“A masquerade ball?” Shermaine took the invitation and glanced at it. She wasn’t particularly interested in balls, but if Joshua wanted to go, she’d take him along.
She started heading toward the exit when Simon finished his match and spotted her. He quickly approached, his eyes locked on her. “Boa, are you going to the masquerade ball?”
“If my husband wants to go, I’ll go,” Shermaine replied without hesitation, then walked past him and continued toward the exit.
Simon stood there frozen, unable to find words to describe the intensity of his jealousy.
Joshua had already left his seat and was waiting for Shermaine at the entrance to the inner court. Gracie had fallen asleep again during halftime, so Joshua had asked Damien and Jasmine to take her home.
Wherever Joshua went, he drew female attention like a magnet. There was something about his natural restraint that made him irresistibly attractive. Women couldn’t help but be drawn to him the moment they laid eyes on him.
With the masquerade ball approaching, many women were already scrambling to find dates.
Joshua stood out in the crowd, and even though some knew he belonged to Shermaine, it didn’t stop them. These bold women had confidence to spare and weren’t shy about making their interest known.
They figured there was no harm in trying, even if they knew it wouldn’t lead anywhere. What if they succeeded?
When Joshua ignored their advances, they’d stamp their feet in frustration but kept things civil before walking away, seething quietly.
The moment Shermaine approached, those women scattered even further. Mandy’s death had left them all on edge.
“Why aren’t you wearing a mask?” Shermaine reached up and touched Joshua’s face.
“I want everyone on this ship to know I’m your man,” Joshua replied, pulling her close by the waist.
Her red dress pressed against his black coat as she smiled up at him. Rising on her toes, she planted a kiss on his cheek. “Don’t forget, this is being livestreamed.”
“It doesn’t matter. They won’t catch it.” The cameras wouldn’t focus on Joshua anyway. The broadcast feed was already under their control.
A bright red lipstick mark stood out against his pale cheek. Shermaine saw the mark she’d left and smiled, making no move to wipe it away. ‘He came prepared.’
Shermaine handed over the masquerade ball invitation. “This is Mr. York’s chance to make an entrance. Want to go?”
Joshua glanced at it and immediately said yes.
“Then let’s go. The ballroom is one floor up,” Shermaine smiled.
They had transformed the entire floor into a ballroom. Inside, dim lighting cast shadows across the space while lazy, sensual music filled the air.
Men and women in masks had already gathered. The women dressed in revealing outfits that showed off their curves as they danced passionately with their partners in the center of the floor.
The space also featured a casino area, massage stations for those who needed a break, and virtual reality gaming pods. Waitresses in fishnet stockings weaved through the crowd carrying trays of drinks.
The moment Shermaine entered, a spotlight found her. All eyes turned their way.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Boa Hanks and her companion, Mr. Cain Reaper,” a deep voice announced over the speakers.
Chapter 474
The room erupted in enthusiastic applause.
“Many of our guests are curious about the relationship between Ms. Hanks and Mr. Reaper. Would Ms. Hanks care to share?” someone called out.
Shermaine raised an eyebrow and lifted Joshua’s hand, revealing the platinum diamond ring on his ring finger. “I gave him this wedding ring.”
The crowd erupted in deafening cheers.
Joshua clearly loved this introduction. Shermaine selected a mask for him to wear while she put on a silver fox mask for herself.
A woman approached them carrying drinks. “Ms. Hanks, Mr. Reaper, you must try our ball’s special cocktail. It’s made by the Kingdom of Xypena’s top mixologist, exclusively for players who’ve made it to the top eighty.”
At the mention of a top mixologist’s creation, Shermaine licked her lips. She wanted to taste it badly, but the medication she was taking didn’t mix with alcohol.
She handed the glass to Joshua. “You taste this for me and tell me if it’s good?”
Joshua took a sip and nodded. “It’s good.” He had to admit that even the cheapest fruit wines here tasted wonderfully sweet and refreshing. This cocktail from a master mixologist was exceptional.
If Joshua said it was good, it must be amazing.
“Does Sheary want a taste?” he asked.
Of course Shermaine wanted to try it, but her situation wouldn’t allow it. Before she could respond, Joshua tilted her chin up and pressed his lips to hers. The crisp, intoxicating flavor of the cocktail flowed from his mouth to hers.
Kissing Joshua was already intoxicating enough. Now, with the taste of alcohol between them, her head spun even more.