The Masquerade Ball

Everyone was gathered in the living room; their eyes were stuck on the top of the stairs eagerly waiting for the star of the evening.

Xavier was impatiently waiting for his Rosebud. Dressed up impeccably in a black Armani tuxedo with a sparkling diamond brooch tucked on his left breast pocket, he looked devilishly handsome. A silver chain dangling from his neck and a rose gold Patek Phillipe Nautilus 5712r watch embracing his left wrist gave him a royal appearance. His hair was perfectly gelled revealing his broad forehead and his five o' clock shadow made him look mature, hot and sexy that can make any woman go crazy. Although Xavier looked like a Greek God but still his aura oozed power, dominance and danger.

Katherine was wearing a sexy purple Chanel gown with a deep neckline and a long thigh slit. She was purposely standing too close to Xavier as she was damn sure that he had definitely chosen her as his date for the night. But what she failed to notice that there will be a long queue of girls who will be giving her a tough competition tonight. Sophia chose her best outfit for the evening which was a green velvet backless Prada gown. She purposely tied her hair in a messy bun so as to give a clear view of her sexy back.

Ignoring the two profligate women, Xavier's eyes were fixed on the door of Rosaline's room as he was dying every second to get a glimpse of his gorgeous wife cladded in the red silk gown which he had gifted her.

"Are you sure Rosaline will wear the dress which you had chosen for her for the ball?"

Antonio whispered in his ear; his tone was obviously a mocking one. He was wearing a burgundy Gucci tuxedo and was looking too hot. Xavier gave him proud smirk and nodded his head in positive as he was dead sure that Rosaline will definitely won't let him down today.

Xavier had an eclectic taste in clothes. He had gifted Rosaline a beautiful red silk Dolce and Gabbana gown embroidered with pearls and diamonds which was designed especially for his wife. He was continuously tapping his shiny Louis Vuitton shoes on the white marble floor anxiously when all of a sudden, the door opened and the most awaited moment arrived revealing his beautiful wife. Xavier's eyes shone with excitement watching the Angel of her life but...

His bright smile instantly got wiped off his face while his expressions morphed into a raging one as soon as his eyes landed on her dress.

Rosaline wasn't wearing the gown which Xavier had gifted to her instead she was wearing the gown which Antonio had selected for her.

Jennifer who was watching everything quietly froze on her spot. She looked asquint at Xavier only to step back in fear when she noticed him shaking in anger. His jaw was clenched tightly giving a perfect view of his freshly trimmed razor-sharp jawline. His orbs turned into the darkest shade of black while h balled his fingers into in a fist. She could see his chest heaving up and down rhythmically as he took deep breaths to calm his inner beast down.

Katherine and Sophia looked at Rosaline in shock, their eyes turned wide as saucers as they watched the alluring temptress descending the stairs gracefully. Noah was astonished as well. He blinked his eyes multiple times as he couldn't digest the fact that the innocent and shy girl was decked up in a gorgeous sexy black gown and was looking no else than the Goddess of seduction. Sebastian and Elijah stilled on their places while Antonio and Emily were smiling ear to ear as their plan finally worked.

Xavier was himself stunned to see his innocent kitten dressed up like a sizzling model. He slowly took in her every detail as he eyed her from top to bottom.

Rosaline was looking extremely gorgeous in her shiny black gown which was giving a perfect view of her snow-white collarbone, swan like neck and her bosoms were peeping from the dress as it had a deep neckline. Xavier's fierce gaze got stuck on her flawless skin. His blood boiled in anger when he couldn't find his marks which he had left on her body.

The gown hugged Rosaline's body perfectly defining her curves. She had curled her long silky locks into fluffy waves that were kissing her shoulders softly. Her lips were tainted in red matte lipstick and the smoky eye makeup was giving her a savage and sexy look. She looked confident, bold and hot. Her hazel orbs were icy cold, her expressions were fierce and her posture was composed. Her personality had today taken a complete 360 degrees turn. She no longer looked that innocent and timid Rosaline. Adorned with diamonds from top to bottom, Rosaline did look like a professional woman, giving justice to the position which she holds. The Vice President of Valentino Estates.

Rosaline looked at Xavier, his stone-cold expression was indeed a harbinger of a perfect storm which she could easily recognize by his blood-red eyes and bulging veins. She descended the stairs slowly while maintaining her fierce contact. As soon she reached the last step she flinched back as Xavier approached her immediately within three long strides.

"You again disrespected my words. What the hell are you wearing?"

He looked dead in his eyes and gnashed, his tone wavered a bit as he was seething in anger.

"I am not obliged to follow your command. And by the way I don't take gifts from those who themselves waste no chance to disgrace me. I admit I am a bit emotional but I can never compromise with my self-esteem."

Rosaline looked straight in his eyes and replied in a determined voice. Xavier was taken aback by her words. She then walked closer towards him invading his personal space.

"And if you think that our little make out session that you forced upon me was successful in changing my opinion about you then you are fucking wrong. Because I don't forget those who break my trust and I don't forgive those who question my character."

She gritted; her hazel eyes glared him with such an intensity that Xavier could feel his heart crying in pain. His eyes widened in shock. He automatically stepped back and moved aside. Rosaline threw him one last glare and then walked past him.

Antonio moved closer to her and extended his right arm for her. Rosaline smiled at him and coiled her arm around his muscular one. Xavier turned back. He watched all her moves with predatory eyes. Antonio encircled his left hand around her tiny waist protectively. He looked at Xavier and flashed him a cocky smirk who was literally shooting lasers at his arm which dared to claim his possession.

"You again jumped over the gun buddy. Well, I should take my leave with my date now. See you at the ball."

Antonio chuckled. Rosaline also smirked at him and soon they left.

Xavier glared at Rosaline's retreating figure with red eyes. At that moment all he wanted was to murder his own friend who dare to touch his wife but he just swallowed his anger bitterly and eventually exited the mansion along with others.

*****

~Time skips

At the Party

"Welcome Scorpions"

Mr. Ivanov heartily greeted Xavier and his gang members. No sooner the Scorpions waltz the grand hall, all eyes got set on the extraordinarily handsome bachelors with their beautiful dates.

Rosaline scanned her surroundings only to see ladies decked up in extremely fashionable clothes and were loaded with diamonds and pearls. The world where she has entered today screamed money, power and show off. Rosaline saw how everyone in the hall were busy gawking at Xavier.

The Scorpions was no doubt dangerous and lethal but as it is said that the devils are always exceptionally good looking. Noah was dressed up in a dark blue Tom Ford suit while Elijah wore a purple BlackBerry suit. Sebastian chose a maroon Burberry suit for the evening and the women couldn't get enough of their devilish charms. The ladies present in the hall were busy making eyes at them but they didn't even look their way which was definitely a huge blow to them. Finding no response from the rich guys they soon tore their gaze off them and glared their gorgeous dates. But as soon as their eyes landed on Rosaline, their jaw dropped to the ground.

Rosaline was looking stunning and too sexy in her magnificent revealing gown. They eyed her with awe and jealousy filled eyes. The men out there were spellbound by her heart-stirring beauty. Rosaline felt uncomfortable by the continuous glares of those rapacious men and immediately looked away.

But suddenly the air around her turned chilly. Rosaline felt something off. She could feel a sense of dread creeping in her veins. Rosaline again looked around but found nothing. But she had a hunch that there was a danger lurking out there in the shadows.

'But what was that?'

Rosaline was busy eyeing the surroundings as she kept searching the source of her fear when all of a sudden, she felt Antonio's hand on her waist.

"Who is this beautiful lady with you Antonio?", Mr. Ivanov asked Antonio while his gaze was transfixed on Rosaline.

"She's my date for tonight", Antonio answered. Mr. Ivanov nodded.

"I must say you've chosen the most beautiful girl for tonight's event. You look really gorgeous my lady", he smiled and extended his right hand forward. Rosaline smiled back and placed her left hand on his palm. Mr. Ivanov then planted a soft kiss on the back of her hand and greeted her.

Xavier witnessed the whole scene with burning eyes. He slowly lifted his gaze up only to find a bunch of hungry eyes drooling over his wife as if she was a scrumptious meal.

"Alright guys, do come inside and let's enjoy the party." Mr. Ivanov smiled at them and guided their way.

*****

~Time skips

"Now it's the time for the grand dance. I would request all the gentlemen to please join the stage along with your beautiful dates"

Irina, Mr. Ivanov's daughter announced. She was dressed up in a beautiful pink gown. All the men present in the hall eventually arrived on the stage along with their gorgeous ladies for tonight's grand ball. Everyone was wearing a masque as per the tradition. Rosaline chose a black lace mask. Antonio then led her to the stage. Emily was Elijah's date while Jennifer was Sebastian's. Sophia followed Noah everywhere like a honeybee as she kept bugging him to choose her as his date but he kept avoiding her like a plague.

Soon the stage got crowded with beautiful dancing partners. The lights got dimmed and a romantic music started playing in the background while everyone matched their steps with the rhythm.

"Let's go Xav." Katherine whined while pulling Xavier's arm who was sitting on the bar counter. He was sipping a Martini while his eyes were dead stuck on Rosaline who was dancing with Antonio.

"Get lost." He gritted. His eyes were bloodshot and his deadly countenance was enough for anyone to stay away from that raging beast for their dear life. Katherine huffed in frustration, all her plans of being Xavier's date go downhill as he didn't even spare her a single glance. She stomped her heels and left him while cursing him internally. Xavier on the other hand kept glaring at the two souls who were dancing happily with red eyes.

"Make me a stronger one", he growled at the bartender who gulped nervously and nodded at him. Xavier shifted his gaze back to Rosaline who was no doubt looking drop dead gorgeous.

Xavier has always been fascinated by her beauty but today she was really looking like a Barbie Doll. His lust filled eyes roamed shamelessly all over her body. But his gaze hardened when he saw how other men were gawking at her but they weren’t at fault too as her grace had enthralled everyone out there. Xavier smirked while watching Rosaline's facial expressions. She looked uncomfortable, disturbed and stressed. Though she was dauntless tonight but her eyes were narrating a different story. Xavier knew that she was still his little innocent kitten and this thought alone made him delighted but at the same time depressed. Delighted because still somewhere in his twisted mind, he wanted her to think that he is the only person in her life who can protect her from the evil world. While on the other hand, his kind soul feels depressed because he had many times punished and broken that innocent heart who had always loved him unconditionally.

Xavier knew that Rosaline's heart was too small and soft just like a kid. She was only 21-year-old when he married her but still, he didn't gave a damn about that innocent girl's feelings and tortured her beyond imagination. Watching the couples dancing happily, Xavier recalled the moments of his wedding day. How badly he scared Rosaline that day and when he couldn't get satisfied in taming her, he abused her. He closed his eyes and balled his fists as he was too angry at himself.

Rosaline was right, he himself was responsible for destroying everything.

Rosaline's P.O.V.

"I love you Noah"

I heard Sophia's shrilling voice. I looked beside me only to see Sophia dancing with Noah. She had her arms wrapped tightly around his neck making him groan in frustration.

"Behave yourself or I will put all my bullets in your thick skull right now", Noah growled as he threw her a death glare. Sophia pouted.

"Oh, Come on Noey. It's not like that you don't have feelings for me. I have seen you, how you always keep staring at me, my Sugar Boo. It clearly shows you lo-o-ve me", she drawled out while flashing him a saccharine smile. She moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest. Noah scoffed.

"Huh? In your dreams. I don't even like you in the first place. You di-s-gust me.", he spoke in the same tone as he mocked her. He grabbed her arms and tried shoving her off but Sophia clung onto him like second skin.

"You want me. I want you baby. My Sugar Boo. I am Levitating...."

She kept singing with a smile plastered on her face. I chuckled as they both were looking too funny. I haven't seen Noah getting irritated like this. I then shifted my eyes back to Antonio who was dancing with me while wearing a cold expression on his face. I was confused by his quirky behaviour as his mood changing were literally pissing me off. One moment he will act all happy and the other moment he will go blank. His robotic attitude was frustrating me now.

All of a sudden, I felt as if I was being watched. I looked behind Antonio only to discern a tall figure with forest green eyes staring me like a creep. I couldn't get a better view of his face so I tried to look at him properly when all of a sudden Antonio spun me around. My body swirled in air and when I open my eyes, I was in someone's else embrace.

*****

~Time skips

15 minutes later.

'God, it's so boring'

I sighed as I was way too bored and hungry. My feet started hurting by these damn heels. I couldn't feel my legs now. I don't know with whom I was dancing with. To be honest, I have least interest to know about my partner's identity. And why would I have in the first place? I was literally dragged here. I didn't come here on my own will.

After dancing for some time, I decided to leave. I quickly removed my hands off my partner's shoulder.

"Excuse me."

I said softly and tried to get off his grip but instead he tightened his hold around my waist. I was taken aback.

'THIS JERK'

I winced in pain and looked up as I shot him a glare. But as soon as our eyes met, I froze.

'They were the same forest green eyes.'

I immediately tried to move back but he pulled me closer. I grabbed his shoulder in reflex. He was too tall such that his chin touched my forehead. I gulped in fear and tried to push him off me.

"Behave yourself. Who are you?", I gritted and glared him in disgust. The corner of his lips abruptly curved up as he flashed me a diabolical smirk.

"How can you forget your master....Puppy?"

'P-Puppy?'

No way!

Michael?"

~~~💗~~~