Billionaire Alpha's 99 Deadly Games

Chapter 15

The proximity was intoxicating. Unlike their distant encounter across the stage, Lucas could now detect subtle details that sent shivers of recognition down his spine-the faint jasmine scent that had haunted his dreams for a year, even the staccato rhythm of her pulse visible at her neck.

Each familiar element heightened his impossible suspicion.

Her deliberate silence felt strategic rather than shy. No other dancer in the company maintained this careful muteness-only her.

With an uncharacteristically tentative motion, he reached toward her mask, his usually steady hand betraying a slight tremor. The closer he got, the more his own heartbeat echoed in his ears, his breathing becoming shallow with anticipation.

Aria hadn't anticipated this direct approach. Based on her years with Lucas, she had expected his typical reaction to being ignored-a flash of entitlement, then dismissal. The Alpha Lucas Thornwood she had known would have scoffed at her silence and walked away, his infamous impatience with "time-wasters" sending him in search of more accommodating company.

She had risked silence as her best defense, never imagining he would simply reach for the mask himself.

As his fingertips hovered mere centimeters from the pearlescent surface, Aria's entire body tensed, her breath caught mid-inhale.

Just as contact seemed inevitable, a sharp ringtone sliced through the tension.

Lucas withdrew his hand with visible reluctance, reaching for his phone with a suppressed sigh. "What is it?" he answered tersely.

Whatever news came through transformed his expression from intense curiosity to grave concern within seconds.

With a last lingering look at Aria, he turned abruptly and strode away, already issuing rapid instructions to whoever had called.

Only when his silhouette disappeared completely did Aria's rigid posture collapse. She exhaled shakily, unclenching fists that had been prepared to push him away if necessary.

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Billionaire Alt

Chapter 15

the company excitedly departed for a night tour of Southern Crescent's historic district, Aria declined with

had spent years intimately familiar with every cobblestone and hidden garden, she had

a weapon

their hotel, eager for the solitude of her room and a long, hot shower to wash away the

however, seemed determined to stress-test

nearly collided with a small group of men in expensive suits exiting the lobby-at their center, Lucas himself, apparently concluding some business

immediate flight, but before she could retreat, his voice carried across the short

her surprise. She fumbled frantically in her bag,

a curt nod and approached her directly, studying her with

off-duty now," he observed, gesturing to her casual attire of jeans and an oversized sweater. "Why are you still

was no longer possible, but she refused to risk him recognizing her voice. Instead, she pointed to her throat and made a negative gesture that any dancer would recognize as "vocal

phone, she quickly typed: "Doctor's orders. Strained vocal

understanding. "Common in your profession, I imagine. Fifth position is murder on the ankles, too, isn't it? Especially for principals

terminology surprised her-she had spent countless evenings rambling about dance technique while he half-listened, never expecting him to

16:40

Pilli

Chapter 15

she could react, he continued with an apologetic tone she'd rarely heard from him: "I behaved inappropriately earlier. Let

gestured toward the hotel's restaurant. "You must be starving after that performance. All that glycogen depletion needs

a dancer's nutrition needs caught her off guard. She had lectured him about proper post-performance refueling dozens of times, usually

calculating the risks of extended exposure versus

her resolve, her traitorous

against her abdomen, unable

genuine smile-one she hadn't seen directed at her in years. "I promise not to interrogate you," he said, a warmth in his voice that seemed alien compared to the cold, calculating man she had

irony. Was this the same man who had orchestrated ninety-eight humiliations? Who had ordered his friends to trap her in a burning building? His newfound courtesy seemed like

Aria reluctantly nodded her agreement. The sooner she could get through this meal, the sooner

restaurant's subdued lighting created an intimate atmosphere

glass remained filled and