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A low whistle drew his attention, and he turned to find Xavier lounging on the sofa, already donning his own mask. “Looking good, brother,” Xavier remarked, his tone laced with approval. “Mysterious and dashing, just the way you like it.”
Lucian chuckled, his fingers smoothing over the contours of the mask. “Why, thank you. You clean up rather nicely yourself.”
Before Xavier could respond, the sound of footsteps heralded Dominic's arrival. Their eldest brother was an imposing figure in his immaculate suit, his broad shoulders tapering down to a trim waist that accentuated his powerful build.
Dominic's gaze swept over them, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly behind the mask as he appraised their attire. A low rumble of approval vibrated in his chest, the sound resonating through the space like a roll of distant thunder.
Lucian trailed behind his brothers as they made their way to the private garage. A frisson of anticipation rippled through him with each step, the promise of the evening's events igniting a delicious thrill that simmered just beneath his skin.
In the cavernous space of their private garage under the Davenport Luxe Towers, sleek vehicles stood waiting, their glossy exteriors reflecting the overhead lights like liquid metal. Dominic headed straight for the obsidian Lamborghini Aventador while Xavier veered toward the gunmetal-gray Ferrari F8 Tributo, his fingers trailing along the sculpted lines. Lucian's gaze settled on the Bugatti Chiron Profilée. With an appreciative caress, he slid into the buttery interior. A push of the button brought the engine to a throaty purr, the vibrations thrumming through his body like a physical caress.
Pulling out of the garage, Lucian navigated the city streets with an effortless grace, his focus sharpening as the miles slipped by. The pulse of the city faded into the background, replaced by the singular thrill of the open road and the promise that lay ahead.
As they neared their destination, the imposing silhouette of the Vanderlyn Hotel rose before them. Lucian pulled into the valet line, handing the keys to the attendant with a casual flick of his wrist before falling into step beside his brothers.
The ornate double doors swung open, and they stepped into a world of grandeur. Gleaming marble floors stretched out before them, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers that hung from vaulted ceilings. The air carried the faint scent of jasmine, mingling with the rich aroma of aged mahogany and leather.
A liveried doorman greeted them with a deferential bow, ushering them toward the velvet-draped archway that led to The Velvet Melody. As they crossed the threshold, Lucian's senses were immediately assailed by the decadent atmosphere. Masked guests milled about, their identities obscured behind intricately crafted visages that ranged from the whimsical to the macabre. Lucian's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in the varied expressions of curiosity and intrigue that flickered behind each guise.
As they moved farther into the space, heads turned in their direction, whispers rippling through the assembled guests like a gentle breeze. Lucian could feel the weight of their stares, the collective wonder at the trio of masked figures who exuded an aura of power and mystery.
A few bold souls approached the host and head organizer, their curiosity piqued to its limit. “Who are those distinguished gentlemen?” one lady inquired, her voice low and laced with curiosity.
The host merely offered a polite smile, shaking his head gently. “I'm sorry, but we must respect our guests' privacy,” he replied with practiced diplomacy.
The head organizer echoed the sentiment, his eyes sparkling with mischief behind his own mask. “All will be revealed when the time comes,” he teased gently before turning his attention back to orchestrating the evening's festivities.
Lucian sipped his scotch, savoring the rich, smoky notes that rolled over his tongue. His gaze swept across the crowd, taking in the swirl of colors and textures that comprised the evening's attire. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he observed Xavier's restlessness, the way his brother's eyes roamed the space, clearly uninterested in the idle chatter that surrounded them.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Xavier excused himself, slipping away from the small cluster of guests who had approached them. Dominic, ever the consummate professional, allowed himself to be drawn into conversation by a group of undoubtedly influential individuals—a subtle game of power and prestige that he navigated with practiced ease.
Sensing an opportunity, Lucian offered a polite nod of acknowledgment before extricating himself from the group. His footsteps carried him toward the backstage area, his heart thrumming with a delicious sense of anticipation at the prospect of catching a glimpse of Asa before her performance.
The dimly lit corridors were a stark contrast to the opulence of the main hall, the air thick with the scent of makeup and hairspray. Lucian wandered, taking in the organized chaos that hummed around him—performers rushing to and fro, crew members barking orders, and the occasional burst of laughter echoing off the bare walls.
And then, like a vision materialized, he saw her.
Asa emerged from what he assumed was the makeup room, her delicate features accentuated by the soft glow of the overhead lights. Lucian's breath caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her.
Without conscious thought, his feet propelled him forward, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. So entranced was he by her presence that he failed to notice where she was headed until their bodies collided with a gentle thud.
The impact sent a shock wave through his senses, her sweet omega scent enveloping him like a gossamer veil. Lucian inhaled deeply, his alpha instincts stirring to life as the intoxicating aroma caressed him.
Asa's eyes widened, her hands bracing against his chest. For a heartbeat, they remained frozen, bodies pressed together in an intimate tangle.
“Are you X?” she breathed, her voice a delicate whisper that danced over his skin.
Lucian blinked, momentarily taken aback by her question. A flicker of possessiveness stirred within him, a sudden yearning to claim her as his own, to have her know him in a way that transcended his connection to Xavier, because he knew X was Xavier.
“Is X someone you know?” he countered, his tone low and silken.
Asa's gaze flickered with a hint of uncertainty before she nodded. “Yes, he's… just someone I met recently.”
Her words ignited a spark of jealousy within Lucian, a foreign emotion that he swiftly tamped down. This wasn't a feeling he was accustomed to—not with his brothers. And yet, the thought of Asa's interest being captured by another, even if that other was Xavier, stirred something primal and possessive within him.
As Asa made a move to step back, a surge of panic gripped Lucian. The fear of losing this moment, of having her slip away before he could truly connect with her, drove his actions.
In a single fluid motion, his hand shot out, encircling her slender wrist and pulling her back against him. His other arm snaked around her waist, cradling her lithe form against the hard planes of his body as he drank in her intoxicating scent.
