**********
Aria ducked behind a tall potted plant to check the wiring near the stage. The soft hum of the electronics was comforting, familiar, and very much her element. She exhaled slowly, grateful for a brief moment of solitude away from the glittering crowd.
Until a shadow fell across the floor beside her.
"Fancy seeing you here," Dante said, his voice low, teasing—but not loud enough for anyone else to hear.
She stiffened, fingers tightening on the tablet.' What does this guy want ' she asked herself but answered him nonetheless, "I could say the same," she replied, keeping her tone neutral.
"Though I think you're far too comfortable in this environment."
"I'm comfortable anywhere," he said, stepping closer, just close enough that she noticed his subtle, deliberate movements. "Except when I meet someone who actually makes me pause."
Her eyes narrowed. "Pause? I doubt that."
He smiled, that confident, half-smirk that made her pulse do something unpredictable. "Oh, I think you do. The way you focus, the way you command a room without trying… it's not something I see often. You still haven't told me your name?."
"I'm not trying to impress anyone, by the way the name's Aria Vale." she said quickly,
defensive, though she felt the tiniest spark of pride. "I'm… doing my job."
"Exactly," he said softly. "And that's why it's impressive. You don't seek approval, but you earn it anyway."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "You make it sound like flattery. I don't respond to flattery."
"Good," he murmured, stepping slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Neither do I. But I do respond to honesty. And right now… I want to know more about you, Aria Vale.Not the sister, not Mara's assistant… you."
She blinked, caught off guard. Her walls, so carefully built, trembled at the intensity in his eyes. "You… don't need to know about me," she said quietly.
"Then allow me to come closer," he said, voice calm yet insistent. "One conversation at a time. If you'll let me."
For a long moment, she just stared at him, measuring the danger, the unpredictability… and something else. Something that whispered she might not want to resist.
"I…" she began hesitantly, then stopped herself, shaking her head. "I don't do… this."
"I'm aware," he said softly, finally stepping back, giving her space.
"And I respect that. But I'll find my way in. Slowly. Patiently. Unless, of course, you force me out entirely."
She swallowed, aware of the subtle warmth creeping into her chest. "Don't get used to being so bold," she said, her voice a whisper.
"I won't," he replied with a small, confident smile. "For now."
And just like that, Dante melted back into the crowd, leaving her alone—but not really. Not at all.
Aria exhaled, heart still racing, realizing that for the first time in a long time, someone had gotten past the shadows she'd built around herself… and she didn't entirely want to push him away. 'No Aria,' she shook her head 'focus he's just a distraction, a playboy, don't fall for him you'll just get your heart broken.'
**********
Aria's POV
The music shifted—slower now, smoother—drawing couples toward the center of the ballroom. I stayed near the edge, pretending to check my tablet, even though everything was running perfectly.
"Stop hiding," Mara's voice whispered near my ear.
I jumped. "Mara—!"
She smiled knowingly, eyes flicking past me. "You've been 'checking the system' for ten minutes. Funny thing is, the system seems to be checking you."
I followed her gaze before I could stop myself.
Dante stood a few steps away, jacket loosened, watching the dance floor with a relaxed confidence that made him look like he belonged there. Then his eyes met mine—and held.
My stomach tightened.
"No," I muttered. "Absolutely not."
Mara's grin widened. "Oh, absolutely yes. Who is he? Did he ask you out?."
" No, He's—" I lowered my voice, "—exactly the kind of man I avoid."
"The rich one?" she teased. "Or the charming one?"
"Both. And he's a playboy"
"And yet," she said gently, "you haven't looked away once."
Before I could respond, Dante approached, his steps unhurried, deliberate.
"Aria," he said, offering a slight nod to Mara. "Your sister has put together a remarkable evening."
Mara beamed. "Why, thank you. And you must be Dante Moreau."
His smile was polite. "Guilty."
She looked between us, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I'll leave you two to it. Aria, don't forget—sometimes the best moments aren't planned."
"Mara," I hissed.
Too late.
She disappeared into the crowd.
I folded my arms, suddenly aware of how close Dante was. "She enjoys embarrassing me."
"I can tell," he said, amused. "She also seems very protective."
"She worries too much."
"Good," he replied softly. "It means she knows your worth."
The music swelled, and without fully thinking it through, he extended his hand.
"Dance with me."
I stared at it like it might explode. "I don't dance."
"That's okay," he said easily. "I do enough for the both of us."
I should have said no. I meant to.
Instead, my hand found his.
The moment he guided me onto the dance floor, the noise around us faded. His hand rested lightly at my waist—not possessive, not demanding. Just… steady.
"You're tense," he murmured.
"I'm surrounded by people," I replied.
"Then focus on me."
I looked up—and regretted it immediately. His gaze was softer now, less teasing, more… sincere.
"You don't belong in the shadows as much as you think," he said quietly. "You shine, Aria. Even when you're trying not to."
My chest tightened. "You don't know me."
"Not yet," he admitted. "But I'd like to."
The song ended too soon.
As we stepped apart, Mara reappeared, clapping dramatically. "Well! Would you look at that. My sister dances."
I groaned. "You're enjoying this far too much."
She hugged me briefly, whispering, "You deserve someone who sees you."
Then, louder, to Dante: "Take care of her."
He met her gaze seriously. "I intend to."
And for the first time that night, I immediately retreat.