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“Wow, that was a fast answer.” She pressed a hand to his chest and leaned in even closer. He thought he’d burst through his pants. No wonder the party was packed this year. She needed more than her brother to protect her. He’d caught the glares from the other men in the room.
“He moves like a white boy,” he joked.
She smacked his chest. “How do you even know how to dance?”
“I took lessons.” Behind the mask, Tor’s face burned. He was glad to be hidden.
“Oh, do tell. Maybe we need to go back in the quiet room.”
“If you want to risk it.”
Her saucy expression made him want to toss her over his shoulder and carry her out. He resisted. Tor admitted if only to himself he had never let go this much, whether at the southside Halloween party or back at home. Everything had to do with Jaz. She brought it out in him from the moment they began talking. He wanted to see more of her. No, he would see more of her, and he didn’t care who wouldn’t like it.
One by one they eliminated dancers and weeded through the costumes. At the end they chose their winner and runner-up. The music died down, and someone handed Jaz a microphone.
“Okay, everybody,” Jaz said, “we have our winners. The top prize of one hundred dollars was donated by Kelly Foods on D Street. The second prize is a gift certificate to Books and Other Things on South Street. Thank you so much to all of our sponsors for this event. Also, next week, I’m going to be working here with the youth, and I can use some volunteers. See the flyer we passed out for details and my numbers. Thanks, everybody. Mask unveiling is in fifteen minutes!”
Tor tensed. He’d come to the party figuring he would slip in, enjoy the atmosphere, and then slip away into the night. He’d never intended to stay this late. While Jaz had seen his face—and he liked the reaction he’d received from her—he didn’t want to uncover himself before everyone. Not because he feared the people, but because he preferred peace. He knew there were those who felt like Kenny did, that he had abandoned his own for a life of privilege. Kenny felt he shouldn’t ever come back to this side of town and that he didn’t belong. How could his cousin understand that he didn’t belong back home either?
Tor separated himself from Jaz and checked her surroundings to be sure her family weren’t close by. He noted her sister argued with the man who had glared at him earlier. The man touched the woman’s face in an intimate gesture, and when she didn’t pull away, he figured they were married. Both wore a wedding ring. No wonder he had been protective of Jaz. Okay, Torrian was leaving her in good hands.
Tor reached the exit door and started to walk through it. A hand slipped into his, and he looked back. Jaz stood there, giving him an accusing glare. “And just where do you think you’re going, mister?”
“I…uh…” He grinned, feeling like a schoolboy. “The party was fun. You did a great job.”
“That’s all you have for me?” She released his hand and put hers on her hips. He was struck again by her beauty. “I have a feeling you’re hiding, but remember, I’ve seen your face.”
He glanced around, but no one seemed to be paying attention. The music had started up again, and most in the hall were either heading out or stumbling back in to dance some more. “I have nothing to hide.”
“Oh?”
He hated the fact that she made him squirm. “I have an early meeting…”
“Don’t let me keep you.”
He looked at her but found no offense in her expression, only acceptance. A longing to kiss her overcame him. “Show me.”
She pursed her lips. “Why should I?”
“I showed you mine.”
She laughed. “Fine.” The mask came off, and he stared. Just as he’d known, she was beautiful. Big brown eyes, a stubby, cute nose, and full, thick lips he’d already tasted and wanted more. Her features were soft and feminine, but there was strength in her gaze. She might be small, but he knew she would give a hell of a fight to anyone who tried to take advantage of her.
“Lovely,” he breathed, and she blushed.
She reached for his mask, but he caught her hand and lowered it. His diminutive beauty huffed. “Are you trying to be Cinderfella?”
“Cinder what?”
“You know, running off at midnight.”
“Will you chase me?”
She ran a finger down his jacket zipper. “I don’t chase, baby. I get chased.”
His cock twitched. “And are you ever caught?”
“When I want to be.”
