15. Asa

Perchedon the edge of the plush settee, I tried to focus on the plate of exquisite hors d"oeuvres before me, but it was a losing battle. My hands trembled ever so slightly, betraying the storm of nerves beneath my calm exterior. The heavy scent of alpha pheromones hung thick in the air, a heady mix that tugged at something primal within me.

The Davenport brothers—Dominic, Xavier, and Lucian—were a presence impossible to ignore. They filled the room with an intensity that drew the eye and quickened the pulse. It was as if their gazes were tangible things, wrapping around me, leaving my skin tingling with awareness.

I couldn"t believe they were here tonight, that they had witnessed my performance. The thought sent a wave of heat crawling up my neck. I stole a glance at them, and their eyes met mine, each pair offered a different brand of scrutiny that set my heart fluttering.

There was Dominic, who sat with an aura of command that was both intimidating and alluring. His steel-gray eyes seemed to pierce through to my very soul, leaving me flustered. He watched me with an unwavering focus that made me feel exposed and yet strangely safe.

Then there was Xavier, his thoughtful eyes lingering on me with a hint of curiosity and something warmer, more intimate. And Lucian… His look was softer, imbued with an empathy that soothed the edges of my anxiety.

I nibbled on a sliver of smoked salmon, but it tasted like nothing, my senses overwhelmed by their presence. I recalled bumping into Lucian backstage; his advice about overcoming stage fright was unexpectedly comforting. And then there was Xavier at the expo, the man whose ideas captivated me completely.

I was caught in a surreal moment; yesterday, I was just another face in Xavier"s audience, and now here I was sharing the same air as him. It was like a dream I kept expecting to wake up from.

The oddity didn"t end there; during my performance, I had made eye contact with Xavier who held my gaze with an intensity that resonated with familiarity—a silent communication that had made me think of him as X.

As each brother removed their mask earlier, shock rippled through me—first Lucian with his reassuring charm, then Dominic with his commanding aura. But when Xavier revealed himself… for a split second, I let myself hope he was X. The notion was ridiculous, of course. After all, I had never seen X"s face, but their build, the manner of gesture and speech, and most of all, the feeling around them felt the same somehow.

A flutter danced in my stomach as I lifted my eyes to Xavier once more. The silver glint in his gaze held me captive, and I couldn"t shake the sense of familiarity that enveloped me like a warm shawl. The way his brow quirked ever so slightly when he caught me staring, the slight tilt of his head, it all felt uncannily similar to my interactions with X. It was a foolish thought, perhaps, but the more I watched him, the more convinced I became that Xavier and X shared more than just an initial.

A flush crept up my neck as Xavier"s lips curved into a warm smile. "Is there something on my face?" His voice broke through my reverie, a gentle tease lacing his words.

I blinked, feeling color flood my cheeks. "Uh, no, it"s just that you remind me of someone I know, someone I recently met."

His eyebrow arched, piquing his interest. "Who could this person be?" he inquired with a soft chuckle that did nothing to ease the knot tightening in my chest.

I wet my lips with my tongue—a nervous habit—and immediately I sensed their attention shift, the air thickening as three sets of alpha eyes fixed on the motion. A shiver ran down my spine at the sudden intensity. Clearing my throat, I forced myself to continue. "He"s actually quite a tech expert himself. I met him at the expo only yesterday."

"Oh, you mean TechXMan, right?" Zara interjected with her usual confidence, breaking into the conversation effortlessly. She cast a teasing glance in Xavier"s direction and added with a playful smirk, "Why would Mr. Xavier remind you of the nerd, TechXMan? I mean, there"s no way anyone out there can be like Mr. Xavier, right?"

Her words elicited a warm smile from Xavier—a smile that reached his eyes and made them crinkle at the corners in amusement. Lucian couldn"t contain himself and laughed out loud, a rich sound that filled the room and eased some of the tension from my shoulders. He leaned back, the soft fabric of his tailored suit stretching with the movement.

With a conspiratorial glint in his eye, he said, "Actually, Xav here is more of a nerd than you might think." He counted off on his fingers with exaggerated care. "Overly intellectual, definitely obsessive, leans into introversion, and let"s not forget—social interactions are not exactly his forte. Let"s just say if he were left to run Davenport Enterprises, he"d probably have it implode because a gala was part of the business plan."

Xavier rolled his eyes but didn"t quite hide the amused smirk that played on his lips. "Lucian, don"t embellish the narrative. I can handle social situations just fine," he said, leaning back in his chair with a casual ease that belied his words. "I simply find most gatherings uninspiring and inefficient… unproductive."

Lucian chuckled heartily, his laughter bouncing off the high ceilings. "Unproductive? I beg to differ, especially when it comes to business. That"s where you shine with your charm, isn"t it?"

Feeling a twinge of guilt for the corner Xavier was being pushed into, I interjected softly, "Perhaps we should call it a night? It is getting late after all."

Dominic leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. The intensity of his gaze held me captive as he spoke. "Xav is free to leave whenever he wishes," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "As for me, I find your company rather captivating, Asa." The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile that sent ripples through me, making my stomach do somersaults.

Xavier made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort but quickly covered it with a cough. He locked eyes with me and there was an earnestness there that I hadn"t seen before. "For your information, Dom," Xavier said pointedly, "I consider this evening far from mundane or wasteful." His gaze never wavered from mine as he added softly, "Being in your presence is anything but tedious."

I blinked at him, my heart thudding erratically against my ribs. There was something in the way he said those words—as if they carried more weight than just tonight"s interaction—as if there had been other moments shared between us that I wasn"t aware of. The idea sent a flurry of butterflies through my stomach and left me momentarily speechless.

Lucian stood, his lean frame unfolding with grace. His hand extended toward me, an invitation clear in his eyes. "How about a little dance?" he suggested, a playful edge to his voice. "The atmosphere"s become a touch too solemn, thanks to Dom"s brooding intensity over there."

I raised an eyebrow at him, but a smile tugged at my lips despite myself. Lucian"s words were a balm to the tension coiling within me.

He grinned, the silver in his eyes sparking with mischief. "I fear he might come across as rather… formidable. Our office staff often whisper about the emperor and his formidable gaze—best to tread lightly around him, they say."

Laughter bubbled up from my throat, the image of Dominic as an emperor both intimidating and absurdly fitting. Without hesitation, I placed my hand in Lucian"s. There was something undeniably freeing about accepting an offer to dance.

Lucian led me to the open space in front of the table, his grip firm yet gentle. He moved to the stereo resting on a sleek console and switched it on. Slow music filled the room, wrapping around us like silk.

"My lady," he said with a flourish, sweeping me into a twirl that had my hair fanning out around me.

Giggles escaped me as I spun under Lucian"s expert guidance. Lena and Zara clapped along, their laughter mingling with mine. Even the usually composed Xavier couldn"t suppress a chuckle at our antics.

For the next half an hour, I forgot all about my nerves and reservations. The music enveloped us, and I allowed myself to be lost in its rhythm, in the warmth of Lucian"s hands guiding me across the floor. When the music faded, I was slightly breathless and disappointed that the moment had come to an end. Before I could gather my thoughts, I found myself standing before Dominic, his intense gaze pinning me in place.

With a deliberate motion, he brought my hand to his lips, brushing a featherlight kiss against my knuckles. The simple gesture sent a jolt of heat rushing through my arm and into the very core of my being. My heart raced as Dominic held my gaze, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that left me weak in the knees.

Next, Lucian repeated the gesture, his lips grazing my skin with a tenderness that contrasted with the undercurrent of dark fire in his eyes, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. Then came Xavier. His kiss was different somehow, gentle and tender, and it left me breathless utterly out of sorts, caught in the web of their collective allure. In that moment, I knew my life had taken an irreversible turn, and I was powerless to resist the pull of the Davenport brothers.

Their kisses lingered on my skin long after we said our goodbyes—a tangible reminder of an evening that had shifted something deep within me. The gentle hum of the engine was a mere backdrop to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling through my mind as Lena"s car glided through the city streets. My gaze drifted out the window, but the flickering lights and bustling cityscape held no sway over me. My focus remained resolutely inward, replaying the events of the evening on an endless loop, thoughts of Dominic, Xavier, and Lucian entwining like a relentless vine. Their images were imprinted behind my eyelids; every time I blinked, I saw them again—their smiles, their gazes, the commanding aura that surrounded them.

"Looks like someone is smitten with the Davenport brothers," Lena teased, her voice dancing with mirth.

A warmth spread across my cheeks, and I tore my eyes away from the hypnotic blur of streetlights to meet her knowing gaze. A shy smile tugged at my lips as I attempted to feign nonchalance. "I"m… not," I said, the words feeling hollow even to my own ears.

But how could I deny the truth that reverberated through every fiber of my being? The Davenport brothers had awakened something primal within me—a longing that both thrilled and terrified me. Their very presence commanded my senses, leaving me utterly bewitched.

It wasn"t just attraction; it was an undeniable pull toward them—a yearning that caught me off guard. But they were alphas—billionaires who commanded a global empire—and I… I was an omega whose life had been shaped by others" expectations and whims. Our worlds couldn"t be more different. The notion of bridging that divide seemed as impossible as scaling the highest mountain peak.

As Lena"s car pulled up to her elegant apartment, my thoughts remained consumed by the Davenport brothers. I moved through the motions of preparing for bed, but even the soothing warmth of the shower could not wash away the memories that clung to me.

The ghost of Dominic"s lips brushing against my knuckles lingered, sending a shiver down my spine. I could still feel the firm yet gentle grip of Lucian"s hands as we twirled across the dance floor, his touch igniting a fire that had yet to be extinguished. And Xavier… His kiss had left me breathless, a tantalizing promise of intimacies yet to be explored.

As I slipped beneath the cool sheets, their faces danced behind my closed lids. I saw Dominic"s intense gaze, Xavier"s thoughtful eyes, and the playful glint in Lucian"s silver irises. A longing ache blossomed in my chest, and I found myself wondering if our paths would ever cross again. Or was tonight merely a fleeting moment never to be recaptured? A sigh escaped me as sleep began to take hold, my last conscious thought filled with three pairs of eyes that seemed to see me as no one else ever had.

* * *

Barely a monthafter that mesmerizing night at The Velvet Melody, the echo of my performance and meeting with the Davenport brothers still lingered in my heart. But the revelation that followed had me reeling. I couldn"t fathom the words Meredith uttered, her voice cutting through my daze. Engaged? To Dominic, Xavier, and Lucian Davenport? It felt like a surreal twist in a dream, the kind you wanted to wake up from to savor its sweetness just a little longer.

"I must be losing my mind," I said under my breath, half expecting to shake myself awake. But no, this was all too real. Meredith"s grip on my wrist was a vise of reality, her nails digging into my flesh as if to punctuate the gravity of her proclamation.

"You will marry them, Asa. It"s your duty," she hissed close to my ear, her breath cool against my heated skin. I despised how they wielded that word—duty—like a shackle forged from years of obligation and pretense.

I sat before the vanity mirror now, my hands trembling in my lap as Meredith fawned over every detail of my appearance. She applied makeup with an artist"s precision but without an ounce of affection. Her voice was a constant prattle about how stunning I would look on the arm of the Davenport brothers—alpha husbands who could have any woman they desired. The nausea swirled within me at the thought, an acidic reminder that I was nothing more than a means to an end in their eyes.

The dress I wore clung to me like a second skin, its delicate lace overlay shimmering with every subtle shift of my body. It was an ethereal garment meant for someone stepping into a fairy tale—not for a girl who felt more like a pawn in a game of chess.

My gaze met my own in the mirror, taking in the sight before me. The dress enhanced the porcelain quality of my skin; its pale hue made my hair seem like spun moonlight cascading down my back. My eyes reflected a mixture of awe and trepidation. For a fleeting moment, I saw what they all saw—the otherworldly creature deemed worthy of such powerful men.

But beneath that beauty lay a torrent of uncertainty and fear, swirling just beneath the surface like dark waters under ice. As Meredith stepped back to appraise her handiwork, I wondered if anyone else saw it—the girl drowning in her own reflection.

I took a deep, steadying breath as Meredith continued her tirade, her words like thorns pricking at my skin, and my fingers curled into the fabric of the dress.

"Remember, Asa," she said, her voice low and sharp, "you must behave yourself. We can"t have you embarrassing us." Her eyes bored into mine through the mirror, and I could see the warning flickering in their depths. Her grip tightened, a physical reminder of the invisible chains that bound me to their ambitions. "This is your first meeting with your future husbands. You must make sure to entice them." Her lips curled into a semblance of a smile, but her eyes remained cold. "Should they change their minds about marrying you…"

I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought, at the lecture I'd received, and an icy trail of dread settled in the pit of my stomach.

She leaned in, her tone laced with an urgency that gripped my heart like an iron chain. "This is our chance to secure a place among the highest echelons of society."

I tried to swallow past the lump in my throat, my mind racing to comprehend the situation thrust upon me. Once again, I still couldn"t believe the Davenport brothers wanted me as their wife.

Meredith echoed my sentiment. "I can"t believe the Davenport brothers want you, Asa. It must be because of that night at Evelyn Sinclair"s birthday party." She scoffed lightly, as if the memory amused her. "Though you behaved poorly with your silly laughter, you managed to catch Dominic"s eye. Who would have thought such a misstep would lead us here?"

As Meredith prattled on about how this arrangement would elevate our family"s standing in high society, my mind drifted to the Davenport brothers.

But why? Why had I caught their attention? Was it merely my ethereal appearance at Evelyn Sinclair"s birthday party, at The Velvet Melody performance, or something more?

The memory of that night at The Velvet Melody flashed through my mind—Dominic, Xavier, and Lucian, their intense stares both terrifying and thrilling, stirring something deep within my omega being. I hadn"t been able to shake off the sensation, the way their gazes seemed to peel back layers I kept hidden from the world.

Now here I was, standing on the precipice of something unimaginable—marriage to not one but three alphas who had somehow become smitten with me. Their attention was flattering yet frightening, an acknowledgment that set every nerve on edge.

As Meredith continued her monologue on the benefits of this union for our family"s image, I couldn"t help but let my mind wander to what life would be like with them—with Dominic"s commanding presence, Xavier"s insightful gaze, and Lucian"s enigmatic charm. Married to them—actually married and becoming their wife? The idea was as daunting as it was alluring.

The descent down the grand staircase was torturous, my hand in Meredith"s like a lifeline keeping me from being swept away by my own panic. Gregory stood at the foot of the stairs, his posture impeccable, the embodiment of self-assured poise. His gaze swept over me, assessing, scrutinizing, as if determining the value of his investment. He didn"t say much, just a curt nod acknowledging our departure. We exited the mansion, and I hesitated for a moment, casting a longing glance back at the life I was about to leave behind.

Gregory ushered us into one of their ostentatious cars that seemed to purr in anticipation of the journey. The leather seats embraced me like cold arms as I settled in, my heart thudding erratically against my rib cage. Gregory maneuvered through the streets with an ease that belied the turmoil brewing inside me. I could feel Meredith"s expectant eyes on me, but I couldn"t bring myself to meet her gaze.

I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, my fingers twisting the delicate fabric as we glided past city lights that blurred into streaks of color. Every mile that passed was a step closer to a future I hadn"t chosen. The car"s luxurious interior felt like a gilded cage, opulent yet suffocating.

Before long, we arrived at The Elysium Tower, its facade an imposing wall of reflective glass that seemed to touch the heavens. My breath caught in my throat as we entered the lobby, every surface polished to a mirror sheen. We were whisked away to the thirtieth floor by an elevator lined with golden panels that reflected our ascending forms.

The doors opened to La Ciel Bleu, a restaurant where extravagance was served on a silver platter. Crystal chandeliers hung like constellations from the high ceilings, their light cascading over tables draped in pristine white linen. The walls were adorned with artful frescoes that seemed to dance in the soft illumination.

Meredith and Gregory strode through the restaurant with an air of entitlement that only those accustomed to such luxury could possess. They basked in the admiration of other patrons who recognized them, their pride swelling with each acknowledging nod and envious glance.

I trailed behind them, my heart fluttering like a caged bird desperate for escape. The opulence was overwhelming—every laugh too loud, every clink of cutlery too sharp. I kept glancing back at the door we"d come through as if it might offer me an escape.

Then he appeared—Dominic Davenport. His presence commanded attention; his stature alone made him seem like he belonged to another world entirely, one where men like him ruled unchallenged.

I sucked in a sharp breath as Dominic drew near; his dark hair was immaculate, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that felt like a physical touch.

Meredith"s smile widened into something victorious as Dominic greeted us with charm befitting his status. Then his gaze found mine, and time seemed to slow to a crawl. His eyes were like molten steel, piercing and intense, and I felt myself drowning in their depths. With a singular gesture, he extended his hand, and I found myself moving toward him as if drawn by an invisible thread.

My fingers trembled as they brushed against his palm, and I couldn"t help but marvel at the contrast—his strong hand enveloping my own smaller digits, a delicate bird perched on the palm of a giant. His lips curved into a smile that sent a shiver down my spine, and then, in a gesture that seemed to defy reality, he raised my hand to his lips and pressed a featherlight kiss to my knuckles, sending a jolt through me. In that moment, the world around us faded away, and all I could comprehend was the searing intensity of his touch, the promise of a future that both terrified and enthralled me.

Dominic led us to a table near a grand window, revealing the city spread out like a canvas of twinkling lights and shadows. Meredith"s admiration for the view spilled from her lips in an elegant stream, her words weaving through the air with the practiced ease of someone accustomed to such luxury.

"What a spectacular view," she cooed, her gaze sweeping across the skyline as if embracing the city itself. Gregory hummed in agreement, his eyes reflecting the city"s glow with a sharp glint of approval.

Xavier and Lucian were already there, poised with an air of casual sophistication. They stood as we approached, their greetings to Meredith and Gregory cordial but brief. When their attention turned to me, the atmosphere shifted subtly, charged with an unspoken intensity.

Each brother took my hand in turn, their lips brushing against my skin in a gesture that was both formal and intimate. A flush crept up my neck as their gazes lingered, their eyes darkening with an intensity that stirred something primal within me. The scent of their alpha pheromones enveloped me, rich and heady, eliciting a response from my own omega nature that left me feeling dizzy and exposed.

We took our seats, and I found myself nestled between Dominic and Xavier, their presence both comforting and overwhelming. The table was set with an array of fine china and delicate crystal, each piece a work of art in itself. Waiters materialized like silent specters, each movement precise and unobtrusive. Our meals arrived soon after, and before me was a plate that could have graced the cover of a culinary magazine—a delicate arrangement of quail over roasted heirloom carrots drizzled with a pomegranate glaze that sparkled like jewels.

Dominic"s dish was an architectural marvel—a filet mignon perched atop a throne of truffled potatoes, surrounded by a moat of rich bordelaise sauce that shimmered under the chandelier"s light. Xavier"s choice was no less impressive: seared scallops crowned with delicate caviar beads, nestled on a bed of saffron-infused risotto that painted the plate with golden hues. And Lucian had opted for something from the sea—a whole baked lobster, its shell a vivid red contrast against the jade-green seaweed salad that accompanied it. A buttery aroma wafted from his plate, mingling with the other dishes" scents.

As the conversation swirled around me like a waltz I couldn"t dance to, I could only pick at my food, the exquisite flavors lost on my anxious palate. Meredith"s gracious smile didn"t reach her eyes as she lauded the Davenport brothers for their company"s success.

"Gentlemen, I must congratulate you on the recent expansion of Davenport Enterprises. It"s commendable how you"ve managed to usher in such growth."

Dominic responded with the kind of authority that resonated with power, nodding to Meredith"s words. "Thank you, Meredith. We"re quite proud of the direction the company is moving in. Economic growth underpins our long-term vision."

I wanted to shrink into my chair, to disappear as Gregory spoke of alliances and binding families with that analytical gaze that reduced everything to transactions. "Indeed, a powerful alliance, our families joining forces." His eyes flicked to me briefly, making me feel like a line item in a contract.

Lucian"s smile was smooth as he chimed in, his words meant to soothe and charm. "The importance of family cannot be overstated, Mr. Whitmore. With Asa, we"re creating a union that strengthens us in every aspect."

Xavier spoke thoughtfully, but his words did little to soothe the unease coiling within me. "Connections are at the heart of stability. It"s the underlying systems, not just the apparent ones, that ensure the fortitude of what we build."

I took a sip of water to calm the dryness in my throat as I listened to their conversation. It was all so clinical, the underpinnings of our future reduced to the mechanics of infrastructure.

"And we trust you"ll take your responsibilities toward Asa seriously," Meredith added with her controlled tone. "A woman of her standing and… uniqueness requires a certain… attentiveness."

I bit my lip, feeling like an exotic specimen under discussion, something rare and fragile that needed special care.

Dominic leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking on to mine with an intensity that left me breathless. "Rest assured, Asa"s well-being is my utmost priority." His voice was assertive yet tender, a contradiction that sent my heart racing. "We appreciate the rare gem she is."

Lucian"s voice was warm as he promised attention beyond duty. "Ensuring that Asa feels valued and secure will always come first. Her happiness is paramount."

"We"ve integrated systems to safeguard her comfort and health," Xavier said. "After all, Asa"s contentment is critical to the harmony of our new family."

Gregory offered an approving nod at Xavier"s words, a rare gesture from him. "Meticulous as always, Xavier. We"ve raised Asa to embody the Whitmore legacy, and we"re pleased to see she"ll continue to do so with the Davenports."

The Whitmore legacy? A life of pretense and empty gestures, devoid of any true emotion or connection? Is that what awaited me with the Davenports as well?

I sat there, lost in their plans for me, their future strategies weaving around me like threads destined to bind me forever to a life meticulously plotted by others" hands.

As the final course was cleared away and the delicate clinking of coffee cups filled the silence, I found myself lost in a sea of swirling thoughts. My spoon stirred aimlessly in the small china cup, the dark liquid a vortex that seemed to mirror my confusion. Around me, the laughter and chatter of La Ciel Bleu"s other patrons were a distant hum, meaningless against the weight of my own inner turmoil.

I couldn"t do this—couldn"t let my life be steered by others like some ship destined only for the ports they chose. If I didn"t seize control, my life would forever be dictated by the whims of others.

A spark ignited within me, a determination that surprised even myself. I had to take control, if only for a moment.

My gaze drifted to the dance floor where couples swayed in graceful unison, their movements a stark contrast to the turmoil raging in my mind. A part of me longed for that kind of connection, that simple pleasure of losing oneself in the moment.

A newfound resolve settled over me, hardening my spine and steeling my nerves. I pushed back my chair and stood, my gaze finding Dominic"s. My chair scraped softly against the plush carpet, and I felt every eye at our table turn toward me.

"Dominic," I began, my voice steadier than I felt. "Would you care to dance?"

The table fell silent, their eyes turning to me with expressions ranging from shock to intrigue. Dominic"s initial surprise melted into a slow smile, his eyes glinting which made my stomach flutter. He nodded once, rising to his full, imposing height before extending his hand. As our fingers intertwined, a jolt of electricity seemed to pass between us.

I led him to the dance floor, acutely aware of the many eyes that followed our every move. Dominic"s arms encircled me, his solid frame enveloping me in an embrace that should have felt suffocating but instead ignited a fire within me.

We moved to the music"s rhythm, lost in a world where only we existed. But then I gathered my courage, and I found my voice.

"Why do you want me?" I asked, my tone tinged with genuine curiosity. "Why do you and your brothers want to marry me? I"m… I"m a nobody."

Dominic"s smile was equal parts charming and something else, something I couldn"t quite put my hand on. "You"re not a nobody," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "To us, you"re a woman we want, a woman we desire." He leaned in closer, his scent—rich and spicy—overwhelming my senses. "We want you, Asa."

His words sent shivers down my spine, a mix of fear and excitement that left me breathless.

"What"s in it for me?" I pressed on, emboldened by our proximity. "This arrangement… do I even have a choice?"

The music seemed to fade as Dominic regarded me with an intensity that bored straight into my soul. His expression hardened, his jaw clenching as if the words pained him.

"You do have a choice, Asa." His voice was firm but laced with an undercurrent of something akin to vulnerability. "We will not continue with this arrangement if it is against your wish… if you do not consent to it."

I took a deep breath, steadying myself against him as we continued twirling across the dance floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Meredith and Gregory watching us with gleeful smiles plastered on their faces—as if this dance was another perfectly executed move in their grand plan.

But now there was something they hadn"t accounted for: my newfound resolve to take control of my own life"s choreography.

The dance floor under our feet might as well have been our own little universe. The music enveloped us, a timeless melody that seemed to resonate with the thrumming of my heart. Dominic"s arms were firm around me, guiding me with a gentle assertiveness that both comforted and exhilarated. His eyes never left mine, and I felt seen, truly seen, for the first time in a very long while.

"I love dancing… and singing," I found myself confessing amid the rhythm of our steps. There was something about the way he held me that made the words spill out—a longing for freedom, for expression. "It"s when I feel most alive."

A smile played on Dominic"s lips, softening the hard lines of his authoritative demeanor. "I know," he replied. "You"re enchanting on stage, Asa. When you sing, when you dance—it captivates."

His compliment wrapped around me like a warm breeze, stirring something deep within me. It was a feeling I wasn"t accustomed to, a sense of being cherished that was entirely foreign yet undeniably alluring.

"I will not give that up," I stated, more to myself than to him. It was a declaration of intent, a line drawn in the sand. "It"s a part of who I am."

Dominic"s gaze held mine, unwavering in its intensity. "I would never think to let you give that up, Asa. To see you unhappy would hurt me more than you could ever know."

Surprise flickered across my features as I blinked up at him. Was this man—this pillar of strength and power—truly saying he valued my happiness? My heart caught in an intricate dance of hope and skepticism.

"Then I can continue with my singing and dancing?" I asked hesitantly, daring to believe in the possibility he presented.

He nodded, his expression resolute. "Of course."

My ambition bubbled up inside me, pushing past years of being told what to do and who to be. Emboldened, I pressed further. "I want to make it big. I want my voice and my passion to reach the world."

Another nod, his eyes sparkling with a promise. "We"ll aid you in every possible way we can."

I arched a skeptical brow, searching his face for any hint of deception. "You really would do that? Help me with my pop idol career?"

"Of course," he affirmed, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Why wouldn"t we, Asa? We will be your husbands, after all."

The word husbands sent a shiver down my spine—plural—a reality that was still settling in. I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. "Then you and your brothers will also stop Meredith and Gregory from interfering with my life."

A slow smile curved Dominic"s lips, and his eyes darkened with an intensity that stole my breath away. "Of course, Asa. Your happiness is our priority now."

As the music came to a gentle halt, I found myself emboldened by a newfound sense of power. Rising onto my tiptoes, I cupped Dominic"s chiseled face in my hands and pressed a featherlight kiss to his lips, a silent declaration in front of everyone present.

When I pulled back, my voice was steady, laced with a determination I"d never known before. "Then I accept this arrangement. I"ll become Mrs. Davenport."

Dominic"s smile darkened, his eyes smoldering with a possessive hunger that sent a thrill through me. "You"ve made the right choice, my beautiful bride."

And then his lips crashed against mine, claiming me in a searing kiss that swept away any lingering uncertainty. His passion left me breathless and utterly undone, yet there was no place I"d rather be than here in his embrace, charting the course of my future.