Chapter One

Duke

The mix of voices and music fills my head as I stand against the wall nursing a beer. The masks everyone wears make it hard to tell who among everyone is but the players present. I didn't want to come tonight, but as the captain of the team, I'm expected and Ryan's wife, Paisley made me promise. I'm not pissing off one of the wives. Make one mad, they will all be mad. I don't have a woman of my own and the other guy's wives and girlfriends take care of me. I'm not messing that up.

Looking around the room, I smile at all of the women in their gorgeous costumes. Most of the guys are wearing black or white half-masks and capes, but the ladies have gone all out. There's a lot to admire about being a single man in a room of so many beautiful women.

If only it wasn't hockey season. My number one rule is —don't fuck around during the season and no one has ever tempted me to break this rule.

Then I see her. She's wearing a teal dress that hugs her body perfectly, and her mask, decorated with flowers and feathers on both sides, covers her face while accentuating her gorgeous green eyes. There's something about her —the way she moves, the laughter in her eyes— that draws me in.

I start to make my way over when she turns and our eyes lock. A spark ignited between us, electric and undeniable. She flashes a confident smile and begins to weave through the crowd, never looking away.

"Mind if I join you?" she asks, her voice soft and playful. The volume of the party causing her to lean close.

"Not at all," I reply, heart racing. What the fuck is happening here?

"Are you having a good time? You're kind of hidden over here in the corner." Her hand floats up my arm as she asks her question, and I can barely think straight.

"I am now that I've seen you," I answer her truthfully. "That dress looks incredible on you."

She giggles. "Are you always this charming?"

"I think it might be the mask."

"The mask is working for you," she smiles, "it adds a hint of danger and mystery."

"Mystery, huh." I take a risk and wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "I can't decide if I want to know your name or keep the mystery alive."

Tilting her head, a playful smile on her lips, she says, "Right now, I'm more interested in what happens next."

"I can't argue with that. You're definitely the most intriguing mystery here."

"Intriguing, huh? What makes you say that?"

"It's not every day you see a fairy princess standing across the room. It's like you walked out of a fairytale." The feel of her body against mine is making me lightheaded. I'm not even thinking about what I'm saying.

"Flattery will get you everywhere. If I'm a princess, does that make you my prince charming?" She laughs softly.

"Maybe," I answer, knowing that I want to tell her that I am her prince charming. That's not what this is though. "Are you up for an adventure?"

She rises on her toes, leans close, and whispers in my ear, "Always."

I'm so fucking hard and there's no way she can't feel it. I press against her and swear that I feel her body shiver.

"Then let's make this night unforgettable. What's your idea of a perfect adventure?"

She pauses, her eyes sparkling, "Maybe a little mischief, a dash of mystery, and a great kiss under the stars?"

"What if I told you I'm very good at all three?"

"Oh, really?" she smiles up at me.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" I ask her.

"Absolutely. Just remember, no names and no promises."

"Deal."

Our eyes lock, and the air is thick with anticipation, I lean down until our lips are just inches apart. Then our lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss.

It's electrifying, a rush travels through my body. The kiss deepens, the attraction between us undeniable. I pull back, breathless and dazed.

"Do you want to get out of here?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Definitely." I want to explore everything with this woman. Fuck my rules.

We slip through the crowd, hand in hand, toward the exit. Our masks keep us anonymous. Several of my teammates laugh as they watch us walk out. I'm sure I'll get a ton of shit from the team at practice, but I don't give a shit.

Stepping outside, the cool night air feels refreshing and the stars twinkle overhead. I turn to my mystery girl and see her eyes glittering up at me.

"Where to?" she asks.

"Follow me,"

A car service was organized to drive everyone to and from the party so that it didn't matter if anyone drank. We get into the back seat together and I give the driver the name of a close hotel. I would rather take her to my bed, but if we keep this anonymous then I can't take her home.

She leans against me and our lips meet again. This kiss is sweet and lingering, full of possibilities. In this moment, nothing else matters. It's just the two of us, lost in the magic of the evening. We might not know each other's names, but this connection feels undeniable. And for tonight, that is more than enough.