Page 40 of Ignacio

Her rich, velvety voice trembled with raw emotion, each lyric weighted with longing and vulnerability. The melody, accompanied by the keystrokes of the piano, soared and dipped. Briefly, she closed her eyes, lost in the deep meaning of the words.

I can’t breathe when you’re not near

Stay with me, baby, stay right here

Don’t you see what we could be?

I need you, hold me, love me

No one moved or whispered a word to their neighbor. She had entranced the entire room with the soulful sound of her voice. When she reached the final lingering note, Delta stretched her fingers toward the chandelier and belted out a sound that rivaled an angel’s voice. She held the note for what seemed like an eternity.

Ignacio’s throat tightened with emotion.

When she had left him, he had died inside. But how could he fault her for going after her passion? She was a natural, born to do this.

Delta finished the song with a drop of her head, and the lights went out. When they flashed back on, she lifted her head and smiled, and the room erupted into applause. Anyone sitting immediately sprang to their feet.

Ignacio was convinced her performance had transformed every person in the room into adoring fans. Guests whispered to each other and exchanged looks of awe. She hadn’t simply performed her song.

She had imprinted “Love Me” into their hearts.

Chapter Fifteen

“Romeo said you’re about to leave.” King approached Delta at the bar, his voice deep and low as he spoke.

“I’m afraid so. I’m waiting for Ignacio. He’s giving acting advice to a couple of your guests.” She nodded toward Ignacio and two men talking less than ten feet away.

King followed her line of sight and chuckled. “Could be worse. They could be fawning all over him and demanding his autograph, I guess.”

“I believe that’s already happened,” Delta said with some amusement.

King groaned.

She didn’t know much about the Brockwells, except that they were very powerful in the media and entertainment industry. King, the oldest, was tall and undeniably attractive with dark brown skin. Despite his friendliness, there was an arrogant air about him. She suspected he had seen and done more in life than most people had.

His discerning eyes missed nothing, and the slight curve of his lips suggested he was always a step ahead of any competitor and always in control.

“I really appreciate you making an exception to sing for my mother. She was completely surprised, which is what we wanted—and very, very happy.” His eyes found his parents across the room. “I can’t believe a year ago we thought we’d lose her, but she’s a fighter.”

His love for his mother was evident.

“It was an honor to be a part of her birthday celebration.”

Delta’s father hadn’t approved of her singing at the party, especially not for free, but she had overridden his decision. Elizabeth’s reaction and words of appreciation had made every minute spent arguing with her father worthwhile.

“I believe you have new fans now, don’t you?” King asked.

She laughed lightly. “I do, which is a nice bonus.”

After she finished her set, some of the guests had crowded around her, and she signed autographs. The experience reminded her of the early days when she worked small venues to build a fan base.

Performing in an arena or amphitheater was electrifying, as thousands of voices sang the lyrics to the songs right along with her. The pulse of the music vibrated across her skin, and the sheer magnitude of the crowd’s energy washed over her like a tidal wave. Few experiences offered such an exhilarating rush.

But there was something to be said for the smaller locations, similar to tonight’s intimate gathering. It felt more personal because she could look at every face and feel the heightened emotions in the room. With no distance between them, she had a front-row seat to see how her songs affected the audience. She might not return to doing private engagements, but she’d talk to her father about smaller venues.

“So, you and Ignacio are back together for good, is that correct?”

“Yes, we are.”

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