Chapter 51. Dance with the Devils [part 1]
The car rolled to a stop at their destination as Elias and Jasper sprang out of their respective vehicles in unison. The tension between them was palpable as they jostled each other for position, eager to be the first to reach Iris.
But as Elias caught sight of his wife, his demeanor softened. He glared at Jasper, a playful expression in his eyes, and gently pushed him aside, reaching out his hand for Iris.
She couldn't help but bite her lip to contain a smile at their antics. They were like two puppies vying for attention, and she was the center of their world.
"You look cute," she murmured, taking Elias's hand. She watched as his eyes widened and his ears reddened- but he maintained a stoic expression.
"Let's go," he kissed her knuckles, leading her.
Elias and Jasper moved with purpose, positioning themselves on either side of her and shielding her from the prying eyes of the cameras.
Their bodies were like a shield, strong and protective. They stood with their wife; their faces set in determined expressions. Iris felt safe and secure, knowing they would do everything to keep her out of harm's way.
The paparazzi's cameras flashed and clicked, but Jasper and Elias didn't flinch. They stood their ground, their bodies tense and alert, ready to leap into action at a moment's notice.
"Mrs. Sinclair, here, look here, please!"
"One photo, ma'am."
"Look here!"
Then the questions about their marriage started pouring in.
"Mr. Sinclair! Was this marriage a business move?"
"How does it feel to the same woman."
"Mrs. Sinclair, did you marry them for their money."
"Mr. Sinclair, do you have anything to do with model Yonna's disappearance."
"Mrs. Sinclair, do you agree to the claims of calling you a gold digger? From rags to riches. How do you feel?"
This fucking- Elias's eyes darkened. Elias took a deep breath, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fist tightly. He was seething with anger, but he knew better than to let it show in front of the public.
Jasper's smile didn't falter, but Iris could see the icy glint in his eyes as he turned to face the reporter who had just asked the question. He knew this was a loaded question.
"Our wife is not a gold digger," Jasper began, his tone measured and diplomatic. "She has worked hard for everything she has achieved, and she deserves every bit of success that has come her way."
Iris felt a surge of gratitude toward her husband. He was always so protective of her. Elias glared at the report, subtly looking at Edward- who bowed down, understanding the silent command.
"We all come from different backgrounds," Jasper continued, his voice rising slightly. "Rather... it's me who is the gold digger in the relationship. She has spoiled us with kindness and love, and I am proud to stand by her side."
Iris felt her heart swell with pride as Jasper's words sunk in. He was a master at navigating tricky situations like this, always able to turn the conversation in their favor without giving away too much.
As the reporter moved on to the next question, Jasper turned to Iris with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, love," he whispered. "I've got your back- always and forever."
Once they reached in, Elias quickly cupped her face making her look up into his eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern. "If you feel offended, we can leave right now. This place, fuck, our world does not deserve you."
Iris's heart melted at his concern- such a worry wat. He was such a simp, always putting her needs before his own. "It's okay, Elias," she reassured him, smiling softly. "It doesn't bother me much. The only opinion I care about is yours."
She turned to Jasper, taking his hand in hers. "And yours," she added, grinning.
The ballroom was nothing like Iris had ever seen before. The walls were adorned with sparkling chandeliers, casting a soft glow across the room. The marble floors were polished to a gleaming shine. The tables were covered with white linen and the crystal glasses were arranged with neatness. The air was thick with expensive perfume, and soft music floated through the room.
Everywhere she looked, Iris saw people dressed in designer clothes and dripping in expensive jewelry. They exuded an aura of wealth and sophistication that she had never witnessed before.
It was like she had walked into a world of filthy rich. A place where money was no object and indulgence was the norm.
As they made their way through the crowd, Iris felt both- awe and unease. She had never been comfortable in such richness as she couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this world of excess.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself for what was to come. It was her first time attending a "business" party with the brothers, and she was excited to see what they did in their line of work. Little did she know, this night would change her life forever.
A woman came to greet them- dressed to the nines in a pink gown. "Oh my," the woman cooed, fluttering her heavily mascaraed eyelashes. "Such a lovely girl you have married, Jasper," she continued, her voice dripping with a sickly-sweet tone.
Iris frowned, immediately sensing the woman's insincerity. She could practically hear the condescension hidden beneath the woman's words.
"I never knew your taste would change to such an innocent and young type," the woman continued, her voice laced with mockery. "I thought you preferred-"
But before she could finish her sentence, Jasper cut off with a gentle voice, "Baby, let's go have some lemon tarts." He took Iris's hand and led her away from the woman, effectively cutting her off.
As Iris and Jasper walked away, the woman in pink stood there, fuming with anger and embarrassment. Her face turned red as she clenched her fists- controlling her rage.
She couldn't believe that Jasper had just ignored her like that, whisking away his innocent little bride as if she was nothing more than a child.
How dare he treat her with such disrespect?
The woman's mind raced with dark thoughts as she watched the couple disappear into the crowd. She would make sure they paid for this humiliation, one way or another.
Damn you bitch, she clenched her fist. How dare you still those brothers from me.
With a final scowl, the woman stormed off in the opposite direction, determined to find a way to get her revenge.
"Who was she?" Iris blinked. She already had an idea about the woman in pink. Yet, she remained indifferent, trusting the brothers' unwavering loyalty.
Despite the brothers' past cruelty towards her, Iris couldn't bring herself to hate them. Their unwavering devotion had sewn the last thread of love in her heart.
"His previous fling," Elias deadpanned. Jasper kicked his shin, but Elias was quick to avoid it. "You don't need to worry about it," Jasper said, his voice laced with desperation and shame. Why did I fuck around so much?
"I don't care," she shrugged.
Jasper's eyes jumped, ready to explain. "Baby-"
"I trust you," her words melted him.
"Gosh, I am already turning into a mush," he rubbed his heart. "You are going to be the death of me, woman," he grinned, kissing her on the lips. His touch was almost electric.
"I am glad I have that effect on you," she teased, her voice light and playful. She looked up at her husband through her lashes, feeling her heart swell with love for this man.
He chuckled, his hand still resting on her waist. "You have no idea," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Elias's heart raced with excitement as he looked down at Iris. He couldn't help but feel a rush of emotion as he gazed into her eyes, filled with an endless sea of wonder and curiosity.
His hand tenderly brushed her cheek as he leaned in, his lips almost touching hers. He felt her slap his chest, and he laughed, his deep and infectious chuckle echoing through the room.
"We are in public," Iris said, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. Elias and Jasper both chuckled, the sound warm and inviting.
"Oh darling, we would love to show off our relationship in front of the whole world," Elias said, his voice low and sultry. "Let them know you belong to us and only us."
Iris nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Elias leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her skin.
"Do you belong to us?" he whispered, his voice a seductive purr.
She felt her heart skip a beat as she looked up at him, her eyes wide with awe. "Yours," she murmured, her voice soft and timid.
"My good girl," he crooned.
The soft dance music created a romantic ambiance, enveloping the room with its melody. Iris looked around in awe, marveling at the extravagance of the event. She turned to see Elias extending his hand towards her, his eyes burning with passion.
"Dance with me, darling," he said, his voice low and seductive. His hand was warm against hers, sending shivers down her spine. She followed him to the dance floor- her heartbeat rushing.
As they reached the center of the room, Elias pulled her closer, his arms enveloping her in a warm embrace. She could feel the strength in his muscles- the heat emanating from his body. He looked down at her with a soft smile, his eyes glistening with affection.
Elias whispered in her ear, "You look breathtaking in red, but even more so if you were naked."
Iris raised an eyebrow, surprised by his bold statement. "At night," she replied with a teasing smile, watching as his eyes widened in surprise. Her boldness caught him off guard.
Elias chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, you're full of surprises, my dear," he said, pulling her close to him again. "I like it."
As they continued to dance, he couldn't take his eyes off her. The red dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and her hair fell in soft waves around her face. He felt a surge of desire course through him, but he held himself back, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
"You know, I could dance with you like this forever," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. "Just you and I lost in this moment."
Iris smiled up at him, feeling her heart skip a beat. "I wouldn't mind that," she said, her voice soft and low.
As the music swelled around them, Elias spun her around, his hand firm around her waist. She laughed as he dipped her low, her hair brushing the floor. With a graceful movement, he lifted her back up, and they continued to dance, lost in their world.
Iris felt herself melting under his touch. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest. They swayed to the rhythm of the music, lost in their world. She could feel his breath on her skin, his heart beating in time with hers.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "I can't believe you're mine." This man- who is so powerful and dominant in his public life yet is so gentle and loving with her. It was a contrast that she found both fascinating and heartwarming.
Iris looked up at him, her eyes shining with love. "I'm lucky to have you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"No," he denied, shaking his head. "We are the lucky ones," he said, looking into her eyes. His legs moved forward, leading her as they danced, effortlessly gliding across the floor.
Iris followed his lead- her body pressed close to his. The soft music enveloped them in its gentle rhythm as they moved in perfect sync.
Elias twirled her around and pulled her back into his arms, his hand securely holding her waist. They moved in a slow circle, the world outside forgotten, as they melted into the dance.
Iris giggled as Elias twirled her around, her dress billowing in a breeze of red silk fabric. She spun back into Jasper's arms, feeling the heat of his body against hers as they moved to the rhythm of the music.
Elias stepped back, allowing Jasper to take his turn on the dance floor with their beloved wife. He watched with a ghost smile painting his face, enjoying two favorite people together.
She has changed us, he admitted. He never knew they were capable of such tenderness.
"It's my turn, baby girl," Jasper whispered in her ear, his hand trailing down her back in a seductive caress. Iris shivered at the touch, feeling a rush of desire.
As Jasper led Iris around the ballroom floor, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious under the gaze of others. Despite her best efforts to put on a brave face, he could still sense a hint of insecurity in her eyes.
"Ignore them," he whispered, pulling her closer to him. "They are just jealous of you," he crooned, his hand lifting her head to meet his gaze.
"You are the most enchanting woman here tonight, and both men and women are jealous that either they can't be with you or be you," he twirled her, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Focus on me, darling," he said, pulling her closer. "Focus on your husband and forget everything."
"You have nothing to be nervous about," he murmured, his lips grazing her ear. "You're a vision in that red dress, and you, my dear wife, have my undivided attention."
Jasper led Iris in a series of graceful steps, his hand expertly guiding her across the polished wooden floor. They moved in perfect harmony- their bodies pressed close as they swayed to the soft melody of the music.
Their movements were fluid and graceful, like poetry in motion. They spun and twirled, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. They were lost in the moment, consumed by the music and the dance.
After dancing for some time- they came back to the food area. Elias brought Iris a glass of water and handed it to her.
"Here, drink," he said with concern in his voice.
Iris noticed Elias's face was sullen, like an ignored puppy. "Why are you pouting?" she asked him.
"I miss you being in my arms," he said, a hint of longing in his voice.
Iris smiled and shook her head, feeling a warm sensation in her heart.
"No wonder, Mr. Sinclairs', you are so smitten by your wife," an old but loud voice laughed. "She is lovely," Mr. Oliver made his presence known, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Elias and Jasper's eyes locked onto Oliver with a fierce intensity, their silent anger palpable in the air. Jasper's grip tightened on his glass as he shot daggers at Oliver, his mind consumed by a fierce desire to wipe the smirk off the man's face. The thought of another man breathing the same air as his wife made his blood boil.
"Mr. Oliver, how have you been," Jasper put on a fake smile and greeted one of his business partners.
"Alway good," he beamed. "Hello, young lady," he smiled at Iris. Iris looked at the man, curious she had never seen him before.
"Mrs. Sinclair," Elias gritted his teeth. Oliver looked confused. "Call her Mrs. Sinclair," he grunted.
Oliver's eyes shifted from Iris to Elias, sensing the tension in the air. His confusion was evident on his face, yet he complied with Elias' demand, nonetheless. "Ah, Mrs. Sinclair. It's lovely to meet you," he said, his smile faltering slightly. His eyes narrowed as he watched Jasper block his view.
"What work do you have?" Jasper cut him off. It was rude, but he did not have the guts to point it out.
"How about we talk about your casinos," Oliver smiled. It was weird and eerie.
"We do not have time--"
"It might be related to a certain breach," Oliver quipped, watching Elias and Jasper's faces darken.
Elias and Jasper's faces immediately hardened at the mention of a breach. Iris could feel the tension rising in the air, and she took a step back, giving them space to handle the situation.
Jasper's eyes bore into Mr. Oliver's, his tone icy. "What breach are you talking about?" he demanded, unconsciously gripping Iris's waist.
Mr. Oliver chuckled, his eyes darting between the three of them. "Oh, just a small one. I heard a rumor that one of your casinos got targeted by some unsavory characters. Thought you might want to know," he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Jasper turned to his wife, a look of concern on his face. He spoke softly, "Baby, stay here."
Jasper didn't want to burden Iris with the details of their shady business dealings. He knew that she had a delicate heart, and the ugliness of their world could corrupt her innocence.
So, he decided to keep her away from any illicit conversation that might take place between him and his associates.
"Don't go anywhere," Elias warned her. His eyes scanned the room for any potential threats. Iris grabbed his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
Iris smiled at him, "I won't go anywhere."
"We will be right back," they said and left.
👀 umm
To be continued...
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