IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU LOAD THE MEDIA IN THIS CHAPTER DOWN BELOW.
UNEDITED.

"You should seriously consider swearing eternal servitude to me."

Tyler looks up from the paper in his hands from which he's been quizzing me for the past hour,"What?"

"To dumb it down to your level it means that you should become my slave." I say with a bright smile on my face.

Tyler looks at me for a moment as if I've lost my mind. He then blinks before shaking his head and looking back down at his papers,"You know what I'm not even asking."

My gaze falls to Tyler's coffee table where the photo that I'd seen earlier was face down.I reach for it and put it back upright before looking up at him,"Were you ever in love with Rose?"

This time the papers slip from his hands and fall down to the ground.

He blinks at me for a few seconds before finally saying,"You know what? I'm finally convinced that you aren't faking your amnesia."

I roll my eyes. Jeez thanks.

"I'd go jump into the sea before that happens. Rose is a psycho Bitch." He clarifies furthur,"Figures why she's your best friend."

I look him blankly,"Wow that was original. Do you want an award for coming up with it?"

He shrugs off my comment before continuing,"Regardless her father is very influential in the party. It's important to keep them happy for their support."

I wonder why I'd never told him about the entire Parker-Rose situation. I'm sure there must have been some reason behind. I had contemplated on telling him right now but in the end of decided against it because I clearly didn't understand the entire picture yet.

For a second I'd considered that maybe the reason was that he'd genuinely been in love with Rose which is why he was so royally pissed me but that clearly wasn't the case.

"This secret of yours that Rose knows, are you really that afraid of it coming out?"

"It's none of your business." He says sharply and as if to prove his point he slams the picture back down.

So immature.

"Fine whatever." I say, "I won't pry but that doesn't change the fact that you still owe me, hence the eternal servitude."

"It's saving your friendship too, you know?" He says,"She's your best friend."

But I kind of hate her a little.
Okay no, I hate her a lot.

Best friend my ass.
She might be blonde but's that just about how close she comes to being anywhere close to my real best friend.

"Tell me more about Parker's family." I say changing the topic,"You didn't seem too concerned about the fact that he might know that I'm illegitimate."

"In most probability he doesn't. Parker isn't the brightest so him connecting the dots is near impossible but still pissing him off isn't a good idea." Tyler states,"I wasn't kidding when I said that his family is extremely influential. The Marley's are powerful but only within the party while the Richards are probably one of the only families who could come close to the power wielded by the Kensington's and Windsor's. I'm sure that's part of the little dossier my mother gave you to study before the ball."

Lol like I'm actually going to read that thing. I don't really enjoy reading unless it's got some over the top dramatic star crossed romance in it.

Besides I plan on winging it with my awesomeness like I always do.

"Let's say I haven't." I say,"So enlighten me."

He rolls his eyes,"While the Richards are fairly neutral in the political sphere they wield a lot of power because they happen to be the largest manufacturer of weapons. Almost all major military contracts are under their control which means their support can quite possibly make or break a persons term in the office."

"But allying with them obviously means that the candidate is supporting the second amendment." I state,"They are the largest manufacturers of guns too after all."

"Which is why both parties have no choice but to remain fairly neutral to guns." Tyler informs,"The Richards are the reason no sanctions get passed. They are the main force behind the gun lobbying that goes on in our country which is why many candidates actively support to keep the second amendment the way it is by saying that wielding a firearm is our right and what not, just to get backing from the Richards. The people who are against it really can't do much."

"Because if someone does oppose it and win, not having the Richards support during their presidency would mean effectively screwing the military." I complete and then add,"What a bunch of assholes."

"That's politics Juliana, you can't make everyone happy." Tyler says,"But like I said the Richards are important. Of course their influence over our families our considerably lower but none the less they are important."

"And they don't like the Keninsgton's either do they? From what I could see Parker hates them."

"Not all hate is due to family rivalry." Tyler answers,"The Richards and Kensington's have to be on good terms even if their children aren't. After all the Kensington's have a stronghold over all the iron and steel industries in our country as well as quite a few abroad. From automobiles, to ships and aircrafts, the Kensington's have high stakes in almost every major company that needs any sort of metal for manufacturing, the Richards obviously being one of them."

"Then why does Parker hate them?"

"Do I look like his keeper to you? I don't really know and I don't really care." Tyler states,"But if I have to guess it has something to do with you."

"Me?" I ask surprised.

"Although you were here only for a very short period of time you managed to screw up a lot of things Juliana." Tyler says,"While Parker never really had a problem with the two brothers before, after you came that changed. I suppose it has something to do with the fact that you had a very public war going on with them and Parker was completely smitten with you."

"And Wi- I mean the Kensington's don't like him either?" I ask.

"Well the real question is who have the Kensington's ever really liked?" Tyler says,"They've always looked down on people as if they think they are too good for them. It makes them arrogant, self serving and frankly just sad excuses for human beings."

His words are harsh, almost as bad as Rose and Parker proclaiming that Daniel deserved to die.

"Stay away from them Juliana. It's the best thing for everyone."

"Stay away from whom? The President and his wife?" I ask,"It's not like I'm establishing a budding friendship with them."

"I'm talking about Will."

This is probably the fourth time I'm getting the entire stay away from Will Kensington speech.

Honestly by now I'm just tired listening to it. Nobody even tells me why just giving vague answers which makes me even more curious.

Tyler continues,"Going anywhere near him is the worst mistake you could possibly make. He's smart, extremely smart and he knows exactly how to manipulate people to get what he wants. Right now with your amnesia and your extremely naive outlook on this entire situation, he will pick you apart after playing with you in a way that you won't realise until he's done with you."

I stare at Tyler silently.

No he wouldn't, I try to reason with myself, He would absolutely never do that. 

Unless of course that's exactly what he's been doing all along.

I shake my head.

No I have to make the judgement for myself. Will might be smart and manipulative but that I've already figured out. Tyler clearly underestimates me, I'm smart too, probably a little to cocky for my good but I don't get fooled easily.

And I will not lose to Will Kensington.

I smile slightly at my brother,"You know you almost sound like you care."

"Clearly all this quizzing is making you delusional." Tyler says shifting through the papers,"Since we are on the topic of businesses you tell us about Pacific Atlantic and I'll report to my mother that you're all set for tomorrow."

"We own Pacific Atlantic ." I supply,"The biggest fuel and power company in the States."

"And on top of that our family owns 80% of the stocks."Tyler adds,"Which is why even if the Kensington's are far more diverse, we have complete and total power over one sector."

"Eighty percent is a lot for a company of that size." I comment.

"Its a tradition in our family." Tyler continues,"Even if there are multiple children, only one person from the family will inherit all of the shares. Money would be divided I suppose but the shares are only in the name of one child."

"That's quite harsh."

"But effective." Tyler states,"It prevents infighting and ensures complete control of the company within the family."

"Our father didn't really care about the business aspect of the family and he was always more inclined towards politics." Tyler continues,"Our grandfather was the same which is why he'd passed the company to Uncle as soon as he could so he could focus on his political career."

"Uncle Theo?"I ask,"But didn't he and his wife die in the plane crash three years back?"

I remember the news very clearly when it was displayed on the TV because I was specifically asked to don on the role of Juliana Windsor to attend their funeral. It was the first time I'd ever publicly gone anywhere with my step mother and father but I didn't get a chance to meet Tyler back then, only see him sitting a few seats over.

"Which is how our father got the company seeing as to how they didn't have any kids." Tyler says,"Of course he's not acting as the COO but he's the head of the board and wields the most power over all the company decisions."

"And in a few years time you'll inherit all of it." I complete,"Must be kind of nice as well as scary to have your future set in stone."

Tyler abruptly stands,"That's enough for the day. Leave now, I'm tired."

He turns heading for his bedroom and I realise I've somehow made him angry slall over again. Usually I would just let him go but I've already had one dramatic exit for the day.

"You know I can never fix what I did wrong unless you tell me."

Tyler pauses his back turned towards me. For a while he doesn't say anything but I see the way his fists clench tightly.

He must really, really hate me.

"Don't do this." He finally says.

"Do what?"

He turns around glaring at me.

"Play these mind games." He spits,"Just when I thought you were better don't stoop down so low."

"But I really don't what I-"

"We hate each other." He says,"That's all you need to know. There was a time when I foolishly considered that you really were my sister but I was wrong."

"Are you telling me whatever I did, I can't fix it?"

"That's exactly your problem Juliana." Tyler seethes,"You live under this premise that you're fixing things for people when in fact you only look out for yourself. You don't care about anyone except yourself, you never have and while I couldn't see through that bullshit act you put up before I now know just what a bitch you really are. With or without your memories you're still the same."

He marches forward opening his bedroom door.

"I'm going to prove you wrong you know." I say,"I'm going to show just how wrong you're about me."

He slams the door shut behind him.

Well this was going to be a tricky challenge.

I sigh my gaze falling onto to the picture that's laying face down on the coffee table. I reach over and straighten it up again.

It's a good thing though that I don't give up easily.

_______________________________________

I stare at the contact on my phone contemplating whether this was a good idea or not. For the past one hour I'd been staring at my phone weighing the pros and cons of texting.

Ugh! When did texting someone become so hard?

And even if I do should I start with a hello or a hi or maybe even a casual hey?

Oh my god Bex it's a text. The commoner should feel blessed to receive a message from you.

I take a deel breath,Yeah you got this girl.

I nearly drop my phone looking at the text.

What? How did he know?

How the fuck does he know everything?

I throw my phone across the bed burying my face into my pillow.

Why am I such a disgrace to the human race?

That was mortifying.

I've never been so uncool in my life. Or maybe I have but since it was never really written down for me to see and contemplate it has never been quite so terrible.

The asshole who invented autocorrect and I were going to have words. Big ugly four letter words.

I look at the clock and I'm surprised to see how late it was. I'm supposed to have an early day tomorrow with my fittings and appointment with the stylist to prepare for the ball in the evening.

I brush my teeth furiously every once in a while groaning as to how I could be such an idiot.

I do find you rather intriguing Butterscotch.

I turn red and then quickly shake my head. I totally and completely do not want to kiss him.

By the time I finally reach my bed after changing into my pyjamas I feel exhausted. Handling the entire Rose, Parker, Tyler scenario is more than enough to give me a headache and I reach for my pills to take them but then I realise that I hadn't refilled my prescription yet.

Oh gods, I forgot again.

I glance at the clock, it really was was too late for anything and I'd already sent Jason away.

I take a deep breath, it's okay I'm sure I can survive one more night without it, I'll make sure to get them first thing in the morning.

I switch off the light and lie down hoping that even without my medications I'll drift off into a deep dreamless sleep.

Only I don't.

_____________________________

"You changed the colour of your hair?"

I don't bother telling Rose that this is in fact the real colour of my hair. I thought it would be hilariously ironic to disguise myself based on how I really look.

"I can't have anyone recognising me so I'm wearing a wig." I answer.

Rose nods,"I think that's overdoing it but honestly I didn't think you'd agree so easily either."

I simply shrug. She probably can't make out in the dim light that I've also put in contacts to make my usual olive green eyes appear brown.

Going to a party hosted by Daniel Kensington is not one of the smarter decisions I've made in my life. It's a risk, a big one at that which is why I have to make sure that no one can recognise me.

The rivalry between the Windsors and the Kensington's isn't something I can take lightly especially since the presidential elections has escalated into something that resembles a cold war inbetween the two families.

I can't imagine how my father and step mother would react if they found out. Tyler would be furious too but he'd try to defend me none the less. Still, there is only so much he can shield me against.

While I wasn't really interested in attending the older Kensington brother's birthday party, when Rose offered if I wanted to be her plus one and then proceeded to argue that since it was a masquerade nobody would find out who I really was I almost immediately accepted, excited to do something rebellious once.

Of course Tyler received an invitation too but it's more of a taunt than anything else. Honestly if I was him I'd show up to their party to beat them at their own game.

But I'm not Tyler. It's something I'm reminded of almost everyday.

I'm the illegitimate child.
I'm the liability.

Tyler on the other hand is the real Windsor. He's purposely shoved into the spotlight so that I'm kept out of it.

I'm there as a contingency plan.

Whatever, today I'm going to do what I want.

I adjust my simple black gown, rebellious I might be but I've made sure that I blend in. I have no interest to call unwanted attention which is why I've chosen the simplest formal dress I could find. It's not unflattering as such just plain enough to blend in.

My mask on the other hand is anything but.

It's big and intricate covering the upper half of my face completely leaving only my lips and chin exposed. It's black in colour and shaped like a butterfly.

The more eye catching my mask is the more attention will be drawn to the mask rather than my features. If on the chance somebody does remember me all they'll remember is the intricate mask, brown hair and perhaps the colour of my contacts all of which are lies.

Entering the party is surprisingly easy and one look at the invitation and a body check later Rose and I are in.

I half expect the Kensington estate to be crawling with guards but I suppose they've also been given masks and been asked to remain inconspicuous. Rose disappears the second she enters and I'm not particularly surprised considering she's looking for the secret boyfriend she keeps talking about. I don't particularly care who it is but I know she's itching for me to ask. I won't though, I have better things to do than to hear about Rose Marley's newest flavour of the month.

The only reason I'd come here was to prove myself that despite everything I was still my own person and if need be  I could still rebel in my own small ways. Perhaps gatecrashing Daniel Kensington's birthday party wasn't the greatest way to do this but for now it would have to do.

The guest of honour is nowhere to be seen from what I could make out. I've met Daniel once before and he's every bit as charming and talented as promised. Tyler pales in comparison to his skill with handling people and I understand why Senator Kensington goes out of his way to flaunt Daniel in front of the cameras.

The cameras love him and so do the people behind the cameras. His recent Olympic win has catapulted him into celebrity status and the fact that he looks like one definitely helps. He's smart too, intelligent in a way that he's careful to hide behind his wide smiles and an easy going attitude that has all the girls falling at his feet.

From what I hear though, he's taken because all of his scandals always link back to Senator Velazquez's daughter Isabella who is probably the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen in my life.

But if I'm being perfectly honest I'm far more intrigued with the younger Kensington brother.

Will Kensington is somewhat of a dark horse who prefers to remain in the shadows. On paper he's every bit as prominent as his older brother if not more with the exception of losing to the older Kensington only in the Olympics held two years ago.

Yet he's a no show when it comes to the media. A few important events here and there, but other than that he's perpetually a ghost.

He wasn't there during the gala held last week, my first public appearance which is where I met Daniel either.

I suppose my fascination lies with the fact that Will like me hadn't lived with his family for the majority of his life, choosing to attend some elite private school in New York where he stayed with some of his relatives.

Maybe he's illegitimate too, who knows?

The party is crowded and dodging people gets boring really fast so I decide to explore the garden for some fresh air. Nobody really pays attention to me, most people here are too self important to  approach strangers to talk to them which suits me just fine.

I open a door at the end of the hallway which leads to a small veranda overlooking the back garden. I close the door behind me relishing the peace and quiet that comes with the still night air away from the noise of the party.

While the Kensington's backyard garden is bigger than ours is, it's much more simplistic with it's main feature being the neatly lined flower patches that looks like it's been tended to with a great deal of care.

Honestly by the way this family is talked about I'd imagined that they'd have a moat with man eating alligators complete with coffins to sleep in.But the Kensington's- well at least their house is strangely normal. As normal as it could be out here with fancy back gardens, ball rooms and houses that resemble palaces.

But one thing was clear, whatever Kensington's were guilty so were the Windsors. And while their rivalry ran far back in business and various political campaigns in the end the most ironic thing of it all were that both families were exactly alike.

I turn away from the balcony getting ready to head back into the main room. This party is typically boring-

"-I might have had a little too much to drink."

I freeze.

"I think fresh air would do me some good."

Shit. Shit. That's Parker. That's definitely Parker.

He's absolutely the last person who needs to know that I sneaked into this party ranking one above even my step mother. Even with my disguise and mask if Parker gets a one good look at me it's enough to make him slightly suspicious and I absolutely cannot risk that.

Because if he knows.... then he'll definitely-

I shake my head right now I just need to find a way out of here.

Think Juliana, think.

I bite my lip analysing my escape options.

The best one is undoubtedly climbing over the veranda railing and hiding out of sight in the garden.

I quickly grab onto the railing hoisting myself up clumsily. It's not a joke to do it in a gown but thankfully the fabric is stretchy enough to allow me enough space to get myself to sit on the railing. The footsteps grow nearer and I contemplate how I was going to get my legs over to the other side when a voice calls out.

"What are you doing?"

I jump and my hand slips making me fall forwards towards the grass. I shut my eyes putting my hands forward bracing myself for an impact that will definitely hurt. Instead of the ground though I hit something- no someone, taking us both down a soft thump.

I open my eyes allowing them to focus on what had cushioned my fall only to find out that I was lying on a chest.

A very muscular chest.

Oh my god.

I'm currently lying on top of some random guy I knocked to the ground while trying to climb out of a veranda.

I start to push myself up to get off him as soon as I can without having to face him but just then the veranda door swings open and I force myself back down remembering what had got me into this situation in the first place.

Parker's voice fills the night,"I still haven't seen him, he's probably a no show as usual."

My eyes lock onto the boy currently trapped underneath me and I find him curiously looking at me. He's wearing an intricate silver and white mask that covers most of his face but I don't think he's anyone I've met since I've come here.

He opens his mouth to say something but I quickly clamp my hand on his mouth shaking my head frantically hoping he gets my message.

I glance towards the veranda where I can indistinctly hear Parker talking and I let out a small sigh in relief when I realise that I'm safely hidden from his view.

It's only then do I realise in just what an awkward position I am in and I turn back to the boy who is currently pinned under me with my hand still on his mouth.

I slowly remove my hand but apart from that I dare to move because my face is just inches above his and we are so close that are breaths are mingling.

His dark coloured eyes are locked onto mine and for some reason I can't quite get myself to look away.

No, he's definitely someone I haven't met before.

Eyes like those.... you don't forget them.

He's looking at me keenly, not moving at all or even attempting to say anything, just his eyes flickering through out the expanse of my face as if he's scanning me.  I feel strangely vulnerable as the boy continues to stare at me intently almost as if he can see right through me.

I force myself to turn my gaze away from him trying to focus on anything but the utterly awkward situation I was currently stuck in. Parker is still there and I try to distract myself with the fact that it smells distinctly of the heady scent of the earth after it rains for the first time. Petrichor, that's what it's called.

I suppose the garden must have been watered recently.

"You know he's gone right?"

I abruptly turn back towards him shocked because his voice is something that I don't expect,deep and rich-

Oh shit I'm still lying on top of him like a moron.

I turn red quickly pushing myself off him so that I'm sitting on the grass a good one feet away from him. 

Oh my god what was I thinking? I must be crazy.

Deep and rich?
Really? What was wrong with me?

"Need help?", I look up to see him already standing up completely unruffled, almost as if he hadn't been tackled to the ground by some unknown girl.

"N-no." I manage to say stammering as I pull myself up rather clumsily.

He's still staring at me though, with those eyes of his that makes me feel like-

My hand unconsciously goes up to my face and with a start I realise that he mask is no longer there.

It must have come off when I'd fallen down earlier.

Shit.
Oh shit.
Shit. Shit.

I quickly lower my head desperately searching for my mask down on the ground.

My mask, where was my mask?
There was no way I could get out of here without it.

"Looking for something?" The boy asks sounding almost amused and I see that he's holding the mask in his hands.

I quickly snatch it, fumbling to put it back on.

Shit, shit, shit, he'd seen me.

With the brunette wig on I look far more like the plain girl I really am but that doesn't really help matters. Considering how close he'd been to me there was no way he would get fooled if he saw me again.

I quickly turn away aiming to brush past him so that I can get out of here as quickly as I can.

But before I can leave he catches my arm making me stop abruptly.

Shit. Shit.

"S-sorry and t-thank you." I quickly say,"For accidently saving me, I-"

"And what makes you think it was accidently?" He interrupts me making me stop abruptly.

"Oh!" I'm clearly flustered,"Thank you then anyway..I'll Get going-:

"You're not supposed to be here are you?" He asks softly and my blood runs cold.

"O-Of course I've been invited." I stammer despite myself,"How else would I have entered?"

"Well you did climb out of there to avoid someone and then panicked frantically when you realised that I saw you without your mask."

"I'm a very panicky person in general." I make an excuse,"A-and I didn't know who that was it's just that I've always wanted to climb out of verandahs and act as if I was a top secret spy."

Ohmygod.
Ohmygod.
I actually said that out loud didn't I?

While my imagination had always been a little wild but I'd never actually made the mistake of saying it out loud. Maybe it's because I've never felt so flustered and out of sorts to the extent where my heart is beating so loudly that I can't even hear my own thoughts.

Yes, i's probably because I'm nervous.

"Well then does this top secret spy have their name on the guest list?" He sounds amused.

"Well I'd be a rather shitty spy if it was."

"Considering the fact that you nearly died climbing out of a ground floor veranda I don't think you're a very good one either."

Okay I'll give him that.

"I'm somebody's plus one." I say honestly,"So you won't-"

"And who is that?"

Shit. I can't tell him that it's Rose because then I'll definitely be found out eventually. I need to come up with something and quickly because my hesitation in itself is enough to confirm his  suspicions so I quickly blurt out,"J-Juliet.My name is Juliet! You'll find it on the guest list!"

It's the first thing that comes to my mind and I know instantly that it's a big mistake. Not only does it sound boderline fake but it's just a stone throw away from my real name. On top of all of that it'snot even common enough to be on the list even by chance.

"My parents were big Shakespeare fans." I further justify.

"So that's why they named you after the fictional girl who decided to kill herself over a boy?"

"Yes?" I say,"Now you can go and check the guest list while I'll patiently wait for your apology right here."

"Nice try." He says.

I sigh as I jerk my hand away from him,"It was worth a shot."

"I am curious though as to why anybody would want to crash this party."

"I did not crash this party." I correct walking ahead hoping he wouldn't follow me. Of course that's not the case as he starts to walk beside me I point out,"And you're here too."

"Not by choice." He deadpans,"But I suppose if I hadn't been here I wouldn't have had a chance to see this entire spectacle, so I suppose it didn't turn out half bad."

"Good for you." I deadpan. Right now I'm just analyzing all my ways to escape. Running was my best bet but at the same time my worst. It would confirm his suspicious immediately and if I got caught then it would be instantly game over for me.

No, I had to find a more diplomatic solution to this and fast.

"Okay lets get right to it." I say stopping in my tracks and facing him,"What will it take you to leave me alone and not say word about this to anyone?"

"Why do you suppose I want something?" He asks innocently,"Maybe I'm just fighting for justice."

Oh my god. How could someone be this insufferable?

"Oh come on." I say,"Just let me go. I'm sure you're a good person who understand that I'm just as poor little girl who means no harm."

"And how are you so sure that I'm a good person?" He asks lightly.

Ugh! I can't seem to catch a break with this guy. Let me win for crissakes and let it go.

I force myself to smile and not let my frustration show,"Everybody has some amount of good in them."

"That's rather optimistic." He says.

"So you'll keep my secret and let me go?" I ask hopefully.

"No."

"Oh come on! You don't have to be such a jerk about the entire thing." I say,"I don't even understand why you're so bothered about all of it. It's not like I've broken into your house or anything."

He chuckles slightly and I glare at him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing really." He says,"It's just that I didn't expect you to be such a spitfire. I thought you were the kind who'd burst into tears at the drop of a hat."

Oh he has no idea how close I am to that point right about now.

"Well I'm glad I could prove you wrong if nothing else." I spit out,"Now what do you want?"

He smiles and even though most of his face is covered by his silver and white mask my heart flutters for some crazy reason.

"A dance."

__________________

"Dancing, really?" I ask as I find myself in the middle of the dancefloor facing the entitled asshole who I felt like punching straight in the face.

"Well frankly I think you got off easy." He says as he interlocks his hand with mine while he circles his other arm around my waist,"Don't you?"

I reluctantly put my hand on his shoulder, just baffled as to how I landed in this mess. Jeez so much for rebellious Juliana Windsor. I should have just kept my mouth shut and sat tight.

"But why me?" I ask,"I'm sure if you ask any other girl here they would be more than willing to accept your offer to dance."

"Is that your way of saying you find me attractive?"

"You've been wearing a mask the entire time." I snort out as he twirls me and then pulls me back,"And honestly I don't really care how you look. It's clear that you have no soul." 

"Ouch. That escalated pretty quickly."

"Well then if you were trying to impress me you should have thought twice before blackmailing me."

"And why exactly would I want to impress you?"

I stare at him at a loss for words because he's absolutely right but I can't really give him the satisfaction of winning at this point.

"Well have you seen me?" I ask,"If I were you I'd want to impress me too."

Oh my god.
I just said that out loud didn't I?
Why was I doing this to myself?
AAAAGHAAHHHAH!

To my surprise he just lets out a small laugh that makes my heart race,"I was wrong. You're far more interesting than I previously thought. It's not often I'm wrong and yet when it comes to you, I haven't been right even once."

For some reason my heart jumps at his words and I'm forced to look away from him blushing fiercely. What is wrong with me today? Why was I feeling so flustered and out of sorts? This was totally out of character for me.

I clear my throat trying to break myself out of whatever this was,"Alright how long do we have to keep this-"

Before I can finish he suddenly tugs me closer to him so that I'm pushed against up against his chest and when I look up I'm completely off guard by how little distance there is i between the both of us.

This is seriously not good for my heart.

"What are-" I start but he cuts me off.

"Parker Richards is behind you." He says and I immediately stiffen"He's the one you're avoiding right?"

"Yes." I manage to say. 

"I don't blame you." He says,"Anyone with half a brain would want to run away from that."

I laugh a little at that,"You don't even know the half of it."

"He's gone." He says gently distancing himself from me so we aren't that close anymore. I breathe out, relieved and my racing heart finally starts to slow down. 

"T-thank you." I say

"I must say you're not that bad of a dancer." He says as he twirls me around once more,"Judging by that rather spectacular fall before I thought you'd be quite pathetic at it actually."

"I'm probably a better dancer than you mask boy." I state drily.

"Mask boy?" He says,"I have a name you know."

"Fine then." I scoff,"What's your name?"

"Romeo." He replies,"Obviously."

I give him the most withering look possible. Unfortunately most of my face is covered by my mask so the effect is lost.

"That was pathetic." I say,"Smooth but pathetic."

"I wasn't the one who climbed out of the veranda and straddled a complete stranger to avoid an asshole at the party I gatecrashed into."

I snort,"Fine you win."

"That's disappointing. I didn't even get to see any of your top secret spy skills in action."

"You're finding this entire situation of mine very entertaining aren't you?"

"Of course." He says twirling me once more,"It's been a while since I've found someone interesting."

"I'm glad you're enjoying this." 

"Me too." 

I roll my eyes, I really can't win against him.

"How long do I have to keep this up?"

"Until I can prove my point." 

"What point?"

"That I'm not someone to be toyed with." 

I look him confused,"Huh?" 

He shakes his head,"It doesn't matter."

"Are you trying to make your girlfriend jealous or something?" I ask sarcastically.

He stills, his eyes flickering past me. I start to turn around to see what's got his attention but once again he tugs me closer and I'm forced to turn my attention back to him. 

This time he's even closer than before, his lips just inches above mine and his hand rests on my cheek. This close I can make out the flecks of gold in his eyes.

"I'm going to kiss you now." 

My heart stutters and the world around me comes to a halt. For a second everything stills and I just find myself frozen staring at the masked boy in front of me.

"What?" I finally manage to say in a strangled disbelieving tone. I reflexively lean back as far as I can. 

"Is this some sort of joke?" I ask.

"Why?" He sounds puzzled,"Is someone wanting to kiss you so completely out of the realm of possibility?"

I turn red,"N-No! Of course not! I-I'm very kissable.I-It's- an honour to kiss me I'll have you know."

Oh my god what am I saying?
Why is no one stopping me?

"You've never been kissed before have you?"

"O-Of c-course I have." I stammer out, lying. 

"For a spy you're a pretty terrible liar."

"I'm not going to kiss you."

"Well honestly that's not really an option for you." He says,"That's obviously only if you want to make sure that I don't let out your little secret to the entire world."

"This is blackmail."

"I don't play fair, Juliet."

"Sincerely fuck off, Romeo."

"And what if I don't?" He says,"It's not like you can raise your voice because that would mean calling attention to yourself which you clearly don't want.."

"I'm telling you I didn't crash this party." I say shrilly.

"But none the less you don't want people to know you were here. Especially Parker Richards."

I bite my tongue because he's absolutely right.

I hate him.

"Caught you haven't I?" He bends down so that his lips are right next to my ears,"But honestly I have no interest in exposing your little secret. I promise I'll let you go after this and take this to the grave. "

"Why can't you find someone else?"

"Because I don't want to." He simply answers straightening back up.

I stare at him in disbelief. Was this guy for real?

I open my mouth to say something but then I quickly shut it. Even though I don't like it this guy was clearly the one who was holding all the cards. One wrong move and I could get exposed to everybody here and considering that we were smack in the middle of a political war it's best that I just humour him and get it over with.

Why didn't I just stay at home?

"We just met."

His mouth tugs upwards into a smirk,"Yes I suppose we met only today."

I look at him strangely,this guy is crazy,absolutely nuts. I shake my head,"I'm not going to kiss a stranger who I don't know anything about. It's just weird." 

"I don't like sweets, I despise the colour red and I genuinely think that people who put pineapple in pizzas should contemplate their choices in life."

"Huh?" I ask totally confused,"What are you saying?"

"You said you didn't know me at all. So I'm just helping out with that."

My mouth drops. Was he for real?

"This is ridiculous." I state,"This whole thing is unbelievably ridiculous."

"Would you have rather that I kissed you without asking you first?" He asks,"That would have been quite rude of me. Besides you hardly seem like the type to take that sort of thing lightly."

"I-I would rather that you didn't k-kiss me at all."

"Are you sure about that?" His proximity is intoxicating and I can't string together my thoughts to form a coherent word.

"Y-yes." I finally manage to say.

But somehow I don't think I mean it. 

His eyes flicker once again behind me and this time when he looks back at me there is something in his gaze that leaves absolutely defenceless. It's a feeling I can't quite define and yet...

I'm afraid that I know exactly what it is.

His lips curve into a smile and hover a mere inch above mine,"Careful Juliet, that's one mistake you don't want to make."

"And what is that?" I ask quietly. 

He lowers his head so that his lips are right next to my ears,"Be careful not to fall in love with me Juliet." 

My heart jumps erratically in my chest as I stare up at him wide eyed. My mind has gone completely blank.

He's staring keenly at me, scanning my face as if he's trying to figure out what I'm thinking and with a start I realise he's waiting.

He's waiting. He's giving me chance to walk away, I realise. 

I don't move though.
I can't move.
I don't want to move. 

And by the way he's looking at me he knows it too so I slowly close my eyes. 

His fingers curl up against my chin and he slowly tilts my head up.

And then he presses his lips against mine gently. 

That second stretches to what could possibly be eternity and all I do I stand still. Stand still like the world around me has completely come to a halt fading away into the background.

And then he deepens the kiss ever so slightly. 

Like a spell that's been lifted I suddenly move find myself on my toes in an effort to get closer to him.

My arms circle around his shoulder and for that moment everything is perfect.

Everything is magical.

Because it's true, I've  never been kissed before. 
I've never been kissed like this before.
I don't think I'll ever be kissed like this ever again.

He's the one who finally breaks off, his hands falling away as he takes a step backwards.

My heart is beating so fast that it terrifies me. I stand staring at him silently, breathing heavily. But he's not looking at me, he's looking right past me.

I slowly turn to see what's caught his attention and I freeze when my eyes land on the girl who stands a few feet away from us, devastation written on every crevice of her beautiful face. 

I recognise her immediately for she stands without her mask, all eyes drawn towards her. 

She's stunning with her jet black hair and full red lips. Her tanned skin glows in the light of the dance floor and the white gown she wears hugs every curve of her body making her look like nothing short of an angel.

Are you trying to make your girlfriend jealous or something?

Isabella Velazquez.
Daniel Kensington's girlfriend. 

And then his gaze lands on me. The breath is knocked right out of me when I realise that they are a shade of dark blue. 

Kensington blue.

Careful not to fall in love with me Juliet.

 I turn and run.

_______________________

My eyes flew open.
I lie on my bed staring up the ceiling blankly.

A silver mask. A kiss. Romeo.
What a weird dream.

Except... it's not.
Its a memory.

I quickly jump out of bed so that I can note it all down. By the time I manage to get write it I can only remember hazy fragments.

The last part of the dream is particularly blank and I stare at the paper trying to make sense of what I've written.

Daniel Kensington's party.
Parker.
A silver mask.
Be careful not to fall in love with me Juliet.
Romeo. Obviously.

It's not much, it's vague, unclear and highly confusing.

But that's alright. Even if it wasn't much it was a start.

I was finally starting to remember.

_______________________

AUTHORS NOTE
Sorry if there any mistakes please point them out. I'm in a rush to leave so I haven't had a chance to proofread. 

This was originally not how  the last part of the chapter was supposed to go but my god this is much, much better than the alternative. It's one of the reasons everything got delayed.

Just one of the reasons because my workload is killing me.

Go to university they said.
You'll have fun they said.
Things get much easier they said.

Me, after spending an average of 13 hours there everyday due to lectures and extra curriculars: I want to go back to high school.

Anyway things are finally starting to get interesting so hit me with your theories!

I hope you liked the chapter!

-Nylla.