Chapter 5: Compromise

At her mother's word, Salma swallowed the lump in her throat, taking a deep breath, she wiped the tears from her face, adjusted her blazer, and sat down, she turned her eyes toward the three men who had been waiting with calmly and patiently for her to make a move.

"Introduce yourselves," she commanded, her voice dropping into its usual authoritative tone. She leaned back against the cushions, a dark, cynical smirk touching her lips as she muttered to herself, "I might as well have some fun while at it."

The first man stepped forward immediately. He was caramel-skinned, hailing from Brazil, with striking hazel eyes and a thick head of dark, curly hair. He had a tall, stocky build that completely filled out his black suit, and when he spoke, his voice was deep and completely dripping with confidence.

"I am Adam," he said, holding her gaze without a single hint of intimidation. Salma looked him up and down. He was undeniably easy on the eyes, and his bold energy was exactly what she needed to kick this circus off. Smiling coldly, she looked right at him and handed him his terms.

"Won't be a bad idea if we marry first. In three weeks' time, on a Tuesday evening." Adam looked thoroughly pleased with himself. He gave a sharp, respectful nod and turned to follow a server who immediately led him up the grand staircase to show him to his designated wing of the estate.

The moment Adam left the room, the second man stepped into the light. He had pale, porcelain skin, stark white-blond hair, and the sharpest, greenest eyes Salma had ever seen in her life. His jawline looked like it was carved from marble, framing perfect cupid-bow lips, and his lean, chiseled abs practically strained against the fabric of his white button-down shirt. When he spoke, his name came out in a thick, musky baritone that sent a sudden, strange rush of heat straight between her legs.

"Shane," he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers like a predator tracking prey, Salma let out a breathless involuntary giggle, completely caught off guard by the intensity of his vibe. Beside her, her mother gave an immediate nod of approval.

"Oh, I really like Shane," the older woman laughed, nudging Salma’s shoulder. Salma, now genuinely invested in the sheer absurdity of the game, smirked back. She leaned forward, holding Shane’s deep gaze.

"On a Thursday evening Shane, you will be my husband."

Shane flashed a cute, unexpected dimpled smile that completely contrasted his dangerous look. He walked directly over to her couch, taking her hand delicately in his and pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers for a single second. He stood up properly, turning on his heel to follow another server upstairs, leaving Salma a blushing on the sofa.

"Oohhhhh, hot," her mother gushed loudly, fanning herself to Salma's absolute embarrassment. "Arthur certainly had good taste in men."

The third man finally stepped forward, Salma’s eyes had been curiously fleeting toward him the entire time they had been in the parlor. He was skinny, at six foot, he standing at the same height as her, and he possessed a remarkably soft feminine demeanor. He had kind warm brown eyes, long brown hair that fell perfectly past his shoulders, and his fingers were manicured to perfection.The moment he spoke, his voice came out sweet, sleek, and comforting. The sheer ease of his presence made Salma stand up from her seat, walked over and took his soft, well-manicured hands directly in hers.

"Well, Father was actually considerate enough to bring one that would make me curious huh?" Salma cackled loudly, turning back to her mother in complete awe.The man smiled, his posture elegant.

"I like you, Devon," Salma said, a playful, flirting tone bleeding into her voice as she patted his hand. "In fact, you are going to be my very first husband. Monday evening, Devon."

Devon gave a graceful nod and turned to go with the maid. Salma watched him walk away, noticing the slight, deliberate twist to his steps that made his waist flare out with effortless style. With an amused nod, she sank back into her seat, picking up her crystal glass to enjoy the remaining red wine with her mom.