“A Halloween party?” Lena repeats, her voice tinged with excitement. “Oooh!” she exclaims, reclaiming my phone to read Blade’s message. “This is so exciting! I never knew you were so dark and twisted, Zara!”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “I guess there’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
Lena grins, handing the phone back to me. “Well, I’m learning, and I have to say, I’m impressed. This is going to be one hell of a night.”
I stare at the message, my mind spinning with possibilities. The idea of the Halloween party, of being masked and anonymous, sends a thrill down my spine. But it’s also terrifying—walking into the unknown, into whatever Blade has planned.
I take another sip of my wine, trying to calm the nerves that are building inside me. “I just hope I’m ready for this.”
Lena nudges me with her elbow, her smile reassuring. “You’re more than ready. Just remember your safe word, andhave fun. This is your chance to live out your fantasy, Zara. Don’t hold back.”
Her words echo in my mind as I look at the invitation again, the anticipation growing with each passing second. This is it—the beginning of something I’ve been dreaming about for so long. And now, it’s about to become real.
16
“Everything set for the party?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with anticipation.
Shadow nods, a smile creeping across his face. “You really renting out an entire warehouse and throwing a giant party for one girl?”
“Of course he is,” Raven answers for me with a laugh, patting my back. “I’ve never seen him so crazy over a girl before.”
“Just wait,” I say, passing the bottle of whiskey in my hand to Shadow. “I have no doubts you guys are gonna love her. Talk to me.”
Shadow laughs, nodding as he takes a drink before handing me a box. “DJ is booked, as well as the bartender for the open bar.”
“I’ve taken care of security, as well as the van and all the toys, including our masks,” Raven adds with a wink. I chuckle, feeling a surge of satisfaction as I turn my attention to the box Shadow handed me.
Carefully, I remove the top layer of tissue paper and pull out the silver mask nestled inside. The metal is cool againstmy fingers, and the intricate design catches the light just right. It’s elegant, with delicate filigree work that forms a pattern both beautiful and mysterious. “It’s perfect.”
I turn the mask in my hand, already imagining it on Red, the way it will add to the allure of the night. This party is more than just an event—it’s the setting for a fantasy, one that I’ve meticulously crafted for her.
Raven leans in, peering at the mask over my shoulder. “She’s going to look stunning in that.”
“She’s going to look like she belongs to us,” I correct, the weight of my words hanging in the air. This night isn’t just about indulging her fantasy—it’s about making her a part of ours.
Shadow smirks, taking the bottle back for another swig. “This is going to be one hell of a Halloween.”
I nod, placing the mask back in the box with care. Everything is falling into place. The warehouse, the party, the atmosphere—it’s all been designed to push Red to the edge of her desires, and maybe even beyond.
As I close the box, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Red has no idea what’s in store for her, but I know she’s ready for it. And so are we.
“Let’s make sure it’s a night she’ll never forget,” I say, my voice low and determined.
Raven and Shadow exchange a glance, their smiles widening.
“Oh, we will,” Shadow replies, his tone matching mine.
Raven clinks his glass against mine, sealing the unspoken pact between us. “To a night of secrets, masks, and the kind of fun we’ve been waiting for.”
I raise my glass, the silver mask glinting in the dim light as I do. “To Red.”
17
Halloween - Friday Night
Isit in the back of the car, my heart racing as the city lights flicker by in a blur. The long, red dress I’m wearing hugs my body, the slit up the side revealing just enough to make me feel both bold and a little exposed. Underneath, a black lace set clings to my skin, a secret layer that only adds to the mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside me.
My fingers grip the small black clutch in my lap, but it feels almost too light. I packed only the essentials: my ID, credit card, phone, and lipstick. I didn’t know what to bring—don’t even know how long I’ll be gone. And now, sitting here in the backseat, I can’t help but wonder if I’m prepared for whatever’s waiting for me tonight.
