The ballroom had been utterly transformed—muted lights, rich velvet curtains that hung from the ceiling in sectioned quarters, golden ropes tying securing them. Glittering goblets of sparkling champagne floated by on silver trays carried by waiters in black tie, their faces partially covered by dark masks.

The guests were dressed in elaborate ball gowns or suits, some with top hats, some with feathers in their hair, or tiaras.

Everyone had a mask.

Some more detailed than the next.

Every Shark and celebrity currently occupying the dance floor or visiting in the rich velvet-lined booths tucked against the walls, or slinging drinks by the bar. We’d already chatted with Gage and Bailey, Rory and Paige, Warren and Jeannine. Already been teased and joked with Eric and Connor and Noble. No sign of Lukas yet, but I knew he’d be around sometime.

These men were more than brothers—though my quick meeting with Maddox had been eye-opening. The way Hudson’s little brother had stepped up to help him with no questions asked...I would always love him for that no matter how much of a rebel he was. But Hudson’s Sharks? This family that I’d been welcomed into?

It was precious.

Priceless.

Something so vital it was like breathing.

I hadn’t known how badly I’d needed Hudson, or a real family, until I was graciously, miraculously given one. So many years I’d kept people firmly outside the walls I’d built around my heart, never knowing what a cold, lonely existence it was until Hudson slipped through the cracks and showed me what real love was.

And though we wore masks tonight, I saw these Sharks and their wives for what they truly were—my family.

Hudson had chosen my mask for the event—a sparkling silver one that framed my gray eyes, my thick lashes tickling its edges every time I blinked. It was the same shade as my gown, which was cinched at the waist and flared at the bottom in layers and layers of tool and silk.

“You look like a star,” he whispered in my ear, warm shivers dancing down my skin.

“If that’s the case then you look like the moon I’m soaring toward,” I said, spinning in his embrace as he led us onto the dance floor. He was stunning in a black suit with a sparkling silver vest, his mask a mixture of ice-blue and liquid-silver. I’d picked it. The color matched that cool calm and ice-forged strength that naturally radiated from him.

The February air outside was frigid, but being next to Hudson? The cold couldn’t touch me.

He spun us to the beat of the string quartet that played gentle tunes from the corner of the massive ballroom. The masquerade charity event was one for celebrities who wanted to raise funds for Paige’s corporation—the same one that helped Melissa. Who helped countless people in a variety of situations in their time of need.

“You’re the star,” he said. “Especially with that ring on your finger.” He eyed my left hand poised on his muscled shoulder.

“What, this old thing?” I teased, wiggling my fingers to make the modest diamond sparkle under the lights. I’d loved it the second he’d cracked the lid on the box from his one-kneed position when he’d proposed. Loved that he hadn’t gotten the biggest diamond he could afford—which was giant. He knew me. Knew I was simple, understated, quiet. “I got it from a real hell of a man.”

“Is that so?” He pulled me tighter against him.

“Mhmm,” I said. “He treats me like a goddess.”

“As he should,” he said, pressing his cheek to mine as we danced.

“I don’t deserve him,” I said, not for the first time since we’d been engaged. Hudson was everything I’d dreamed of for a partner and more. For years I never thought a man like him existed.

He smacked my silk-covered rear, hard enough to sting.

I gaped up at him.

“Every time you say it,” he said, shrugging. “I spank.”

I bit down on my lip, my cheeks flushing.

His blue eyes flared behind his mask.

“Is that why you do it?” he asked. “Because you enjoy it?”

“Maybe,” I said. “Maybe not.”

“Challenge accepted.”

“No challenge,” I hurried to say.

“Most certainly a challenge. One I will adamantly explore to see if you do or don’t enjoy it when we get home.” He paused our dance like he might whisk us back home right that second.

“Stop,” I batted his chest. “This is our night out,” I continued. “And our family is here.”

“Elliott is at Grace’s,” he said, his head tilted.

“Yes,” I said. “I’m aware Elliott and I are your family. But them,” I said, pointing to where I could see Connor and Ivy and Eric and Pepper, and with Lukas, who was looking like the damn Phantom of the Opera himself finally trailing behind them. “They’re our family too. And they are here. So let’s enjoy the night.”

He smiled at me before turning to wave at the guys.

“And every night after,” he said into my ear, the heat from his breath sending more chills racing across my skin.

“And every night after,” I repeated.