Lily’s hips swayed in rhythm to the pounding beat of retro disco music blaring from the speakers. She sipped champagne as her eyes swept the penthouse restaurant. Three large crystal chandeliers hung from the intricately molded ceiling, the glow from them cast a romantic aura over the room. The restaurant was stunningly decorated in gold, beige, and black with touches of the Orient added for sophistication. The most impressive feature of the room, however, was the magnificent view beyond the two walls of floor to ceiling windows. The bright lights of downtown New Orleans alluded to a mystical backdrop to this evening’s event, Leaumont Financial Services’ annual costume ball for charity.

A delicious aroma wafted beneath her nose seducing her to return her attention back to the party. She glanced toward the buffet tables that were set up along the back wall of the spacious room. Two tables were laden with various silver trenchers of French and Cajun dishes like shrimp creole, oyster gumbo, and jambalaya. Another table, where most of the people stood in line, hosted a multitude of scrumptious desserts, including bread puddings, pies, custards, and luscious pastries.

As for the guests, well, she couldn’t help but to marvel at the variety of costumes. Gangsters, cavemen, superheroes and astronauts, to name a few, crowded the dance floor while others opted for a seat at any one of the linen draped tables placed around the dance floor in the center of the restaurant. Everyone appeared to be having a glorious time. Well, nearly everyone. She had never felt so uncomfortable in her life. Even in this large crowd, she felt alone. She had arrived by herself half an hour ago and she hadn’t recognized any of her friends from work. Well, that’s what you get for changing your mind at the last possible moment, an inner voice berated. No one would be expecting her since she had begged off coming to the ball because she had to work at her second job. However, when she had arrived home, looked about the austere one bedroom apartment, she realized for the first time how lonesome, and isolated she had truly become. Without hesitation, she had flown into action. She would go to the ball and enjoy herself at least this once. So before she changed her mind, she called in sick at the store then hurriedly dug through her closet for the sapphire Southern Bell style dress she’d worn in a friend’s wedding two years ago. Adding a fancy Mardi Gras mask and--voila, instant costume. Now, she almost regretted her spontaneous decision to come to the party. Well, almost. She did need some fun in her life. Ever since moving here a year ago, she had little time for herself much less for any hobbies or nights out with colleagues. Most of her spare time had been devoted to her second job as assistant manager of the Mystical Bookstore. Good ol’ responsible Lily. No time for fun or play. But most especially, no time for men or relationships.

She shook herself and turned her gaze to the costumed couples on the dance floor. She watched, mesmerized as their bodies moved sensually together to a sultry blues tune. The blatant sexual undulations rekindled long dormant desires within her. She swallowed, aching to be pressed against the hardness of a male body. She wanted to be among them. Feeling, throbbing.

Tearing her eyes from the dancers, she surveyed the room seeking the one man she ached to feel against her. Julian Leaumont, President and owner of Leaumont Financial Services. She could recognize him and his luscious body anywhere. Ah, there, across the room. And, as always, he stood amidst a small throng of adoring women.

The mere sight of him set Lily’s heart aflutter. His white, ruffled shirt gaped opened at the neck revealing a small, very tantalizing expanse of his muscled chest. Her gaze traveled down. Tight black leather pants hugged his long, sinewy legs and a crimson sash circled his narrow waist. A very sexy pirate indeed. Any woman here would not mind if he plundered her heart, body, or soul. Herself included.

She smiled as he removed his feathered tricorn hat with a flourish and bowed low at the waist, his ebony hair falling over his masked face. He straightened and smiled which elicited giggles and flutters from the gaggle of women. Lily rolled her eyes. Good grief, silly women. Yet, she guessed if he had bowed over her hand, she would giggle and blush too. Julian had that effect on all women whether young or old. At six feet, he towered over the women and most of the men. Model handsome, lean muscled and a drop dead sexy smile, he gained instant attention from any room he walked into. However, Julian was more than a gorgeous face. He was a friendly, compassionate, and intelligent person. He looked out for those less fortunate, and he adored children and animals. All of the qualities she admired in a man. A wonderful man whom she had lusted for from the first moment they had met a year ago.

Lily continued to watch him. Jealousy gripped her belly as a very buxom French maid leaned over to speak in his ear. She grimaced as the maid’s breasts threatened to spill from the top of her overly tight costume right in front of his admiring blue gaze.

She inhaled sharply as he tossed his head back and laughed at something the woman said. Oh, how she yearned to lick every inch of his bared neck. To bury her face in the curvature of his throat to kiss and suckle the tiny throbbing vein until both of them were hot and aching for more.

Then, suddenly, he glanced in her direction. Their eyes locked. Sparks skidded along her spine, goose bumps popped up on her arms, and her nipples hardened painfully. Her heart lurched as his hot gaze held hers, a seductive smile teasing his lips. His lips...oh, God, how she craved them on her skin, kissing every inch of her hot flesh, suckling her hard nipples until she screamed in ecstasy.

Lily shivered as his smoldering gaze slid appreciatively over her body before returning to her face. Even from this distance, she felt his eyes summoning her, luring her to him like a moth to a flame. Should she approach him? Could she afford to risk it all? Well, girl, here is your chance to make your move, to make your dream come true. It was now or never, an inner voice urged.

Now or never...

Taking a deep calming breath, she slowly crossed the room. Her heart pounded beneath her breast as she drew closer to him. Her eyes remained riveted to his. A virtual prisoner trapped in the azure depths of his sparkling eyes. She was lost. Nothing existed but the man before her. Stopping just outside the circle of admirers, she beckoned him with her eyes.

Smiling, he gracefully excused himself from the women and walked toward her.

“Dance with me,” she spoke, her voice low and throaty.

“My pleasure,” he said, reaching for her hand and leading her onto the dance floor. He pulled her close as a classic erotic soul song flowed from the speakers. Chest to breast, she fit perfectly in his arms. Ah, even heaven could not feel this wonderful.

Closing her eyes, Lily pressed even closer to his solid warmth, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders and laying her flushed cheek against his shadowed cheek. Being in his arms felt so right. She felt that she had finally come home.

Neither spoke as they swayed in a small circle. Both aware of each heartbeat, each breath, each movement of the other’s body. He edged closer, if that was possible. Even through her voluminous skirt, she felt the hardness of his arousal against her belly. She gasped as her own arousal rose swift and furious. Mercy, she moaned silently, it had been so long since she had felt this way. This feeling was more intense then she could have ever imagined. She shivered as his breath blew hot across her ear, ruffling her hair. Desire knifed through her. Oh, God. She was about to explode right here on the dance floor.

Opening her eyes, she drew back from his embrace. She had to ease this horrible longing, and he was the only one who could spare her further torment and liberate her from her years of celibacy.

Deciding upon a course for which there would be no turning back, she laced her shaking fingers through his and led him from the dance floor just as the song ended.

He offered no resistance as she wove them through the crowd to a set of doors at the back of the room.

They exited the restaurant. Hurriedly, she led him to the employees’ private bathroom at the end of the hall. Opening the door, she pulled him in and shut the door behind her.

Lily turned to find Julian leaning nonchalantly against the gray marble vanity. His hat tossed ceremoniously on the sink. His blue eyes twinkled mischievously behind the elaborately feathered and jewel encrusted mask.

“You have kidnapped me, ma’am. What are your intentions?”

His smooth velvet voice seduced her juices to flow. “To have my way with you of course,” she answered as she sidled up to him. Boldly she slid her hands into the opened shirt and pushed the garment from his broad shoulders to reveal his magnificent chest. Sighing, she caressed a slow path up his strong biceps, up and over his wide shoulders then back to his muscled chest. She reveled in the strength and hardness beneath the soft feel of his flesh.

“But if you’re not interested, then I’ll have to leave and find a more willing specimen,” she teased. God, she wanted him. She needed what only this man could to give her--pure unadulterated sex. A promise of pleasure beyond her limited experience and her wildest imagination. Reaching down, she cupped him.

She heard him suck in his breath. His cock grew beneath her palm, stretching the material of his pants. He reached out to touch her, but she forestalled his movement.

“No.” She pressed his arms back to his side. “No touching me until I tell you to.” She ripped off the red sash then yanked the shirt from the waistband of his pants. Tossing the garments onto the floor, she leaned forward to press her lips to the small patch of dark hair in the center of his chest. Mmm...his musky scent invaded her senses. She kissed a hot path over to one nipple and licked the tiny bud until it hardened. He moaned. Gently, she nibbled at the taut peak. Hearing his sharp intact of breath, she smiled against his skin. She must be doing something right. Apparently, those “how-to” sex books had not been such a bad investment after all. This was going to be a very gratifying experience, she thought happily.

Encouraged, she then turned her attention to his other nipple. She felt his fingers tighten around her upper arms as she continued her suckling. His breathing sounded more labored as his desire grew. His response enflamed her own passions. Her sex swelled and trembled. She wanted him now!

No, her inner seductress interrupted. Not yet. She had to slow this down. This was her fantasy come true and she did not want to rush it. She had to make this last for as long as possible.

Lily pushed herself away from his glorious chest and sank slowly to her knees. The southern belle costume flowed around his ankles and nearly covered the tiled floor in a river of sapphire satin.

She smoothed her hands up the length of his legs toward his crotch. The leather material bulged from his heavy arousal. Licking her lips, she lifted her eyes toward his face. She had to see again how her touch affected him, but the mask shielded his emotions from her. She dared not ask him to remove his mask for fear he would request the same of her. Anonymity was best for now. He could never discover who she was because the result would be disastrous.

“Do you wish for me to find a more willing subject?” she asked hoarsely, unzipping him.

“I think not,” he growled. “I am your willing captive. Do with me as you so desire, ma’am,” he demanded, though it sounded more like a plea.

“Believe me, I will,” she agreed, pushing his pants over his hips. Mmm...just as she had imagined, designer bikini briefs. A very snug pair of black, satin bikinis.

Gently, she smoothed her palm over the glorious ridge straining against the silky material. The heat of his desire scolded her. She licked her lips. Oh, yes, to feel his shaft throbbing deep inside her. Stretching her, filling her completely. No. She did not want to rush this moment.

Needing to feel the length of him, she slipped her sweat slick fingers over the top of his underwear and guided the material away from his engorged cock.

Lily gasped as she gazed upon his penis. Thick and incredibly long. The huge length of him jutted toward her, enticing her to come closer. Against her will, a hot flush crept up her neck and settled in her cheeks. Thank heavens for the mask. For, if he had seen the rosy tinge on her cheeks he would have known her to be a novice in the art of seduction since no brazen woman would blush so at the mere sight of a man’s genitals.

Tentatively, she touched the bulbous head of his shaft. He jerked. His cock danced up and down hypnotically. Growing even larger, if that was possible. He was beautiful.

Braver now, she wrapped her hand around the thick base of him and stroked him slowly from base to tip and back again. He was so hard, yet velvety soft to the touch. She wanted more.

Leaning closer, she pressed a kiss to the smooth crimson head. He jerked beneath her hands, but she held him steady as she lightly grazed her wet tongue over the head. He tossed back his head and moaned. The sounds of his pleasure bouncing off the walls sent a spurt of hot desire raging through her body to settle in her sex.

She laved him slowly, luxuriating in the taste of his arousal. She drew the tip of him into her hot moist mouth, twirling her tongue around the pulsing head. Over and over. Unrelenting in her feast even as he moaned in pleasurable pain.

Cupping his balls, she drew him into her mouth. He gasped, tightening his thigh muscles around her arms. He pushed deeper, she sucked him harder. Her moans blended with his. She vaguely sensed his hands burrowing in her scalp aiding her in the rhythm. Relaxing her throat, she swallowed the entire length of him.

He cried out, thrusting his hips forward. She pulled hard as his fingers twisted in her hair. She knew he was close to coming, she could taste the saltiness of him on her tongue, and his sac drew up tight in her hand.

Releasing him, she rained wet kisses along his hipbone and down his inner thighs. She did not want the sweet torture to end just yet. She wanted him to ache with want of her.

Lily pushed herself to her feet and stepped away from him. He lay bare before her ravenous eyes. A feast of masculinity for her to savor, to devour.

“Come here,” he demanded, his eyes not leaving hers, his hand outstretched.

Hypnotized, she clasped his hand. He turned her around and deftly unfastened her costume. His hands pushed the gown over her and he let it fall to the floor. She stood with her back to him, naked but for a lace bra and thong panties.

“God, you are beautiful,” he murmured as he buried his face in the crook of her neck and kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear. His hands reached around to squeeze and fondle her sensitive breasts.

“Yes, oh, yes,” she begged, arching her back. “Take me now.”

Laughter rumbled deep in his chest. “Not yet, my sweet. I wish to torture you as you did me.” He ran his tongue along her shoulder as he slid his fingers down her belly to the swollen bud hidden in the folds of her womanhood. “God, you’re so wet, so hot.”

Lily bit her lip as he parted her dripping petals and slid two fingers easily into her. Her knees weakened and she would have fallen to the floor if not for his other strong arm encircling her waist.

Deep inside her, he probed and wriggled his fingers. “Open to me,” he demanded against her ear.

Obediently, she spread her legs wider and leaned over the vanity allowing him even deeper access. She shivered as her breasts grazed the cool, marble sink. Damn, but she burned. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched him through half closed eyes as he gently stroked her raised buttocks. She groaned. His touch seared her skin and ignited her blood. Lust raged through her to settle in a pool of wet desire in the pit of her stomach. “No more please. Take me now!”

“Your wish,” he answered thickly. He gripped her hips and plunged deep into her.

Tight from years of self-imposed celibacy, Lily stiffened as he filled her, completely stretching her to fit around him. The discomfort disappeared quickly, replaced by an intense need for more of him. Impatient, she ground her buttocks against his hips setting him deeper in her.

Taking her hint he began to move, slowly at first, then faster with each pump. He continued to thrust hard into her. Again and again. She fell naturally into his sexual rhythm. Arching her back, she met each plunge. Flesh slapped flesh. Their sighs and groans intermingled in a melody of pleasure.

Feeling the pressure rising inside her, Lily gripped the faucet tighter and bucked against him. Faster, deeper he pounded into her. So close...she was almost frightened with the intensity of the approaching climax. Oh, yes! She screamed as great waves of pleasure crashed over her. Over and over the orgasms came. Never seeming to end.

Shouting his release, Julian joined her in sweet oblivion. He stiffened and pulled her roughly onto his pulsing sex, holding her tight against his groin until she milked each delicious spurt of his juice into her willing body. Then he collapsed across her glistening back, his strength gone.

Several minutes passed as they slowly and reluctantly returned to earth. A calm lethargy invaded Lily’s body. She felt so alive, so free. Bar none, this had been the best sex she had ever had. Ever.

“Ah, sweetheart, that was magnificent. You’re magnificent.” Julian commented as his fingers caressed the sides of her breasts. He kissed the nape of her neck. Then, he whispered. “I hate to say this, but, I guess we better get dressed before someone walks in.”

Disappointment twisted her belly. It couldn’t be over this soon. She wanted more time with Julian. “If you insist,” she sighed dramatically.

He chuckled. “Much to my dismay, I’m afraid we must. If we’re caught, I can guarantee it would be front page news tomorrow morning. And I don’t know about you but having my naked bum spread for all to see is not how I wish to remember this night.”

She moaned as she felt him withdraw from her still hot body. The loss of him left her feeling void like a part of her soul was suddenly missing.

Tapping down the sudden sadness, Lily slowly straightened. Her body protested the movement. No doubt about it, she was going to be sore in the morning. However, a few sore muscles were worth any price just to be with Julian.

Hurriedly she dressed then turned to face him. He was leaning against the door watching her intensely. His gaze piercing, penetrating. He seemed to be looking right through her mask into her soul. Her heart raced madly. The heat rekindled deep in her belly. God, but she wanted him inside her again.

“See anything you like?” she asked, her voice low, seductive.

“Plenty,” he answered, his mouth curving into a crooked smile.

She smiled back. Sashaying to him, she looked up into his shadowed face and reached around him. “You haven’t seen near enough.” She twisted the knob and wrenched open the door, forcing him to move out of the way.

Quickly, she glanced up and down the hallway. Thank goodness, it was deserted. Julian was right. It would not do well to be discovered in their current state of dishevelment. Her career as well as her reputation would be beyond repair.

Heedless of the danger, though, she was not done with Julian yet. She just wasn’t ready to let him go. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him out of the bathroom and down the hall.

“The party’s that way,” he said pointing to the double doors they just passed.

“Yes, I know,” was all she said.

His chuckle echoed through the hallway, as she led him farther from the crowd. Her night with him was far from over. She just had to find a more secluded spot...seeing the stairway door, she hesitated briefly before pushing it open.

“Where are we going?”

“Not afraid are you?” She teased.

“Absolutely not,” he scoffed.

Lily smiled and shook her head. Letting go of his hand, she crooked her finger at him, luring him to follow her. She grasped the handrail and ascended the stairs up toward the rooftop. She paused long enough to listen for any sounds of other people nearby. Nothing. They were alone.

They had gone only two floors when his hand on her shoulder stopped her.

She turned. The heat reflecting in his eyes spoke of his need. He pulled her into his arms and she complied without hesitation.

Cupping the nape of her neck, he held her firm as he lowered his head towards hers. Their lips met hungrily. Hot moist and unyielding. The kiss threatened to devour her body and soul. Sparks of electricity arced through her as he plunged his tongue into her mouth. She moaned. Like the pirate he portrayed, he invaded her inner recesses giving no quarter. His tongue stroked, tasted, and seduced her passions. She bent to his will. She thrust her tongue into his mouth. Growling, he crushed her to him. He ground his cock against her stomach, hard and pulsing with his need. As their tongues danced and mated in wild abandonment, he kneaded her right breast and pinched her distended nipple. She clutched at his straining shoulders. Her mind spun from his erotic assault on her senses. She felt consumed by him.

Without preamble, she jerked his pants open and pushed them down to his knees. She grasped his hot, throbbing erection. Fire shot up her arm and spread quickly into her bloodstream. Excited, she vigorously stroked him from root to crown, his cock growing harder in her hand. His mouth left hers to trail a wet path of hot kisses along her jaw to her ear. She worried for a moment he would lift her mask, but he didn’t. He continued his sweet path to her ear, sucking the tender lobe into his mouth. Faster, she rubbed him. He released her lobe to moan his pleasure. His harsh, erratic breath scalded her ear. She shivered. Her desire threatened to explode.

She forced herself to break free from his embrace. Holding his gaze, she moved to the railing along the wall, lifted her skirt, and slowly removed her thong. Tossing them away, she cautiously raised her leg to the railing opposite her displaying her swollen lips to his hungry gaze. She waited with bated breath as he moved between her thighs.

He needed no invitation before entering her wet sheath. She wound her fingers through his raven hair, drew him to her breasts and held on for dear life. He licked and laved one peaked nipple. Every loving kiss brought her closer and closer to heaven.

Bucking her hips, she met his every thrust, oblivious to the rough wall rubbing against her back. In and out, fast and hard. He drove into her relentlessly. Their grunts and moans echoed in the empty stairwell, thrilling her even more.

Lily eagerly met his thrusts. Mindless with excitement, she opened herself to the all-consuming fire blazing within her loins. She squeezed her legs tight around his hips as she urged him to end this delicious torment. Faster and faster until she cried out as the tremors violently ripped through her entire body. Brilliant lights exploded beneath her lids as wave after wave orgasms overwhelmed her. Vaguely, she felt him stiffen. His shout of release muffled against her breast as he continued to pound into her dripping cunt until with one final lunge he spewed the last drop of his essence inside her. Completely drained, he collapsed against her.

Time ceased to exist as they tried to force themselves back to earth from the explosive coupling. Neither wanted nor desired to move from their intimate embrace. Though her back felt raw and the metal rail dug into her buttocks, she didn’t mind. The feel of his heart beating against her skin and his harsh hot breath on her skin comforted her. She wanted to stay within the cradle of his arms forever.

But it wasn’t meant to be. The beeping of his watch reminded her their time together had come to an end.

With a soft kiss to her nipple, he raised his head to look at her. “Sweetheart, we must get back to the party. The unmasking is soon and I’ll be missed,” he informed her as he cupped her face. Her heart fluttered as he slid his thumbs along her cheekbones, feathering the lace fringe of her mask. She saw the urge in his eyes to remove the mask. But he said instead, “No worries. I’ll see who my mystery lover is soon enough.”

Lily panicked. She could not go back to the ball to be unmasked. He would then know who she was and the consequences would be tragic. She had to think of an excuse and quick. But nothing reasonable popped into her mind.

He withdrew from her and straightened his clothing. Unnerved and anxious, Lily proceeded to compose herself, all the while keeping her gaze averted from him. What was she to do?

“Come,” he bade, clasping her hand and leading her back down the stairs.

Returning to the party, Julian elbowed a path through the crowd toward a small group of people near the stage area. As they drew closer, her stomach clenched. She recognized many of them. People who would recognize her.

“Wait,” she shouted, yanking Julian to a halt. “I...I have to freshen up first.”

Scowling, he glanced at his watch. “It’s five minutes until midnight.”

“I won’t be long,” she lied, standing on her tiptoes and kissing his lips.

“Promise?” He asked, a teasing smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

She nodded and smiled, though her heart was breaking.

He leaned closer to her ear. “Three minutes then I’m coming after you.”

Lily squeezed his hand and smiled sadly. “I’ll see you soon.” Saying that, she turned and hurried toward the exit.

At the door, she paused to look over her shoulder. He lifted his hand and waved before turning to move toward the group. “Goodbye,” she whispered, slipping through the doors.

As she quit the building and ran to her car, she called herself many times a fool. She should be happy. She had finally gotten what she had wanted most in the world. A night of hot sex and passion with the only man she had ever desired enough to risk everything for, including her morals. A night of erotic memories to last her a lifetime. But now she wasn’t so sure a memory was enough any longer.

But as she climbed into her car, the reality of what she had done that evening hit her. She groaned and laid her head on the steering wheel. Oh God, what had she done? Worse yet, how would she ever face him again?

Raising her head, she started the ignition and pulled from the curb. Well, she would have to face him again. He was her boss after all.