Behind the Masque

ROXANNE

I stretch out leisurely and open my eyes to the bright room. I look around, almost forgetting where I am, and then I remember.

I’m on the thirty-fourth floor of the Manfredi Hotel, in a ridiculously expensive suite. I check the small clock on the bedside table, which tells me that it’s just after nine in the morning.

Seth is no longer in bed, and I wonder idly if he’s taken off—reality shining in the light of day after a night of all sorts of dirty little dreams come true.

I lie there, luxuriating in the comfortable bed that is far better than my own, when all of a sudden the door bursts open and Casey comes skipping in, a robe wrapped around her.

She hops into the bed, pulls the sheet up, and crawls underneath it with me. I grab at the sheet, trying to hold it down because I am stark naked.

“Oh, relax.” She laughs. “We’re so far past that now.”

So Casey realizes that we have crossed a barrier too.

“Good morning, Case.” I yawn.

“And a good morning to you too.” She smiles, throwing a leg over me.

She shuffles closer to me, and we face each other. This is something Casey and I have done since high school.

We’d get into our pajamas, and she’d cuddle with me, and we would just talk and talk until we fell asleep. Except neither of us had ever been naked when that happened.

“Last night was crazy, huh?” she whispers.

“Um…yes.” I raise my eyebrows at her. “I’m surprised you were cool with all that,” I add.

“I’m surprised that you were too, but whatever. We’ve been best friends forever, Roxie. Last night was crazy, but it was also really hot. I’m glad we tried it together…

“And it’s not like we did anything. You and Seth were really sexy together, and it seemed so natural it was fun to watch.” She giggles.

“You and Lucas were pretty hot yourselves,” I retort.

“That’s what I was telling you about. The sex is incredible. Last night couldn’t have worked out any better.

“I’m also glad that Lucas’s friend turned out to be cool and gorgeous as well, and not some lame guy.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Yeah, Seth is pretty sexy,” I agree. “Where are they anyway? Did they leave?”

“No, they didn’t leave. They just went down to the gym. We’re going to order breakfast when they get back,” Casey informs me.

“Ugh! I do not want to put that dress back on,” I moan. “Not exactly comfortable or morning appropriate.”

“Me neither.” Casey makes a face.

“Do you work tonight?”

Casey is a personal trainer, hence her perfect body and can-do attitude.

“Fuck no, I took the weekend off. I don’t have to be in until tomorrow. How about you?”

“Same. I need this day of rest before returning to the real world,” I say.

“Yeah, this weekend has been kind of surreal so far, hasn’t it?”

“You’re telling me.”

We start to giggle as the memories from last night flood back, causing us both to blush at the erotic images forever ingrained into our minds.

We hear the door opening in the main room, and we hear the guys’ voices as they come back from the gym. Casey stays wrapped around me as Seth walks into the room.

When he sees Casey and I lying together the way we are, a broad grin spreads across his face.

I notice Seth’s wearing some black sports shorts and a tight white muscle shirt, and I wonder where the clothes came from.

His shirt looks wet with sweat, and his hair is damp and messy, but he still looks yummy. He comes over and jumps onto the bed, causing us to squeal.

“Hey, Luke!” he calls out. “I found the girls.”

Casey giggles as Lucas strides in and sees all of us on the bed. He, too, is in new clothes—blue sports shorts and a tight black muscle shirt, also damp with sweat.

He looks absolutely delicious this way as well.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” He smiles devilishly.

Lucas lies down on the bed behind Casey and then looks at me.

“I think this could be very interesting,” he suggests, tugging on the shoulder of Casey’s robe.

“I don’t think so.” I shake my head at him.

“Um, yeah.” Casey pulls the shoulder back up on her robe.

“Aw, shucks.” Lucas chuckles.

“Luke, you’re such a fucking horndog sometimes. Give the girls a break, yeah? Anyway, we’ve got something for you ladies,” Seth pipes up. Lucas just laughs in response.

Seth gets up and leaves the room, coming back in with a large black-and-white shopping bag, with the name Saks Fifth Avenue across it.

“You bought us clothes?” Casey asks disbelievingly.

“Do you want to put those dresses back on?” Lucas replies.

“Not at all. Thank you so much!” Casey smiles appreciatively at the guys.

How did they know? These two are too slick.

“There’s a Saks next door,” Seth says, reaching into the bag and pulling out an item.

It’s a really short but super cute, navy-blue Grecian-style sundress.

“Had to guess the size, but this one is for you,” he says, handing it to me.

The price tag is still on, and I glance at it. My eyes almost pop out of my head.

“You really didn’t have to do this,” I say to him, not sure how I should feel about this gesture.

“It’s okay, really. I want you to have it,” he says, reaching into the bag again, and he hands me a shoebox.

I open it to a lovely pair of beige Jimmy Choo leather wedge sandals.

“Okay, seriously, this is too much,” I murmur, shaking my head.

This is unbelievable yet so lovely of them to do. However, I would never spend this much money on shoes. These two must have a lot of cash to blow for them to do this.

Casey is at least Lucas’s girlfriend, but I’m just a girl Seth met last night.

“Thank you.” I smile up at him. “This is…just…”

“Please, it was my pleasure.” He leans down and plants a soft kiss on my lips. “Oh, and these too.”

He reaches in and pulls out a nude lacy bra and panty set. I blush, picturing these two wandering around the store picking out clothes for Casey and me.

“We had help,” Lucas says, seeming to read my mind.

“There was a very accommodating salesgirl, more than happy to help us find something,” Lucas adds, reaching for the bag.

“Yay! My turn.” Casey claps happily.

Lucas reaches into the bag and pulls out a short, white, and pale-pink linen dress.

“Ooh, I love it,” Casey breathes.

“Good, we weren’t sure, but after describing what you girls look like to the salesgirl, this is what she came up with. We told her Sunday, dressy casual,” Lucas explains, pulling out another shoebox and handing it to Casey.

She opens it up and squeals loudly, pulling out a pair of white Gucci wedges. Lucas also hands her a new bra and panty set.

“All of this just to go home in?” I ask. “I think a pair of jeans and a T-shirt would have sufficed.”

“Actually, we have a lunch thing we have to go to today, and we were hoping you ladies would accompany us,” Lucas tells me.

“It’s actually at Spence’s place. He always holds one the day after his Masque for all of his closest friends and associates,” Seth adds.

“We’re going to Spence Manfredi’s house?” Casey breathes.

“If you want,” Lucas replies.

“I want.” She nods. “Except that my hair is a disaster, and I don’t have any makeup on me,” she complains.

I tentatively raise my hand. “Yeah, me too. Maybe we could swing by my house first?”

“No need. There’s a salon downstairs,” Lucas reassures us.

“That’s fine and all, but if it belongs to this hotel, I don’t think I could afford that type of pampering,” I say sheepishly. “My wages only get me so far.

“I blew this month’s budget on my dress and heels for last night’s party.”

“Relax, Roxanne, it’s on the house,” Lucas informs me. “Remember, I’m Spence’s right-hand man? If I want it done, it’ll be done,” he says smugly.

“Come on, Roxie, it’ll be nice,” Casey encourages.

“Okay... I, uh, I guess so,” I relent.

“So, it’s decided then. How about we get some breakfast first, then you guys can go down and get ready? I’ll call them and let them know to expect you,” Lucas states and walks out of the room.

“Oh, I’m so excited,” Casey gushes, gathering her new things. “I’ll leave you two.” She winks at me and walks out, leaving Seth and me alone.

I gather my own new items and place them back in the bag carefully. “This is still too much, you know,” I say to Seth.

“I can afford it, trust me,” Seth comments.

This piques my curiosity. What does he mean by that?

“What exactly is it that you do, Seth?” I ask him.

“I’m in real estate,” he tells me.

“Real estate? Okay, that’s kind of vague,” I counter.

“Okay, I own a real estate company,” he clarifies, and my mouth drops.

“Wow! But you’re so young,” I say, impressed.

“Spence helped me get started, and I’ve just been fortunate. Now Spence is all paid off, and it’s all mine.” He shrugs. “It took a lot of hard work and determination, but it paid off and then some.”

“Can I ask you another question, Seth?” I change the subject.

“Sure.”

“What is your last name? If we are to get to know each other a little better, I’d like to at least know that,” I explain.

Seth casually tugs the sheet down, revealing my breasts as he speaks.

“My last name is Turrell,” he murmurs as he runs his fingers gently over my breasts. “What’s yours?”

“Vice,” I reply, as I shiver at his feathery touches.

“Vice?” He thinks about it for a moment. “Yeah, I like it. So, what exactly is it that you do, Roxanne?”

He turns the tables.

“I’m head chef at The Whiskey Steakhouse,” I tell him. “Didn’t Casey mention it?”

I wonder what she had said about me for him to agree to a blind date in the first place, since Seth probably doesn’t have issues finding dates on his own.

He raises his eyebrows and nods, looking impressed.

“I’ve eaten there before, the best steak I ever had. You know, if you want, I could probably get you a job here.

“Apparently, there’s going to be a new restaurant, and they’ll be hiring soon. I’d bet it’d pay better,” he mentions.

“Thank you, Seth, but no thank you. I got my job because I earned it. I wouldn’t feel right about that,” I state.

Although it’d probably mean a decent pay raise to work as a chef for the Manfredi Hotel, I’m sure it’d also be a pretty prestigious position that people in my line of work would jump at a chance to work there.

“Okay, I can respect that, wanting to make it on your own steam, but if you ever change your mind, let me know,” he adds.

He then jumps up off the bed, taking his wandering hands with him, much to my disappointment.

“I think I need another shower,” he mentions, pulling his shirt off and throwing it aside.

Then he steps out of his shorts and boxer briefs. I eye him up, soaking in the sight of him. Damn, he just gets sexier and sexier the more time I spend with him.

“May I join you?” I ask him suggestively.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He grins.

So, I hop out of bed and join him in the bathroom.

***

A few hours later, after a full primping session at the expensive salon, Casey and I are fully re-beautified.

We have slipped into the new clothes that the guys had so thoughtfully bought for us, and they fit perfectly. I examine myself in the mirror and feel good about my appearance.

I think I can fit in at the billionaire’s house. Everything is different now in the bright light of day—no masks for everyone to hide behind, all anonymity gone.

“You look beautiful.”

Seth appears in the bathroom doorway. He’s also changed now. He’s looking yummy in a pair of black dress pants and a light blue dress shirt.

His hair isn’t in a faux hawk this time though. It’s styled back, giving him a very businesslike appearance.

“Thank you.” I blush. “You couldn’t have picked a more perfect dress, and it fits like it was made for me.”

“You are very welcome, Rox, and damn, I’m good,” he comments, walking around me.

He examines me, tapping on his chin. It makes me feel a little nervous.

“Is there something wrong?” I ask him, feeling a little unsure.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, crouching down in front of me.

He slides his hands up my dress, and I feel him pulling my underwear down.

“What are you doing? We have to go soon,” I protest.

“Step out,” he orders, and I step out of them carefully.

He stands up straight, and he tucks my thong into his pocket. “Much better.”

“Oh no! I can’t go out like this, Seth. This dress is pretty short,” I exclaim, feeling like my ass is hanging out.

“I guess you shouldn’t bend down then, and keep your legs crossed,” Seth insinuates.

“Come on, Seth. Please.” I reach toward his pocket, and he jumps back, laughing.

“No way. I’m really going to enjoy this.”

“You will. I’m not so sure I will,” I grumble.

“I’ll see to it that you do,” Seth promises, grabbing my chin and kissing me lightly.

When we go outside to the front curb, there is a black stretch limousine waiting for us. Lucas and Casey get in first, then Seth gestures for me to get in.

I hesitate and look at him nervously. How am I supposed to get in gracefully, while also trying not to flash at the world?

Slowly, I crouch and bend slightly to get in, and I can tell Seth is watching me closely.

I have to bend a little lower to get in, and I jump when I feel Seth brush his hand along my upper thigh, just underneath my butt.

“Seth!” I turn and smack his hand.

“What?” He lifts his hands up, feigning innocence.

I shake my head at him and quickly sit down, crossing my legs. He climbs in and takes a seat.

We drive for about fifteen minutes or so before we pull into a gated community.

The farther we go in, the further the houses grow apart and the larger the homes become—going from large to mansions, to super estates.

“Holy shit,” Casey says quietly, staring out of the window.

The car pulls up to a massive steel gate with a letter “M” emblazoned on it. The gate opens, and we drive up a long winding driveway lined with large oak trees.

The trees break away, and the house comes into view. However, I wouldn’t call it a house. It’s more like a palace. It’s a beautiful white, modern Mediterranean-style mansion. I can’t believe my eyes.

I’ve only seen houses like this in magazines and online. The car pulls around the circle driveway and stops in front of the doors.

After a beat, the chauffeur opens the door for us, and we move to get out. Seth is out first, and I exit the vehicle behind him.

I hear an intake of breath behind me, and I turn my head at Lucas, who is smirking. I realize in horror that I have just flashed my ass when I got up. I quickly pull my dress down and hop out.

Lucas climbs out, followed by Casey, who seems none the wiser. Casey and I look up at the house, trying to take it all in, but it’s just too big.

“All this for just one guy, huh?” I blurt, and Seth snickers.

“Spence can be a little bit of a show-off, but I guess when you have the money he does, you don’t give a shit.”

“This is amazing.” Casey whistles.

A man in a suit walks out of the front door to greet us.

“Welcome, Mr. Turrell,” he greets Seth first with a friendly smile and then turns to Lucas.

“Mr. White, good to see you as always. Ladies.” He nods at us. “The party is on the back patio.” He gestures for us to go through the open double doors.

“Thanks, James,” Seth says as he grabs my hand and takes the lead.

We walk through the cavernous entryway and through a wide corridor that leads us to a set of glass double doors that open out to the back of the house.

We step out onto the patio, and I glance around, taking it all in. There are about thirty or so well-dressed people gathered around, mingling.

There are large round tables scattered around, adorned with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces.

I spot a fancy-looking buffet off to the side, and there are waiters wandering around in black slacks and crisp white shirts with bow ties, handing out drinks. It’s all very ritzy.

Spence spots us and hurries over. He’s clad in black dress pants and a crisp white shirt. He really is very handsome.

Seeing him in the clear light of day, he doesn’t look his age at all. He could pass for mid-thirties. He’s just so impeccably groomed.

“Boys, glad you could make it!” he bellows, shaking their hands. Then he takes Casey’s hand and kisses it. “Ms. Casey, glad you could join us.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” she flirts.

Spence winks at her and moves toward me. He takes my hand in his and slowly lifts it to his lips, not taking his piercing eyes off mine.

“Why, Roxanne, you are even more lovely than I had imagined,” he says smoothly. “I’m so happy to see you, my dear.”

“Hey, Manfredi,” Seth chimes in, “back off. She’s mine.”

Spence stands up straight and turns on Seth. “It’s a little soon to decide that yet, yes?” Spence challenges him, eyes flickering toward me.

“Whatever, man,” Seth scoffs, shaking his head.

An hour later, we are sitting at one of the tables, along with two other couples.

One of them looks suspiciously like Victor and Cherry from last night, but if they recognize me, they pretend that they don’t, and I am glad for that.

I realize that I need to use the little girl’s room and stand up. The other men at the table all stand with me in a most old-fashioned way.

“Excuse me,” I blush, “I need to use the restroom.”

“Go through that door over there,” Seth points to a door off the side of the house. “It’s the third door on the left.”

“Thank you.” I smile politely and head in that direction.

I step through the door and into a wide hallway. There are many doors on either side, but I find the restroom easily thanks to Seth’s instructions.

I close and lock the door behind me and proceed to do my business. Once finished, I wash my hands and check myself in the mirror.

I hear a quiet knock on the door and smile to myself, thinking that it must be Seth, ready to make good on his promise to make the most of my panty-less state.

I unlock the door and open it, and I come face-to-face with a smirking Lucas.