Beneath The Mask.

n Elena's penthouse, adjusting the stiff collar

but it felt wrong on her body. Like an i

st the doorframe, arms crossed

mused, tilting her head. "A

the tie around her neck.

g toward her. "If you're going to be my boyfriend, you need to loo

oser, reaching

ainst her throat-gentle, but firm. The warmth of h

d, lips slightly parted as she worked on the tie, her perfume-somethi

owed hard.

d. "You're acting like

uldn't admit that part

ingers lingering for just a second too

aled. "W

irked. "

ire back, Elena turned, picking up a sleek bl

re taking it. "This

You're my rich, charming

had to pl

the lie pressed

ly be able to

-

er – The La

ack car, her pulse hammering as she

tments inside. The air smelled of expensive wine and freshly cut r

ar. What the hell had s

Kara's, flashing her a dazz

d. "Gee, I

r ear, "Just stay close to me. And for

clenched. T

ors swung open, revealing a ball

stomach

confidence that made Kara painfully aware of her own pr

hisper behind delicate

and Elena's fingers lightly brushed ov

alled out from

a, da

crimson gown approached-a woman

blonde hair. And a smile that

ger

Elena plastered on a wa

hly, before turning slightly.

t before Elena's mother was

smile. "It's an honor

et, there's something..." Her gaze flickered over Kar

ld her

epping in. "You're overanalyzing aga

her hand casually sliding aga

t the urge

longer, then smiled. "If my daughter

haled s

rned away, Elena leaned in, li

" she whispered. "You look li

her jaw. "Mayb

complete horror-slid her hand down Ka

te

pulse s

dared her t

ara d

use she

some reason, sh