Read Once Upon a Masquerade for Free Online

“How silly. Of course not. I wouldn’t know the first thing about baking. It was simply a guess.”
    He couldn’t resist. Reaching across the table, he brushed his fingertips along the corner of her lip where a speck of fruit filling had clung. He marveled at the incredible softness of her skin, the perfect curve of her lips, and wondered at the sweetness he’d find there. Remembering himself, he pulled his hand away. She had been Nathan’s, and as such, he should keep his distance. “We should talk.”
    “About what?” She dabbed at the spot he touched, her tongue peeking out to finish the job.
    He stared at the skin glistening from that lick, almost forgetting the discussion at hand. Focus, man. “Nathan Gebhardt.”
    A questioning look crossed her face. “Who?”
    “Nathan Gebhardt?” No recognition flared to life. In fact, she showed no reaction at all. “Are you saying you don’t know him?”
    Her shoulders stiffened, and she squirmed in her seat. “Oh, Mr. Gebhardt. Yes, I know him.” Raising a hand to her chest, she chuffed out a laugh. “Everyone knows him. My father did business with him.”
    He studied her, trying to understand her disquiet. Was she afraid to admit of her relationship to Nathan? Actually, it would make sense. If others discovered her secret love affair, her reputation would be ruined. “It’s all right to admit more,” he assured her. “I know who you are. Nathan was a good friend of mine.”
    His admission only agitated her further. Her hand clenched, and a subtle wince tensed her features. “You do?”
    And still, she was beautiful. Nathan had good taste in women, and Miss Bailey was no exception. He could well imagine how Nathan would have become so taken.
    He tried again. “Nathan asked me to look after you, as his dying wish.”
    “No, he must have meant someone else,” she insisted. “I didn’t know him all that well.”
    Damn. Nathan had left this task to the wrong man. If he couldn’t even get her to admit knowing Nathan, how could he convince her to tell him what she needed saving from? As it was, she looked ready to bolt from the table. Then again, a year had passed since Nathan’s death. Did she still need saving? She seemed nervous, yes, but would a woman in dire straits be socializing at a ball? Hardly seemed likely.
    Indeed, she appeared healthy and whole, her auburn hair a burst of color in comparison to her ivory skin, skin that glowed with vitality and life. Faded laugh lines attested to a sunny disposition, and those full, lush lips…
    His scrutiny brought a flush to her face, and she stared out across the room.
    God help him, it didn’t feel right to make assumptions and let the matter rest. For Nathan’s sake, he would bide his time, and gain her trust, then find out if she needed his help. It was the least he could do for Nathan, and had nothing to do with spending more time at her side. Nothing whatsoever.
    “My apologies. It seems I’m mistaken once again,” he said to put her at ease. “Other than the tart then, are you enjoying the evening so far?”
    “Yes.” Her gaze returned to him, her eyes wary. “This home is beautiful. Alva and William Vanderbilt must be very proud.”
    “Indeed they are.” He tore his attention from her dazzling green eyes, although the sight stayed trapped in his mind. “The very purpose of this event is to celebrate its completion and to graciously allow all of us to admire its beauty. And with Mrs. Astor in attendance, the Vanderbilts might be accepted into the esteemed four hundred.” The rich concerned themselves with the pettiest things.
    “The four hundred?”
    “The optimal number of guests that can occupy Mrs. Astor’s ballroom,” he informed her, unable to suppress the mockery in his tone. “She’s compiled a list of the top four hundred members of the wealthiest and most refined families in New York, and only those fortunate few are allowed into her social circle.”
    An impish smirk lit up