Page 175 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Why the hell is he on his knees waxing the floor of this ballroom?

I study Ambrose’s strong, tanned forearms.

He can use his strength to attack and to protect.

I’ve never known an Alpha like him.

Then a thought hits me.

I twist to look around at the huge, gleaming ballroom. “Did you seriously clean this entire ballroom by yourself? It must have taken you…”

“Weeks.” Ambrose drops the cloth, wiping his hands on his trousers. “The ballroom has been abandoned for years. It was covered in dust. It was meant to be a surprise for you. Swan and you deserve a proper space to dance.”

My heart warms.

I’m getting used to the fact that Ambrose wouldallowme to still dance. But that he’d support me by working this hard to offer me my own space blows me away.

He doesn’t need to tell me his love in words. This says it all.

“I’m sorry that I ruined the surprise.” I smile, feeling contented deep in my soul, when Ambrose smiles back. “This is perfect. Swan is going to freak out.”

“I look forward to seeing that.” Ambrose’s eyes glitter with amusement. “Plus, this piano is an early birthday gift for Benedict. It’s his thirtieth birthday in a couple of months, and he deserves not only his own instrument, but also a room with amazing acoustics to play it in. He’s spent the last decade terrified that turning thirty meant that he was too old to be matchable or desired, but also would be shut away in the Omega House where single Rej Omegas are sent. I’ve been trying to think of ways to wash away those fears and make his thirtieth the happiest day of his fucking life.”

“We’ll prove to Bec that he’s loved,” I say, fiercely. “And that he has a forever home and family. Being thirty is the start of his life and not the end of it.”

Ambrose surges to his feet. “I knew that you wouldn’t reject him.”

“Reject Bec?” I cross my arms. “I love my Foxy.”

“Only you would get away with calling him that.”

“It’s Vito who appears to get away with calling anyone what he likes. Honey bee?Baby?”

“Vito can’t be tamed, which is good because it’s too much fun trying.”

“Could we arrange a party for Bec? Is there a way that he could cope with it?”

Ambrose cocks his head. “He’s never attended a party. I’ll think about it. We could hold one that’s just the five of us. I’m trying to work out how Benedict can be the pianist at the contest. It’shismusic. He has a right to be the one who plays it. If he breaks that barrier, then perhaps more Omegas will be allowed into the classical music world. He’s a virtuoso. His talent should be recognized. Perhaps, I can accompany him on the violin to support him. But it’ll be his decision. I can’t make the choice for him.”

“He wants to,” I say, quietly. “Bec just needs a way to do it that suits his needs. How about the piano faces the back of the stage, so that he can’t see the audience? He could have sensory items. Talk to him. He’ll have the best idea what will work.”

Excitement rushes through me.

If Benedict manages this, then it’ll be huge for him.

It’d mean so fucking much.

Ambrose pushes his hair back from his forehead, before his gaze darkens. “Dance, my Juliet.”

My smile widens. “Iamthe principal of the Romeos. And since you’ve gone to so much effort…”

I back into the center of the ballroom.

I’m intently aware of Ambrose leaning against the piano, watching me with his frosty gaze.

My skin prickles.

I’ve dreamed of two things: being an Omega dancer and being seen.

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