The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

When we reached the bar entrance, Scarlett was already waiting, wrapped in the arms of a towering man whose hair matched hers perfectly.

"Holy hell, you three look like goddesses! I need the name of that boutique immediately," Scarlett squealed, rushing toward us.

"Trust me, Vi, you're coming with us next time. That place will bankrupt us all," Chloe laughed, and I mentally watched my savings disappear.

"Ladies, meet my big brother Levi. He owns half this place and scored us the best table in the house."

"Welcome to Lime, Tequila, and Salt. What a tragedy that business keeps me from your charming company all evening," Levi said, lifting my hand to his lips. "Though I hope this enchanting woman will grant me at least one dance."

Levi possessed the same piercing eyes as Scarlett, radiating charm as he guided us through the crowd. Our table sat directly beside the dance floor, where a live band filled the air with intoxicating Latin beats.

The venue took my breath away. Emerald walls adorned with golden baroque details stretched toward a ceiling dripping with vintage chandeliers. Their amber glow bathed everything in warmth. The massive dance floor dominated the center, surrounded by intimate tables. A winter garden lounged filled one corner with jewel-toned velvet sofas and wrought iron tables, while an enormous carved mahogany bar commanded the opposite wall. Behind it, towering shelves displayed bottles like precious artifacts, and bartenders performed mesmerizing juggling acts. A mezzanine wrapped around the entire space, accessible by stairs behind our seats. The place radiated old-world elegance mixed with vibrant energy.

"Well, well, my most gorgeous employees all in one place," Adrian announced his arrival with typical swagger, Stella glowing beside him in that golden dress he'd supposedly bought for a friend. The sneaky bastard had been planning this seduction for weeks.

"Stella! Finally!" Chloe launched herself at Stella, immediately pulling her into our circle and introducing her to Noah and Scarlett.

Owen appeared moments later with his wife Thea, completing our party. After quick greetings, Chloe dragged us onto the dance floor as the band launched into an irresistible rhythm, abandoning the men to their drinks and conversation.

We lost ourselves in the music for thirty minutes before thirst drove us back toward the table. But Levi intercepted me, his fingers brushing my arm as he leaned close enough for his breath to tickle my ear.

"One dance, beautiful Hazel."

His smile proved impossible to resist. The band had shifted into sultry salsa, and couples spun across the floor in passionate embraces. Levi moved like liquid silk, guiding me through steps I barely knew, even attempting some daring lifts that left me breathless and laughing. His eyes held mine with dangerous intensity.

"Such a crime that duty calls," he murmured against my ear as the song ended. "But allow me to escort you back, beautiful Hazel."

I nodded, still dizzy from the dance and his proximity. But when we reached the table, my blood turned to ice. Damian sat there smiling, while Liam glowered beside him like a thundercloud ready to burst.

Levi bid farewell with a promise to claim another dance later, leaving me frozen in shock. I shot Chloe a desperate look.

She pulled me close, her voice low and urgent. "Breathe, honey. They're Adrian's friends, you were bound to cross paths eventually. You've already forgiven Damian, and facing Liam was inevitable."

Logic couldn't calm the storm raging in my chest. Adrian handled introductions while I somehow found myself trapped in the seat directly beside Liam.

"My brother is absolutely smitten with you, Hazel!" Scarlett beamed, clearly oblivious to the tension radiating from Liam like heat from a furnace.

"He's very charming and an incredible dancer," I replied honestly, feeling Liam's stare burning into my skin.

"And completely gorgeous too, right girl!" Chloe's tone carried deliberate provocation, and I realized she was deliberately baiting Liam.

"Emmanuel, Adrian, when did you hire this stunning redhead? I might need to submit my resume," Damian immediately turned his attention to Scarlett, his flirtation providing a welcome distraction. Scarlett responded with obvious interest.

"I'm extremely selective about my employees, friend. Not just anyone makes the cut," Adrian boasted with typical arrogance.

I rolled my eyes at their ridiculous posturing. Waiters appeared with tequila shots for everyone, the alcohol burning down my throat. Liam's gaze never wavered from me. I ordered a mojito and settled in for what promised to be an endless evening.

The band transitioned into a slow, sensual ballad, and couples began drifting toward the dance floor. One by one, our group dispersed, leaving Liam and me alone at the table. Tension crackled between us like electricity before a storm, and his jaw clenched with barely contained emotion.