wrap around my waist, pressing me into his hard chest. Finally, I remember how to speak. “You look nice, too.” “You’re adorable,” he murmurs, and I feel my world spin as he dips me backward.

“Hmm?” He presses his face into my neck, inhaling. The action causes a shiver to shoot up my spine. “I need you to kiss me first.” With a low chuckle, he pulls away to look me in the eye. One of his hands cups my cheek, and I lean into it with a smile. “Preferably right now.” “Whatever you want,” he says, leaning closer. When his lips meet mine, I moan. He smiles against my mouth, pressing his body into mine. And when he finally, really kisses me, fireworks go off in my stomach.

“Wren.” Elliot’s voice is quiet and deep in my ear, his breath warm against the skin on my neck. I shudder when he runs a single finger up my jawbone. He tugs at the ribbon holding my mask in place, letting it fall onto my lap. Then his hand cradles my head as he peppers my face and neck with soft, worshipful kisses. Each one sends a shot of electricity across my skin. They leave me feeling tingly and warm, ready for more. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, Elliot kisses me. It starts out gentle, with his tongue running across my lips, prodding them open. When I give in, he slides his tongue inside and then back out, slowly fucking my mouth. His hand on the back of my head curls around my hair, his grip tightening. I struggle to keep my moans to a minimum. Elliot just feels so good.

“Tell me, princess, do you want me?” I moan as I nod, leaning in and kissing him. His lips are soft, and the way he kisses me is gentler than the other two. While one of his arms is wrapped around my waist, his free hand cradles my face like I’m the most precious thing in the world.

My fingers brush across her cheek, because I can’t help but touch her. She’s like a fucking drug.

“Wren. You’re safe. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

I basically told her that she’s so fucking special to us that no woman could ever have the same kind of chokehold that she has on us. Well, that’s sort of what I said.

“Jesus Christ,” she whispers. “Nope. Just a couple demons, making sure you end up in hell with us for all of eternity.”

I clench my fists. Food in your stomach is normal, Wren. You’re human. And humans fucking eat.

“The expectation of women to be stick thin is stupid, and it does more harm than good.

He kneels, holding my hips in his hands and kissing my stomach. “I like you like this. It means we’re feeding you well. And I obviously like spoiling you.” He grins up at me.

He pulls me in with a hand on the back of my neck and kisses me, soft and slow. When he pulls away, he smiles. “I’ll come back in one piece. Promise.”

I feel her tense. It’s barely noticeable, but reading her body language has become like a second nature to me. I guess that’s what happens when you can’t take your eyes off someone.

“We need to take her home, and then we need to leave her alone,” Elliot says. “This weekend has been amazing—a fantasy come true. But that’s all it’s been. A fantasy. We need to let her go and try to forget about her.”

“I know I’m not the best when it comes to affection, or a lot of emotions. But I want to be a safe person for you. I know this is all overwhelmingly fast for you, but I want to make this work. And last. So please—if I’m ever not giving you what you need from me, just tell me. I’ll do anything to keep you, Wren. Including holding you while you cry, however often that ends up being.”