11. Xavier

Xavier leanedback in his chair, the hum of the seminar hall fading to a whisper as his gaze lingered on Asa. With her notebook open on her lap, her hand glided across the page in a dance of ink and inspiration. Every so often she"d tilt her head, considering a point the speaker made, her brow furrowing in concentration. Her unquenchable thirst for knowledge stirred something profound within him, fueling his growing infatuation.

She was captivating, a quiet storm of intellect and innocence. Her hair, that pale cascade of platinum silk, was pulled back into a ponytail, exposing the nape of her neck. His eyes traced the graceful curve there, marveling at the vulnerability it suggested. Despite the grandeur that now surrounded her daily life, Asa wore simplicity like a garment tailored to perfection. Her face, unadorned with cosmetics, held an allure that no artificial enhancement could ever achieve.

Xavier"s pulse quickened as he watched her lips part to moisten them—a flash of memory seared across his mind: Asa"s lips pursing around the rim of a hot chocolate mug, the steam curling up to kiss her cheeks as she savored the warmth. That simple act had been an unintended seduction, one that had ensnared his thoughts ever since.

The proximity to Asa brought another sensation—her scent. Subtle yet unmistakable, the omega pheromones whispered through the air between them. His alpha instincts hummed with satisfaction; it was as if every cell in his body recognized her as their counterpart.

As the speaker concluded and applause filled the space, Xavier turned to Asa with an idea that promised more than just sustenance.

"Would you care to join me for lunch?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Asa looked up from her notes, her eyes reflecting a world of thought behind them. A small smile touched her lips as she nodded.

"I"d like that," she replied. "I"m quite hungry."

Xavier navigated the labyrinth of polished marble and gilded columns, leading Asa into the heart of a restaurant that seemed to whisper secrets of old-world luxury. The chandeliers, a constellation of crystal and light, bathed the room in a soft, golden glow. Tables draped in white linen were spaced generously apart, ensuring privacy for their esteemed patrons. Waitstaff glided between them with an air of discreet efficiency, their uniforms as immaculate as the silverware they carried.

As they approached their table, Asa"s steps faltered. Her eyes swept over the opulent surroundings—the fine china, the gleaming glassware, the bouquet of exotic flowers that served as the centerpiece. The ma?tre d" pulled out a chair for her with a practiced smile, but Asa hesitated, a fawn at the edge of an unfamiliar forest.

Xavier touched her elbow gently. "Please, have a seat. It"s my treat," he assured her.

She chuckled, easing into the chair with an elegance that belied her nerves. "Well, unlike you, I don"t have a job and am on a rather strict allowance."

His brow creased at her words. Meredith monitoring Asa"s spending was an unsettling thought, one that ignited a slow burn of indignation within him.

With the menu in hand, Xavier ordered for Asa, a delicate arrangement of seared scallops atop a bed of saffron-infused risotto, followed by a light citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate.

"What about you?" Asa asked when he closed the menu and handed it back to the waiter.

"I"m not hungry," he replied with ease.

Her eyes narrowed playfully. "It"s not because this place is too expensive and you can"t afford a meal for yourself because of me?"

He laughed, a sound that resonated with genuine amusement, and shook his head. "No, I insist on treating you today. And truly, I"m not hungry." In truth, he could not risk lowering his guard and showing her his face.

"You"re so good at this ordering," she said wistfully. "I can"t go anywhere or do anything without my adoptive parents hovering around."

He leaned forward slightly. "You"re adopted?" he asked, though he already knew that.

She nodded. "I was in foster care for what seems like forever. Then Meredith and Gregory adopted me when I was thirteen."

His heart clenched at her casual acceptance of what must have been such a challenging journey. "I"m sorry you"ve had to go through so much."

Asa"s chuckle was soft but carried an undercurrent of resilience. "It"s just life."

The food arrived, the waiter placing the plate in front of Asa with care. The seared scallops rested atop a bed of saffron-infused risotto, a burst of vibrant colors against the pristine white china. Asa"s eyes widened with delight as the aroma wafted toward her.

"Go ahead, tuck in," Xavier urged gently.

Asa didn"t need further prompting. She picked up her fork, slicing into the perfectly seared scallop, and brought the first bite to her lips. A soft hum of pleasure escaped her as she savored the flavors, the delicate sweetness of the seafood mingling with the rich, creamy risotto.

Xavier found himself captivated not by the food itself, but by the way Asa experienced it. Her expression was one of pure enjoyment, unguarded and sincere. Each bite seemed to transport her to a place of simple bliss, a stark contrast to the grandeur surrounding them.

As she ate, a faint flush bloomed across her cheeks, a rosy hue that only heightened her delicate beauty. Xavier"s gaze traced the curve of her throat as she swallowed, mesmerized by the subtle movements that betrayed her delight.

"This is divine," Asa murmured between bites, her voice rich with appreciation.

Xavier"s chest swelled with pride at having provided her with such pleasure, however fleeting. In that moment, he craved nothing more than to be the source of her happiness, to witness the unbridled joy that danced across her features.

"Tell me a little about you," Asa said, her fork pausing in midair as curiosity sparkled in her eyes.

Xavier leaned back, considering his response. "As you might have already figured out, I"m quite passionate about technology."

Asa nodded, her ponytail swaying with the motion. "I gathered that much."

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I have two brothers—one older, one younger."

Asa chuckled, the sound like a melodic trill. "Ah, so you"re the middle child, then. Do you get ignored by your parents?"

Her innocent question struck a chord within him, resurfacing memories of a childhood marred by his omega mother"s suffering and his alpha father"s emotional absence. Xavier paused, the weight of those recollections pressing against his rib cage.

"We were raised mostly by our grandfather," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity.

Asa"s features softened, and she shook her head gently. "I"m sorry, I didn"t mean to pry or make you upset."

"It"s quite all right," Xavier assured her, offering a reassuring smile with his eyes as she couldn"t see his lips through the facemask he still had on.

Sensing his desire to shift the conversation, Asa obliged. "I love the color silver," she mused, her gaze drifting to the silverware beside her plate. "And I"ve loved singing and dancing for as long as I can remember." Her eyes brightened as she continued. "I have a friend named Eli. He"s a genius when it comes to music. He"s an incredible composer and producer."

Xavier filed away the name Eli, making a mental note to investigate this person who seemed to hold such significance in Asa"s life.

"There"s Zara and Lena, too. Zara"s kind of my manager," Asa explained, her slender fingers tracing the rim of her water glass. "She plans my shows and stuff, but she"s not very good with StreamBeat."

Xavier noticed how Asa leaned in closer to him, the movement bringing her scent, a subtle blend of lavender and something uniquely her, into sharper focus. Her proximity was intoxicating, stirring a protective instinct deep within him. Her bright eyes searched his, an unspoken plea dancing within their depths.

"Just wondering," she began, a hint of hesitancy in her voice as if not wanting to impose, "if maybe perhaps you can lend a hand with the StreamBeat side?"

Xavier chuckled, the sound low and resonant. The thought of delving into Asa"s world, even in this small way, intrigued him. "I"d love to help," he said, locking eyes with her. "But I must make it clear I"m quite busy with work." His words were measured, tempered by the reality of his commitments. "However, I"ll do what I can to assist."

Asa"s reaction was immediate and heartfelt. Her hands came together in a soft clap that echoed the joy in her expression. "Yay!" She beamed at him, an infectious excitement radiating from her.

She offered her hand across the table, a gesture so simple yet laden with meaning. Her palm was open and inviting, waiting for his acceptance.

Xavier regarded her hand for a moment—the delicate fingers, the pale skin that contrasted sharply against the dark wood of the table—before reaching out with his own. As their hands met and clasped firmly, Xavier felt a surge of connection that went beyond their physical touch.

"Let"s shake on it to seal the deal," she said with a smile that could outshine the midday sun.

He couldn"t resist the pull of her joy; it was as though she"d weaved a spell around him with nothing more than her sincerity and warmth. Xavier felt a surge of heat as Asa"s delicate hand slipped into his, sealing their agreement with a gentle shake. Her fingers were soft, her grip light yet purposeful, reflecting the strength that lay beneath her fragile exterior.

"I"m so glad you"re willing to help," she said, her voice carrying a melodic lilt that danced across his senses. "Zara means well, but she"s more focused on the live shows and events. The online side is a bit of a mystery to her."

As their hands parted, Xavier found himself reluctant to relinquish the contact, his skin still tingling from her touch. He cleared his throat, willing himself to maintain composure. "Of course, I"d be happy to lend my expertise."

Asa leaned forward, her eyes alight with excitement. "You"ll have to meet Lena too. She"s been a godsend when it comes to styling and fashion advice." A soft giggle escaped her lips. "Meredith approves of our friendship, which is a rare thing."

The mention of Meredith"s name ignited a flicker of annoyance within Xavier. The notion of Asa"s life being dictated by the whims of her adoptive mother left a bitter taste in his mouth. He pushed the feeling aside, determined not to let it taint this moment.

"I"d love to meet your friends," he said, offering a warm smile. "Anyone who brings joy and support into your life is someone I"m eager to know."

Asa"s cheeks flushed ever so slightly, her porcelain skin taking on a delicate rosy hue. "You"re too kind," she murmured, her gaze momentarily drifting downward before finding his again.

In that fleeting instant, Xavier glimpsed a flash of vulnerability, a crack in the armor of her usual poise. It was a reminder of the depth of her emotions, the ocean of longing that lay beneath the surface. He ached to soothe those waters, to offer her the solace and understanding she so desperately craved.

Clearing his throat, he steered the conversation back to safer waters. "Tell me more about Lena"s fashion expertise. I must admit, I"m woefully ignorant when it comes to such matters."

Asa"s face lit up once more, her earlier hesitation melting away as she eagerly launched into a tale of Lena"s prowess with makeup and haute couture. Xavier leaned back, content to bask in the warmth of her enthusiasm, letting her melodic voice wash over him.

* * *

Xavier strodethrough the sleek corridor of Davenport Enterprises, his steps echoing with a casual confidence. Polished floors gleamed beneath his steps, reflecting the ambient light from the light overhead. The walls, adorned with abstract art, exuded an air of sophistication that resonated with the building"s high-powered inhabitants. Staff members flitted between offices like a colony of industrious ants, their focused faces illuminated by the glow of computer screens.

As he walked, a hush spread through the corridor. Eyes followed him, some widened in surprise at his departure from the expected corporate attire. Xavier"s jeans hugged his legs in a way that bespoke both comfort and style, paired with a shirt that hinted at the lean muscle beneath without screaming for attention. A few female staff members paused mid-task, their expressions veering between admiration and outright desire.

Running a hand through his tousled hair, a deliberate act of nonchalance, Xavier pushed open the door to Dominic"s office. The space was a masterclass in minimalist yet unmistakably luxurious design, with sleek lines and muted tones that exuded a sense of power and control. A large desk of dark wood dominated the space, its surface clear save for a few strategically placed documents and a high-tech computer setup. Behind it, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city"s skyline, a backdrop that seemed to accentuate Dominic"s power.

Dominic sat ensconced in his chair behind the desk, the epitome of authority, every inch the CEO of Davenport Enterprises. Lucian perched casually on the edge of the desk, his relaxed posture a counterpoint to their elder brother"s rigid bearing. The brothers were engrossed in discussion over spreadsheets and projections until Xavier"s entrance caught their attention.

Dominic"s brow arched ever so slightly, a silent question in his expression. Lucian, on the other hand, chuckled in amusement, his mercurial eyes dancing with mirth at Xavier"s uncharacteristic appearance.

"Slumming it today?" Lucian quipped as Xavier sank into the plush sofa.

Xavier responded by removing his glasses, a rare concession to his usual preference for contacts, and massaging the bridge of his nose where they had rested. "Nearsightedness can be bothersome," he admitted. "Especially when you"re trying to make an impression."

In truth, his nearsightedness was mild, but the glasses served a purpose, a subtle disguise that allowed him to slip into a more approachable persona when the situation demanded it. At the tech expo earlier, he had donned his contacts, presenting the polished, professional visage expected of a keynote speaker. But when the opportunity arose to connect with Asa, Xavier had swiftly shed that veneer, opting for a more relaxed and relatable appearance.

"So, how did the talk go?" Lucian inquired, his tone laced with genuine curiosity.

Xavier offered a nonchalant shrug, his lips curving into a faint smile. "It went well enough."

Dominic, ever the pragmatist, cut straight to the heart of the matter. "And did you manage to make a connection with Louise Sterling, as we discussed?"

At the mention of Louise"s name, Xavier"s smile deepened, a glint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. "Indeed, I did." A subtle smirk played on his lips as he regarded his brothers. "She"s sharp, Louise Sterling. She"s ambitious and has an eye for emerging trends that could prove lucrative for our retail ventures. I expect we"ll be breaking bread with the Sterling brothers in the next few days."

Dominic nodded, his expression reflecting a measure of satisfaction at the progress, while Lucian"s gaze flitted between his brothers, an impish twinkle in his eyes.

"Come on, Xav," Lucian prodded. "We know you"re hiding something. That playful smirk never graces your lips unless mischief"s afoot. Out with it."

Xavier sighed, the corner of his mouth ticking upward despite his attempt at neutrality. "It seems I can"t hide anything from you two."

"We"re triplets," Lucian chuckled, as if that explained everything.

Leaning back into the sofa, Xavier let his guard down just a touch. "I met with Asa at the expo," he confessed, watching for their reactions.

Lucian"s eyes widened in surprise, while Dominic"s lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"Not as yourself, I presume?" Dominic said, his voice low and even.

Xavier nodded. "Asa would bolt in the opposite direction if she knew she was speaking to Xavier Davenport."

Lucian leaned forward, elbows on his knees, amusement coloring his tone. "And here I thought you had no time for omega girls without substance."

Xavier"s eyes darkened with seriousness. "Asa is different," he said firmly. "She"s curious and intelligent. I saw it in her eyes, the way she absorbed every detail during our conversation." Xavier steepled his fingers as he regarded his brothers with an intensity that belied his casual posture. Lucian"s eyes gleamed with mischief, and Dominic"s expression remained impassive, though Xavier could detect the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth, a subtle tell that his interest was piqued.

"How did you manage to reel her in, brother?" Lucian asked, his tone laced with teasing affection.

A ghost of a smile played on Xavier"s lips. "I connected with her through her StreamBeat channel. Asa has a modest following, but her voice and dance videos are captivating. I offered her guidance on growing her platform."

Lucian"s eyes lit up with recognition, and even Dominic couldn"t suppress the faint upward twitch of his lips.

"It"s not like I"m the only one checking her out via her videos and getting…" He trailed off, raking a hand through his hair as a flush crept up his neck. "Needless to say, I"m smitten. We"re sharing Asa, Dom. If you marry her, I am too. I"ll be her husband number two."

Lucian"s expression softened, his eyes reflecting a rare vulnerability. "I admit, I"m falling deep. I confess her videos make me have wonderful dreams. I"ll be husband number three."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the weight of their collective admission hung in the air. Finally, Dominic"s deep voice broke the stillness. "I see we agree on this, then?"

"Indeed, brother," Xavier and Lucian responded in unison, their tones resolute.

Lucian straightened, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. "And speaking of our lovely Asa, when are we making our move? I"m eager to get to know her. I would like at least a date alone with her."

Xavier regarded his brothers with a pensive expression. "There"s one more matter we need to address," he said, his tone measured.

Dominic"s brow arched ever so slightly, a silent invitation for Xavier to continue.

"We have to inform Grandfather about Asa," Xavier stated.

"We do," Dominic said. "But we need to do things right." His gaze shifted between Xavier and Lucian, his expression inscrutable. "Give it a bit more time. Marco is currently investigating the Whitmores" background. I want to uncover whatever leverage we can find."

Understanding flashed in Xavier"s eyes. The Whitmores had facilitated Asa"s entry into their world, but if there was anything untoward in their past, it could be a card to play for Asa"s benefit.

"In that case," Xavier said, leaning forward, "we should also look into Asa"s friends. They seem like good people from what she"s told me, but we can"t take any chances where her well-being is concerned."

Dominic and Lucian both nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring the seriousness of Xavier"s.

"What are their names?" Dominic asked, reaching for a pen and notepad that lay pristine on his desk.

Xavier didn"t hesitate. "A boy named Eli and two girls named Zara and Lena." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "Given Asa"s connections, they must be Zara Quinn and Lena Montgomery, families well known in high society."

"And this boy, Eli?" Dominic prompted, pen poised over paper.

Xavier shrugged slightly. "He"s a bit of an enigma. I suspect he"s close to Asa; they share a passion for music." A furrow creased his brow as he considered the implications of this relationship.

Dominic scribbled down the names before looking up at his brothers with resolute steel-gray eyes. "I"ll instruct Marco to delve deeper into this Eli character," he decided. "We can"t afford any unknown variables."

Lucian stood up from his perch on Dominic"s desk, stretching his arms above his head. "Leave it to Marco," he said confidently. "He"ll unearth everything there is to know."