He definitely commanded the room, cool as a cucumber. Kyla felt authority exude from him and could see how logical of a choice he was as someone in a position of authority for a company. Meanwhile, two people sat down at the table Kyla was at. She smiled at them in greeting and was grateful that Tristan was on his way to the table.
Tristan sat beside her and greeted the other two people at the table, “Jet, Isabelle, nice to see you.”
“Good evening, Tristan,” the couple said in near unison. She looked to be in her 40’s and wore a full length gold strapless gown and had a platinum blonde French twist. Her mask was gold, like her dress. He was dark-haired but slightly salt and pepper and had a longish goatee. He resembled Sam. He was dressed like Tristan but with a bow tie that matched his date’s dress. Kyla moistened her glossy ruby red lips with her tongue and stared straight ahead, so thankful for the mask she had on.
“And this must be the lovely lady we’ve heard about,” Jet said extending forward to take her hand.
“Hello,” Kyla said.
He kissed her hand. She felt like his lips lingered a tad too long.
She saw Tristan’s jaw tighten ever so slightly.
“Enchantee,” Jet said.
Enchanted? Kyla held back the urge to snicker.
“I was so sorry to hear about your home, Tristan,” the woman gushed, “How terrible!”
“Yes,” Tristan said dryly, “Indeed.”
“I guess that’s still being investigated?” Jet asked.
“That’s right,” Tristan answered coolly.
“Any sign of Joseph?” Isabelle asked.
“Not yet.” Tristan sipped his champagne.
“Well the event turned out marvelous despite the last minute change. Well done, you,” she said.
“Thank you. Excuse me.” Tristan turned his attention to Kyla and spoke slowly, “Princess, do you need the rest room?”
“Yes,” she answered softly, meeting his eyes.
“Excuse us,” Tristan said. He led her toward the door quickly. She held the crook of his arm. A few faces glanced at them in the crowd and it looked like a few were about to stop them to speak but Tristan was clearly on a mission as he walked purposefully with her in tow. She felt scrutinized but stared ahead and walked steady.
As they reached the exit of the banquet room, she heard a woman’s voice.
“Tristan Walker, as I live and breathe. Sort of.”
He spun around, looking annoyed.
A tall woman with straight chin-length blonde hair in a short ruched white satin strapless dress and a matching eye mask stepped forward slowly, a glass of champagne in her hand. She looked about thirty and she oozed sex appeal. She lifted the mask off and smiled sweetly at Tristan. She was gorgeous. She had big smoky brandy eyes and full lips.
“You’re not supposed to be here!” Tristan hissed under his breath, his voice a little bit menacing. Kyla felt the woman’s eyes land on her. She did her best to stand still and hold her face as expressionless as possible.
“I came with Liam,” the woman said, smugly. She looked to Kyla, “So, this is who has been keeping you so busy? And you’ve collared her. Hm.” She stared directly at Kyla’s throat. Her eyes narrowed.
Sam was suddenly in their path, “Dawn, darling. You’re breath-taking!” He twirled her and gave her a little dip. She snickered and swatted him on the shoulder. Was he there to run interference? He was good at it!
Tristan pulled Kyla in the other direction and they quickly exited the hallway into a restroom. He locked the door behind them. Kyla felt a cramp spread across her lower abdomen. She winced and put her hand across her stomach.
He was suddenly breathless.
“Hey, you okay?” He lifted her mask carefully off.
“I’m okay,” she said, “I just have cramps. They’ve been bugging me off and on since this morning. They’re worse now, though.” She thought he seemed edgy. Too edgy, “I’ll be fine. Are you okay?”
“You’re playing it cooler than I am.” He looked in the mirror and ran his fingers through his hair, “And the night is young. This isn’t good. Why am I feeling so anxious? I almost lost it when Jet put his mouth on your hand.” A muscle worked in Tristan’s jaw.
“What can I do?” She touched his face. He seemed like he was ready to climb out of his skin.
He dropped to his knees and lifted her dress up. She jolted in surprise. He took her ankle and parted her legs and then his teeth grazed her leg and then he bit in at the outer thigh and he began drinking, urgently. His fingers dug into her hips. Kyla leaned against the wall for support and took a deep breath.
“Oh baby,” he whispered, “This is what I need…”
He drank while rubbing his hands up and down her legs. One hand grabbed her rear end possessively and then fingers on his other hand slipped into her panties and he started to rub her at her most sensitive spot. She let out a little moan. He swallowed a few more times and then stood up and caged her against the wall and started to devour her mouth with his. She could taste her own blood.