A Lover's Mask by Altonya Washington Page A

elaborate mansion. A tour inside the dwelling, however, showed it was far more than that.
    County was in awe. She had never seen the inside of such a club, in spite of what many of her friends believed. Fernando strolled through the house noting several points of interest. County was especially surprised to find women dancing in both dark and well-lit rooms.
    â€œI believe in giving my patrons a choice,” Fernando said as they strolled the mammoth-sized establishment. “I found that many prefer the well-lit rooms to the dark ones.”
    â€œIt’s such a huge place,” County cited, her eyes wider as they scanned the high ceilings and tall windows lining the corridors and upper levels. “There’s dancing in all these rooms, huh?” she inquired softly.
    Fernando chuckled at her candor and was about to provide her with an explanation when they were interrupted. County tried not to stare at the man who was as massive as Fernando, but looked as though his life had been much rougher—much deadlier.
    Fernando nodded, and then drew the man over to where she stood. “Contessa Warren, this is Mbeki Carpenter, one of my partners here in the club.”
    County smiled and extended her hand. “Pleasure to meet you,” she greeted, clearing her throat when the man’s hand practically smothered her own.
    â€œVery nice to meet you,” Mbeki replied, his light brown eyes trailing her face appreciatively. “This won’t take long, Fern,” he said, before leaving County with another smile and nod.
    â€œWill you be all right on your own for a few minutes?” Fernando asked her, his concern evident.
    County waved her hand. “I’ll be fine. Go handle your business,” she urged, already turning to study a few of the portraits that lined the walls. Of course, she was covertly studying the two giants down the hall.
    Clearly something was wrong. When Mbeki uttered only a few words, Fernando’s expression turned murderous. The two spoke for several minutes more, and then shook hands and parted ways. County figured their date was over, but she was mistaken.
    â€œAre you really sure about eating here County?” he asked, a furrow settling between his brows.
    â€œI’m positive. Unless…there’s a problem? Your conversation seemed pretty serious.”
    Fernando shook his head and stroked his hair roughened jaw. “Just a few personnel issues,” he explained.
    â€œWould you like to discuss them?”
    â€œNo, I would not,” Fernando replied promptly, grinning at the cool, airy manner she posed the question.
    â€œWell, you never did answer my other question anyway,” she pointed out.
    â€œAnd that was?” Fernando queried, folding his arms across his chest.
    â€œAbout all the rooms in the house.”
    â€œWhat about them?”
    County’s mouth fell open. “You’re kidding? You really don’t know what I’m asking?”
    â€œJust what do you think goes on in all these rooms?” he asked in a quiet voice.
    County smoothed her hands across the wool knit fabric of her coat. “I’m sure you know very well what goes on in them.”
    He took a step closer to her. “As far as I know eating and dancing.”
    â€œThere’re many ways to dance, Ramsey.”
    â€œDon’t I know it.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo as far as I know everything that goes on here is strictly professional and legal.”
    â€œAs far as you know,” County rephrased, her wide brown eyes suspicion filled. “Is that your way of saying that you don’t know how the ladies make…extra money?”
    Fernando’s expression went deadly serious. “That’s my way of saying I make infrequent unannounced visits to the club at least three times a month. In all those times, I’ve never witnessed anything happening under the table or between the sheets. Do you understand what I’m