Page 76 of Unbound Boxset

CHAPTER TWO

Hailey reached the mansion after sundown.

She looked up in wonderment at the white washed stucco gleaming under the first splash of moonlight. Set on a hill, surrounded by palm trees and thick vegetation, it reminded her of a place out of a fantasy. Multiple decks hooked around the first and second story, offering visitors an enthralling view of the beach. Hailey breathed in the fragrant air scented with exotic florals, picking her way over the curving pathway. The sounds of laughter, music, and the crash of waves caressed her ears and called to her as if in a dream. She paused at the steps and took in the scene before her.

People gathered on the decks and throughout the gardens, sipping champagne. Colorful masks and brilliant costumes filled her vision and added to the dreamlike quality. And she realized for the first time, she could explore the real Hailey Ashton, who was safely hidden behind her mask and would not have to be exposed until the final night.

She grabbed a glass of champagne and made her way deeper into the gardens, seeking a moment to gather her composure. Erotic statues scattered the grounds amidst a Koi Pond and several waterfalls. A few people bumped her from behind, pushing her forward. She glanced around, trying to be brave, and wondered how she was going to find him. The man could be anywhere.

Maybe she’d go inside the house and explore each floor. Work her way up and search every room, even though there may be a hundred. If she focused on⁠—

Someone was watching her.

Hailey spun around. She searched through the flickering lights and dancing shadows. Her skin tingled and burned, as if touched by the sun. A whirl of masked faces blurred her vision as she began to walk, slightly stumbling over the hem of her dress. The music surrounded her along with dim shouts of laughter and gaiety, and then her gaze caught on a flash of white which pierced through the darkness.

He stood on the balcony overlooking the garden. A black cloak covered his body. His hair was slicked back from his forehead, the strands inky black and blending with the darkness. Catlike eyes gleamed through the carved holes of the stark white mask.

Hailey sucked in her breath as a current of raw, sexual energy sizzled in the air. Most of his face was covered, leaving only his mouth and eyes exposed. But as her gaze met his, Hailey felt his isolation as he stood alone, watching her. Dressed as the Phantom, he was a man who kept to the shadows, presenting a civilized veneer to the world which masked the violence, and Hailey knew then she gazed upon Ciro Demitris.

Minutes ticked by. Frozen by the sheer power of the electricity crackling between them, Hailey waited, torn between the need to flee and the need to stay, as their eyes met and locked.

Then he turned and with a sweep of his cloak, disappeared from the balcony.

Hailey shuddered. The tension eased, and she began to re-gather her control. This was what she had come for, but the reality of his presence shook her to the very core.

Fantasies were one thing while safe in her bed. But the reality challenged all her fears, especially when seeing Ciro in person.

For a few moments, her brain shouted all the ways this could be the biggest mistake of her life.

With a deep breath, she shut off the distracting thoughts and decided tonight would all be about action.

Find him before he disappears again.

She headed determinedly through the garden. She found the staircase and made her way to the second floor, hoping he’d still be up there. She passed couples lounging on the steps. A woman with her gown pulled down to the waist laughed as the man beside her dribbled champagne over her breasts and licked at her nipples. Her moans mingled with the strains of the music. Hailey rushed past them, face burning, and walked down the dimly lit hallway. The chattering voices and music grew faint when she finally found the balcony where her host had stood. The doors were flung open, and Hailey glimpsed the twisting pathways of the garden in the distance. The bedroom was decorated in wood and burgundy tones. She caught the faint scent of musk and spice from the room’s last occupant.

He wasn’t there.

Hailey sighed and turned away. Maybe he decided to join the party in the ballroom. She still didn’t know how she would approach him, what she would say…

“You shouldn’t have come.”

A deep masculine voice cut through the air. Steel sheathed in silk. Satin dragged over skin. A gravelly tone, yet oddly familiar. Vivid images flashed before her as Hailey felt that voice pour over her ears like warm honey, and her body responded as if the heavy liquid had been dripped over the naked breasts; hips; thighs.

Her hand paused on the knob. Halfway tempted to flee, she forced herself to turn and reminded herself this man was whom she had crossed an ocean to meet.

He stepped out of the shadows. His black cloak whispered around his body as he moved toward her. Hailey ignored her rapidly beating heart and strived to sound cool and confident.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone was in here,” she said as he drew closer. “I was so intrigued by the villa I decided to do a little exploring.”

Those eyes narrowed, and Hailey realized they were not just regular blue, but a dark navy with sparks of gold. Like the deep depths of the ocean meeting the sparkle of sunlight. The odd combination made his gaze even more haunting. His lips turned downward in a sneer. “Forgive me for assuming we’d start by being honest. I’ve forgotten how easy it is for women to lie.”

She flinched in both surprise and embarrassment. Hailey forced her chin upward. “I don’t lie. And I resent your assumptions about my character. You don’t even know who I am.”

“I know you came looking for me,” he said softly. “I know we’re about to start the game a man and woman play when they’re attracted to one another. But it’s not time yet.” He turned as if to dismiss her. “I’m not ready to join the others. You shouldn’t have come,” he repeated.

An outraged squeak escaped her lips at his raging arrogance. “You flatter yourself, Phantom. I came up here for my own reasons. Now that you’ve satisfied my curiosity, I can leave.” Hailey spun on her heel and opened the door. The music drifted through the crack and filled the room.

“So, you did lie.”