When Diana Jazz pulled her mask off revealing who she is, I was not expecting it to be Mr. Hunt. "Was that you, hiding under the mask?" I asked as we were spinning around the ballroom.
"Yes, that was me," he whispers in my ear. "Now forget Diana Jazz and focus on the mission."
Right. The mission. After one last dramatic turn, he pulls me in–our breaths too close for contact. And the music slows down. I spot Julian, on the staircase, looking sharp. Who am I truly loyal to? "Staircase, behind you," I say, eyes never leaving him.
"Don't look at him. That's only going to give him power," he says. "Let him wonder what I'm whispering to you."
And I do. I look at Ethan instead.
He murmurs after a few more minutes. "He's ten feet away. In a second, the 'Consultant' role ends and the 'Angel' begins. Whatever he says, whatever he promises, remember: a mask is just silicone and paint. What's underneath is what kills you."
He slowly removes his hand from my waist, the warmth leaving me empty. He transitions into a protective stance as Julian approaches us.
"Alexandria... or Lexi is it? I didn't realize you were such a devotee of the classics. You and your... friend... certainly made an impression."
Those eyes, same eyes as his stare into mine, but then I look at his face–closely. A scar. Aaron's face never had a scar, it was perfect. "Mr. Cross. I believe we have an appointment upstairs."
Ethan is the one to say that, pulling back from spiraling. "Of course, Lexi... Come with me," Julian says, after a tense moment.
I look to Ethan, who then nods confirmation, and very subtlely points to the earpiece.
**
I am in the elevator with Julian now and his mood shifts. "Good job getting him here. If I find out your working with him.... I'll deal with you how I please. But I can't guarantee their safety."
"Of course, J.C.," I replied and just then he turned pinning me against the elevator's walls. His eyes searched mine–frantically.
My breath hitched, just slightly, and I'm sure Ethan was listening. He leans in close, too close and sniffs.
"You smell like him."
It was just a comment, but something shifted in me but I had to hold on. Ethan, Please trust me.
Not much hours passed but he caught onto my diamond earrings and told me take it off.
"The earrings, Lexi," he repeated. "Take it off."
I slowly take them off, but stop, holding them in my palm. Everything is now on the line even my life and his. Even my family's.