Anthology - Behind the Mask Part 19

aOh my goodness. Andrew! Youare nota"a Deciding his little pre-prepared speech was not meant for Darlaas earsa"why not let Lily embellish it herself after their weekend away?a"he strode forward and scooped Lily up into his arms.

She shrieked, but didnat fight him and so, with a wink for Darla, he carried his woman back down the corridor and to the elevators.

aSo, the highwayman of my dreams returns?a Lily cooed in his ear as the elevator descended.

She smiled as her masked man turned to look down upon her. She was in her oldest, dowdiest agot-my-period-with-cramps-to-die-over-leave-me-the-h.e.l.l-alonea clothes and his eyes still glittered as they had that first night when she had been dressed to kill.

aThe nice, polite, patient Andrew didnat seem to be getting anywhere. We decided it was time for the highwayman to return. Highwaymen donat wait patiently and get their shins kicked for risqu comments. Highwaymen take what they want and d.a.m.n the consequences.a Lily wriggled until he set her down on the floor. Keeping her arms wrapped around his neck, she pulled him down for a deep, drugging kiss. Neither one moved an inch as the elevator jolted to a halt and the doors opened softly.

aFreeze! Cops are on their way!a Both Lily and Andrew broke apart, startled by the one well-known, supremely overweight security guard, shaking as he held his gun on them both.

aUh, Niles, itas Andrew fromaa aDonat you talk to me, buddy. Iave radioed the cops and the cityas finest will be here in a moment for you. Let go of Miss Lily now.a Sighing, wondering why the h.e.l.l old Niles wasnat snoozing or munching his nachos like normal, Andrew stuck his hands in the air. He felt it far safer for his piece of mind to keep his hands where Niles could see them. He would hate for the old man to have to give himself a heart attack by pulling the trigger of his gun.

aDarling, can you talk to him?a Lily stepped out of his embrace and threw him a saucy glance.

aWhat happened to astand and deliver?aa she teased.

He glared at her.

Laughing, she exited the elevator and held Nilesa hand, lowering his gun carefully.

aNiles, sweetie, youare the very best of security guards but this is Andrew Morrisey, from the Troubleshooting Division. Let him get his ID out, okay?a Andrew dug into his pocket carefully and very slowly withdrew his swipe card. The photo was appalling but, as he removed his mask and handed over the card, the flush creeping up old Nilesa face was enough to convince Andrew they were in the clear.

aOh sir! I am so sorry, sir!a aNo problems, Niles. Itas encouraging to know the women are safe at night. Though maybe you should call the cops. Lily and I are on our way out and, while I trust you implicitly, I wouldnat like our chances if the cops thought we were making a dash for it.a Fumbling, still apologizing for his actions, Niles hastily radioed the cops to explain the mess-up.

Lily stepped back toward him, wrapped her arms around his neck again. Replacing his mask, he bent down to kiss her fully.

A full minute later they broke apart, panting, as Niles got off his radio.

aEverything is clear now, sir. And againa"a aNo problems, my man. Like I said, it makes me feel much better allowing Lily to work late to know youare on the job. Darla is still up there, though I doubt for much longer, so keep an eye out for her, okay?a Niles nodded and opened the front door for them. Holding her hand tightly, Andrew hailed a cab, thanking Niles as the man shut the door behind them.

aTo the airport,a he instructed the driver.

aAirport? Andrew, what have you planned?a Leaning back in the cab, Andrew pulled his woman toward him.

aAndrew-the-businessman has been jumping through your hoops for over a month now. Andrew-the-highwayman has taken over, I told you. Highwaymen do not wait for what they want. I cleared the next three days off with your boss. Weare making a trip back to New Orleans. I have the paperwork all done and an appointment later this evening at the courthouse near our suite. I figure the highwayman can bind you to him this weekend and we can enjoy those three days of nonstop screaming s.e.x you promised me and then we can return back here and work the rest out later.a Lily laughed.

aYou have to be kidding. I am not getting married in my oldest pair of sweatpants and a torn shirt. I donat have anything with me, not even my purse.a aMmaa he murmured, kissing her again. aWasnat there that resale shop near the hotel where you found that mask? I bet we can find something there for you to wear.a She hit his chest, with no real force, but with enough to make him draw back and laugh.

aOkay, okay, I packed a suitcase for you, and for me as well, as I donat like my chances of getting through security dressed like this. It should be waiting in the locker the courier mailed me the key to. Your blue Regency dress is freshly pressed and all those naughty camisoles and garter belts youave been holding out on me are packed in a bag. Other than that, you can be naked all weekend for all I care.a When the cabbie cleared his throat, face flaming red, they both laughed and sank back into the cab to wait until they reached the airport. Lily kept fingering his mask.

aI do love the highwayman. I think I love the businessman more but the highwayman certainly has his uses.a aThis highwayman is glad and he just canat wait to order you to astand and delivera tonight. As his wife, you wonat be allowed to turn him down.a Lily laughed huskily and caressed his jaw.

There is definitely a lot of good to be said for going to a areala Mardi Gras.

About the author:.

Elizabeth Lapthorne is the eldest of four children. She grew up with lots of noise, fights and tale-telling. Her mother, a reporter and book reviewer, instilled in her a great appreciation of reading with the intrigues of a good plot.

Elizabeth studied Science at school, and whilst between jobs complained bitterly to a good friend about the lack of current literature to pa.s.s away the hours. While they both were looking up websites for new publishers, she stumbled onto Elloraas Cave. Jumping head-first into this doubly new site (both the first e-book site she had ever visited, as well as her first taste of Romantica) they both devoured over half of ECas t.i.tles in less than a month. While waiting for more t.i.tles to be printed (as well as that ever-elusive science job) Elizabeth started dabbling again in her writing.

Elizabeth has always loved to read, it will always be her favourite pa.s.s-time, (she is constantly buying new books and bookshelves to fill), but she also loves going to the beach, sitting in the sun, having coffee (or better yet, CHOCOLATE and coffee) with her friends and generally enjoying life. She is extremely curious, which is why she studied science, and often tells ainterestinga stories, loving a good laugh. She is a self-confessed email junkie, loving to read what other people on the EC board think and have to say, she laughs often at their tales and ideas. She recently has developed a taste for the gym. Sheas sure she read somewhere it was good for her, but she is reserving judgment to see how long it lasts.

Elizabeth Lapthorne welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Elloraas Cave Publishing at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, Ohio 44224.

Also by Elizabeth Lapthorne:.

Desperate and Dateless Elloraas Cavemen: Legendary Tails I anthology Lion In Love Payback Rutledge Werewolves 1: Scent of Pa.s.sion Rutledge Werewolves 2: Hide and Seek Rutledge Werewolves 3: The Mating Game Rutledge Werewolves 4: My Heartas Pa.s.sion Rutledge Werewolves 5: Chasing Love Discover for yourself why readers canat get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Elloraas Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com