Chapter 13- Tensions Rising

The next morning, I awoke to the sun's rays shining through my balcony once again. I went through my normal morning rituals with Sylvia before making my way down to breakfast.

All the men were already present at the dining table waiting for me. Their previous chairs all shifted leaving my most recent dates the closest to mine.

I took my seat at the head of the table and greeted everyone. They all began to dig into their breakfast. I looked to my left and there sat Asmodeus. He smirked at me taking my hand beneath the table and tracing small circles on it. I had to admit, for a man with a beating heart for the first time, he sure knew how to get mine pumping.

To my right sat Sabasmus, his large eyes stared at me with strong emotion. I couldn't help but reach out to him underneath the table as well and give his hand a squeeze. This caused Asmodeus to grab my left hand more protectively. In order to eat I had no choice but to let Sabasmus go to pick up my fork for breakfast.

Sparks were flying this morning for sure. But this time not the romantic sparks of last night. The men stared each other down as I stared down at my plate. The awkwardness was building, and I had to do something quick to break it.

"Gentlemen." I said as I stood to my feet. Asmodeus had no choice but to release my hand. "I'd like to thank you all for joining me this breakfast. When you are done if you could all meet me in the theater for a surprise I would be delighted. Thank you." I sat back down to finish my last few bites before excusing myself to the theater.

Asterion saved me from yet another awkward situation by offering to escort me. I took his arm gladly and we made our way to the theater. I sat in my box in the center of the second floor. Best view in the room to see the surprise performance father had planned out for me and my guests. Asterion took a seat to my right as Jiao-long made his way to sit on my left. I felt a familiar tingling behind my back but chose to ignore it for the time being. Everyone made their way into the theater. Filling up the left and right wing boxes as well as the seats below in our family's small theater. The lights slowly faded, and the curtains opened. I watched intently as the story unfolded before our eyes.

Midway through I felt that familiar tingling again. This time the feeling wasn't just in my head but physical. A slender finger stroked circles on my back. I tried my best to play it cool to not let on to the others what sneaky tricks Asmodeus was up to.

Right as I thought it couldn't get any more awkward, Jiao-long and Asterion both reached out to grab either of my hands at the same time. Asterion's thumb rubbed against my index finger lovingly. Jiao-long open and closed the tips of his fingers against my palm sending small tingles. I could tell this infuriated Asmodeus. His gentle circles stopped for a moment. I thought he had finally given up until I felt something against my leg. His cool slender hand ran up my flowing gown, touching my ankle to my calf. Goosebumps formed all over my skin. Each man sensed my change in body language thinking it was due to them. This only egged them on further making them brave in their movements. Asterion took my hand to his chest running the back of my hand across his lips then down his hard abs. Jiao-long's movements moved from my palm up the rest of the length of my arm. His light touches making me shiver. Then to add to the already roaring fire, Asmodeus half transformed using his creature's long tongue to travel further up my leg.

I had never prayed so hard for a play to be over in my life. I bit into my bottom lip refusing to make a peep. Growing up the theater was a refuge for me. A place to lose myself and feel happy. But this was not the type of losing myself I had in mind. And most definitely not by three handsome men all at the same time. I tasted blood in my mouth from the determination not to make a noise.

Asmodeus being half transformed must have sensed my blood. He let up on his teasing. I relaxed my body as the play finally came to its end. I went to take my leave before either of the three could catch me. I disappeared down the hall and entered through a secret passageway hidden behind the wall. I truly needed a moment to myself after that mess of an experience. I decided to go back to my room to change for the next event of the day. Another game, this time the men would be competing against myself, in archery.

I sent Sylvia to inform the men where to meet me next. I quickly removed my current gown in an attempt to dress myself in my trousers and soft blouse. Midway out I got myself stuck yet again. Curse these darn tight garments I had to wear. As I struggled yet again, I heard deep laughter making me stop in my tracks. Asmodeus had slipped his way back into my bed chambers.

"Well don't just stand there and laugh at me, help me." I urged while facing the way I heard his voice. My arms were stuck above my head yet again. My fair stomach exposed to the air. I felt two arms wrap around me from behind.

"And what if I rather like seeing you like this...at my mercy?"

I stomped my foot in frustration like a child.

"Help me or I'll scream. I'm getting claustrophobic Asmodeus, please I beg of you."

"Well since you asked so nicely, I suppose I can't refuse." He said while gently tugging my garment off the rest of the way. This left me rather exposed at the moment. I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"We really must stop meeting like this Asmodeus." I said gently as his eyes devoured my body. I looked to the side as my cheeks flushed pink from the heat. My body already anticipating his touch.

"I disagree, I'd like to continue meeting you like this... where you need my help. It's quite cute." He said as he spun me around taking my back to his chest. His hands slid down my shoulders, releasing my crossed arms to lay limp at my sides. His strong chin pressed into the nook of my collarbone and shoulder. I could feel his eyes searching every inch of my exposed chest. My boobs, bound tight from my corset, spilled out the top. His hand slithered over and with one finger he poked my plump breast.

"Asmodeus, you're driving me crazy. Enough with your games."

"You are mistaken, it is you that is driving me crazy. Feel my chest," he said tearing open his shirt and turning me to place my head over his heart. "It beats even more fiercely for you today than before. You don't know the pain I've had, watching others stroke you, and kiss you, as if you are theirs. Fanariel," he growled. "My whole being desires to mark you as mine and mine alone. So that no other man would ever question who your heart belongs to again."

"Mark me? What do you mean?" I managed to get out as my heart too was beating furiously.

"You will soon find out if you choose to give me your heart as I have given you mine." He said soothingly as he stroked my back. His motions were smooth, relaxing, making me unaware of the unraveling ribbons from my corset. Suddenly it loosened up, the new space being filled with his palm pressed between my skin and corset.

"So soft," he mumbled under his quickening breathe.

"Asmodeus, we mustn't." I tried to get out before things went any further between us. I still had all the other hearts to consider as well. It wasn't fair to them to be acting like this. Recklessly.

I could tell he was fighting a battle within himself. Lust and respect for my wishes at each other's throats. Ultimately, he chose both... in a way. He picked me up from the ground wrapping my legs around his waist. My top falling to the floor leaving my bare chest exposed. I leaned forward, quickly, into his embrace pressing my breasts into his bare chest to prevent him from seeing them. My nipples grazed against his hard pecks making his hold on me grow tighter.

"Fanariel, you're making it harder to leave when you press your chest into me like that. Are you sure you want me to go? Because your body is telling me something else right now..." he zoned off reaching in between our chests and pinching my hard nipple between his index and thumb.

"You beast!" I yelled smacking his back, "I simply didn't want you to see me, now close your eyes and leave!"

He chuckled at me calling him a beast. "So, you think I'm a beast huh? If only you knew how right you are Fanariel. But know this," he said leaning his lips closer to my ear. "I am your beast," he laid my back against the inviting mattress. Pressing his body deeper into mine. A small moan escaped my lips. He took this as an invitation to explore my mouth with his lizard like tongue. I parted my lips wider letting him freely explore me. I felt something grow between my legs, pressing against my underwear. It rubbed against a spot so sensitive that I wanted to yell out in pleasure. My reaction caused a sly grin on his face as he deepened the kiss to keep me from being too loud. Our lips and tongues entangled with one another's. With one hand holding onto my hair and the other twisting my hardened nipple between his fingers. I bit onto his lip as I felt a wave of ecstasy wash over my body.

Warm wetness soaked my underwear as that throbbing large unit stopped in touching that very sensitive spot. My body felt limp as I laid there with my eyes closed. His cooling fingers stroked my hair from my face sending shivers. How could this man be so hot and so cold at the same time?

"Fanariel," he said, making me open my eyes. "I want you to know that I love you. Every part of you." He said as he kissed each of my fingers.

We laid there together for several moments just listening to each other's breathing and heartbeats.

"Asmodeus, I said, "you have a piece of my heart, but I'm scared that other pieces are being picked up as well." I didn't want to be dishonest with him, the truth was that I was falling for him but also for several others. My heart was a mess right now.

"All I can ask of you is that you stay true to your hearts desires... even if they lead you from me."

In the moment I didn't truly understand the momentum of his words. For him to allow me the choice of free will to choose another knowing that if I didn't choose him, he would die. It was much later that I found out that once a soulmate is found for his people, if a heart is not given in return their heart seizes to beat and they slowly fall back into an emotionless pit of depression. Literally dying from "heart break".