Masked Up

By Kelly Violet

Who says life isn’t a fairy tale?

For a Brooklyn girl like Natasha Bradley, life has been anything but a storybook romance. She’s grown up wary of love and all its trappings. Focusing her efforts on friendships, work, and maintaining her independence left little time for much else. Even though her best friend got her very own happily ever after, she never imagined one for herself. A last-minute invite to a charity event changes everything and she comes face to face with her version of Prince Charming. But Tasha’s always been stubborn. Will she let herself fall for the first time without waiting for the inevitable heartbreak?

All work and no play described Christian Hsu’s life in a nutshell. At an early age, he’d been taught that unmatched determination and dedication were the keys to success. It meant he had little room or interest in distractions that a social life would bring. Then it finally hit him. All the success in the world means nothing if there’s no one to share it with. With one look across the ballroom, a lightning bolt struck, electrifying him from head to toe. He had to know the captivating woman in red. Chris was known as a shrewd businessman, but love was a different matter altogether. Does he have what it takes to win the woman who’s set his heart on fire?

Can these two strangers drop their defenses to let love in?

When the masks come off, anything is possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Violet
• Release date: Aug 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781954572058

Kelly Violet

Kelly Violet is a fan of love and writes romance in all forms. You can expect her stories to be fun and flirty, angsty and gut-wrenching, or downright dark and extremely naughty. One thing they’ll all have in common is a happy ending, however it comes. No matter the obstacles or dire circumstance. Either way, it’ll be a roller coaster ride of emotions, just the way she likes it. Music and dancing are her go-to outlets. If there’s a party and a dance floor (optional), she’s usually the first one out there. When not writing, Kelly can be found working at her day job assisting people in their search for information and concocting a plan to write more. Thank you for joining her on this journey she’s dreamed about pursuing for many years. Kelly loves to hear from readers, so be sure to drop her a line on social media or at www.kellyviolet.com.

Book preview

Masked Up

by

KELLY VIOLET

Blurb

Who says life isn’t a fairy tale?

For a Brooklyn girl like Natasha Bradley, life has been anything but a storybook romance. She’s grown up wary of love and all its trappings. Focusing her efforts on friendships, work, and maintaining her independence left little time for much else. Even though her best friend got her very own happily ever after, she never imagined one for herself. A last-minute invite to a charity event changes everything and she comes face to face with her version of Prince Charming. But Tasha’s always been stubborn. Will she let herself fall for the first time without waiting for the inevitable heartbreak?

All work and no play described Christian Hsu’s life in a nutshell. At an early age, he’d been taught that unmatched determination and dedication were the keys to success. It meant he had little room or interest in distractions that a social life would bring. Then it finally hit him. All the success in the world means nothing if there’s no one to share it with. With one look across the ballroom, a lightning bolt struck, electrifying him from head to toe. He had to know the captivating woman in red. Chris was known as a shrewd businessman, but love was a different matter altogether. Does he have what it takes to win the woman who’s set his heart on fire?

Can these two strangers drop their defenses to let love in?

When the masks come off, anything is possible.

Copyright

Masked Up

Copyright © 2021 by Kelly Violet

All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereinafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the express written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All product/brand names mentioned herein are registered trademarks of their respective holders/companies.

Published by Pump Up the Violet Publishing, Los Angeles, CA.

Original Photos by ysbrand, Kuzmafoto, and margo_black on Depositphotos

Cover Design by Kelly Violet

Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

ISBN-13: 978-1-954572-05-8

Printed in the U.S.A.

Dedication

This book goes out to all the people who still believe in fairy tales and happily ever after.

You are my people.

Table of Contents

Blurb

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Also by Kelly Violet

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About the Author

Chapter One

Girl, would you bring your sexy ass out here, please. The limo’s here. The driver called to let me know he’s waiting downstairs. She heard her best friend’s voice loud and clear through the bathroom door that stood ajar.

A goddamn limo. Did I agree to go to a charity event or senior prom? Tasha shook her head in bemusement, rushing to put the finishing touches on her makeup. Far from being an expert, she went with understated and classic. She focused on her eyes, some contouring on her cheeks, and the tried-and-true shade of red lipstick to complete the look. Blowing out her natural hair the night before in anticipation for this event, she swept her thick locks into an elegant updo. Tasha waited for a special occasion to try it out, figuring a charity masquerade ball fit the bill nicely.

Hold your horses, B. I’m almost ready. Ugh, what the hell did I get myself into? she thought, peering at her reflection in the mirror. The final touch to her ensemble was the elegant rose-gold mask with dark-colored feathers that her friend insisted on buying her. The beautiful accessory stood out against her dark-brown complexion while complementing the stunning, deep red gown she borrowed from Brittany. Her best friend always had impeccable taste when it came to fashion. And for once Tasha was glad to rifle through the woman’s closet.

Thank God, we just about wear the same size. Her friend tried to buy her a brand-new dress after asking her to tag along, but Tasha politely declined the offer. It would’ve been an over-the-top expense in her humble opinion. So, after putting her foot down, they’d come to a compromise wherein Brit allowed her to raid her closet instead. To say that Tasha was more than satisfied with the result would’ve been a gross understatement.

Due to the demands and high-profile nature of her previous job, Brit had curated an impressive wardrobe over the years. The woman had outfits for every occasion, every season. From power suits to ball gowns, she had them all, and they were made to show off a woman with curves. Since Tasha wasn’t the least bit picky, she found herself overwhelmed by the options in front of her.

Her friend had been into fashion since they were kids. Even while growing up when money always seemed to be tight and all anyone could do was window shop. Unlike her bestie, Tasha was most comfortable in yoga pants and a T-shirt. Yet, with some well-meaning nudging from Brit, she decided to dip a toe way out of her comfort zone for one night.

She settled the mask over her eyes, fastening the delicate strings into a knot below her chignon. It took a painstakingly long time to get the complicated bun just right. Longer than she cared to admit, actually. Tasha hoped everything stayed put since she’d have other things occupying her mind.

No one ever accused her of being a perfectionist, but she wanted to look the part tonight. Put together, at the very least. God forbid if she stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the richy rich people who would undoubtedly be at the soirée.

All the extra fanfare with her hair, the dress, makeup, and accessories felt like much-needed armor. She needed to get her mind right before leaving the safety of the bathroom and her best friend’s new digs.

Catching her reflection in the mirror again, Tasha had to admit that the mask was a work of art. With the intricate design, it was a tiny feast for the eyes, begging for attention and admiration. She almost felt like it was too precious to wear, but her friend would lose her shit if she left the piece behind. After all, it did complete the look and made her eyes sparkle too.

I don’t even wanna know how much this thing cost, Tasha murmured in the empty bathroom. Snatching up the small clutch with just enough room to carry her phone wallet, lip gloss, and keys, she was ready to go. And I look damn good if I do say so myself.

Given the nature of the event and the price of the tickets Brit let slip the other day, Tasha wouldn’t come close to being the belle of the ball. None of that mattered, though. She planned on spending time with her oldest and dearest friend and enjoying a rare night out at a fancy party.

Lately, downtime was a luxury she couldn’t afford. Not with her executive assistant position at a nonprofit. She found herself taking work home more often than not just so she could keep up with the tasks. Since Tasha thoroughly enjoyed the work, she hardly complained about the longer hours. Or lacking a social life outside of hanging out with Brit when their schedules miraculously coincided. And it truly felt like a miracle sometimes.

Tasha Bradley lived in the same projects where she’d spent most of her life. Thick as thieves since kindergarten, her and Brittany Green had to grow up hard and fast. But like everything, they got through it together. Although her friend traveled for work, their connection never suffered due to distance. Sometimes, they’d even go weeks or months without seeing each other. Their connection was so solid that they could pick up right where they left off as if no time had passed at all.

So, instead of getting ready at her apartment in Brooklyn and trekking to the shindig on the subway or splurging on a cab like she first planned, Brit convinced her to do everything at her place in the city. At an honest-to-God penthouse apartment. The one she shared with her new beau and ex-boss, Desmond Tremayne.

The happy couple were still in the newly-wed phase, having moved in together only a couple months ago. Tasha couldn’t believe how long it took for them to see the writing on the wall. Hell, the bull-headed businessman had almost missed his chance too. She’d listen