*******
The soft murmur of conversation, clinking glasses, and muted classical music filled the grand ballroom. Aria moved carefully, checking her tablet discreetly, making sure the lighting cues and digital guest list were all correct. Every detail mattered, every variable controlled.
She didn't notice him at first.
Dante, across the room, had his eyes drawn to a figure who didn't quite belong yet somehow dominated the space: quiet, composed, calculating, and utterly unaware of how magnetic she appeared to him. He smirked and approached, intrigued.
"You must be the sister to the famous Mara Vale, " he said smoothly, stopping just a few feet away. His voice carried just enough confidence to make her look up.
Aria blinked, startled. "I… I'm not sure what you mean," she replied, keeping her voice steady, though her pulse ticked faster than usual. Already cursing him in her heart.
"Oh, come on," he said, grinning. "You don't hide your talent that well. Handling Mara Vale's security tech flawlessly, ensuring the entire gala doesn't collapse? That's impressive. Most people here are just glitz and gossip—I like that you're different. And I can see the resemblance between you two."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, caution flashing. "I prefer to stay out of the spotlight," she said coolly. "Unlike some people."
He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Touché. And yet, here you are. Standing in the center of a room full of people, while I can't seem to look away."
She hesitated, not used to someone speaking so directly—or with such confidence. "I don't… have time for distractions, I'm busy. " she said, her words measured, careful.
"Distractions?" he repeated, stepping a fraction closer, enough to see the subtle intelligence in her eyes. "I don't believe in those. I believe in opportunities. And right now, I think I've found a special one."
Her chest tightened, a familiar warning signal she usually ignored. "We've… met?" she asked cautiously, scanning the room as if she could disappear into the crowd. Not sure where she had met him before.
"You could say that," he replied with a smirk, his gaze sharp, unreadable yet teasing. "Some encounters leave an impression—whether you like it or not. How about you work for me, I can see your potentials." he said stretching out his business card.
She looked away, uncomfortable yet oddly curious. Why is he so… confident? So direct? And why do I feel like he's not exaggerating? And what makes him so sure that I'll work for him.
"Just… keep your distance," she said finally, turning back to her tablet, hoping to end the conversation.
"I plan to," he said softly, but his smile lingered. "For now."
And with that, Dante moved into the crowd, leaving Aria's mind buzzing—not with the gala, not with Mara's event, but with the man who had just walked into her carefully controlled world.
********
Aria's POV
I adjusted the controls on my tablet, the soft glow illuminating my focused expression. Everything was running smoothly—lights synced, screens displaying the correct seating charts, and Mara's staff scuttling efficiently. For once, I could breathe.
Until I felt it: a presence. Years of training and experience taught me.
I glanced up, scanning the room, and my breath caught. There he is, Dante Moreau. Leaning casually against the balcony railing, glass of champagne in hand, watching the crowd—and her.
My pulse ticked faster, but I ignored it, returning my focus to my tablet. Surely, he was just another guest.
But then he was there again. At the dessert table, leaning toward a server, smirking—but always with a glance in my direction.
He's everywhere, I thought, tension creeping into my shoulders. 'What does want from me' I asked myself.
When I finally had to step out to adjust the lighting near the dance floor, he intercepted me midway.
"Trouble with the lighting?" he asked casually, as if it were the most natural thing to approach her.
"Everything is fine," I said, my voice clipped, eyes not meeting his. "I know what I'm doing."
"Clearly," he said with a playful smirk. "But it doesn't hurt to have a second opinion. For quality assurance."
I glanced up this time, already frustrated meeting his gaze. Sharp, confident, teasing—but there was something else. Something that made me instinctive defenses prick. "I don't need… supervision," I replied.
"I'm not here to supervise," he said softly, leaning just close enough for me to notice the faint scent of his cologne. "I'm here to observe. And maybe… appreciate competence when I see it."
My cheeks warmed. I wasn't used to people noticing my work, let alone complimenting it so casually. "Not everyone appreciates competence," I said, my tone almost defensive.
"Not everyone matters," he said, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "But you do. At least, to me."
I stiffened, instinctively stepping back. "I'm not here for… whatever this is."
"Good," he said, grinning. "Neither am I. That makes it more… interesting."
Before I could respond, Mara's voice called from across the room, "Aria! Could you check the sound system near the stage?"
She gave Dante a brief, measured nod and turned toward her task. He watched her go, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
********
For Aria, her heart was still racing, though she refused to admit it. For Dante, curiosity and amusement bubbled—he hadn't expected to meet someone who could challenge him so quietly, yet so effectively.
And just like that, the dance of attention and avoidance began.