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She smiled slowly, taking him in as he stepped away, adjusting himself in his tailored pants. “I’m not fearful of anyone we’ll see tonight, Carter. I’m afraid of you and how you’re looking at me in this dress.”
He chuckled, allowing his appreciative gaze to take her in once more. “You should be.”
Carter winked and left the room. After she digested his low smooth voice and the promise he delivered, McKenna slipped her feet into her heels, lifted both masks from the dresser, and tried to mentally prepare for the evening.
An hour later, Carter navigated down a driveway that felt never ending before pulling in front of a sprawling home that made McKenna’s eyes widen at how luxurious the estate was. When Carter exited the vehicle and warned the valet away from opening her door, she took in the detail of the structure but her eyes were immediately drawn to the massive black metal doors with a crow insignia engraved on both.
The warmth of Carter’s hand at the small of her back brought her eyes to him. “Is this someone’s house?”
“Yes, a friend. Kohen Corvidae.”
McKenna frowned and glanced at the door once more as Carter guided them to the massive structure. “That’s the person you called when you said you needed to prepare for me to be at your place. Who is he to you?”
“An associate. That’s all you need to know, for now.”
She was about to argue but the doors opened simultaneously and they were greeted by two women wearing simple but sexy black dresses. Their faces were completely covered in silver masks, only exposing their eyes and black painted lips. They also had heavy makeup around their eyes, thick defining lines bringing their brown irises to life.
“Welcome to Sins of the City. The guests are in the east ballroom. Thank you for coming and enjoy your evening.” The one to the right spoke quietly, in a sensual voice, as she greeted them. Carter offered a nod and extended his arm to McKenna. She wrapped her fingers around it, just below his elbow, and the two walked toward the soft sounds of jazz music flowing from the end of the hall.
“Stay by my side. If anyone asks personal questions, don’t answer.”
“What kind of personal questions?”
“Anything other than who you’re with or casual conversation is off topic, especially shit about your job, your life, where you live, why you’re here.”
“So basically don’t talk.”
He grinned and lowered his eyes. “You talk about whatever the fuck you want to discuss that doesn’t include those things.”
They paused just outside the entryway that led to the ballroom. McKenna surveyed the dimly lit space. Beautifully crafted chandeliers hung above their heads, the floors were some type of unique marble pattern with the same crow insignia that was on the front doors placed in the center of the ballroom. Black structures held displays of tiered candles and rare and exquisite looking black floral arrangements.
There were no less than a hundred people clustered throughout the room which added to the ambiance. All dressed immaculately and wearing masks. She felt anxious that these strangers were possibly in the same profession as Carter, no matter how nicely they were dressed. The man next to her was deadly but looked poised with his custom tux, freshly cut hair, and handsome features. Looks could be deceiving because a volatile energy pulsed just beneath his skin, alert and ready to destroy anything that appeared to be a threat.
“These are people you trust?”
“No,” Carter stated bluntly and McKenna’s eyes jolted to his. Carter’s expression didn’t change but seeing the panic in her beautiful browns he added, “Kohen, yes. He’s a friend and someone I respect. He asked me to come so I’m here.”
Carter decided to leave out the part where he assumed his invitation came attached to a potential loss of life. It was possible Kohen just wanted him present, but the way he was adamant about Carter attending led him to believe otherwise.
“You don’t trust anyone so neither do I?” she offered and Carter smirked, appreciating that McKenna was open to understanding what he required from her.
Compliance in trusting his leadership.
“Let’s go.”
Inside, Carter observed the men dressed in varying shades of dark tuxes, most were black. The women, however, added color with their expensive evening gowns. As instructed, everyone was wearing some sort of mask. He and McKenna had put theirs on before exiting the vehicle. As uncomfortable as he was being in the crowd of people he didn’t know, Carter was grateful for the small offering of anonymity.
“Carter…” McKenna turned her head when a man approached. Carter’s hand tightened at her hip and moved her closer to him. His fingers pressed into her body possessively.
“Emir.”
“Damn, I see why you’re switching up. I’d risk it all for her too,” Emir joked and Carter’s narrowed eyes landed on him.
“I like you, but not that much. Watch your fucking mouth.”
When he felt McKenna grow stiff beside him, he smoothly stroked his thumb over her hip and she relaxed.
“My bad.” She took in the charming smile that spread across the young man’s face. He had a youthfulness about him but was clearly an adult, mid to late twenties at best.
