Jada felt her parents eyes on her back, probably in shock, glee or horror. But she didn't care anymore. She was happy right where she was.

Asher smiled, "It is as if all my sin has been taken by your kiss. I'd kiss you a second time for fear that I have corrupted you with my sins, but I should ask permission first."

"Well, who has not been corrupted by sin in this world? More sin can't kill me."

"Nevertheless..." His lips again touched hers with the tenderness of a butterfly landing on her lips.

Jada felt very at home with Asher holding her. Her parents stares, Lucas' probing eyes, nothing else mattered except him and her.

Markus called for Asher and he suddenly stiffened, "I-I don't want to get you in trouble with your parents... I have to go..." He turned and began running, "I'll see you again! I swear it!"

Jada stood, a bit stunned until she felt a tug from another guest pulling her into a dance.

Later that night, as Jada was in her room, a small tap hit her window, followed by another.

Jada put her brush down as it swept the last few strands of her hair away and she walked to the window, a bit surprised.

There was another tap at the glass, beckoning Jada to open the window.

Jada opened it cautiously, not sure who to see. She wasn't sure until she saw Asher's face and she opened it widely, grinning happily to see him again.

He held his arms out, for her to see it was him as he twirled beneath the neon lights of the city, "I told you I'd see you again, but I couldn't bear it any longer."

Jada sat on the window sill and stared into Asher's eyes.
"I know how you feel, it hurts to be apart for a minute."

Now that Asher wasn't wearing his mask from the party, Jada could see his face. His eyes were a bright, almost glow-in-the-dark green, and his hair was dyed black and cut so the tips came to points at the bottom in orderly chaos.
"I'll stay here all night if you wish it so!"

Jada looked back at her door, then to Asher.
"If you wish to stay, you can...but be weary, my parents or servants could knock at any time and you'd have to hide immediately."