Chapter 2 A reckless night with a hot stranger

“Absolutely not, Serena Hart. You’re coming with me.” Chloe grabbed her hands, locking eyes with her through their masks. “No more hiding in the shadows. No more crying over people who never deserved you.”

Serena glanced at her reflection one last time. The shimmering red dress clung to every generous curve—her heavy breasts, soft stomach, wide hips, and thick thighs. The golden mask transformed her into someone bolder, someone who might actually be wanted. “One hour,” she conceded. “Then I’m coming straight back for ice cream and regret.”

“Sure, whatever you say.” Chloe’s grin made it perfectly clear she had no intention of letting her leave early.

The Sterling Masquerade Ball was breathtaking. The historic Hamilton Hotel ballroom sparkled with thousands of tiny lights. Crystal chandeliers bathed the masked crowd in golden warmth as couples swirled across the dance floor in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.

“Drink this.” Chloe pressed a flute of champagne into Serena’s hand. She downed it quickly, and Chloe immediately handed her another. The bubbles fizzed down her throat, spreading liquid courage through her veins. For the first time in months, the tight knot of shame in her chest began to loosen.

“There’s Mark from accounting,” Chloe said, waving across the room. “I need to say hello. You okay for a minute?”

“I’m a big girl,” Serena laughed, the champagne already making her feel lighter. “Go network.”

Alone, she drifted toward the dance floor. The music wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She closed her eyes and swayed gently, letting herself simply exist in her body without the usual spiral of self-doubt. When was the last time she had allowed herself that?

“You look like you could use a dance partner.”

The deep, velvety voice pulled her back to the present. Serena opened her eyes to find a tall, broad-shouldered man in a black mask watching her. It covered the upper half of his face, revealing a strong jaw, sensual lips, and striking violet-blue eyes that seemed to burn straight through her.

“I wasn’t planning on dancing,” she replied, surprised by the playful lilt in her own voice.

“Plans change.” He offered his hand as the orchestra shifted to a slow, intimate song. “One dance won’t kill you.”

Something about his confident, hungry gaze made her slip her hand into his. He pulled her close, one large palm settling at the small of her back. Heat radiated through the thin silk of her dress, warming the softness there.

“You’re not like the others here,” he murmured, guiding her effortlessly across the floor. “I’d remember a woman like you.”

“Confident, aren’t you? Especially when you can only see half my face.”

His lips curved into a slow smile. “I’m looking at the important parts.” His eyes drifted over her body with open appreciation. “Those curves… the way this dress hugs every inch of you. It’s driving me crazy.”

The champagne made her bold. “Most men don’t say that to someone my size.”

“Then most men are idiots.” He drew her closer, his hand sliding lower, fingers splaying possessively over the generous curve of her hip. “I happen to love soft, lush women who feel real. You’re stunning.”

They moved together as if they had done this a hundred times before. His solid, warm body pressed against her softness, and Serena found herself leaning into him, savoring the way he seemed to crave every part of her. His breath brushed her ear. “What brought you here tonight?”

“Escape,” she whispered. “From a life that keeps reminding me I’m too much.”

His eyes darkened with desire. “Then let me help you escape… completely.”

The music swelled. Serena’s head spun—from the champagne, the dancing, or the intoxicating way he looked at her like she was the most desirable woman in the room. “I need some air,” she breathed, steadying herself with a hand on his chest.

He guided her away from the crowd and down a quiet, dimly lit corridor. They stopped by a tall window where moonlight spilled across the floor. Her back met the cool wall as he stepped in close, crowding her in the best possible way.

“Better?” he asked, his voice low and rough.

She nodded. “Thank you… for making me feel wanted.”

That was all it took. He closed the distance, capturing her mouth in a fierce, hungry kiss. Serena melted into it, arms wrapping around his neck as his tongue teased hers. He tasted like whiskey and pure temptation.

“Tell me to stop,” he growled against her lips, hands gripping her full waist.

“Don’t stop,” she gasped.

His mouth moved down her neck, teeth grazing her pulse while his hands explored—cupping her heavy breasts, then sliding down to squeeze the soft fullness of her backside. “God, you feel incredible,” he groaned. “So soft… so fucking perfect.”

He lifted her effortlessly, and she wrapped her thick thighs around his waist. The hard length of him pressed against her through their clothes, drawing a moan from her throat. In a rush of desperate need, he pushed her dress up around her hips. She fumbled with his belt until he sprang free, hot and ready.

He paused at her entrance, eyes locked on hers. “You sure?”

“Yes,” she begged, pulling him closer.

He thrust into her in one smooth stroke, stretching her deliciously full. The sensation was overwhelming—intense, perfect. He set a deep, relentless rhythm, each powerful movement sending waves of pleasure through her body. His thumb found her most sensitive spot, circling as he drove into her.

“Look at me,” he demanded, voice strained. “I want to watch you come.”

Their eyes stayed locked as the pleasure built higher. His whispered praise—how beautiful her body was, how good she felt—pushed her over the edge. Serena shattered around him, crying out as ecstasy crashed through her. He followed moments later, burying his face in her neck with a deep groan.

They stayed pressed together, breathing hard. Slowly he lowered her to her feet, steadying her on shaky legs. “That was…” He shook his head, seemingly at a loss for words. “I don’t do this. Ever.”

“Neither do I,” Serena admitted, smoothing her dress with trembling hands.

“I’d like your name,” he said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Before she could answer, his phone rang sharply. His expression shifted in an instant. “I have to take this.” He answered, his face paling. “I’ll be right there.”

Just like that, he sprinted down the hallway and disappeared.

Serena leaned against the wall, reality slowly sinking in. She had just had passionate, wall-pinning sex with a total stranger whose name she didn’t even know. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. For the first time in a long time, someone had wanted all of her—every soft, oversized inch.

She made her way back to the ballroom. Chloe took one look at her flushed face and messy hair and gasped. “Where have you been? You look like you just—”

“Time to go,” Serena muttered, grabbing her arm.

Later that night, curled up on her couch with wine and Chloe, she spilled every delicious detail.

“His eyes were this intense violet-blue, Chloe. And the way he touched me… like he couldn’t get enough of my body. He kept saying how much he loved how soft I was.”

Chloe grinned. “Sounds like the perfect get laid night”.

“It was incredible,” Serena said, cheeks warm. “I’ve never been so reckless.”

“Sometimes reckless is exactly what you need.” Chloe clinked her glass against hers. “To new beginnings and hot masked strangers!”

Serena laughed and took a sip. “To one perfect night.”

Chloe studied her for a moment. “Wait… you guys used protection, right?”

The glass nearly slipped from Serena’s fingers as cold reality hit. They hadn’t.

“Oh my God,” she whispered, her blood turning to ice.