4 comments/ 13493 views/ 12 favorites The Masquerade Ch. 01 By: Eskimo_Kiss Alex glanced around the ballroom, which was filled with an abundance of color, lace, laughter and masks. She stayed near the edge of the room, standing to avoid the difficulty of maneuvering in the wide full skirt and sure if she sat, the corset would tighten to the point where she could barely breathe. She sipped wine carefully and avoided eye contact, made much easier by her fascination with the wide variety of masks that hid identities. The masks were an assortment of animal faces, colorful wide expressionistic tableaus, slim masks that played up a person's eyes and did very little to hid identity, a few Guy Fox masks. Some seemed to be different ethnic masks; one, if she wasn't mistaken, was an Inuit mask symbolizing the wolf. She let her eyes flit from one end of the room to the other, watching the beautiful costumes and masks glide as the room performed a mixture of court and country dances. As the antique dances were performed, some with extreme ease and grace and others with stumbling attempts, there was much laughter and enjoyment. Alex thought the masks let so many just enjoy their fumbling attempts without embarrassment, as they felt their identities hidden and any pride was able to be put aside for the simple enjoyment of The Masquerade. She was enjoying herself immensely. She had danced a dance or two with partners that she had no idea who they were. Her identity stayed hidden behind her mask of black sequins and feathers, matching her elegant black gown with it's low dipping neckline and fluttering lace that imitated the movement of the feathers on her mask when she moved. It hugged her frame, the corset underneath, while laced tightly enough to mask a pound or two, was open enough to let her breathe and dance without the lightheadedness or possibility of fainting so common of the era she was imitating. She smiled faintly as she thought that though her outfit may have imitated the era, her frame itself did not. She was not some slip of a girl whose corset let others believe her frame was curvaceous due to the tiny waist. Alex had a woman's body, full of curves. Her waist would never be tiny, but her martial arts background, enjoyment of running and just about any rough and tumble game kept her fit. Her muscular legs and arms were in keeping with the amount that she could "keep up with the boys." However, her body would never be rid of the full décolletage that was on display fit with an onyx necklace nestled just above her cleavage. Alex breathed out as a man in a dark green tunic came towards her again. He had been following her around most of the evening, but could not seem to keep his eyes on hers and his attempt at small talk was awkward, annoying, and had no intelligence behind it. She tried to step to the side so she could step behind the pillar and walk around the edge of the ballroom to get away from the man when her arm was taken firmly, placed around an arm and she was led out onto the dance floor. As she was happy to be out of the way of the annoying suitor, she let her self be led out, though she was a little annoyed at the presumption. As they fit into they next set, a court dance that she actually learned prior to The Masquerade, she saw her companion for the first time. His eyes, dark behind his dark mask watched her as she slowly appraised him. He was tall, a good head over hers, broad in the shoulder, slim in the waist and his arms strained against the fabric of his white tunic. His legs were also muscular underneath the black breeches he wore. His surcoat was black with black embroidery and his boots were knee high, also black. His mask was beautiful. A black mask, glittering with jewels, rather than the more common sequins, with eyes that tilted just a bit to add to the idea of mischief, and a single black feather hung from the left, moving with his movement. Alex smiled a slow smile, and nodded her head to him, glancing to the glowering man in green. His smile also grew slowly and he nodded his head as well, just as the music started. The previous dances she had danced were fun and she had felt full of lightness and joy. But this dance...this dance had started as the others, until she had felt his hand on her waist for the first time. She gasped quietly as his hand slid around her to cup her waist into the half lift and turn of the dance and had to struggle to hide her shiver as his hand slid away again as they spun away from each other. She had always thought of the dances of old as stilted and pompous, or rowdy with some of the country dances. She had never known the dance could be so...sensual. Every time they came together, and his hands touched her waist, her shoulder, and even just her hand was a moment of shivers and desire, and every time they parted was a curtailment of pleasure and a longing to be held one more time. She thought she had felt lightness before, but for the first time she felt little as he lifted her without effort and his grace with every movement brought her enjoyment of the dance to another level. As the dance continued she felt herself become breathless, and not just from the exertion of the dance. Every time they faced one another, his dark eyes held hers. It took effort to tear her gaze away every time the dance decreed a turn away from him and especially to a new partner. Her face held a smile of enjoyment, but she was having a more and more difficult time hiding what every touch and gaze from her unknown partner was doing to her. All at once the dance came to an end, her hand in his as she curtsied and he bowed. Then she followed the lead of his hand to standing and watched him watch her as they clapped their appreciation of the band. Then he took her hand, again placing it around his arm and led her from the floor, back to the corner where he had found her. As he settled her yet again in the place he found her his arm slid out from under hers and she felt it against the small of her back. He leaned down, his mouth at her ear so she could hear him. "Would you like a drink, Mi'Lady?" He asked in a smooth bass voice that seemed to send vibrations down her spine. "That would be lovely, good sir." Alex said, her first words to him, and they came out husky as she tried vainly to hide what his dancing and now voice did to her. His gaze held hers for a moment more, and his smile grew again in his strong jaw. She watched as he walked away towards the refreshment table and took the moment to slow her breathing again. Alex wracked her brain, trying vainly to place the man. Something about him seemed familiar, but she could not place where she knew him from. His height unfortunately did not help her, as she knew many tall and broad men at work and no few of her friends were also tall and broad. Truthfully, most of her friends were men, though she did have a few female friends. She was a tomboy, loved playing football, hiking challenging trails, and owned her own studio where she taught Go-Ju Ryu Karate. While she loved dressing up occasionally, she would rather be in jeans and a beat up sweatshirt. If she were going to dress and be "girly" it was going to be for something fun and adventurous, like The Masquerade. Alex let her eyes flit around the ballroom again, admiring the masks, gowns and surcoats. Her eyes happened on the man in green once again, and felt his glare down to her toes. He obviously was used to getting what he wanted, and was not happy being thwarted on his hunt of her. She let her mouth turn up into a deadly smile as her eyes narrowed on him. She let her eyes take in all the details she could. He was not as tall as her dark companion, but still stood a few inches past her height. He wasn't slim, stocky, but in good shape. The shape of his face was square, with wide lips and narrow nose. She knew his eyes to be hazel, though he was just out of range to see that now. His mask hid enough of his features that she wouldn't be able to identify him by face, but she knew enough of his features to be on the look out. Being a woman in this city, like in any city, wasn't always safe. And while she knew enough to protect herself, she would rather avoid confrontation. But she wasn't stupid enough to ignore trouble when she saw it. It may be nothing, she may never see him again. But if she did, she would be ready. Alex saw his eyes narrow again, and he took a step toward her, when she saw something closer to rage fill his eyes before she felt a caress of fingers on her arm and she looked to her left to find her dark companion again. She saw him look at the man in green, who looked away and faded back into the crush of people. "Is he bothering you, miss?" His dark voice wrapped itself around her and once again she felt her heartbeat spike. "No. Just a mere annoyance, that you so ably chased away." Alex lifted the glass he brought her to her lips, watching him through her eye lashes as she sipped the fruity punch. His eyes darkened to an almost true black as his eyes slipped to her lips as she drank. He smiled and sipped his punch. "May I ask your name? Or would you rather stay unknown as The Masquerade dictates?" He asked. "My name is Alexandria." Alex wanted to hear her name in his dark smooth voice, but not yet willing to let him know her full name. It was a Masquerade, after all. "Alexandria." He lingered over the name as if over a delicate wine. "Unfortunately my name does not quite fit in with Masquerade era quite as well as yours. I'm Mark." Mark raised his hand, and they shook hands. Alex was happy with his firm handshake. Now-a-days it seemed more and more people didn't know a correct handshake. She smiled up at him, her smile turning to laughter as he then took her hand and kissed the back, more in keeping with The Masquerade. He again smiled that slow sexy smile. "So, Alexandria," God, Alex thought, I love how he says my name. "Are you a history aficionado, or do you just like the idea of dancing, mysterious partners, and dressing up?" "A bit of both, I think. I'm an avid reader, and I love stories set back in time. I love the intrigue of court, set against the more simple life of the average person. Though life wouldn't exactly be simple, I suppose, with the amount of work entailed in just living required in a time without so much." Alex liked the way Mark held her gaze as she spoke, a small smile stayed on his face and his eyes didn't wander like so many others did, especially with her dressed in this gown designed to show off her...assets. "And what of you, Mark? Aficionado or do you just like being mysterious?" Mark had a low laugh, "I will admit to both. Though, I'm not that mysterious, I just get caught up in The Masquerade. I'm a professor at the university, and we get tickets here every year." "We?" Alex asked, suddenly worried. She did not like flirting with married men. "The history and anthropology professors. We helped with the information to make The Masquerade a bit more like it was, and some of us researched the dances and helped teach them." Mark studied Alex for a moment, and smiled a half smile at her. "No, I am not married." Alex felt her face warm as she blushed. She had thought she wasn't that obvious. "Neither am I." She replied. She adjusted her earring, as a clip on it tended to slip down and she felt the need to fiddle. She watched as his eyes transferred from hers to her hand and couldn't help but let her hand slide to her neck before letting it relax at her side again. She watched his throat as he swallowed as he let his eyes wander lower. His eyes were gone but a moment before returning to her gaze. His eyes darkened as she caught her breath. His hand slowly trailed to the small of her back again. She gasped as he brought her suddenly against him and her hands raised to his chest as she felt her body plaster to his. Even the layers of cloth from the gown wasn't enough to disguise the feel of his hard body against hers. His eyes never leaving hers he leaned down until his mouth was a breath from hers. His eyes seemed to snap before she closed her eyes and he captured her mouth with his. His mouth on her was sudden, and for but the slightest moment hard. Then he gentled the kiss, turning it into a question. A question that had to be answered. Alex leaned into the kiss, deepening it. She moaned when she felt his tongue lightly against her lips. She heard him growl in satisfaction when she parted her lips and let her tongue dance with his. The thundering of her heartbeat threatened to deafen her, but she didn't care for all she wanted was to feel. To feel his body hard against hers, to feel his tongue slide deliciously against hers, to feel his hair as she ran her hand through it. The electricity of the earlier dance was nothing compared to the lightning of his kiss. She felt the bolt run through her body, and she shivered in his arms. She knew him but moments, and yet she felt so right, with his arms around her, one hand holding her to him and the other clasping the nape of her neck.. He slowly lightened the kiss, drawing back from her reluctantly. He kissed her with a small touch of lips before stepping back. Her hands trailed back to his chest for a moment before she let the touch end and relaxed her hands back to her side. She was breathing hard, and saw him glance to her décolletage before looking her in the eye again. She saw him take a breath, then held out his arm to her, "Would you like to dance again, Alexandria?" Alex smiled her slow smile again and took his arm. "I would love to." They wove their way into the crowd of dancers and joined in near the beginning of a spinning country dance. She laughed as they bounded around each other and through the crowd of dancers. One moment they were together and the next, the were apart, only to come together again. As the night moved on, they danced and talked, never letting anything slip more about their individual identities. They talked of history, books, and music. Mark knew far more about the history of Europe and Asia, but she kept her own with the Americas. He tended to read more nonfiction, mystery and thriller; while she read more historical fiction, and fantasy. Alex blushed when she told him she read the occasional romance, but he only smiled his slow sexy smile. Mark's taste in music tended to be the "original rock and roll" as he called it and hers ran towards classical, new age, or ethnic/international music. And through these differences they found that they both had a passion for knowledge and the arts. The night drifted too quickly to an end. More and more people were disappearing to go back to their homes and modern life, leaving behind the mystery of The Masquerade. After the last dance, the musicians were packing up their things, and the caterers and workers of the Masquerade started cleaning up around the last few people who were readying themselves to leave. Mark escorted Alex toward the cloak room, her hand once again in the crook of his arm. He smiled as he received a black cloak with her ticket. He settled it around her shoulders and clasped it at the front of her neck; his fingers lingering against her skin for a moment. Alex's breath caught once again and she licked her suddenly dry lips. Mark turned to receive his coat, which was not quite as in keeping with the era. He slipped it on and once again took Alex's arm in his. They made their way slowly to the door, not wanting the evening to end. They slipped out the door and to the sidewalk, where there were cabs waiting to take guests home. Alex was half hoping that he would ask her home, but she wasn't that kind of girl. That kiss though, just the thought of it sent tingles down her spine. "I suppose this is where I leave you, my sweet Alexandria." Mark's voice once again wrapped around her and she shivered, partly disappointed and partly relieved. "I suppose it is." Alex replied, somewhat wistfully. "Should we keep the mystery of the Masquerade?" Mark's eyes held her gaze, and she felt the smoldering heat of his eyes. "I don't wish to, but maybe we should keep it for the evening? A Masquerade would usually end in longing I would think. If we leave each other now, that is most definitely how it would end for me." Mark's hand once again trailed to the small of her back as he spoke. "Longing," Alex replied breathily. "Most definitely longing." Mark's eyes once again darkened to black and he leaned down, touching his lips to hers. The kiss deepened for a moment before he pulled away, catching his breath as he did. "Well, my sweet Alexandria, as I told you earlier, I work at the university. Shall we keep it at that for the evening?" Mark's gaze never left her eyes behind her mask, and she wondered how he looked behind his. Alex smiled a slow smile. She leaned up to steal a quick kiss. She felt him shiver as she breathed against his ear, "Sweet dreams, Mark." She stepped away quickly and into a waiting cab. She told the cabby her address, and as they started to drive away, she turned to look behind her, watching him fade away, his hand raised in farewell. The Masquerade Ch. 01 Emily walked through the doors of the grand hotel and immediately felt at home in the atmosphere. It was dark inside the enormous lobby. The only lights came from the roaring fireplace and candelabras set strategically about the room. Emily made her way to the fireplace to warm herself. The streets of Paris were cold at midnight, something she hadn't thought of when she left her own hotel in barely more than her trusty black velvet trench coat. She held her hands out to the fire and rubbed them together, hoping to regain some feeling in her fingers. As a man in a uniform approached her, Emily patted her coat pocket to ensure she had what she needed. "Good evening, Mademoiselle," the man said in heavily accented English. "Can I help you to find anything?" "Yes," she replied. "I am here for Carine's ball." The man bowed slightly and gestured for Emily to follow him. He led her down a long hallway that was even darker than the lobby. When she was sure there was no one else around, Emily reached into her pocket and retrieved her harlequin mask. She had found the treasure in a small antique shop on the Left Bank the day before and knew it would be perfect for tonight. Emily tied the velvet cords around her head and felt the cool silk settle into place over her eyes. "You may leave your coat with the attendant in the receiving room. The fete lies beyond," the uniformed man said as he left her. Emily pulled open a small door set nearly invisibly into the wall. Inside was what must have been the receiving room. A few uniformed men, much like the one that had brought her here, lined the walls. She approached one and started to remove her coat. "How many have arrived?" Sh asked. "You are the last one, Mademoiselle," the man said as he took her velvet coat and hung it for her. "Perfect." Emily stood back and let two of the men pull open the huge, ornate doors that led to the ballroom. Beyond the doorway, the party was in fill swing. Some guests were in full court regalia while others, like herself, were sporting much less. Everyone, however, was wearing a mask of some kind, a requirement according to the mysterious invitation that had arrived at her hotel room the day after she arrived in the city. At the moment, the DJ in the corner was playing a classic waltz and looking quite bored with it, but the guests were reveling in the dance. The entire center of the room was filled with couples pressed up against each other and following the steps perfectly. "May I have this dance?" Emily was startled. She had't realized anyone had approached her after the doors had closed behind her. She had been too entranced by the swirling people. She looked up and saw a man in a tuxedo and black Highwayman's mask. It was impossible to tell if he was handsome or not, because of the mask, but he had a strong jaw and cheekbones and his hair was pitch black in the barely-lit room. "I am afraid I do not waltz", Emily replied. "Nonsense," the man said in a voice Emily now realized was accented with French. "The waltz is simple, I can show you something much more difficult after." And with that, the mysterious man whisked Emily into the swirling mass of dancers. He grasped her left hand in his and placed his other hand on the small of her back. She instinctively placed her free hand on his shoulder. "There, step one," he said with a mischievous smile. Emily couldn't help but smile back, wondering where this was going to lead. The man slowly began to sway to the music, causing Emily to have to shift her feet to stay in his grasp. She soon realized that they were taking the same steps as every other couple on the floor and she was dancing a waltz. "I wonder what else you're a natural at," the masked man said. "Why don't you find out?" Emily said and grabbed his hand, dragging him off the dance floor. Emily had never been one for subtlety and she only hoped her mystery man could keep up. The two of them made their way off of the dance floor and past several couples in various states of undress. Emily knew right where she was going. She had come in the day before and snuck into the ballroom while they had been setting up for the ball. She had scoped out a few rather secluded alcoves at the edges of the room, but she had something special in mind for this man. Emily led her dance partner to a far corner of the room where she pressed the call button for a small elevator. The door opened immediately and Emily pulled the man inside with her. She leaned against the back wall, trying to make out his shape in the near dark. "And where are we going?" He asked. "Six." He pressed the button and then came toward her. her back pressed flat against the wall as he pushed against her. "Did I tell you how magnificent you look?" She smiled coyly. She had come to the ball in only a corset, panties, and stockings with her heels. "Such a tease, though." He began to unlace the black ribbons that held her corset together in the front. "Oh, I'm the tease, am I?" She asked, cupping his obvious bulge through the front of his pants. He groaned softly and captured her lips with his own. She ran her fingers up and down his length as he struggled with her corset and plunged his tongue into her mouth. The elevator stopped and she pushed him away, beckoning for him to follow her into the hallway. She stopped at the third door in the hall and slipped a key from around her neck. She turned it in the lock and opened the door. As soon as the door was open, the man spun Emily around and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his hips and could feel his cock straining at his pants. She began to kiss him violently as he walked them to the bed. He threw her down and began undressing himself. Emily undid a few more laces on her corset, just enough to free her breasts and then slipped off her panties. She kicked off her heels but kept her stockings on. She did not plan on this being her last stop of the night and did not want to take up too much time trying to get dressed again. Emily leaned back against the pillows and spread her legs as she looked at her mystery man. Neither of them had taken their masks off, and that made Emily even more aroused. The masked man crawled up the bed toward her but stopped when his face was level with her cunt. He licked her labia a few times, but never touched her clit. She shivered with anticipation. The man continued up the bed until their faces were level. He kissed her briefly before pulling back. "I want to fuck you from behind," he whispered in her ear. She smiled. She wouldn't tell him, but she knew that she would let him do anything he wanted to her. Emily flipped over and raised herself to her hands and knees. The man adjusted and held his cock level with her entrance. Emily had been wrong earlier, he wasn't a tease, he plunged right in and began thrusting in and out vigorously. Emily grabbed onto the headboard and met him thrust for thrust. "Oh, fuck." She wasn't sure who had said it, but she was sure they both felt it. The mystery man's penis wasn't the biggest she had ever had, but it was definitely satisfying. Emily reached under herself and began to flick her clit back and forth. She had already been aroused and rather wet from the dancing and elevator ride, so Emily was nearly ready to cum. With one bone-shaking last thrust, her dance partner plunged into her and she fell off the edge. Her orgasm was so intense that she could no longer hold onto the headboard. She collapsed onto the pillows as the man stayed sheathed inside her. When Emily's breathing was once again normal, she realized he was still hard and erect inside her. She moved back, making the man get off the bed and stand up. She walked to the opposite wall that was covered with heavy curtains. She could feel the man tracking her through the darkness. Emily pulled a cord at the end of the wall and the curtains pulled back, revealing a wall of windows with a view of the Paris skyline beyond. The mystery man stalked toward her and finally lifted her against the glass, sheathing himself in her and capturing her breast with his mouth in one swift motion. The cold glass mixed with the heat of his body was nearly enough to push Emily over the edge once more, but this time she wanted them to come together. Emily wasn't the romantic type, but cumming with a man always made her orgasms more intense. It didn't take her Highwayman long to empty himself inside her. Emily clawed at his back as her inner walls clenched around his spasming cock. He set her feet on the ground and fell back into a chair in the corner. Emily figured he must be spent, but she was only just getting started. Before she was able to make another move, however, there was a knock at the door. Emily crossed the room and pulled open the door, revealing herself in a disheveled state to her visitor. "You know, some of us have to work in the morning," the man at the door said. He was attempting to look nonplussed at the discovery of a nearly naked woman, but he failed. His eyes scanned her body, pausing on her bared breasts and naked pussy. He cleared his throat and returned his gaze to her face. "I would appreciate if you ceased with the noise." Emily took her turn to size him up, as well. The man was dressed only in black silk boxer shorts. He was lean but muscular, with olive skin and dark hair with a bit of gray. His cheeks were coated with stubble and his eyes were tired. "Oh, we beg your pardon," Emily said. "Perhaps there is something I can do to make up for it?" The man looked her up and down once more. "Well, since you did wake me..." He trailed off when Emily gestured for him to enter the room. She glanced quickly at her masked partner in the corner. She saw that his interest had been piqued, but he made no move to join them. "Please, do have a seat," Emily said, showing her visitor to the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed as she sauntered toward him. "I am so sorry I woke you, I'm sure you have very important things to do in the morning. I only hope I can sufficiently make it up to you." She grinned at him and pushed him until he was lying flat on the bed. She crouched down and slid off his silk boxers. His penis was already hardening, though she was sure she could help it along. Emily grabbed the base of his cock, lifting the tip to her lips. She wasted no time, taking the entire head in her mouth and bobbing up and down his length. The man moaned and Emily heard a similar noise from behind her. She glanced around and found her mystery man slowly stroking his own cock in the chair in the corner of the room. Emily slowly withdrew the new man's cock from her mouth and climbed onto the bed. His penis was now fully erect and she lined it up with her opening. Slowly, Emily slid down his length until he was fully sheathed inside her. She bobbed up and down slowly a few times before increasing pace and riding him furiously. Emily turned slightly, beckoning for the masked man to join them. He got up from his spot in the corner and approached the fucking couple. Emily bent forward, allowing the man on the bed to take her nipple into his mouth and the man behind her to align his penis with her asshole. Very slowly, and a bit more gently than Emily liked, the Highwayman filled her ass. Emily stopped moving for several moments, adjusting to the feeling of the two cocks inside of her. This night was starting off even better than she had expected. Slowly, Emily once again began to ride the man lying beneath her as he sucked on first one nipple, and then the other. She reached between them and began to play with her clit, reveling in the overwhelming sensations. The mystery man behind her began to piston faster and faster into Emily's hole. She could almost feel the two cocks meeting inside of her. That thought, mixed with all the different sensations running through her body, sent Emily over the edge. She came in a gush, her walls clenching around one man's penis while the other filled her asshole with his load. After a few more thrusts, the man beneath her came as well. The man in the mask pulled out of her, his cum dripping from her asshole, and collapsed on the bed beside the couple. Emily relaxed, her head on the visitor's chest, his penis still inside of her. After Emily was sure both of the men had fallen asleep, she got up, fixed her corset, put her panties back on, even though she still had cum spilling out of her, and grabbed her heels and room key. She slipped out the door and into the elevator at the end of the hallway to return to the party. The night was still young. The Masquerade Ch. 01 Brad was frustrated with his long-time girlfriend Tiffany. She was easily the hottest girl he had ever dated. In fact, he'd rarely seen a more attractive woman anywhere else, including the porns he loved watching. She was slim but muscular. She wore a DD bra and everything was still high and tight on her where it was supposed to be. Beyond that, she was warm and open with a great personality. She was able to hold an intelligent conversation with virtually anyone, and more than likely -- she was smarter than he was. Yes, she was the perfect package..... almost. He had plenty of women before her. They all had some part of their personality that was great and he only dated attractive women. Tiffany beat them in all of those areas. Her only short-coming was her reluctance in the bedroom. She was willing to try almost anything, but after some of the freaky women he had "dated" he had tastes that ran a little freakier than most. So sue him. He tried to ease her into different situations and she was willing to do it -- but only so far. When they watched a porn and had seen a girl being fisted, she was willing to try but asked him to stop before he got much in. When he told her he liked being an exhibitionist, she was willing to do more pda than normal -- but she wasn't really showing much. She was willing to let another woman join them, but she left it up to him to satisfy the visitor to their bed. Tiffany's only part had been filming him and the girl going at it and occasionally fondling her tits. The night they discussed role playing and she mentioned wanting to try being the 'victim' of rape and being tied up had seemed awesome to him. Until she changed her mind before they really got started. She always had her limits. He loved her and always respected her wishes. The problem is that he knew that if she would just let go of her inhibitions that she would love it as much as him. The other part of that was that he knew what he liked. He was thinking of asking her to marry him but could he do that knowing that he wouldn't sleep around on her behind her back, and still not have any of his freaky tendencies catered to occasionally? When his buddy David had told him about a party where there would be plenty of alcohol flowing and all inhibitions were to be left at the door, it sounded like the perfect time to see how far she would be willing to go. An added bonus is that it was a masquerade ball of sorts. Though there would be no ball gowns, everyone would be supplied with a mask of their choice to wear during the party. Supposedly, it helped people put down their insecurities. He was hoping he would be finding out. The night of the party was upon them and Brad could hardly wait. He'd told Tiffany some about it. He warned that there would be lots of exhibitionists at the party and lots of liquor. She thought it was a great way to see what and how others were doing it. Maybe the alcohol would help her let loose a little. Brad couldn't agree more. When they came in the door there were 2 people with trays. One had masks they could choose and the other had glasses of some fruity concoction for the women and beer for the guys. They chose their masks and drinks and were assured that there was plenty to drink all around and to enjoy the party. They put their masks on and entered. He started looking around at the decorations but that didn't last long. All around him people were in various states of undress and Brad would rather look at that than the decorations. Tiff looked hot in her super short white dress that was almost see through but getting a glance around him, he hoped she would be like some of the other women and out of her clothes soon. When he glanced at her, she was taking it all in with a slightly shocked look on her face. He walked her in and tried to find some place a little quieter for them to watch while she got a few drinks in her. She sat on a stool while he stood next to her trying to be comforting while getting her loosened up at the same time. A naked man approached them when the high heel she had been dangling off her toes fell off. "May I?" he asked as he picked the shoe up. She said nothing but Brad introduced them before the man -- Jay - bent down and grabbed her foot to put her heel back on. Sitting on the stool had hiked her already short dress up so it was barely covering her ass. When Jay grabbed her foot to move it and put the shoe on, he parted her legs slightly more to get a glance under the dress. He was greeted by a bare pussy that was glistening. He glanced up at her and smiled before sliding the shoe back on. As he stood watching her, he trailed his finger up her leg until it was under her dress and he barely grazed her wet lips. Brad was behind her and had slipped his hand down the front of her dress and massaged her tits. Jay slid his finger in her as he bent down and took the large tit that Brad had just exposed, into his mouth. She gasped when he pulled away from her. He smiled before walking away. "That wasn't too bad now was it" Brad asked her. "No." She responded. "I actually enjoyed it. I didn't think I would. I feel like I don't have to worry about anyone judging me with this mask on." Relieved, Brad took her hand and helped her off the stool to go mingle. She had a few more drinks before a brunette walked up to Brad and had her hands in his boxers as she kissed him. They had shed the majority of their clothes a long time ago. The brunette stopped kissing him long enough to turn to Tiffany and kiss her as well. It was just moments before Brad was looking down at the brunette on her knees with his dick in her mouth. He was surprised when a second later he saw a twinkle in Tiffany's eye before she was on her knees next to the brunette and they both had their mouth on him. Taking turns on him turned into the two hot girls kissing and he watched as the brunettes fingers slid into Tiffany's wetness and Tiffany took the woman's tits into her mouth and started sucking them. Brad didn't think it could have happened, but he was harder than he was just moments ago. Before long Tiffany was on her back with the brunette was between her legs. Brad took this opportunity to enter the stranger from behind. As he pounded into her she moaned and worked harder on Tiffany. Between the two women he couldn't tell which one was enjoying it more and he had never been more turned on. The brunette picked her head up for a moment and turned to look at him. "My ass. Put that big hard cock in my ass." He hesitated a moment before he decided to oblige her. He started sliding in slowly not sure if he would hurt her. She was so wet that sliding out of her pussy into her ass, her own juices was all the lubrication he needed. After he was all the way in and pumped a few times she was telling him to fuck her hard. He had been watching his dick slide in and out of that tight asshole and when he looked at her he saw that she no longer had her mouth between Tiffany's legs and was only paying attention to how his cock felt pounding away at her. Tiffany was just watching with a hungry look. He had to concentrate so he didn't cum too soon. But when Tiffany maneuvered under the brunette and he could feel her under them both to get to the brunettes pussy with her own mouth, it took everything he had not to cum. A minute later the brunette was screaming out and he could feel her cumming. He could feel the contractions while he was in her ass and he followed a moment later filling her ass with his hot cum. He practically fell on top of her but collected himself quickly. He helped both ladies up and the brunette kissed them both before simply saying "Thanks" and walking away. They watched her for a moment before they headed to a bathroom to clean themselves up. "So how are you liking the party so far?" he asked her. He was worried that in the aftermath she was upset. He chanced at a glance at her at the sink. She simply smiled and said "I like it a lot. Let's see what else is out there." The Masquerade Ch. 02 Alex let herself slowly wake, stretching her arms overhead and her back lifting from the mattress. She then curled herself into her smooth sheets under the warmth of the bedspread. Her dark hair trailed long and it tickled her back for a moment as she shifted. She let her mind wander to last night and her unknown companion. Remembering his eyes gazing into hers, the slide of his tongue on hers and the feel of his body crushed to hers, she couldn't help the shiver identical to last nights run down her spine. And it wasn't just the kiss, she tried to tell herself to keep the lusty thoughts away. His conversation was intelligent, witty, with just enough self-deprecating humor to keep him from being arrogant. But she couldn't help thinking about his lips on hers, hard for a moment then relaxing to a gentle passion. His hands in her hair, playing with the fine strands at the nape of her neck. Alex thrashed over onto her other side, trying to keep her thoughts from straying to an area that would just make her hornier. The feel of his hands whispering against her skin as he clasped her cloak. His low laugh when she said something witty and his dark voice wrapping around, especially as he said her name. Alex threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. She dressed quickly in gi pants and threw a t-shirt over the sports bra she had worn to bed. She ran down to the hall to the closet near the door. Lacing into her tennis shoes she stretched the back of her legs, bending from the waist. Her hair she wrapped into a pony tail with the scrunchy she left on her wrist from last night and she was out the door. As she pounded her frustration into the pavement beneath, she let her legs take her where they willed. She had run every angle from her small house and couldn't get lost. She wanted to let the pounding of her feet relax her mind and take her past the thought of Mark. A mile into her run, she had caught her rhythm and she entered the almost trance she was used to when she ran. Breathe in, step, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step. Breathe in, step, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step. Her mind finally settled and she was able to get into the fun of challenging herself. Can I run this section faster than last time, how long can I keep the sprint before I have to slow to a jog. Breathe in, step, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step. Breathe in, step, step step, breathe out, step, step....stumble. Alex looked around herself, and cursed her legs for being as traitorous as her mind. She had run towards the university. She was still a mile away and if she turned right at the next street, she could circle back, completing her run at four miles, a respectable amount and a good enough work out for a Sunday. Alex continued running straight. Breathe in, step, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step. Continuing forward she could run around the university, and then cut south back home and finish a good six mile run. That should be enough to run out the frustration for the rest of the day. Breathe in, step, step, step, breathe out, step, step, step. And it wasn't because he worked at the university. It wasn't. It was Sunday, he wouldn't be there anyway. Finally her mind settled again as she made her way around campus. She got to the end of the circle around the university and decided to sprint the next mile. She let her legs stretch forward and back with each stride, reaching to cover more ground with each foot than the last. Breathe in, step, step, breathe out, step, step. Jump pot hole. Reach with arms, stretch calves. Breathe in, step, step, breathe out, step, step. She finally reached the corner where she needed to turn and slowed to a jog for her last mile, allowing the cooling down jog to settle her breathe. When she reached her front step, she shook off the disappointment of not seeing Mark and opened the door, slipping inside as she heard a truck rev the engine as it sped past her house. Walking to the living room, she flicked on her iPod and she gracefully collapsed to the floor and started her routine of stretching. Letting the music get inside her mind, she stretched one leg and then the other, standing to stretch her calves and quadriceps. Then she slowly made her way to her shower, stripping as she went, leaving her clothes behind her like bread crumbs. She let the shower warm as she brushed out her hair, a tangled mess from last nights curly up-do and hastily made pony-tail. She examined her features as she pulled the brush through the dark strands. Round face, dark eyebrows (naturally thick but tweezed to a natural line). Eyes a brown so dark it was occasionally mistaken for black. Eyes with just enough tilt she was often mistaken for some sort of Asian. She always liked that; after-all her Eskimo (sorry, inuit for those who were politically correct) lineage somewhere down the line came over from Asia. But her Irish half gave her slightly lighter complexion then the true brown of a full Eskimo, as well as the freckles that dusted her nose and cheeks. She liked the stockiness from the Eskimo side of her family, she liked muscle and strength and being able to keep up with her brothers when she went hunting at home. Not that she was thick, but she wasn't a stick either. She always figured if she were as lithe as her mother, she wouldn't be nearly so strong. Though maybe that was her independent nature. She didn't want to have to depend on anyone for anything. So she was strong and skilled enough to take care of her home repairs, fix simple problems with her car, and live on her own in the city. ~I don't want to be alone forever though~, Alex thought as she slipped into the warm water. Alex suppressed a shiver as the trailing of the water reminded her of Mark's hand on the small of her back. Wishing now that, like the water, his slightly callused hands were slipping down her naked back. She could feel his hands on her hips, trailing slowly up her back to play with her hair. Her head hung back, remembering his hands at her chest and wishing them lower now. She felt her nipples pearl and in between her legs dampen. Alex cursed, grabbing the shampoo and shoving her hands into her hair as she washed it. Taking her loofa and soap, she quickly cleaned the sweat from her run off of her body, trying to not take time at her sensitive breasts. She turned the water cold and let it run over her, cooling her passion as well as her body. When she was sufficiently cold, she turned off the water and wrapped her self in a towel. Wrapping her hair in another, she quickly toweled off and made her way to her bedroom. Slipping into a matching blue bra and panty set, she set out jeans and her favorite almost good enough to go out in sweatshirt. Towel drying her hair, she spun it into a bun, holding it in place with another scrunchy. Then she threw on her clothes and made her way to the kitchen. Pulling out the makings for an omelette, she got to work on feeding her now starving stomach. She listened to her favorite new age music, dancing to the celtic "mummer's dance" as she cooked, cleaning as she went. Then she sat down to eat, a book in her hand. She tried to wile the day away, but she had taken care of most of her chores for the week yesterday, so she could enjoy The Masquerade knowing she didn't have anything to do today. Her younger brother, Nate, had come over last weekend for his almost monthly visit and in return for food and use of her car, he had helped her finish the small repairs around the house that needed doing. So she didn't have anything around the house to do either. Normally she would get caught up in her newest book, but she couldn't get her mind to focus enough. She thought about calling Brian, her best friend, to hang out with, but didn't want to talk about The Masquerade with anyone quite yet. Another reason not to call Jeanette, as all she would want to do is gossip and she would ferret out all the information about Mark. Alex tried to watch a movie, but couldn't really even focus on that. Finally, in the early afternoon, she got out her lap top and tried to surf the web. Of course, not even ten minutes into that, she had found the university's website. Alex sighed and gave it all up for lost. She went through a few pages before finding the history staff. Alex glanced down the list. She found one listing with the name Mark. Mark Underwood, Professor of History. There was a phone number listed as well. Alex took a deep breath. Well, she could leave a message. It was Sunday, so he wouldn't be there. What should she say? Should she just leave her name and number, or a longer message, giving him details so he could figure out who she was? Alex mulled it over, deciding one way and then the other a few times. Finally, she decided on leaving just her name and number. If he recognized her voice or name, and called, it was all to the good. And if he didn't, well she would fret over the next few days. Alex grabbed her cell and dialed the number. Then spent time looking at the damn call button, steeling her nerve to actually make the call. She was just going to leave a message. What was so hard about that. Taking a deep breath, she pushed call and listen to it ring twice. "Hello?" The dark smooth voice she had yearned to hear answered the phone. "H-hello?" Alex stuttered in a surprised, and high, voice not ready for him to actually answer the phone. "Yes? May I help you?" Mark continued, not recognizing Alex's voice. "Mark? I'm sorry, I thought I would get your voicemail." Alex started. "I didn't think you would be in your office." "Alexandria." Mark lingered over her name again and she was sure she heard pleasure in his voice. "I'm so glad you called. Would you think ill of me, if I said that I came into the office to do some paperwork where you might actually call me?" Mark laughed his low laugh and even over the phone it sounded sexy. Alex laughed as well, ridding herself of some of her anxiety. "No. You surprised me. I was sure I was going to get your voicemail. It is Sunday after all." "I never come in on Sundays. But I couldn't help but hope you would call." Mark continued in his smooth bass, "Last night was not enough." Alex marveled at his forthright manner. She would never say that to someone, but couldn't help but feel pleasure that his feelings seemed to match hers. "No, it was not." Alex replied, her voice husky for a moment. She cleared her throat. "But The Masquerade is over, Mr. Underwood. Would you like to have lunch with me?" "Absolutely." Mark replied firmly. "Is there something you are in the mood for?" ~You~ Alex thought with a smile, before replying with, "There is a good Thai place near the university." "Perfect. Would you like to meet there? Or I could pick you up?" Mark asked nonchalantly. Alex considered for a moment. Normally she wouldn't give someone her address that she had met so recently. But she could not find it in her to be afraid that Mark would do anything untoward. "I live on Oak street. If you are coming from the south end of the university, turn right and I'm the 3rd house on the left after 33rd street." "Wonderful. I know that general area. I should be there in about twenty-five minutes." Mark replied. "Alexandria, I'm so glad you called." "Me too, I'll see you soon." Alex smiled. "To soon, then," Mark replied, hanging up. Alex ran down the hall to her room. She wasn't going to wear an almost good enough to go out in sweatshirt when Mark picked her up. She ruffled through her closet, found a nice button shirt and the camisole she usually wore underneath it. Stripping out of her sweatshirt, she slipped into her camisole and went into the bathroom. Pulling her hair out of the bun she brushed it, annoyed it was still slightly damp. Pinning it back on either side she let it otherwise fall free. A touch of eye shadow and eye-liner and she was done. She never wore much make up, never seeing the need. She slipped back into her room and into her shirt, buttoning it half-way up to let her blue camisole show through. She then went to the closet and looked through her small pile of shoes. She was not a shoe woman. She had a pair of running shoes, a pair of cross trainers, one pair of black high heels and a pair of sandals. When she was looking for comfort she had a pair of soled moccasins that she liked to wear. She slipped those on and then went to wait in the living room, so it wasn't like she was waiting impatiently at the door. Just twenty minutes after getting off the phone, there was a knock. Alex smiled as she walked to the door, thinking he must be as ready as she was to see each other again. Alex opened the door, her smile becoming more pronounced. There was the man she remembered from last night, complete with the jeweled mask with the single feather. Alex laughed out loud and Mark's smile grew into a grin. Alex stepped back, beckoning him into her hallway. "So it wasn't really a mask at all at the Masquerade? This is how you look all the time." Alex laughingly said. "I wanted to make sure you recognized me." Mark replied before slipping off the mask. Alex took in his features. She remembered the dark brown hair, brown eyes and strong jaw. Now she saw the strong nose, prominent eye-brows just a touch away from too thick. His cheekbones were pronounced, giving him an almost Slavic look. Add that to his tall and broad physique and you got handsome down to the toes. Alex saw him taking in her features, flicking over her face, and she saw his slow sexy smile as he brought his hand to her cheek and brushed it over her freckles. "So not just gorgeous, but cute as well." Mark said letting his finger slide over the bridge of her nose, following the freckles to her other cheek. Alex blushed, definitely not used to being called gorgeous. The touch of his finger reminded her of last night, but she was also not used to having people call her out on her freckles. "Freckles are not all that cute, but thank you anyway." Alex said. Mark's eyes darkened and Alex swallowed slowly. Mark's finger traced down her neck the edge of her camisole. "Some freckles may not be cute," Mark started, his voice dropping an octave, "But yours can only be called that." Alex swallowed, unable to form a reply as his finger wandered back to her arm and slid down until he clasped her hand. His eyes flicked to the pulse at her throat and back to her gaze. He pulled slightly on her hand, asking her to step closer to him. Alex stepped closer, wondering how this passion between them ignited so quickly. Mark leaned down, mouth a breath away and he stopped. Alex growled in frustration and leaned up to him, pressing her mouth to his. Mark growled in return, deepening the kiss, his arms sliding around her, one to her back, the other to bury itself in her hair. Alex leaned into the kiss, letting her lips part, sliding her tongue into his mouth before he got the chance. His hands tightened and he took a small step back, pulling her with him until he leaned against the wall, with her plastered against him. Just as she was starting to get dizzy from the kiss, or lack of oxygen, he pulled his mouth from hers and kissing the side of her mouth he whispered, "I've been thinking of doing that since last night." "I've been trying to not think of that since last night." Alex laughed a low laugh when he pulled his face from hers and looked at her in askance. "I didn't say I succeeded." Mark laughed his low sexy laugh and let his hands fall to hers. Alex stepped back, though she couldn't think of why she would want to. "Shall we head to the restaurant?" Mark asked, his eyes were still dark, and Alex was sure she heard some frustration behind his words. Or maybe she was projecting. "Yes. Lunch." Alex shook her head minutely and then replied, "Yes, that sounds like a good idea." Alex stepped back from him and he let her hands fall from his. "Let me grab my wallet." Alex saw his smile again as she turned and walked into the kitchen. She grabbed her wallet, sliding it into her pocket. She returned to the hall, opening the hall closet she took out her keys and shooed him out the door. She locked the door and then turned. He took her hand in his and led her to his car on the other side of the street. He opened her door for her and closed it when she was settled. They drove to the other side of the university. The drive was almost silent, but there was nothing awkward about it. It was full of sidelong glances, a brush of a hand against a leg and the occasional laugh. Once they were settled into a booth with their menus Alex asked, "So, why a history professor?" "I've always been good at teaching. Kids in school were always asking me to explain what the teacher meant about things. I was a Big Brother in high school and helped my Little Brother with his homework. That is when I really knew that I wanted to teach." Mark paused as they ordered their meal before continuing with his story. "I became fascinated with history in college. I had a professor that taught it like it was story. I've always loved stories and from there I was hooked. Even with the history profs that taught the dry, boring, remember the dates kind of history, I could usually find a story that made it palatable." Mark paused. "Your turn, what do you do for a living?" Alex smiled. "Well, I'm a teacher of sorts as well. I own a karate studio and teach Go Ju Ryu Karate." "So, you're a dangerous beauty?" Mark smiled the slow sexy smile to which Alex was becoming quite attached. Alex left the comment alone and continued. "Karate is my passion and if I could live on that alone, I would only do that. However, it doesn't pay quite all the bills. Not if I want to go out and about occasionally!" Alex tilted her head and smiled at Mark. "Or get the fabric for that dress I wore last night." Mark's eyes darkened for a moment and Alex's smile turned slightly knowing. "So I work part time at a coffee shop that my friends own. It gets me up early in the morning, I'm done with work by nine and am able to get a good workout in for me before I have to work everyone else at class. It also helps my friends. They have two children and she works full time. So he can get the kids ready and off to school in the morning before having to be at work." "How long have you been practicing karate?" Mark asked. "Since I was fifteen. My original Sensai came to our high school and gave a free class for anyone who wanted to try. I tried it and fell in love with Go Ju Ryu. I stayed with his dojo until I graduated high school. I moved up here for college and he had a colleague who taught here and I transferred to his dojo." "Where did you move from?" Mark inquired. "I moved from Shelton, my family owns a small organic farm there. Originally I'm from Alaska, but we moved down here when I was eight. Then I spent the next ten years of my life in Shelton and the last eight here." Alex took a breath. "Well, I think it's your turn again. Where are you from originally? Here?" "Oh, I'm from the east coast. A small town in Maine. I went to college in Massachusetts for my bachelors. I spent time in New York while I was getting my PhD in history. Then as soon I was done I moved out west. Been here ever since." Alex looked at Mark inquisitively. "And how long ago was that?" She wasn't sure how old he was. She wasn't good at figuring out ages, but guessed somewhere around thirty. "Almost four years ago." Alex did some calculations quickly, but wasn't sure how long it took to get a PhD. "So that makes you thirty..."Alex trailed off. "Two. I'm thirty-two. And you're twenty-six?" "Yes." Alex paused as the waitress brought their food. Alex loved the smell of Thai food and couldn't wait to dig in. They continued to talk as they ate, sharing stories from when they were young and Mark talking about his newfoundland, Ciara. They drifted into politics enough to find out they both tended towards the liberal outlook. The Masquerade Ch. 02 Brad and Tiffany had met a few others at the masquerade party and were both having a good time. But when the mysterious brunette showed up again, they were both happy to see her. "Are you guys having a good time?" she asked them. They both assured her they were. "I'm Stephanie. It's my party. I'm glad you're having a good time." They introduced themselves and let her know it was the best party they'd ever been at. Neither were lying. "Follow me for a second. There's someone I want you to meet." She grabbed Tiffany's hand, and they both followed her. She opened a door to a large room that had a few people in it doing various things. Several of the things were things that Brad wanted to try out with Tiffany soon. It was much less crowded in here though and somehow seemed more intimate. "Mark. I made us some new friends and I want you to meet them." They sat around talking for a few minutes and everyone's drinks were refreshed by one of the barely clad waitresses that had been around all night. Stephanie got up and grabbed Tiffany's hand again, this time taking her to a massive bed that had sheer curtains around it. Brad had no clue what those things were called and he could careless, he was just glad to see that he was going to be able to watch the action still. "I know I stopped before you came and I'm sorry for that. I'm hoping you'll give me a chance to finish what I started." She said to Tiffany. "Of course." replied Tiffany. Both women were on the bed and Brad saw the back of Stephanie's head once again between Tiffany's legs. She reached into a bedside table and pulled out a large dildo. While she was kept working Tiffany's clit, she slid the dildo inside her pussy at the same time. Brad watched as Tiffany's eyes rolled into the back of her head and ground her pussy into Stephanie's face while she was cumming. Brad hadn't quite been ready to perform again but after what he just watched, he was just about there. He assumed that Mark had the same problem since when he was done talking to a few people, he had watched the girls as well, but hadn't joined in the fun. Right now, Brad felt his cock start twitching -- getting itself ready to get back in the action. Stephanie sat up and informed Tiffany that it was her turn to return the favor. Tiffany simply smiled before Stephanie straddled her face. He was only able to watch for a moment before he was ready to join in on the action. He moved himself between Tiffany's legs. Since Stephanie was straddling her face backwards, Brad was able to see her tits bouncing up and down as she ground her wet juices into Tiffany's face. She wasn't sure how Tiffany was able to breathe but she seemed to be managing. When he went to move the dildo that had been used, he noticed the massive size of it. Instead of feeling intimidated like some men would, he realized that it would have stretched Tiffany more than usual. Grinning to himself he got between her legs; which wasn't difficult since she was still spread eagle. He inserted a few fingers into her and took it as encouragement as she pressed herself harder against his hand. He slid all five fingers into her, taking his time feeling her tightness. When she didn't seem to object and was still very much into Stephanie, Brad figured there was no time like the present. If it didn't happen now -- it was never going to. He made a fist and shoved it in her wet pussy. Not as hard as he saw done in the porn videos, but there was no easing it in her. He felt her body tighten as Stephanie leaned over to watch him and remove her wet pussy from Tiffany's face. For a second Brad wasn't sure if everyone else had left the room or he just didn't notice them any longer. Then he realized he didn't care, he was enjoying himself too much and if there were others in the room, he hoped they were enjoying the show. Tiffany moaned out loud. Brad should have been worried about hurting her, but honestly he wasn't. e was selfish like that. Stephanie's long hair hung down and caught his attention for a minute. He looked up at her and kissed her while his fist was in Tiffany's pussy. When they stopped kissing, Stephanie continued watching him. He saw Mark walk up to him and stop to watch the fisting. Tiffany cried out a few times but never told him to stop. When she backed her body away, Stephanie and Brad would both stop her from moving. Soon, Mark decided to help them keep her still. He went to the same bedside table that the dildo had been in and got out what looked like scarves. Tiffany was so caught up in her pussy being assaulted that she didn't notice Mark pulling her hands to the bedposts at first. When the first arm was tied up though she noticed. "What are you doing?" she cried out. She looked scared. "Helping out my wife and new friend her of course. You seemed to be trying to get away and we can't have that happening now can we? You came here knowing what could happen. Now it's time we give you what you came for. How does that sound?" "What? No." Tiffany cried out. Though Brad's pace in taking his fist in and out of her pussy had slowed, it hadn't completely stopped. It was obviously an effort for her to get out even those two words. Unable to resist him, Mark was able to grab her other wrist and tie it to the other bed post easily. Mark went to the end of the bed and watched Brad fisting her. He had seen it before, but watching a woman's pussy stretch that far was something he wouldn't get tired of watching. After a few minutes, Tiffany seemed to realize she wasn't getting loose. It really didn't seem like she wanted to anyway. Though her body was tense, there were moans of pleasure in there as well. "May I?" Brad looked up to Mark who was standing there. He was the only one who hadn't had any fun yet so Brad moved aside for him. He sat in a chair that leaned way back and pulled Stephanie on top of him. She had been sucking on Tiffany's tits, but now she was sitting in his lap with his dick buried inside her pussy again. She was riding him backwards and at this angle, he could feel himself deep inside her every time she would grind on him. As she rode him hard and fast he watched Tiffany and Mark too. "Do you want me to teach you a lesson?" He was asking her? "No" was all Tiffany was able to say. "That's too bad now isn't it? I do what I want and take what I want -- and tonight that's you." She seemed to be trying to get out of the restraints but when Brad looked closer, it didn't seem like she was giving it a sincere attempt. Mark entered Tiffany hard and rough. Since she had just been fisted, Mark was pretty confidant she wouldn't have to worry about being stretched --and she was definitely wet enough to accommodate him. Brad pushed Stephanie off his cock and spun her around before bending her over the chair they had just been sitting in. He positioned her so he could watch Mark and Tiffany at the same time. He matched Mark's rhythm and every time his dick pounded inside Tiffany he did the same thing to Stephanie. It was only fair. When he fucked her hard, he fucked Stephanie harder. But then Mark stopped and pulled out. "I want in that ass" he told Tiffany. "No!" she cried out. "There's nothing you can do to stop me is there?" he asked her. She whimpered and shook her head. Mark penetrated her tight asshole with his dick in one quick movement. She cried out and Mark stilled for a moment. When her whimpering was barely audible, he pulled out and pushed back in -- a little slower this time. Tiffany was tense but seemed to be okay. Brad pulled out of Stephanie's wet pussy and entered her ass just as harshly as Mark had done to Tiffany. Soon, whatever Mark did, Brad was matching him in action. The only difference was that Stephanie wasn't tied up and Brad had already been in her ass once tonight. After a few times of entering her ass slower to help her get adjusted, Mark picked up the tempo and was soon pounding Tiffany's ass. In and out, over and over, hard and fast. "Are you ready for me to stop" he asked her. "No!" She cried out to him. "Don't stop. Please. I'm so close. Pound that hard dick into my ass and make me cum." A minute later Tiffany was crying as she came. Mark and Brad filled the girl's asses with their cum at the same time, and Stephanie's cries from her own orgasm followed Tiffany's just seconds later. Everyone laid on the bed for a moment catching their breath. Everyone had satisfied looks on their faces and Brad was thinking how very, very glad he was they came to this party. He owed his buddy David for telling him about it. Stephanie sat up. "I think we're going to be very good friends." She stated as she smiled. The Masquerade Ch. 03 This story is a continuation of The Masquerade Ch.1 and Ch. 2. To get the full background of the story, please read the previous chapters. All feedback is welcome. These are my first stories I've shared with anyone and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. ************************************* Chapter 3 Alex slipped into her darkened room. Her shades were drawn with dark curtains to block out the light. She kept Mark's hand in hers as she walked to the other side of the room. She let go of his hand as she took the lighter on top of the dresser and lit the candles there. As she lit the last one, she felt Mark's arms encircle her once again. His hands caressing her as they made their way to the gentle curve of her stomach. He nuzzled her hair out of his way and fastened his lips once again to her neck. Alex put the lighter away and moved her hands to the side of Mark's legs, pulling him tighter to her. She moaned as his mouth licked and gently bit it's way down to her shoulder and back. She shivered and couldn't help the pressure of her hips back into him. She heard him groan as she felt him harden against the small of her back. Alex pressed into him, forcing him backwards as his hands played with her breasts and his tongue tickled her ear enticingly. Her hands wrapped as far back around his legs as she could reach from her position and willingly moved her head so he could feast on the other side of her neck. She felt him bump into the side of her bed and turned in his arms. Mark sat on the edge of her bed as she turned. He pulled her close, her legs straddling his as he undid the clasp of her bra. She let the straps fall, holding the bra otherwise in place for a moment. She watched Mark's eyes darken, looking almost dangerous in his desire. He tilted his head at her, his fingers playing at her waist, silent as he waited for her next move. Alex leaned forward and let her lips touch his again and when he slid his tongue against hers, she let the bra fall and pushed him back onto the bed, laying over him, feeling her skin against his. She heard him groan as his hands wrapped around her, pulling her hard against him before sliding a hand down over her waist and muscular leg. Alex let her mouth wander from his mouth to his neck. She nibbled her way over his collarbone and let her lips and tongue play with a nipple before bringing her mouth lower. As she moved lower his hands moved over her waist, the side of her breasts and tickled into the hair at her nape. She slipped to her knees as Mark propped himself on his elbows to watch her. Alex's dark hair, at some point free of it's pins, waved over her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes glittered up at him as if some dark amber flickered in the candle light. Alex held his gaze as she slowly slid his boxers down his legs and off of his feet. She flickered her gaze to his hardened cock and heard Mark groan again as she licked her lips. Alex felt her stomach flutter at his size. She smiled as she met his gaze and let her tongue touch just the tip. He jumped a little and his eyes rolled up just before he closed them. "Oh my god." Mark growled out as his eyes shot open and he stared down at her when her hot mouth enveloped his head. When he sat up a little more to see her better, she let her fingers wrap around his thighs and licked from base to tip. Mark's hands moved to her shoulders when her tongue licked the drop at the tip of his cock. Though Mark neither pulled her to him or pushed her away, his hands tightened at Alex's shoulders as she slipped her mouth over his head again. She moved her mouth farther down, feeling him jump in her mouth as she twirled her tongue around his cock. When she brought her mouth back to the tip, she pressed her tongue to the sensitive underside of his head and sucked hard for a moment. "Alex, Alex, Alex." Mark whispered over and over and she met his gaze again. Her eyes never left his as she slid her mouth up and down, pushing him farther and farther in, sucking gently and then hard. Mark started to buck his hips under her. Alex let his cock slip from her lips when she felt him push at her shoulders. Mark pulled her to her feet and then on top of him again as he laid back. "That was amazing, but this would end quicker than I would like if you continue, honey." Alex laughed in the back of her throat, which turned into a moan as his mouth captured hers again. Deepening his kiss to a passionate play of lips, tongue and teeth, he rolled her over and lay half on top of her. She felt his hands play down her sides as his mouth wandered to her neck. She heard him chuckle deeply. "My turn." Alex whimpered as his lips gently brushed a nipple, his hands cupping her breasts. Her whimpers turned to moans when his mouth enveloped a nipple, tongue dancing over it. His thumb brushed over her other nipple and she felt lighting spring from her nipples to her cleft. Mark let his mouth play with one, then the other nipple until Alex was moaning and squirming under him. Then he started making his way over her stomach. Mark kissed a hip, the juncture of her thigh and pelvis, down to a knee and then up the other. He teased with tongue and lips over the neatly trimmed hair of her mound. Alex had moved to her elbows to watch him as his mouth teased closer and closer to the place she wanted it most. "Please. Please Mark." Alex's hands slipped into Mark's hair, not pulling him, but clutching, hoping. She felt his low laugh and then gasped as his tongue slid into her cleft. The touch of his tongue made her dampen further as he slid his tongue over her lips, brush gently and quickly over her clit. His tongue slipped between her lips and she felt him gently push his tongue into her. Alex's whimpers heightened as he brought his hands to her thighs. Alex's hips bucked gently when his tongue returned to her clit and he slipped a finger inside. "Oh god, oh god, oh Mark!" Alex breathed out when he sucked, his finger sliding in and out. Alex's breath quickened and quickened more as he sucked and twirled his tongue. Alex was unable to stop the restless movement of her legs as she was brought closer and closer to ecstasy. She exploded with a scream against his mouth when he stretched her with a second finger inside. Mark held his mouth to her clit and stilled his fingers inside her as Alex came apart. When her movements and breathing slowed again he gently slid his fingers from her and kissed his way slowly back up her body. Alex opened her eyes to find Mark gazing down at her, a smile playing on his lips. He brushed a finger over her cheek and into her hair. He brought his lips to hers again, a slow, gentle kiss. Alex responded to the kiss, her hand wrapping around his head and bringing him closer to her. She heard Mark growl when she deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue against his. One hand played with his hair, and she pulled him on top of her with the other. She moaned when she felt his hardness pushing against her cleft. Alex felt his hips move against hers and shuddered at the feeling of his hardness sliding over her. "Mark," Alex said, her mouth against his. "Mmmm?" Mark kissed the corner of her mouth, her cheek, her nose. "Wait just a moment." Mark pulled back and looked at her. She smiled up at him and wiggled up the bed a little. She reached into the nightstand drawer. Mark slid off to lay his body next to hers, his hands exploring her sides and stomach as if on trails. Alex shivered into his caress and slowly slid the condom over his hardened cock, letting her hand squeeze down the shaft. Mark growled into her hair and pulled her over him. She straddled him, his cock nestled against her slit. Alex braced her hands on his chest and raised her hips. She heard his groan mingle with hers as she slid down onto his cock. She lowered, and raised her hips slowly, working him farther and farther in. Alex's eyes held Mark's as she brought him farther and farther into her body. She felt his hands on her hips tighten as she finally lowered onto his full length. "You feel so good." Mark breathed. Then slightly louder, "So tight." Mark shuddered underneath her when she rocked her hips. "So right." "So full." Alex sighed. "Oh god. Mark." She breathed when he slowly started rocking his hips with hers. Alex felt one hand on her hip tighten, as they found their rhythm. Mark's other hand trailed up her waist to cup her breast. She shuddered over him, the sensation of his thumb brushing over her nipple as she rocked on his full length almost too much. "Mark. Mark. Mark" Alex breathed, her hips rocking more frantically. Mark moved both his hands to her waist and held her to him as he pushed himself into her with long, slow strokes. Alex's eyes fluttered close, her breathing quickened. Alex's head fell back, her hair trailing down, playing against his fingers at her waist as she moaned at the feel of his cock at her walls. When Mark quickened his pace, she felt a shudder start at her core. The feeling of electricity coalesced between her legs and she felt everything tighten. Then she shattered around him, her hands tightening on Mark's chest. Mark continued, but slowed his strokes as Alex came down off her blissful high. She met his gaze again and smiled slowly. She leaned down and kissed him and felt him shudder under her. "Your turn." She slipped off of him and heard his moan as he slipped out of her warmth. Alex pulled him over her as she rolled and he settled his legs between hers. "Please, don't wait. I need you inside me again." She raised her legs around his waist. As his mouth met hers, his cock slid once again into her warmth. He slowly entered her. Then, once he completely filled her, he started his slow, long strokes. Alex groaned against his mouth as he palmed a breast. Then he settled his hands on either side of her shoulders, keeping some of his weight off of her. Mark quickened his pace, looking into Alex's eyes. With his stroking in and out, Alex felt the tightening of her core again. "Please. Mark please," she moaned, raising her hips to his. He stroked harder, faster, his eyes never leaving hers. Then he eyes closed and he stroked harder and faster, pounding into her. "Alex. Oh god Alex." Mark shuddered into her one last time and she felt him erupt against her, setting off another orgasm. She bucked under him for a moment. When she opened her eyes again, he was smiling down at her. Alex pulled him against her, brushing her lips against his. He kissed her gently, then nuzzled her neck, laying against her. After a moment, Mark slipped from her, Alex whimpering at the loss of him. She heard his chuckle as he lay next to her. He wrapped an arm around her as she lay her head on his chest. They let their breath slow, reveling in the aftermath of their bliss. "You are amazing, you know." Mark's deep voice reverberated with her head on his chest. Alex let a finger play in his chest hair. "I'm pretty sure it's you that's amazing." Alex smiled and kissed his chest. "You certainly made me feel amazing, anyway." She liked the sound of his laughter from his chest. Mark's finger caressed her arm, slowly trailing it up and down. They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. He started a little in surprise when Alex shook her head against his chest. Then he laughed when she asked, "What's your favorite color?" "Green. A deep forest green." Mark kissed the top of her head. "What's yours?" "Blue. A deep cerulean blue." Alex replied. They were quiet again for a few minutes before, "Alexandria?" "Mmmm?" "What's your last name?" He asked with a low chuckle. She laughed and raised her head from his chest. She dropped a kiss on his nose, which he then wrinkled at her. She sat up with her bare legs under her and reached a hand to his. "Alexandria Anouk Maebh Oliver" "Mark Adrien Underwood." Mark shook her hand and looked at her quizzically for a moment. "Alexandria Aw-nook May-ve Oliver? Is that two middle names or two last names?" He asked, keeping her hand in his, stroking his thumb over her palm. "Good pronunciation!" Alex's smile twinkled in her dark eyes. "No one usually gets it on the first try." She switched to criss-cross sitting, her knees at his side. She pulled the sheet around her and tilted her head, her dark hair cascading down her shoulder and back. "Anouk is eskimo for 'grace' as in 'it is a grace that it is a girl and not another boy.'" Alex's smile turned impish as Mark laughed. "And Maebh is irish for 'cause of great joy.' That is what my mother always said. When I looked it up later I really like the other meaning as well." She stopped and ran her fingers over his collarbone and caressed his neck. "Mmmmm. And that is?" Mark asked, his eyes glinting up at her. "Intoxicating." Alex purred. Mark chuckled low in his chest and sat up. He kissed her deeply, his hands entwined in her hair. When she moaned, he chuckled low in his throat and pulled back, taking a moment to catch his breath. "Most definitely intoxicating. I'm pretty sure that means we should eat something so tomorrow I can get through my classes without my students thinking their prof is a lush." Alex laughed out loud as she slipped away from him, pulling the sheet with her as she stood. She sashayed her hips at him as she walked to the door, grinning at Mark's wolf whistle of approval. Alex moved out of eye sight, and then peeked her eyes back into the door. She crooked her finger at him and watched as he stood. She let her eyes drink their fill as he moved gracefully, almost a cat-like stalking towards the door. His broad chest tapered to a slender waist. Trim hips led to long legs that were muscular enough to ripple a bit when he walked. His shoulders were wide leading down to muscular arms. And while she admired his toned body, it was his eyes that called to her. Like hers they were a dark brown. But his eyes, when he looked at her intensely, it was like they were black. A color so dark, one would they could inspire fear. But Alex felt warm and tingly, sexy and desired. And she felt a heat from the gaze that had nothing to do with violence, anger or other dark emotions. This heat was a connection between them that tugged at her heartstrings. Alex shook her head as she watched him close the distance between them, his eyes darkening to that wonderful black. ~Not my heartstrings~ She thought. ~I haven't even known him forty-eight hours yet.~ Pushing aside her thoughts, Alex stood on tip toe and kissed his chin, as far as she could reach when didn't lean down. She laughed, tickled his side, and when he made to grab at her hand she eeled away from him. Alex heard his playful growl as she turned and ran, leaving the sheet behind her. She ran down the hall into the kitchen, Mark not far behind. She couldn't control her giggling as she ran around the breakfast bar. He chased her around it, closing the distance between them. Alex sprinted to the bathroom, sliding into the door as Mark got ahold of an arm. She felt herself spin, and finished the spin so she was pushed up against his tall frame. Alex felt his naked body against hers, both of them breathing deeply. Mark's eyes glinted down at her and she couldn't help herself. Alex stuck her tongue out at Mark, laughing. He leaned down and whispered next to her. "Careful, I was told once that sticking out your tongue means 'kiss me quick and don't slobber.' Is that what you want, sweet Alexandria?" Alex shivered as Mark's smooth voice wrapped around her. He moved his head back and stared into her eyes. She tilted her head, considering for a moment. She smiled a slow sexy smile. And stuck her tongue out at him. She felt his chuckle in his chest as he leaned down and captured her mouth in his. She responded, deepening the kiss, her hands sliding up to his neck. The lightening from his kiss sent sparks down her spine as his hands slide to her waist. Mark slowly stopped the kiss and Alex opened her eyes to a mischevious smile, but was too late to stop the hands from tickling her waist. She slapped at his hands, laughing trying to get away as he followed her deeper into the bathroom. "If you want a shower you'll stop tickling. I don't shower with people who tickle me!" Alex laughed, caught between the sink and Mark. "You sure?" Mark asked his hands stilling, spanning her waist. "Cause I'm willing to keep tickling you." He leaned down again, his mouth a breath from hers, "but I'd rather get wet with you." Alex leaned up and kissed him. Even though she just gave him a peck, she felt the lightening rushing down her spine. "I'll always prefer to get wet with you than get tickled, Mark." She said, running her hands up his arms. Mark chuckled lowly as Alex moved around him to start the shower running. When she leaned over she felt his hands at her hips, running over her low back and heard a deep "mmmmm." "I thought you were hungry?" She laughed, straightening up and turning in his arms. "Oh, I am." he teased back. "Maybe I should turn on the cold water, hm?" Alex smiled and stepped into the shower, holding the curtain open for him. "Oh no, I don't want you to see me in cold water just yet, honey." Alex laughed as she stepped back and let the water drench her hair. She felt one of his hands stay on her hip, as if he didn't yet want to lose any connection with her. She smiled and shook her head, spraying him cool droplets from her hair. "Hey, now," Alex heard and then felt Mark pull her to him and turn, so he was in the water and now she was facing the spray. He was tall enough that he had to duck to get the top of his head wet. They showered, taking their time, enjoying the simple pleasure of washing each other's bodies. Alex wondered at the butterflies in her stomach as his hands moved over her soft curves and hard muscles. She loved the feel of his hard arms and trim waist gliding under her hands. They spoke in small sighs and light moans. When they were clean, Alex stayed in Mark's arms until the spray turned chilly and he shivered against her. "I think we should get out now, before I turn into an icicle." Mark said against the top of her head. Alex laughed quietly and stepped back from him, opening the curtain and getting out. She heard him turn off the shower as she wrapped herself in her towel. She took a clean towel from the bathroom closet and gave it to Mark. Alex glanced frequently at Mark as she toweled herself dry, finding his eyes on her each time. When she was done she took another towel and wrapped her hair, walking to the bedroom. She rummaged through her closet as he found their clothes and dressed. Finding clean underwear she slipped into them and then toweled her hair dry. She slipped into the clothes Mark brought from the living room. When she finished, she turned to find Mark sitting on the edge of her bed. "So, what would you like to do for dinner?" He asked. Alex finger combed her hair as she thought. "I think I have a couple of steaks, and the makings for salad. How's that sound?" She asked "I'm not sure that sounds quite fair. After all, you already fed me once. The least I can do is feed you." Mark said. "Oh, that's not necessary." Alex started but Mark interrupted her, coming to stand before her. "Oh, I think I definitely owe you, sweetie." He said, brushing a finger over her cheek. He chuckled when Alex blushed. "First, you didn't make mince meat out of me when I grabbed your arm and pulled you onto the dance floor. Second," Mark continued over the top of her argument. "You didn't make me wait too long before calling, and made it so it wasn't a waste of Sunday. Third, you bought lunch. And fourth, you invited me in for tea. And while I never tasted the tea, I tasted something much more pleasing." Mark chuckled as Alex blushed again. The Masquerade Ch. 04 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a continuation of the story The Masquerade Chapters 1-3. Their story is continuing to unfold, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. As always, comments are welcome. Thank you and Enjoy! Eskimo_Kiss xxoo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alex went from sleep to awake in a moment. Keeping her eyes closed, she luxuriated in the feel of Mark behind her and his arm resting across her stomach and his hand cupping her waist. Alex sighed her contentment, opened her eyes, and started. She heard a quiet "huff" as she looked into the eyes of Ciara, Mark's newfie. She smiled and reached a hand to pet Ciara, who then moved back to her dog bed and collapsed into it with another "huff." Alex smiled and then tried to wiggle out from under Mark's arm without waking him. He groaned in his sleep and rolled over, allowing Alex to quietly get out of bed. She padded to the master bath, glancing at the clock on her way. She sighed as she saw it was four in the morning. She had to get going if she was going to make it to work from here. Mark had taken her to his place last night. He had been right, his fettuccini alfredo was amazing; as was his house. He lived on five acres far enough away from the city to feel almost like you lived in the country and close enough that it wasn't a chore to commute to the university. He had a four bedroom house, with a master bath that had a Jacuzzi tub and a shower that she could get lost in, but it was his kitchen that she lusted after. There were spacious counter tops, a breakfast bar, a pantry, a stove that didn't have burners and an oven that would hold two cookie sheets side by side. She laughingly told him that she would happily trade homes if he ever got tired of living so far away from the university. And, that way, she could have his kitchen. The evening had been wonderful, Alex thought as she returned to the bedroom and laid out beside Mark, watching him sleep for a moment. They'd had a wonderful dinner, watched the sun set from his patio, and talked the evening away snuggled on the couch in front of the fireplace. Then Mark had made love to her again, speaking in soft sighs, caresses, and building moans. Alex had fought to stay away afterwards, but Mark had asked her to stay, even when she informed him that she had to be to work at five a.m. How could she have said no with his arms around her and her snuggled back into him? Alex brought her finger to the bridge of Mark's nose and traced a line down to it's point. Mark stirred, but didn't awake. She traced the line again and then gently brushed his lips with hers. "Mark, honey." She said against his mouth. "Mmmm?" He murmured, struggling to open his eyes. "What?" "Mark, I have to go to work. And you drove, honey." Alex said in his ear, brushing a hand along his neck. Mark shivered and opened his eyes. "Are you sure? You could always stay with me?" He asked with a smile, running a hand over her sheet clad waist. Alex laughed. "I would love to, but I can't call in sick just because I want to stay here. Besides, won't you have to go to work in a while anyway?" Alex laid her head on his shoulder and played with his chest hair. "Mmmm. I could call in sick too." He smiled down at her. "Tch, tch, tch," Alex clicked her tongue at him. "Such a bad influence. But I really do have to get going, Mark." She said. Then she laughed as she felt him surge over her. He braced his hands on either side of her shoulders and leaned down. Her breath hitched when his lips touched hers. She thought he was going to kiss her hard, fast and deep: instead, his kiss was a brush of lips, a question of desire. She answered the only way she could. She surged up to him, pressing her mouth harder to his as she pulled him down to her. He moaned against her mouth, and slid his tongue against hers. The feel of his mouth on hers, his tongue playing with hers, set her blood on fire. As his body started to press down she moaned and felt her cleft become slick. Alex wrenched her mouth from his with a groan and pressed against him. He pulled back, his dark eyes almost black in his desire. Alex shivered. "Mark, I don't think I have time. I have to be at work by five." Mark slid his mouth up her neck to her ear, "What if we're quick, and I speed?" His fingers slid up her waist and she felt his fingers on the underside of her breast. "I can take you straight there, and pick you up in between class and office hours to take you home." Alex moaned as his mouth started working it's way down from her ear. When his mouth found where her shoulder and neck met and he stopped to nibble and lick, she knew she couldn't say no. "Ahhhh. We have to be quick." Alex moaned, lost in the feel of his mouth and hands. Mark's sinful chuckle wrapped around her, "I'll have to savor you later, then." His deep voice and wonderful words sent shivers down her back. Alex moaned as his fingers rolled her nipple and lightly tugged, sending lightening bolts to her slit. Alex caressed down his shoulders, over his sides and to his thighs. She brought a hand up and moaned to find him hard. She loved his groan as she wrapped her hand around his cock and stroked. Alex's hips rolled when his fingers found her clit. He circled it with his fingers, pressing lightly, sending sensations through Alex's body. His mouth found hers again as he pressed his body to hers, playing with her clit until she squirmed beneath him. Alex's body was alive with sensation from his mouth and hands, filling her with lightning and she moaned against him. He brought her closer and closer with his fingers and when she arched up into him he slid his fingers from her clit and entered her. Alex gasped, holding still, before she shattered around him. She felt as if she was breaking apart around his fingers and coming back together again. As she started to settle back down, she felt him slid his fingers out of her. She whimpered, until she felt the head of his hard cock at her entrance. She felt Mark's moan as he pushed into her all the way. She brought her legs up around his waist as he started to pump. Her gaze met his and held as he pushed into her with long, slow strokes. She quickly felt herself building to another orgasm. Mark leaned down and kissed her hard as she felt him push into her. He sped his pace and she bucked her hips to meet his, hearing him growl into her mouth. Alex clutched at his shoulders, digging her fingers into his muscle as she felt the lightning in her body start to coalesce again. Mark's breathing sped up, "Oh god, Alex. I'm close. You feel so good." He moaned against her mouth. "Mark, Mark." Alex moaned back. "I'm going...going..going...Ahhhhh." The lightning coalesced at her cleft and Alex screamed as it then broke apart. She clamped down on Mark as she came around him. Mark plunged a last time and came with a roar. Alex fell back to the bed and Mark collapsed atop her. She stroked his back as she shivered against him with an aftershock. "Mmmm." She whispered into his neck. "Mm hm." Mark kissed her forehead as he pulled back from her and lounged at her side, on his elbow, looking down at her. She watched as his eyes lightened from black to his deep brown. Alex smiled and played with a small lock of hair at his temple. Then she scrunched her nose at him. "Now, I really have to get to work!" Mark stroked the side of her neck lightly. "Well, if you insist on being good." Mark laid back and watched as Alex slid out of bed and stood. "Yes, I do." Alex shook her finger at him sternly before giving in and laughing. "C'mon, honey, and I'll make you a latte when you drop me off." She laughed on her way to the bathroom when she heard Mark curse at the clock. Alex cleaned herself up as quickly as she could and strode back into Mark's room. She was climbing into her jeans when she heard Mark coming back into the room. "You know, I never wake up this early. I think I'm going to fall asleep in my class today." Mark groaned as he stretched. Alex watched his long frame appreciatively as she finished dressing. "I suppose it isn't fair. I can go home and take a nap once John get's to work at nine." Alex laughed as Mark stuck his tongue out at her. He dressed quickly in khaki's and a button up shirt. He brushed against her and she noticed he must have cleaned up as well. He smelled wonderful and the hair at his temples was slightly damp. "Just let me get my briefcase and then we can go." Mark said as they walked down the stairs to his living room. "I already fed Ciara, and I don't have anything else I need to bring with me today." As Alex and Mark walked to his car, Ciara bounded after them, running circles around them and then running away, only to come back again. Mark laughed at her antics and then whistled three sharp notes and pointed to the house. Ciara stopped and then trudged slowly back to sit on the porch. Alex felt a little sorry for her as she got into the car. "Don't feel too sorry for her, honey." Mark said as he started the car. Alex looked at him. "I have a housekeeper who comes by for a couple of hours a few times a week. She'll be here today and probably give Ciara five treats while she cleans." Alex laughed. "I'm sorry you have to be up so early. I should have had you take me home last night." Alex looked at the clock. "I wouldn't want to make anyone leave home at four-forty in the morning!" Mark laughed and stroked her thigh. "I didn't want you to go home last night, sweetie. I'm glad you stayed. Though, I will take you up on that latte. And if you could mainline it into my bloodstream that would be even better." Mark yawned through the last three words and smiled as Alex giggled at him. "You're awfully awake for this time of morning. And you haven't even had any coffee." "Ah. I wake up quickly, and I normally don't drink coffee. It has to be a really tough morning before I'll drink any. I'm more of a tea drinker." Mark groaned. "You don't drink coffee? How do you function?" Alex laughed at him and said with a suggestive tone, "I don't know, honey. How do I function?" "Keep talking like that, and I'm turning this car around. I'll call in sick for you!" Mark's voice dropped in octave and Alex shivered as his voice wrapped around her. She smiled as she met Mark's eyes for a moment. "Insatiable, aren't you?" She laughed. "Not quite," Mark grinned at her and smiled mischievously. "But, as I said yesterday, my dear Alexandria, last night was not enough." "No, it wasn't," She replied. She slipped her hand to his thigh and then intertwined her fingers in his when he lowered his hand. She snuggled back into the seat and sighed happily. "So, what classes are you teaching?" Alex asked. "Today I have Celtic Civilizations of the European Middle Ages. It's three days a week. I also teach Introduction to Western Civilization. It's also three days a week. Different days though. I don't teach any classes on Wednesdays. I tend to have appointments with my advisees and I have two grad students that work with me. Each grad student teaches one class a week, so they can get used to working with students." Mark grinned at me, and then yawned again. Alex laughed and watched the scenery go by. Mark had shifted his hand back to the steering wheel and she absent-mindedly stroked his thigh. They were silent for a few minutes. "Umm, Alexandria?" Mark questioned "You know Mark, you can call me Alex." She glanced at him with a smile. Mark slowly said her name. "Alexandria." The way he savored each syllable sent shivers down her each of her spinal segments. "Never mind. You are never allowed to call me Alex." She said with a grin. Mark chuckled deeply. "So, where are you working exactly?" Mark asked. "Oh, right. You know the coffee place 'Deep Blue'? It's down on twentieth street, near the university?" "The one with all the chess boards and games?" Mark asked. "Yep. That's the one." "I've heard of it, but I haven't gone there yet." "It's great. John gets the beans specially made, and we have a great variety of bagels and pastries. But really, I like the clients. The morning is usually the people stopping to get the coffee and breakfast and back out again, but by eight or nine the regulars are coming to play. Mostly it's the old men who play chess and argue every move there is." Alex laughed. Mark smiled. "Sounds like you really like it." "Oh, I do. It's not what I would want to do for a living. That's what karate is for. But I get to help out my friends and I really enjoy the atmosphere." "Wait, Deep Blue. Wasn't that the computer they made to play chess?" Mark asked. "Yeah. John's a bit of a chess fanatic and when he decided to open the coffee house he wanted to incorporate that into it. So the name Deep Blue seemed good to him. Probably because Louise works with computers. So he named the shop after his two loves." Alex smiled at him. "That's sweet." Mark was quiet for a moment, then started a bit. "Sorry. My mind isn't quite up to a whole lot of conversation yet. I'm really going to need that latte this morning, or I'm going to fall asleep in the middle of my lecture." Alex laughed at him. "It's okay. I'm used to people not being quite with it in the morning. I work in a coffee shop, most of my customers are getting their first cup and can be quite grumpy." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You don't have to talk on my account." Mark grinned at her and they again lapsed into silence. Alex marveled how the silence between them hadn't yet seemed awkward. She was as happy in silence with this man as she was talking. Or doing other things, for that matter. They had entered the city by this point and Mark was making his way towards the university and Deep Blue. They were about five minutes out if the lights were nice to them. Alex glanced at the clock. Five o'clock. The store would open late today. Alex sighed. But it was the first time she would open late since she started working for John about six months ago. Alex yawned. He'd forgive her this once. "I'm sorry I made you late, Alexandria." Mark said as they pulled into the parking lot. Alex kissed his cheek again. "Park over there. And it's not your fault. I wanted to, too. Though you do seem just about irresistible. Maybe it is your fault." She laughed when he stuck his tongue out at her. She wrinkled her nose in return. Alex slipped out of the car as another car pulled into the parking lot. It was one of her regulars, Andy. She jogged to the door of the shop and opened it up as Mark got out of the car and followed behind more slowly. She opened the door, flashing Mark a smile as she slipped inside, turning on the lights and rushing to the espresso machine to turn it on and warm it up. She nodded her head to Mark to have a seat in the corner. He sat down and put his head along the back of the chair, closing his eyes as Andy walked in. "Hi Andy! How are you today?" Alex piped as she started getting his regular order ready. She slipped a bagel out of it's bag and into the toaster. "I'm good Alex. Running late today?" Andy glanced over at Mark, who looked to have fallen asleep, and grinned at Alex. "Oh you, shush! I'll tell Alice you were mean to me when she comes in later." Alex said as she started getting the ingredients together for his latte. "It is going to be a few extra minutes, if that's okay. The machine isn't quite warmed up." "It's okay. I've got a little extra time today." Alex grinned at Andy. He was getting close to middle age, short for a guy, about Alex's height, had thinning hair and his belly was starting to get soft. He was alway nice when he came in, which was a good way to start the day as he was usually the first in. His wife, Alice, usually came in about eight-thirty after dropping off their two kids at school and rushing off to work. Alex was rushing around the store, making the drip coffee and putting the new bagels and pastries out. When the machine warmed up she started putting together Andy's latte. Andy leaned in, over the counter. "So why are you late, Alex? Hot date?" He asked in a whisper, glancing over at Mark. He laughed out loud when Alex blushed. Alex quickly glanced at Mark, who opened his eyes and grinned at her. Alex stuck her tongue out at both of them and finished up the latte and bagel for Andy. As she was ringing him up, he leaned over the counter again and said, "About time, honey. Hope he deserves you." Andy smiled at her as she gave him his change. She laughed and leaned over the counter, kissing Andy on the cheek. "That's sweet, Andy. Maybe I won't tell your wife you were mean to me. But you better leave before your mouth runs off with you again." She grinned as Andy left, laughing. As she was ringing him up, two more customers had come in and Alex glanced at Mark. 'Just a minute' she mouthed at him and he nodded, leaning his head back against the back of his chair and closed his eyes. She grinned and made small talk as she dealt with the customers. She grinned as the young woman who had come in second kept sending admiring glances at Mark. A lull came after the two customers and she went over to Mark. He opened his eyes as she came up to him. She stood over him and nudged his leg with hers. "Wake up, sleeping beauty. What kind of coffee would you like?" Mark kept his head against the back of the chair and smiled up at her, albeit a little sleepily. "Oh, just a regular latte, but maybe an extra shot. Or five?" He said. She laughed and started making her way back behind the counter. "Do you want that to go, or are you going to stay for a little bit?" She asked. "I would love to stay, but this chair is so comfortable, I'd probably start snoring and no one would believe that your coffee is caffeinated." Mark struggled to his feet and stretched his arms overhead before making his way to the counter. Alex smiled at him as she made the latte. "So, you mentioned that you could pick me up and take me home? If you can't, that's okay. I can get someone to drop me off." "Tired of me already, honey?" He asked as she handed him the latte. She heard the humor in his voice. "Not even close, hun. But I don't want to interrupt your work day." Alex said. She leaned a hip against the counter. "No, it's okay. I've got a few hours between lecture and office hours. I usually grade papers, but I got a head start on those yesterday when I was waiting for your call." Mark sipped his coffee, then saluted her with the coffee cup. "It's good. So if I go to campus now and finish those papers, I can come back and drop you off at home before having to be at campus again." "Sounds good. What time is you class done?" Alex started moving around behind the counter, getting things ready before her usual rush at six. "Nine. Do you mind waiting about twenty minutes after you get off work? I won't be able to get here until about nine-twenty or nine-thirty." "No, that's fine." Alex looked up and saw another of her regulars come into the shop. "I got to get back to work." Alex smiled at him. She came up to the counter in front of him and he leaned over it. She leaned forward and kissed him quickly. "See you later, Alexandria." Mark said in his deep voice as he walked out of the shop. "Later, Mark." Alex said as she looked from his retreating form to Mrs. Taniger, one of her regulars. Alex smiled as Mrs. Taniger looked from Alex to Mark's retreating form outside. Alex laughed out loud when Mrs. Taniger looked back and said, with her eyes sparkling. "Nice!" "Your usual, Mrs. Taniger?" "I'd rather have what you have, dear." She replied with a grin. "Mrs. Taniger! What would Mr. Taniger say?!" Alex scolded as she started making the light vanilla latte that her customer preferred. The Masquerade Ch. 04 "If he'll take you, I'll give you to him, and two goats to sweeten the deal?" Mrs. Taniger answered impishly. "Oh you!" Alex rang up the sale and scolded Mrs. Tangier until her next customer came in. Then it was full boar into her morning. Alex had a few people comment on her extra good mood. Alex smiled her way through her shift, chatting and laughing with her customers. Especially with her crotchety old men that came in to drink drip coffee and play chess. One kept telling her that if she didn't find a man, he would find one for her. She was too good to go to waste. Alex smiled and moved around the coffee shop. The Masquerade Ch. 05 This is obviously a continuation of The Masquerade Chapters 1-4. If you would like to get to know the characters a little more, please read the previous stories! Sorry for the delay in the posting of Chapter 5. What can I say, it was my birthday! I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Comments and votes are, as always, welcome. Eskimo_Kiss xxoo * Alex was sitting with a couple of older men who were playing chess, alternating between arguing over each move and teasing Alex. She was laughing when she heard the door open. She looked and saw John coming into the store, his arms full of bags, books and a box. She stood and hurried to help him, relieving him of the box that contained bagels. John was tall, almost as tall as Mark, but he was stocky, a mop of blond hair that always seemed slightly messy and bright blue eyes that danced with his laughter. "Good, you got my text." Alex said as she followed him behind the counter and into the room in the back. "Yep, and here I am with more bagels." John replied, dumping the bags and books on his desk. "Was it a busy morning then?" "It was. Just to let you know, I opened the store about five to ten minutes late. But I don't think I missed any of the regulars." Alex said. Looking at John, slightly worried that he would be irritated. "Late? You, Alex? When have you ever been late before? Everything alright?" John looked up from his sorting of bags and books. "Oh, yeah. Everything's fine, just running late today. Oh. Door!" Alex said and rushed to the front to greet the customer. John pushed things around on his desk for a moment and then wandered behind the counter and watched Alex for a moment. When she finished with the customer, she saw him tilt his head to the office door and she followed him in. "Really, John. Everything's fine, I just got a late start this morning." Alex paused and then rushed on. "I really am sorry, I won't be late again." John smiled and said, "Alex, it's okay, it was only five or ten minutes. Just don't make it a habit." Alex shook her head, smiling at John. "You sure you want to keep doing this? I can find another barista for the morning shift. I really appreciate you, I know I can trust you for opening and all that, but I can find someone else if you want." "No. No, I really do like it here. Gets me up in the morning and on with my day. And I really like the regulars. I won't do this forever, of course, but you still got me for quite awhile." She smiled at him and tilted her head. Then she turned it around. "Door, John. Get yourself organized and come on out when your ready." "Okay," John followed her to the door leading to behind the counter. "By the way, where's your car?" "One of the reasons why I was late. I'll tell you about it when you're organized." She said as she headed over to help the next customer. Alex busied herself, getting new coffee for the people in the shop and helping the walk-ins. She looked at the clock as John walked back, putting on an apron and getting ready to take over for the next shift. Nine-fifteen. Alex smiled as she felt her happiness bubble up inside of her again. Alex saw John looking at her quizzically. "So, my car's at home." "Is it broken down?" He interrupted, "Do you need help towing it somewhere?" "Ah. No. It was working fine last night. But, I wasn't home last night, and I didn't get a chance to get home and drive here." Alex looked at John's raised eyebrow. "You weren't home last night? And just where were you?" He asked with a somewhat protective tone in his voice. Alex laughed. "If I tell you that, you are just going to call Louise and gossip as soon as you have a break." "Of course, and you are going to tell me anyway." John said sternly, but with a twinkle in his eye. "I already have three brothers, John." Alex laughed, making drinks while he took orders. "And do any of them know why you were 'running late'?" He asked. "No, and they won't find out for awhile yet, thank you very much." Alex replied. She glanced at the clock. Nine-twenty-five. "I'm good here. If you want to take off?" John said. "Of course, before I let you go, I will find out why you were late!" His eyes glinted merrily. Alex sighed. It was obvious he had figured out that it was a guy at any rate. "Well, my ride isn't here yet, so I have a few minutes, but I am going to clean up a little." Alex said. She stuck her tongue out at John when he chuckled. "Wanting to be clean for someone in particular?" John laughed when she ignored him and went to the restroom. Alex took a few minutes, pulled her hair together a little more and washed her face and hands. It was inevitable that she was going to smell like coffee, but at least most people liked that. She walked out of the bathroom. Nine-thirty. Still no Mark. Ah well, he probably was held up. She wandered over to where her two favorite customers, Ralph and Marco, were arguing over something at a chess table. She sat down and listened to them as they argued, and told them she was staying out of it when they both tried to get her to side with one of them. John glared at her in humor and crooked his finger at her. She flipped her hair and ignored him, hearing him laugh. She talked with Ralph and Marco for another few minutes when she heard the door open. She glanced up to see Mark striding through. Her smile lightened up and he grinned at her. She jumped up, saying goodbye to Ralph and Marco, who barely heard her as they started arguing again. She made her away around the tables to Mark, ignoring the "Hey, Alex!" From John. Mark's eyes twinkled at her as she got close to him. She felt someone behind her and stepped to the side just before she got to Mark. Mark glanced from her to behind her. He looked quizzical for a moment. "You must be the reason Alex was late," John said as he glanced from Alex to Mark. "Wait, Mark?" John asked incredulously. "John?" Mark said laughing. The grabbed each other in a hug. They stepped back. "What are you doing on this side of the country?" John asked "I'm teaching history at the university. What about you? I thought you were going to work on wall street after college." "Oh I did, but only for a year or so. I met Louise, my wife, while she was in college at NYU. She wanted to move back here, and I couldn't say no. So, I came here instead. I had already made okay money, so I decided I wanted to open a coffee shop, rather than get bogged down in the financial world. My god, how are you?" John said. Alex flicked her eyes back and forth between them, letting them catch up. They would eventually remember her, she thought with a smile. "I'm good. I've been here for almost four years. I can't believe we haven't run into each other yet. How long have you been in this area?" Mark asked "Oh, almost seven years now I think." John replied. Mark glanced from John and met Alex's eyes. He smiled, "I knew John in college. We were pretty good friends, but lost touch afterwards." "So you're the reason Alex was late today!" John said again, with a laugh. Alex blushed and pushed John in the side. "Hey! I thought I recognized something about you! You're in the photo!" Alex said. Mark looked at her quizzically and she looked at John. "The photo you have of you and your friends at graduation." "That's right! I have a photo with you, Joey, Matt and I at graduation." John said grinning. "Wow. That was almost ten years ago. Can you believe it?" Mark said. "What I really can't believe is that you're here, and you're here with Alex! How did that happen?" John asked. Alex glanced at the counter behind them. "Hey John, customers." Alex said. "I'll call you and Louise later tonight and tell you all about it. You have to get back to work." Alex turned John around and started pushing him towards the counter. "Yeah, yeah. I got it. If you don't call, I'll call you at midnight and make you tell me everything." John said. Alex raised her voice to be heard across the room, "You call me at midnight John, your house better be on fire!" Mark laughed and turned towards the door. "I'll see you soon, mate. We'll have to get caught up." John waved and Alex and Mark made their way outside. "I can't believe you know John! This is an incredibly small world." Alex said, as they got settled in Mark's car. "How did you meet John?" "Oh, I knew Louise first. She grew up near us in Shelton. We were pretty good friends, and when she moved back to Washington after college, I was already in the city." Alex said. "This is a small world." Mark interrupted himself with a yawn. "What time do you got to be back at campus?" Alex asked. "Not until two. I finished grading this morning, thanks to the latte. Oh, and sorry I was late. I had a few students stay after class and ask some questions." Mark said. "Oh, that's okay. I figured it was something like that. But I'm glad you showed up when you did, John was hounding me about why I was late." "He wasn't mad at you, was he?" Mark asked worriedly. "No, he just wanted gossip." Alex laughed. "He and Louise have been trying to set me up for ages. He figured out I was late because of a guy and he wanted details." Mark laughed. "What is it about married people always trying to find a date for single people. It's like they are saying, here I am so happy and I pity you so much, you can't find anyone for yourself." Alex giggled. "You are obviously not as cool as we are. You are a you, and not a we!" Mark laughed and then interrupted himself with another yawn. "Since you don't have to be back at campus, want to take a nap?" Alex asked. "I was hoping you'd say that." Mark said. "It's the least I can do for making you get up so early." "I told you, it was no problem." He glanced at her and put his hand on her thigh. "You want to take a nap with me?" He asked. "Yes! I was kept up way past my bedtime last night. I think a nap would be good before I have to deal with fifteen children this afternoon!" Alex intertwined her fingers in his on her thigh. "What time is your kid's class?" He asked. "Four. It goes until five-thirty and then the adult class starts at six." She replied. "Where's your, what do you call it, dojo?" "Yeah, my dojo is an old building up on 40th street. It was a church, a community center, a dance hall, and now, it is my dojo." She answered. "Neat. How late do you teach?" He asked. "Well the class ends about seven-thirty, but we usually talk until eight or so. I'm usually home by about eight thirty or nine." Alex said, yawning at the end of her sentence. "You're tired, too." Mark chuckled. "Those are long days. Up to start work at five and then teaching until nine." "Yeah, but the middle of my day is pretty free. And I don't teach class on Wednesdays." Alex said as they pulled in front of her house. She got out of the car, stepping into Mark's arms. "Nap time?" She asked as they made their way inside. "Absolutely. I'm going to use your restroom for a minute." Mark said as they shucked their shoes in her hall closet. "Remember where it is?" At his nod, she wandered into the kitchen. I'm going to check my messages, and then I'll meet you in the bedroom?" "I wish I weren't too tired to do something other than nap in the bedroom!" Mark raised his voice to be heard as he wandered down the hall. Alex laughed and made her way into the kitchen. She threw her wallet into the drawer on the breakfast bar and hit the message button on her answering machine. She deleted the soliciting messages. As she listened to the rest, she got out some cheese and an apple and started cutting up both into bite-sized pieces. She listened to her brother Nate complaining about Matt, and a message from Matt, complaining about Nate. She laughed as they both asked her to call the other and talk sense into him. The last message was from her neighbor, Shelly. They were both on the neighborhood watch and Shelly said there was a dark green truck that had been seen roaming the street repeatedly, and occasionally revving it's engine past this section of street. Alex made a mental note to keep a look out, and then took the plate of apple and cheese to the bedroom. Mark was sitting on the edge of her bed, taking off his socks. He glanced up and his eyes lit up to see the snacks. "I hope you are sharing. I just realized I'm hungry!" "Absolutely." Alex said as she sat on the bed, and then scooted farther in, to sit cross-legged with the plate in between her and Mark. She grabbed an apple piece and popped it into her mouth. "I'm always hungry when I get off work. And I try not to eat the pastries, so I have many apples and cheese for when I get home." She said after she finished her piece. They made short work of the snack plate. Mark grabbed Alex from behind after she put the plate on the dresser next to the bed, pulling her close. Alex laughed and wiggled away from him. At his sound of disappointment she sat up and turned to him. "I'll sleep better if I change. I'll be right back." "Then I'm going to get comfortable too." Mark said. "You better!" Alex found a tank top and shorts in her closet. She slipped out of her clothes and into the pajamas. She came back into the room and saw Mark with his clothes nicely piled next to the bed, and him under the blankets. She smiled. "I could get used to that sight." "I agree," Mark replied, looking Alex up and down. Alex felt herself blush. She climbed into bed and Mark pulled her close again. They lay with Mark behind her, his arms wrapped around her. "I set my alarm for twelve-thirty, just in case." Mark rumbled in her ear. "Good," Alex said sleepily. Within moments they were asleep in each other's arms. ***************** Alex struggled to stay in her dream. She was being caressed at her hips, stomach and breast, and light kisses were raining down her neck. Her world was dark, but so pleasantly focused on the feel of callused fingertips circling her nipple slowly, and sweet nothings whispered in her ear. She fully awoke when she felt something hard and insistent jumping the small of her back. She sighed and wiggled harder into Mark, smiling at his groan. Alex slipped her hand behind her and grasped his thigh, pulling him against her. "Awake, Alexandria?" Mark's voice was deeper than usual with the gruffness of sleep and she shuddered against him. She nodded, and then gasped as his callused finger flicked her nipple lightly. He chuckled in her ear as he rolled her nipple between his fingers and groaned when she ground her hips back into his. "Mmmmm. I couldn't resist such a temptation, darlin'." He said, sliding his hand from her stomach to her behind and squeezing gently. "You feel so good nestled up against me." Alex moaned softly, pressing her hips back. She arched when he slid his hand around her, his fingers slowly finding her clit and drawing lazy circles. "Mark, please." She whimpered as his fingers circled faster. Her hands dug into the muscle at his thigh and she started pressing her hips back faster against him, squirming as his fingers brought her closer and closer. "Please what, honey?" He said, slowing his fingers at her cleft, pumping his hips against her bucking hips and rolling her nipple in his hand. "Oh god, oh god, oh Mark!" She moaned, arching her breasts into his hands and bring her hand to clasp his wrist. "Please!" She squirmed against his fingers. He chuckled in her ear and circled her clit faster again, pinching her nipple gently. Alex felt every brush of his fingers over her clit send her higher. She felt lightning all around her,. "I'm so close, oh god, I'm so close!" She whispered. Then she shattered around his fingers, bucking her hips and yelling out. She felt Mark move behind her. Her orgasm was receding when she felt him slide into her from behind. She was still for a second as he hit home and then shattered around him again. She felt him holding her to him with his arms as she shuddered, milking his hard cock into her deeper. She heard him moan. "Oh god, darlin', you feel so good." He said as her shudders slowed. He started pumping slowly and she could feel him slide out, and the feeling of fullness as he slid in again. "Oh god, Mark. I'm so full, you feel so good." She whispered. She felt his mouth at her neck. She felt his hand brush her hair out of the way as he kissed and nibbled. His hand slid slowly down her shoulder, her waist, settling at her hip. He held her to him as he pumped faster. Her moans were answered by his groans. "You're so beautiful, you feel so good," His whispered as he moved his mouth over her neck and shoulder. "I could taste you all day, and never get enough." "Oh god, Mark." She moaned. His voice was low and sexy, a moan behind his words. It sent shivers down her back. "Your hands feel so good, you fill me so well." He growled into her neck and pumped quicker. She met his thrusts with her own. She felt him grow bigger inside of her and knew he was close. She thrust back harder as he moved faster. Alex moaned, feeling her orgasm approaching. He growled into her neck again and she felt his hands tighten over her hips. "Oh god, Alex, I'm so close." "Please, honey." She whispered. He slammed into her one more time, his hands pulling her to him and she shattered around him as he came with a roar. "Ohhhhhh, god, Mark." She panted as her hips rolled against his. Mark loosened his grip at her hips, but wrapped her in his arms, holding her close. She wrapped her arms over his and luxuriated in the feel of him around her. They stayed silent for a moment and then he loosened his arms and kissed her neck. "I'll be right back, honey." He said. She felt him slip from her and she turned to watch him as he walked out her bedroom door. She heard the bathroom door close and she raised herself onto her elbow, her head in her hand. She slipped the sheet back up to keep the chill out and waited, her dark hair a bit wild, swirling around her face. Alex heard the toilet flush and the sound of her sink before Mark came walking back in. She watched appreciatively as his lazy graceful walk brought him back to the bed. Alex jumped when his phone alarm went off. Mark chuckled. "It's twelve-thirty." He said as he sat on her bed, tracing a finger down her sheet clad side as he reached for his phone to turn it off. "I could get used to waking up that way." She said, running her hand down his arm. "Hmmm. Me too." Mark replied. "You're beautiful." He said, his dark eyes glinting at her. "Thank you." Alex said as she slipped to her knees next to him. She kissed his nose. "And you're handsome." Alex fingered the hair at his temples. "And sexy." She said as she kissed him quickly and then stood in front of him. "And I'm hungry." Mark laughed. "Me too. Do you want to grab lunch? I've got an hour or so before I have to be at work again." "I have makings of a salad and some left over chicken." She said. "It might be enough for the two of us." "Sounds good." He laughed lowly when she slipped on her panties and bra. "You don't have to wear more than that on my account." "I wasn't planning on it, honey." Alex replied, wrinkling her nose at him and slipping out of the bedroom door. "That's my girl," she heard as she walked down the hall. She was getting out the makings for salad as he came out from her hallway in his khakis. She winked at him as she admired his bare chest. Then she pointed at him with a knife and then pointed at the lettuce. He came to stand next to her, him cutting up the lettuce, chicken, peppers. She brought out plates, forks, and a few dressings. As he finished cutting she organized the salad on their plates, adding some radishes and red onion to the salads, and cutting up some an apple and some cheese as well. The Masquerade Ch. 06 This is, obviously, a continuation of The Masquerade story. If you haven't, please read the previous chapters to get to know the characters. This one is not a stroke story, sorry if you were looking for that. This story is not as near it's end as I thought it would be, and I hope you are liking the story as much as I like writing it. Have fun and enjoy. Eskimo_Kiss xxoo ************************** As the man neared his walk become almost predatory. Alex couldn't see his eyes, but knew them to be hazel. Her unwanted suitor from the Masquerade. She cursed under her breath and started walking like she was going back to her car. She saw him speed forward and he grabbed her arm. Alex grabbed his wrist, turned into him, bring his arm over her shoulder and pulling down, his elbow locked over her shoulder. She spun quickly and pushed him away from her, her hand under his arm. He stumbled from her for only a step before getting his balance again. He rubbed his elbow, glaring at her. "What the hell do you want." Alex growled out, walking backwards towards the doors, and standing under the lights. The lights also happened to be near the security camera. The green man - green Masquerade outfit, green truck - stalked after her. "You. Obviously." The man said the words with a growl. "Why the hell did you dump me for that loser." "Are you serious?" Alex asked incredulously. Why the hell would he care that much? There had been plenty of women at the Masquerade. "How did you find me?" "I saw you running yesterday morning. I just knew it was you." The man looked smug, like it was such a great thing for him to figure out who she was without the mask. Creepy bastard. "And you followed me? Did I not make myself clear at the Masquerade. I avoided you all night long!" Alex threw her hands up in the air. She took a step back as he took a step closer. "Don't you dare touch me." "You weren't avoiding me, you were just playing hard to get." The man looked down his nose at Alex. Alex's irish temper, which she rarely let out, was starting to perk. "Excuse me?! I'm sorry, but you and I don't mesh and you need to get that through your thick skull right now!" Alex felt her face start to flush. She could feel the adrenalin coursing through her body. Alex's usual choice between fight or flight was fight. She would not flee, especially from a thrice damned petrified piece of dinosaur dung. "You don't even know me. Of course we'll mesh." The man stepped forward quickly, grabbing her hands and trying to kiss her. Alex brought her arms up hard and quickly into an X in front of her body, breaking his grip, then sliding her hand between his arms she put her hands on his solar plexus and PUSHED. He stumbled backwards a few feet. "What the HELL is going on here?" A man in a red shirt and black pants with a store ID badge came out of the doors. He looked at Alex and asked, "Are you alright, miss?" "Yes, but getting very angry. He's grabbed me a couple of times and tried to kiss me. I don't even know who the hell he is!" Alex said. The man in green started coming towards them both, his eyes lit with rage and his face set in a stony mask. Alex took a step back, almost at the same time as the manager. The manager then pointed up at the security camera. "I've already called the police. This is all on camera." The man stopped and glowered at them both. "This isn't over, sweetheart." He said, his eyes dark. "It better be, creepy bastard. If I see your truck anywhere near my neighborhood, I'll call the police again." The man looked at her and smiled darkly before turning and striding purposely for his truck. Alex watched him go get in his truck. The manager put his hand on her shoulder and was talking to her. She didn't hear him. She watched the green truck until it was out of sight. She looked up at the manager, smiled weakly, and then sat quickly on the ground. The manager knelt at her side, looking more relieved that she was acting like he thought she should. "I'm sorry, sir, I have no idea what you were saying." "It's okay, miss. Here, I'll help you up and we can go into the store. I'll take you to the office and we can wait for the police." The man stood and held out a hand, she took it and pulled herself to her feet. Her arms were shaking. She had only ever been in one true fight, and that was five years ago. Come to think of it, she was this shaky afterwards then too. "You actually called the police?" Alex asked in a small voice as they walked into the doors. She saw the cashier, who looked at her with her eyebrows raised. Alex smiled weakly and the girl gave her a thumbs up. "Of course. I saw when he grabbed you when you were walking. I didn't know you didn't know him, but anyone who looks like him and grabs a woman the way he did deserves the police being called on him." Alex looked up at him, finally taking in his looks. He was middle age, slightly balding and a small belly hanging over his belt. He had glasses. He looked a bit like he was a prudish, anal manager. But, so far, he had been nice. He had kept ahold of her arm, like he was supporting her. She gently loosed herself from his grip. He looked over at her and she smiled weakly at him. "Thank you. I saw he was following me. His truck has been seen around my neighborhood lately too. I think I have a stalker." Alex was ushered into the manager's office and she took a seat. "That's awful miss. Well, the police should be here any minute. I assume you want to give a report?" He said, pushing papers around his desk and then sitting on the other side. "Absolutely. What if he were to do that to someone who couldn't protect herself?" The manager nodded at her then got up and patted her on her shoulder as he walked past. "You can sit right there and recover. I'll go wait at the entrance for the police and bring them back when they get here." The man, whose name she read as Bob, walked out of the door. Alex sat against the back of the slightly uncomfortable chair. She closed her eyes and shook herself a little bit. She knew she could protect herself. Knowing she could protect herself and having to do it were two different things. Alex felt the adrenalin start to slow down. She took herself through some breathing techniques, feeling herself calm. She startled when she heard her cell phone in her pocket go off. She scrambled for the phone and answered it without looking. "H-hello?" She asked breathily. "Alexandria?" Mark's smooth tone asked. Alex felt his voice wrap around her and comfort her a little more. "Oh, Mark. I'm so glad you called." She said, her mind starting to calm. "It is nine, honey." He said. "Already? Listen Mark. Something's come up and I'm going to busy for awhile. I really want to talk to you later, but it would take too long to explain now. Can I call you in an hour or so?" Alex talked quickly, almost without breath. "Of course. Are you okay?" He asked, his voice slightly worried at her tone. "I am now. And don't worry about me, I really am okay. It's been an eventful night. I'll call you in a bit, okay?" Alex said, breathing this time, but still talking much faster than usual. "Okay. But call me tonight honey. You don't sound quite like yourself. If you need anything, you just ask." Mark said. "Thanks. I'll call tonight. But I've got to go." "Okay. Talk to you later." "Talk to you later." Alex replied, hanging up the phone. She looked out the door the manager had left open and as she didn't see anyone walking towards the office she dialed Brian's number. "Hello?" Brian answered. "Brian? Oh god Brian, I have news. Don't freak out though, I'm okay." Alex said. "What happened? What do you mean don't freak out?" Brian asked, his voice immediately getting worried. "I was - well, I guess stalked today, and he tried to grab me and a bit more." Alex shook slightly, not quite able to suppress the pictures in her mind of the incidence. "Oh my god, Alex, where are you, I'm coming right now!" Brian asked. She could here him call Chris. "I'm okay, Brian really! I'm at the grocery store on 40th. I'm okay. The police are coming for a statement and report. But, can you and Chris spend the night? I don't really want to be alone." Alex said. She heard Brian tell Chris it was me and he'd tell him in a minute. "Of course sweetie. We'll head to the grocery store, if you leave before we get there, give us a call and we'll meet you at the house." She could hear Chris yelling something about pants in the background and she giggled. "Well, at least you're laughing. We'll be there soon honey." Brain said, hanging up. Alex put her cell phone away and started the breathing exercises again. A few minutes later she heard voices approaching the door. She stood quickly, turning to see the manager, Bob, and two police officers. The first officer was an older woman with lines around her face and mouth, her eyebrows pinched and her grey streaked brown hair pulled severely back. The second officer was a baby faced young man, with broad shoulders, brown eyes and a dark blond crew cut. The manager followed them into his office. "Here is the young woman. I'll get those security tapes for you." He looked at the police somewhat nervously and walked back out of the office. The older police officer looked at the younger and nodded her head at the manager. He nodded and turned and walked back out. "I'm Officer Rold, and you are, miss?" Her voice was stern, but held an almost musical quality to it. "I'm Alex. Alexandria Oliver." Alex shook the officer's hand. "Do you have ID, Alex?" The officer asked, getting out her notepad. "Oh! I do, but it is in my car. Should I go get it?" Alex asked, starting to take a step to the door. "Not yet, I'll walk out with you later and get it. Why don't you have a seat and take me through what happened." The officer settled her feet wider and looked at Alex expectantly. Alex looked at the uncomfortable chair and back at the officer and said in a small voice. "Do you mind if I stand, it's not exactly comfortable. It has lumps." She saw a small smile on the officer's lips before the officer responded. "That's fine, miss. Take me through what happened." Alex told her everything that happened, from the moment in the parking lot, and explaining she had looked at the license plate, as there was a green truck that had been cruising around their neighborhood the last few days. "So, you did know him, then? The manager said you didn't." The officer asked, her eyes narrowed a bit. "I don't know him. I went to the Masquerade near campus this weekend. And he had talked to me for a few minutes, but I moved away and avoided him the rest of the night. He was not my type. I met someone else. He brought that up, saying I had 'dumped him for a loser'." Alex's eyes narrowed slightly in anger. "I'm sorry, I don't actually know his name. Just the license plate on that truck." "Well, we'll get his likeness from the security tapes. So you protected yourself?" "Yes, ma'am. I'm a karate instructor. When he grabbed me, I took his arm over my shoulder and then pushed him away the first time. The second time I broke his grip and pushed him away again." Alex looked up at the officer and shifted her weight foot to foot somewhat nervously. "Okay. The security tapes will show him grabbing you first?" The officer asked. "Yes ma'am. I'm pretty sure the manager saw everything also. But I was keeping my eyes on the man. You never know how much training a person has and I wanted to make sure he didn't hurt me." Alex felt her energy start to wane. "I'm sorry ma'am, I think I had better sit for minute." "That's fine. Just a few more questions." The officer said. The officer had her go through more details, and Alex remembered the sound of the revving truck engine when she was getting inside her home and brought that up, also saying that it may not have been him as she wasn't paying attention to the truck at the time. After a few more minutes, the manager and the younger officer came back in, the younger officer with a CD in hand. He looked at Alex and smiled at her. She tentatively smiled back. The officers conferenced for a moment under their breath. Then Officer Rold returned her gaze to Alex. "Ms. Oliver, it looks like the security tapes show what happened, all of it. Are you pressing charges? I will tell you, the manager already said that since it is on their security cameras they will be pressing charges." Alex thought for a moment. "I'm really not sure, I think so, but can I think about it?" Alex asked. "Yes, but it should be within the next few days." The officer replied. "Let's go get your ID and then you can be on your way." "Thank you." Alex replied. As they walked out of the office, the younger officer stepped in line with her. "Are you going to need help getting home, miss?" He asked. Officer Rold looked over her shoulder at him with a raised brow and he shrugged back at her. "I think I'll be okay. I've called my best friend, and he's on his way. He'll either meet me here, or meet me at home." Alex said, with a small smile. "Alright then." They continued walking in silence. When they got to the car, Alex pulled her wallet out of the glove compartment and handed the license to Officer Rold. As Officer Rold wrote the number down, a car pulled behind Alex's and stopped. The younger officer looked at the car, his hand on his nightstick. A tall man, at least six-four, unfolded out of the car. He had red curly hair that didn't seem able to be tamed, even though it was short. He had a trimmed red goatee, and you could see a tribal tattoo peaking out under his t-shirt. Alex rushed into Brian's arms. He shut the door and Chris drove away. He held her for a moment, then let her go, kissing the top of her head. "I'm here, sweetie." "Thank goodness. Where's Chris going?" She asked as they walked back over to the officers. "He's headed to your house. He'll have the lights and tea on by the time we get home." Alex smiled a brilliant smile at Brian before getting her license back from Officer Rold. "We'll call you if we need anything else, Ms. Oliver." Officer Rold said. "As I said, the manager says the store will probably press charges. If it does, then we'll probably need you to come in once or twice. And if you decide to press charges, let us know." Officer Rold shook Alex's hand firmly and then started striding away. Brian got into Alex's driver seat, pushing the seat back so he would fit. The younger officer, Officer Brown on his badge, opened Alex's door for her. "Remember, if you need anything, you just give us," the officer paused, "the police, a call." He smiled at her as Alex got in her seat. He shut her door for her and walked off after his partner. "Cute." Brian said. "Shut up." Alex replied. "So what happened?" Brian asked as he pulled out of the parking lot. "Oh god, can you wait until both you and Chris are in the same room? I don't want to go over it so many times." Alex thought a moment, "Hey Bri, I'm gonna call John and ask him for the morning off. I'm guessing I'm not going to get to sleep any time soon." "Go ahead, I'll get us home." Brian said, squeezing her thigh comfortingly. Alex called John, her head leaned against the head rest. "About time you called. I need details girl!" Louise's voice answered. "Oh god, Louise, I completely forgot. Listen, I'll tell you everything, I promise, but not tonight. Can I talk to John?" Alex said. "What do you mean you'll tell me later?" Louise said. "I need gossip!" "Louise, really not now. I had the worst night in almost ever. Please, let me talk to John." Alex said, her voice weak. "Alex, are you alright? You're okay, aren't you?" Louise asked. "I'm okay. But I need to talk to John." Alex said wearily. "Okay, but I'll need details tomorrow, honey. If you need anything you call anytime, you got that?" Louise's voice went to mother voice. "Okay." Alex replied "Alex?" John asked. "Hey John. I'm really sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to go into work in the morning." Alex started. "What's wrong? You okay? You worried Louise." He said. "Tell her I'm sorry. Listen, I'm fine, I'm not hurt or anything, but," Alex paused, trying to find the words. "Well, I guess I have a stalker, and he kind of assaulted me." "What?!" John yelled. "I'm fine! I'm fine, John!" Alex interrupted him. "I'll give you details later. I'm not hurt, I'm a little shaky, but everything is fine. It happened at the grocery store. I'll stop by work tomorrow sometime, but I just don't think I'm gonna get a whole lot of sleep." "That's fine. Seriously, don't worry about it. I want every little detail about everything, you hear me, Alex?" John said. "And don't think this gets you out of telling me about Mark, but that can wait." Alex groaned, and heard John chuckle a little. "You're a rat bastard sometimes John." "Nope, I'm a prince." He paused. "You sure you're okay, kid?" "When are you going to stop calling me kid?" She asked. "You're okay." He said. "And probably never. Seriously, don't worry about coming in if you don't want to. Just give me and Louise a call. You need anything?" "Nah, Brian's driving me home and Chris already headed to the house. They're staying with me tonight." Alex said, flashing a small smile at Brian. "Good, you tell them to spoil you rotten and take care of you." John said. Alex smiled, "Yes, boss." "That's right!" John said. "Night Alex, I'll talk to you tomorrow." "Night John. Thanks." Alex said, hanging up. She looked at the clock and cursed. It was after ten. She looked up as Brian pulled into her small driveway. She looked up and down the street. She recognized all the cars. "Come on, sweetie. Let's get you into comfy clothes, some tea into you and cuddle on the couch." Brian said as they walked to the house, his arm slung around her shoulders. "I need a shower first Bri. And I should make a phone call." She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment before opening her door. They entered the house and Alex saw every light in the house was on and she heard the teapot whistling. Chris poked his blond head into the hallway. "Good, you're home. I've checked every nook and cranny and there isn't even a dust bunny hiding anywhere. The water's hot. Peppermint or chamomile?" Alex rushed to Chris and kissed his cheek. He was barely taller than her, stocky and fit, with a matching tattoo to Brian's around his right bicep. "You're a godsend, and chamomile please." Chris patted Alex's cheek and went about her kitchen like it was his own. Considering how often they were over, it really was like his own. "I've got to make a phone call, I might be a little bit, okay?" Alex said, as she starting walking towards her bedroom. "Hey," Brian said, "We need details before we explode!" "Don't explode in the next twenty minutes." Alex said over her shoulder. She looked into her room, checked her walk in closet and then sat on the bed with an explosive sigh. She stared into space for a moment, then shook herself. She found Mark's number and called it. "Alexandria?" Mark's voice asked, the worry still there. Alex fell back into the bed. "Hi, Mark. I'm so sorry it took so long." "You okay? You want to talk about it?" Mark asked. "God. I'm not sure I do. I'm not sure I don't." Alex said, her mind whirling with memories again. "You're okay, right?" He asked, the worry still present. "Yeah, just a little shaken up. Listen, I do want to tell you, but it's a lot for someone you just met a couple days ago. I don't want to put all this on you." She said. "That bad?" He asked. "Well, how about this. You tell me, and if it's too much, I'll let you know." The Masquerade Ch. 07 I'm sorry, I know it's been a long time. What can I say, life gets in the way sometimes. But here is the next installment and I hope you find it worth the wait and read! As always, comments and voting are encouraged. Enjoy! ~Eskimo_Kiss xxoo *************** Chapter 7 Alex ended her adult class a few minutes early and the after class catching up was kept to a minimum. She was home by eight and walked into her closet to lay the clothes she had picked out for the evening on the bed. Alex started the shower, and while she let it warm up she went out to her DVDs and picked out a couple of her favorites. "Forbidden Kingdom", because how can you not love Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and as a karate person, she loved kung-fu, martial arts movies. She also picked up her favorite 'chick flick', Sabrina, the old one with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Then she quickly shucked her clothes and slipped into the hot water. The water cascaded down her body and she dipped her head back, letting her hair soak and feeling the weight of it pull her head back more. Dry, her dark hair almost came to her waist. Wet, it hit the small of her back, usually tickling her when she was naked. She quickly washed it, pulling her hands through the strands, fingering out knots as she rinsed. She squeezed a 'tahitian blend' body scrub onto a sponge and then slid it over her shoulders, and sides. She could feel the slightly rough surface skip over her skin, and she shivered, remembering Mark's callused fingertips on her skin. She would have to ask him about the calluses. She couldn't think of what a teacher would be doing to get calluses on his fingers. Alex rinsed the soap from her body and stepped out of the shower, the cooler air making her nipples pearl. She wrapped her hair in a towel and dried off with another. She quickly went into the bedroom and slipped into her matching black lace panty and bra set that nicely showed off her womanly curves. She dressed in her nicest pair of jeans, that hugged her hips and thighs. Then she put on a black lacy low cut top that nicely showed off her décolletage. She finished, putting on a celtic knot necklace and Native American jade earrings. Alex looked at the clock, eight fifteen, and she let her hair fall free, hoping it would be somewhat dry by the time she got to Mark's. She called Mark to let him know she was leaving as she made her way to the door, grabbing her movies on the way. Alex drove as quickly as possible, slowing down in the areas she knew there were speed traps. The thirty minute drive seemed to take for ever. She shook her head at herself. She had just seen him this morning, but it still seemed like a long time ago. She had never quite felt like this with anyone else. When she was with him, she was happy, carefree, felt sexy and desired. Their silences were as comfortable as their conversation. She had only known him a few days now, but it felt like they had known each other for ages. When she wasn't with him, she was thinking about him, and even that made her happy. Alex shook her head again. She was certainly smitten. She heard a bark as she pulled up to Mark's house, and got out to be greeted enthusiastically by Ciara. She squatted down and petted the newfie, rubbing her ears. "You keep that up and you have a friend for life," Mark said, laughter in his voice. She looked up to see him, the security light on his front porch shining down on his head, making his dark hair glow and casting his features sharper in the contrasted light. Alex continued petting Ciara as she watched Mark make his slow graceful walk down his steps and towards her. Ciara back away from Alex and rubbed against Mark's legs. He petted her head, a bit absent-mindedly as he took the last few steps to Alex, as she stood back up. Mark's eyes slid down her body, and even in the darkness, she could see his eyes darken. In the evening light, his eyes dark and his features sharpened, he looked dangerous, and sexy enough to weaken her knees. Mark's eyes slid back to hers and holding her gaze he stepped closer to her, wrapping his arms around her. They stood that way for a moment, arms around each other and looking into each other's eyes. Mark raised a brow and Alex smiled. "Hi!" Alex said. "Hi, back, darlin'. You look beautiful." He replied, his voice deep and a little gruff. "Thank you. You're not looking so bad yourself." Alex smiled and she raised onto her tip-toes, kissing Mark's chin. He chuckled, before leaning down to capture her mouth with his. Alex pushed her body into his, as his lips and tongue played over hers. She felt his hands tighten around her back, before he brought one to her hair, moving her head to bring her mouth more fully into his. As they kissed, Alex felt Ciara start to push her head against her legs, circling them both, before pushing her head between them. Alex laughed as Mark made a sound of irritation, and she petted Ciara's head. "Now that we've had a proper 'hello', maybe it's time to go inside?" Alex asked. "Are you hungry?" Mark asked as they walked up his stairs, Ciara bounding in front of them. "I thought you might not have had time to eat before or after class." "I am. I hope you didn't wait for me though!" Alex exclaimed as they shucked their shoes into his entry way closet. "Oh I had a snack, but here, come on." Mark grabbed Alex's hand and wound through his living room to his dining room. The table had been set, there was a rose in a small vase and two candles lit. Mark pulled out a chair, and Alex sat in the comfortably cushioned dark chair. "This is beautiful. You really didn't have to go to all this trouble though." She looked up at him, and he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. "I wanted to. Wait here, I'll be right back." He said as he disappeared into the kitchen. She felt happiness bubble up inside. She was dating someone who wanted to do things for her. And apparently did it well, according to the aromas coming from the kitchen. She waited, petting Ciara's head, with Ciara under the rest of the table. Mark came out, carrying two plates. Steak, potatoes, broccoli, and a little bit of pasta. He set the plate down in front of her, "Go lay down, Ciara. No begging." Mark pointed with his hand. Ciara gave a little huff, looked up at he with puppy dog eyes, before making her way out of the dining room. He shook his head with a smile. "This looks wonderful." Alex said as he sat down across from her. "Thank you." He said. "Go ahead, you must be starving." They dug into their food, Alex with a groan of approval at the peppered steak. She told him about her kids class, laughing as she told him about one little boy who always went the wrong way when told to go left or right. She told him about how eager they were to learn, and how proud their parents were, especially the parents that stayed to watch. Mark told her about teaching college. How some of the classes were tough to get through as students were there because they had to be, and how the higher level classes were so much more fun because the students were actually interested in what they were learning. Alex told him about her brothers and growing up on a farm. He told her about his sister and growing up in New England. He told her about his niece and how his sister was always trying to get him to move back to the area. He told her about finding his home, the five acres that let him have privacy, something he never had in New England and how he didn't think he could ever go back to that. "So," Alex started after a lull in conversation. They had finished their meal, and sat finishing their wine. "How does a history teacher get calluses on his fingers?" She asked, her eyes dancing merrily. Mark chuckled, his deep bass gliding over the sound. "Do you want me to show you?" She tilted her head at him, studying for a moment, and smiled. "Yes." He stood up, setting his wine glass down, he held out his hand and waited. She slipped to her feet, walked around the table and slid her hand in his. Even the feel of his hand intertwined with hers sent shivers down her back. He led her to the back door of the kitchen, slipping on slippers. She looked out the door and then laughed. "I'll go grab my shoes." She ran to the entry closet and found her shoes, carrying them back to the kitchen, Ciara following her as Alex passed her dog bed. When she returned to Mark's side, she donned her shoes as he petted Ciara. Then he took her hand, again intertwining his long fingers with hers and led her outside. Ciara bounded ahead of them and running around the backyard. Mark led her to a small barn-like structure that she had seen out his bedroom window before. It was impossible to tell in the moon-light, but she knew it to be red with white trim. "I have a workroom out here." Mark slid to the door to the side, letting go of her hand to open the heavy barn door. He leaned around the wall and flipped on the light switch. Then he gestured for her to enter. Alex walked into the barn, immediately seeing wood, lots of wood. There were cut boards, small logs, and even branches stacked along one wall. Along the other wall there was a peg board filled with all kinds of tools. "My grandfather was a carpenter. He had wanted my dad to do something that he didn't have to work with his hands, so my dad became a lawyer. But he learned from his dad how to work wood. He had made all the cabinets in the old house for my mother when they got married." Mark led her to the other end of the barn, to where there were a few finished pieces. He continued as he slid a hand over the back of glowing dark cherry finished rocking chair. "He taught me woodworking from the time I could toddle after him. I learned so much from him. He taught me how to look at a piece of wood and see the possibilities, and if it had a flaw in it, what possibilities there were either around the flaw or incorporating it." Alex saw the far away look in his eye, and let him talk. "When I was fifteen he brought me out to the shed and gave me a log. He told me to look at it and tell him what I saw. I told him I saw a log." Mark chuckled and looked up at Alex, who smiled, running her hand over a dark burnished table. "He shook his head at me and told me to look again. I told him a maple tree log." He chuckled again, taking Alex's hand and leading her to sit in the rocking chair. "He told me to stop being obtuse." He started the chair rocking as she let her hands glide over the smooth wood of the chair, impressed with the workmanship. "I was fifteen and I had no idea what he wanted. I told him so. He shook his head and told me to listen. He took the log out of my hands and ran his hands over the rivulets in the bark and the slightly rough edge of the cut. This isn't just a maple tree log, son. This could be the back of a violin, it could be the leg to a night stand, it could be a cabinet door." Mark smiled as he knelt in front of Alex. "He said the possibilities were only limited by my imagination and if all I could see was a maple log then the possibilities that he saw were going to end in nothing. He gave me the log and walked out." Mark laid his hands on her knees, squeezing gently. "What did you do?" Alex asked. "I rolled my eyes and went to my room. But, I brought the log with me. He didn't bring up the conversation again. It wasn't until I was in college that I finally figured out what he meant. One vacation I was at home and saw the old log. It was my sophomore year. I brought the log back with me." He slid his hands up the side of her legs, resting his hands on her hips. She played with the hair at one of his temples. "I looked at that damn log for a good six months before I found what I wanted. In my spare time, between classes, part time work and partying with my friends of course, I worked on that log, trimming it down, shaping it the way I wanted it." He grazed her sides as his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward in the chair, it rocking her toward him. Her hands glided over his shoulders and down to grasp his forearms. "It took a long time, and then, since I only had a few months until graduation when I finally finished it, I waited until graduation day." Mark was kneeling between her knees now, his hands caressing her her waist, running up and down her thighs slowly. "I wrapped it up and gave it to him afterwards." "When he opened it, he saw a carved book on a pedestal, it had the ancient style of binding and opened to a page in the middle. On one side, the Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken was etched into the page. On the other side a list was etched, of everything I had ever wanted to be." Alex stopped his hands from moving and leaned her forehead against his. "What did he say?" He gazed into her eyes, "All the possibilities I saw, came true." "You're incredibly sweet, you know that right?" She said, caressing his cheek with her hand. "What happened to the book?" "It's in the china cabinet in the dining room. After Dad died, I kept it. It helps me remember the lesson." Mark said, kissing the palm of her hand. "There are always so many possibilities." He twined a hand into the hair at the nape of her neck and brought her mouth to his. Alex moaned rocking forward in the chair to press her body harder against him. His tongue danced with hers as his other hand wrapped around her waist pulling her fulling against him. Alex felt the shivers in her spine from the moment he had slid his hands up to her waist in the rocking chair, now the shivers were pulls in her lower abdomen. He groaned against her mouth as she played with the hair at his nape, her other hand feeling the breadth of his shoulders. She couldn't get enough of the taste of his mouth on hers. She kissed him with all the new emotions running through her, kissed him with everything she had in her. She moaned when his hands slid under her shirt to wrap around her waist. The feel of his woodworking hands grazing her skin caused a shudder down her spine. He groaned against her mouth as her body responded to him. He lightened his kiss, kissing the side of her mouth, then raining his kisses down her neck. She whimpered when his kisses landed where her neck met her shoulder. She ran her hands down his shoulders and over his sides, feeling the breadth of his chest and the trim of his waist. He lifted her blouse up, and she let her hands leave his sides long enough to get the blouse over her head. His eyes glinted when he saw her breasts encased in her lacy bra. "God, your beautiful," she heard. Then her senses were overwhelmed as he kissed the tops of her breasts above the bra and his hands cupped them, his thumbs brushing over her nipples. She moaned, arching her back and holding onto his shoulders. "So responsive." He chuckled, then slid his tongue between bra and breast. She felt his tongue against the top of her nipple and shuddered in his arms. He chuckled again as she moaned. "You could make me come just by the way you respond, love." She looked down at him, her eyes a dark amber, her gaze a bit unfocused. "God, Mark," she whispered. He looked up at her, and slid his tongue under the bra and over her nipple again. She gripped his shoulders tighter. She felt him undo the front clasp of her bra. She let him slip it down her arms, staring into his eyes, until he let them fall. He cupped her heavy breasts in his hand, kissing slowly around one and then the other, never letting his mouth or thumb touch the sensitive nipple. "Please!" She whimpered, grasping his shoulders and pulling him toward her. He smiled up at her, "Please what, love?" He kissed the side of her breast, one hand cupping and the other wrapping around her waist. Alex couldn't speak, his mouth on her breast and the feel of him under her hands was getting to be too much. She was so aroused, her cleft damp, and her nipples pearling hard, needing to be kissed. "Pl...please." She stuttered out. "Please this?" He asked, as his kissed her other breast, still avoiding the nipple. He chuckled when she shook her head frantically. "Please this?" He asked, swiping his tongue over her nipple. She shivered in his arms and moaned, the feeling of his warm tongue gone too quickly. Then she felt his lips surround her nipple and she cried out when he sucked gently. His mouth on her breast sent the lightning straight to her dampening mound. He brought her tighter against him, her legs around him as he knelt before her. She arched her back, holding his shoulders to her as his mouth suckled first one breast and then the other. She felt his other hand slide around her waist, caressing her sides, the gentle swell of her tummy and then it fiddled with the button of her jeans. He let the rocking chair rock back once he had the button of her jeans undone. Alex moaned to feel the loss of his mouth, but helped him wiggle her out of her jeans and panties. He kissed her mouth again, and she slid her tongue against his, holding him tight to her. She unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off his shoulders and arms, looking at his broad muscular chest and strong arms. She slid her mouth to his neck, pulling him against her to feel his skin against hers. He moved his mouth to her neck, kissing her collarbone, kissing both breasts, sucking at the nipple for a moment before working his mouth over her stomach. She leaned back against the rocking chair, and felt him pull the rocking chair forward as his mouth slipped to her thigh. He kissed the top of each thigh, before letting his kisses fall on her mound. She felt his tongue slide between her folds and whimpered. He let his tongue slide along her slit, back and forth. Alex felt the lightning in her abdomen start to tighten into a ball. She cried out when his tongue found her clit. His talented tongue circled it slowly a few times before sliding between her folds again to taste her flowing juices. Alex shuddered under him as he brought her close and then back down, each time bringing her higher and higher. She finally closed her eyes, unable to focus on anything but the feel of his tongue, circling her clit, sliding into her and circling her clit again. She writhed against his mouth, the rocking chair moving back and forth in a small pendulum as Mark held her to his mouth. She thought she was as high as she could be without shattering, and then he slid a finger into her, his tongue finding her clit. He still circled it lazily, his finger slowly pushing in and out. She was moaning against the sensations that built inside her, sure she was going to explode when he finally let her orgasm. She whimpered, "Please, oh god, please Mark." He slid another finger into her, and she felt his fingers stretch her. The ball in her abdomen coalesced tighter. Then he found her clit again and sucked. Lightning flashed in her body as she shattered. She cried out as wave upon wave of pleasure crashed over her. She felt his mouth hold against her until her shuddering stopped as the waves slowed. She finally opened her eyes to see his dark dark eyes gazing up at her, a smile on his lips. He let the chair rock her back from him, "You're gorgeous when you do that, darlin'." "That," She started, breathless, "that was amazing." She watched as he kissed her tummy, between her breasts. She closed her eyes as he kissed her neck, the side of her jaw and the corner of her mouth. "You're amazing," she whispered into his lips as finally he kissed her. She sat up, bringing her body to his and kissed him, her taste mixed with his. She slid her mouth over his jaw, kissed along his collarbone. He shifted to his feet, pulling her up with him out of the rocking chair. He wrapped his arms around her, and she felt her skin against his as he kissed her deeply. She brought her hands to the front of his jeans and worked the button open and the zipper down. He shifted back from her a little, keeping his mouth dancing with hers as she helped him out of his clothes. Then he pulled her to him again, their legs entwining as he buried one hand in her hair and the other clasping her waist. She wrapped her arms around his back, reveling in his mouth pressed to hers. The Masquerade Ch. 07 He slowly shifted them, his mouth deepening the kiss as he moved them. She followed his lead, her tongue playing with his. His hands moved down to her waist, then her hips. She gasped when he lifted her, breaking the kiss for a moment. His eyes twinkled at her, as she sat atop the table she had admired earlier. He stood between her legs, and ran a hand over her hip and her leg to grasp behind her knee, pulling her leg around his waist. His mouth met hers again and she moaned against him when she felt his hardness against her cleft. She rolled her hips down, arching her back as he slid his hard cock over her wet slit, and felt him moan into her mouth. She shivered against him, as he brought a hand to her hip, one on the leg around his waist, and let his cock enter her slowly. They both moaned as his head entered her tight slit. She brought her hands to his shoulders as he inched his way into her slowly. She brought her other leg around his waist, her nipples pressing into his chest as he slid all the way in. He lifted his head, his gaze holding hers as he slowly pulled out. She let her head fall back, her eyes locked with his. Her eyes widened as he slid in again, faster this time. She rocked her hips into his and he groaned, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment before catching her gaze again. He moved his hips, finding their rhythm. He watched her face as he brought her higher and higher. She saw his face tighten, as her tight wetness brought him closer to the edge. She felt everything coalesce in her abdomen. "Oh, Mark. I'm so close," she moaned. The feel of his hard length sliding in and out of her, tightening her further. He groaned as he felt her shiver against him. His eyes were dark dark pools, the look in his eyes intense and full. She couldn't look away. "Oh, Alex love, oh god, come for me," he whispered as he sped his pace. His words wrapped around her and she felt him push into her hard. He pushed one, two, three more times and he came with a roar. His orgasm pushed her over the edge, and she cried out as she shattered around him. The pleasure rolled over her, and she found her eyes were closed as it finally lessened. She opened her eyes, to see Mark looking down at her, his eyes tender. She smiled at him, as he caressed her cheek. He kissed her gently and then wrapped her in his arms. She rested her cheek against his chest, content in the circle of his arms. They stayed like that for a few moments. Then Mark shivered. "It's cold out here, love. Why don't we go inside?" "Maybe we could curl up in front of the fireplace. For some reason, I'm not as warm as I was a few minutes ago." Alex replied, moaning a little as he disengaged from her. He kissed her quickly. Then he looked at the clothes strewn around them on the floor. He handed her his shirt and slipped on his jeans. He grabbed their clothes and held them on one arm, taking her hand in his. They walked from the barn, and she closed the door as Ciara came bounding up to Mark, huffing and wiggling. Alex slipped her hand back into his as they made their way to the backdoor again. "It's a good thing you don't have any close neighbors." She giggled as she tried to smooth the shirt down. "And that you are so tall." His shirt fell to her mid thigh and his sleeves she had had to roll up to keep them from her falling off her hands. They kicked off their shoes and walked into the kitchen. Mark looked her up and down. "I agree, 'cause I think you should always wear my shirts." He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. "You look so sexy." Alex giggled up at him. "You look sexy in your shirts. Come on, I want to get warm." She tugged him to his living room and he started the gas fireplace. They picked a movie and cuddled down onto the couch before the fireplace, content in each other's arms and Ciara curled up on the floor at Mark's feet. ****************** Alex let her eyes flutter open. She sighed into the darkness and cuddled back into Mark, his arm slung around her waist. She reached for her cell on the nightstand, and squinted her eyes as she turned on the display. She gave a little start, almost getting up before she remembered John had called and given her the morning off. She put the cell back. She let her eyes drift close again. Alex turned over and felt the empty bed beside her. She rolled over and buried her face in Mark's pillow, his scent enveloping her. She rolled herself into a ball and let herself wake up slowly. She stretched, feeling the smooth sheets along the small of her back, her abundant dark hair sprawled across her back and the pillow. She sighed, telling herself she should get up, but wanting to enjoy the languorous morning. She turned her head to the door as she heard a soft padding of feet, her dark eyes peeking out of her hair. Mark stopped in the doorway, and leaned against the frame. His long legs were clad in pajama pants, his arms were crossed over his bare chest. His mouth smiled as he watched her. Alex buried her head back in the pillow. "I suppose your going to tell me it's time to get up?" She said, her voice muffled by the pillow. She heard his chuckle and his steps as he came to sit at the edge of the bed. "I have no idea what you said, darlin'." He swished her hair off of her back, and then trailed his hand up and down her spine. When he dug in a little into the tight muscles of her lower back, she moaned. She turned her head so her mouth was clear of the pillow. "I said, I suppose your going to tell me it's time to get up." She moaned again as his strong fingers worked out a knot. "Oh, not if you don't want to. I like seeing you in my bed." He chuckled lowly, his hands turning to caress her sides. "I don't have any appointments until three this afternoon. It's only nine. You can stay in bed all day if you like." He swept his hands up and down her back slowly. She sighed happily as she shivered into his caress. "Mmmm, I need to go for a run before class today. I haven't in a few days and I'll get out of shape." Her words trailed off as his hands rubbed her shoulders. "God that feels good." His hands left her, and then she felt him straddle her legs. She moaned as he dug his hands into the muscles of her back. "You know you spoil me, right?" She asked quietly, moving the pillow and cradling her head on her forearms. "I get to put my hands all over you, and you think I'm spoiling you?" Mark asked, his hands turning gentle and caressing up her sides. He slid his hands over her shoulders, and then he buried them in her hair, massaging her scalp. She shivered beneath him, his fingers playing in her hair and rubbing her scalp relaxing her and exciting her at the same time. He leaned down, his weight settling over her, as his hands played. She felt his mouth brush the nape of her neck before he whispered into her ear, "I love it when you shudder beneath me, love." She felt his tongue slide along her ear, "When you moan and whimper." His sucked her lobe into his mouth, nibbling gently with teeth. "And I love it when you scream my name." Alex moaned beneath him, feeling his bare chest pressed to her back. She wiggled a bit, and then rolled. He struggled for a moment, and then let her roll him onto his back. She turned over and looked down at him, her body splayed over his. She brought her legs up and straddled him, moaning a little as she came in contact with his hardness. She spread her hands over the breadth of his shoulders. She leaned down, kissing his collarbone, his neck and sliding her tongue over his carotid then up to his ear. She felt him shiver and smiled as she took his lobe in her teeth and sucked gently. "I love it when I can make you shiver. " She rocked her hips into him and gently bit the side of his neck. "And I love it when I can make you groan like that." She let her hands slide down his stomach, sliding her fingers into the elastic waist of his pajama pants. She whispered into his ear, "And I'm going to make you yell my name." He groaned as she slipped a hand into his boxers and pulled his quickly hardening cock out. She kissed her way down his neck, his chest. She flicked her tongue over his nipples, smiling at his moan. She let her tongue and teeth play as she slowly nibbled her way down his flat stomach, her hand stroking his velvety smooth hard cock slowly. She nibbled her way over his hip and heard him groan when she moved her mouth down his leg. She let her tongue play up the inner muscles of his other thigh. She heard rustling and as she let her teeth nibble at the junction of leg and pelvis she saw his hands clasping and unclasping in the sheets over and over. She took her hands and grasped his hips and tugged. He followed her lead as she knelt at the side of the bed, and his legs came down. Mark sat up and watched Alex as she knelt between his legs, her hand curled around his shaft. She met his gaze as she extended her tongue and licked the head of his throbbing cock. She smiled as he shuddered and she slipped his head into her hot wet mouth. She tasted the small drop beading on his head, and licked over it, sucking gently. One hand wrapped around his hip and the other stroked slowly below her mouth. She smiled at his growl when she dropped her head, getting as much of his cock into her mouth as she could. He tasted of musk, man and Mark. She sucked on his length and let her head bob, pulling him to her with her hand at his hip. He let his hands curl into her hair and he helped her find the rhythm he liked best. She used her hot wet mouth, lips and the occasional light graze of teeth to bring him closer and closer. He was growling and groaning continuously as she felt his cock jump and throb in her mouth. She could feel him swell against her tongue. His moan let her know he was close. "Oh God! Alex, love, wait." She felt him tug gently at her hair, trying to pull her up. She ignored the tug, and held his hip tighter, stroking him faster and sucking him harder. "Oh, god, darlin' I'm gonna..." He let out a loud moan as his hips jerked uncontrollably. "I'm gonna come, love." He tried to tug again, and when she ignored him, he buried his hands in her hair, holding her head to him as his hips bucked. She felt him start to lose control, and she sucked harder, keeping as much of his cock in her mouth as she could. He was continuously growling, louder and louder. She felt his hands hold her head and his hips buck up. She ran her tongue up the underside of his cock and then sucked hard. Yelling her name, he came with a roar into her mouth and she swallowed reflexively. When he stopped shuddering, his hands gentled in her hair and she smiled up at him. He dropped his hands to her waist and hoisted her up to him, falling back onto the bed with her splayed over him. "God, it's good to know you don't mind that." Mark whispered into her hair. Alex smiled dropping a kiss on his neck. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her hard against him. "Mine!" He whispered into her ear. She raised herself up on her arms and looked down at him, an eyebrow raised. "Oh really?" He raised his head until he was nose to nose with her. "Don't worry, that means I'm yours too." He cocked an eyebrow at her and waited. She stared into his eyes, losing herself into his dark gaze. Then she closed her eyes and dropped her mouth to his, kissing him deeply. A moment later, she pulled her head back from the kiss to look at him laying beneath her. Her eyes glinted merrily. "Mine!" She loved the way his low chuckled reverberated through her. "Now, let's go for a run!" She said as she squirmed away from him. He closed his eyes and groaned, then opened one eye and asked, "Really? You have the energy for that now?" She giggled at him. "I have all sorts of energy now. And I have some extra work out clothes in my car. What can I say, I always do." She giggled as he groaned again. "That's right. Karate instructor. Why couldn't I have picked up a librarian at the Masquerade?" He looked at her with one eye again, and tilted his head. He laughed when she mock pouted at him. She jumped up, "Let's run." Mark groaned again, then followed her.