Chapter 5: Their first dance

Lorenzo was too absorbed with the woman on the stage to hear Arya's almost shriek. She had whisper yelled at him but he ignored her completely as his prize walked towards the center stage on the podium expecting her first dance.

Jasmine's heart was beating too fast. The bid had started and was going quite smoothly until Lorenzo joined in. As things were going, she was sure that she will end up dancing with the man who was the monster in her dreams.

She stood waiting for him to move towards her. From the audience's view, she was as rigid and tall as a flag as she waited but her heart was in turmoil. Beau looked at his client whom he considered as a friend and a younger sister.

She looked quite confident on the stage, but he knew better. The man who was making his way towards her was the same man she had faked her death to get away from. His feet tapped against the floor as his fingers fidgeted with his clothes.

Max looked at the man who was feeling almost as nervous as all. They had organized this event to help their princess face her demons and move on with life. He was confident that she would manage to get through the night but like his brothers, his father and Beau, he was also afraid. Afraid that it was too soon.

The one who couldn't conceal his emotions among them, however, was Beau whose fidgeting had attracted his attention. He moved closer and sat on Jasmine's chair before he distinctly moved his hand to hold on to Beau's under the table.

He didn't have to say anything. His action was louder than any possible word he would have said. Beau's eyes automatically moved towards their hands before they settled on Max's face. His trembling hands stopped trembling but it was his heart that shook a little. He ignored his heart and turned back to look at the stage.

Lorenzo had finally reached where Jasmine was standing. His heart was not calm at all but he hid it well as he asked for her hand silently. Jasmine's racing heart slowed as she recalled the betrayal that the handsome devil in front of her had done. She placed her hand in his as her eyes scrutinized his face.

He looked manlier and handsomer than he did years ago when he was just a university student. His jaw was more defined and sexy. His thin lips looked ripe for biting but what made him other worldly was his pale silver orbs. They were the purest thing that one would notice upon first glance. Nevertheless, she knew how heartless and cold those pure-looking orbs could be.

Lorenzo's eyes looked into Jasmine's and he stumbled but before he could fall, he managed to balance himself. Jasmine smirked behind her mask. "I...…I … am sorry. It seems I fell for your charms. Literally." He said awkwardly before composing himself. "Let's dance, shall we? Everyone is waiting." He spoke after a few seconds.

Jasmine silently took his hand once more and started swaying to the slow music playing in the back ground. As she danced with her first love, she recalled the first time he stood her up at the party where they were supposed to dance together.

He had ditched her for her best friend on his prom night. She had never had the chance to dance with him although she had been his lover for three years. She chuckled unrestrained unable to control herself. How ironical. He never danced with her as her lover, but he was dancing with her when she was a stranger to him. A stranger he paid 20 billion dollars to dance with.

Lorenzo felt goose bumps form on his skin as her laughter chilled him to the bone. It was pleasant to the ears yet it held a lot of coldness in it. "Are you all right?" he asked unsure. Jasmine looked at the man swaying with her as a cold smirk formed on her face. "Say Mr. Matias, how many lovers have you had? I know it's quite an intrusive question but I can't help but ask. Your dance moves are flawless and smooth."

The question was intentional but her voice was firm and authoritative. There was no quiver nor hesitance in it. Lorenzo was taken aback for a minute, because of two things. The voice sounded awfully familiar yet it was not as soft as the one he was used to. It held power and confidence. The second reason was that her question was indeed intrusive but he found himself answering her anyways.

"I have had only one true love." Jasmine was surprised but hid it well. She thanked God for the mask that she had worn. "Had? Are you not together now?" she asked. Lorenzo felt that if it were someone else who had asked that question, they would get either a punch or a slap but he only tightened his hold on her hand and waist.

Ironically, he felt compelled to answer her question sincerely. Was it finally time to talk about his first love to someone else apart from his so-called friends? "She, she committed suicide. My first love. She is no longer with us but she left a significant space in my heart and life. " For a moment, his eyes filled with tears but he forced them back as he continued," You remind me of her for reasons unknown to me. I wonder if I could have the pleasure to see the face hidden under your mask."

Jasmine's heart skipped a beat. He must be a very good liar. No. He is a good liar. Otherwise, how would he manage to show so much emotion in his eyes? It felt as though it was the first time she saw him. He had looked broken for a split second just then. He had never loved her. From the word go, it had been a bet for him.

She, being the love-struck fool that she was, had easily forgiven him without second thoughts and believed his lies. She had become his willing prey that he played and toyed with until nothing was left of her. It was his tightening fingers around her waist that brought her back to reality.

Had he recognized her despite the mask? She thought feeling scared once more. She cleared her throat before speaking out loud enough for him to hear, "My mask never comes off. I scare even myself, whenever I see my face." Lorenzo drew her body near his and took a whiff of her perfume. It had a sensual but sweet aroma that was mild. He had been dancing with her for almost ten minutes straight and had just managed to get a whiff of it.

"You smell so good!" he spoke lost in his fantasy as his eyes closed automatically. Five anxious pairs of eyes have been observing them all this time. Seeing Lorenzo getting cozy with Jasmine was a red flag for them but only two managed to walk towards the stage which was now fully occupied by other couples.

"Can I have my date?" came two distinct voices. One was manly and firm while the other was feminine and shrill. Jasmine let out a silent sigh of relief as she let go of Lorenzo's firm grip. The man, on the other hand, felt irritated for being interrupted but let go of her too.

Jasmine took the chance to leave the event as she could feel her migraine take over her head. Beau silently helped her back into the car and settled her. He then texted her family, and the car drove off. Jasmine removed her mask and closed her eyes as memories of the past assaulted her head.