Without saying a word, Amara extended her hand towards him, offering her warmth, her gaze never leaving his. Kaelith clenched his jaw before Amara smiled at him.“Come.”
The sudden intrusion of manly giggles snapped both Amara and Kaelith back to reality. They turned their heads to see Rafael entering with two men and one woman. Their laughter was loud and raucous, their attention momentarily drawn to the couple in the dimly lit corner of the room.
Amara quickly retreated her hand, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Kaelith looked at the place where her hand was and fisted his own still lingering in the air.
The elegant ballroom was abuzz with the lively chatter of guests, the clinking of glasses, and the soothing notes of the live jazz band. Kaelith stood by the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, watching the entrance with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he saw Rafael walk in with his friends, among them Abigail's wife.
Rafael entered with his two friends.“You didn’t have to bring all these, Anna.”
The woman beside Rafael shrugged her shoulders carrying a box covered with gift-wrapper.“It’s your anniversary, Rafael. I couldn’t just come empty-handed.”
As they approached, Kaelith's eyes locked on Amara, who was standing nearby. His heart tightened as he saw Rafael's arm slip around her waist, pulling her closer. Kaelith quickly began fuming. “Meet my wife, Amara. Isn’t she beautiful?”
Rafaelturnedtowardshisfriends,stillkeepingAmara close,andintroducedherwithabroad smile.
Kaelith couldn't tear his gaze away from the scene. His jealousy burned hotter as he watched Amara, her cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and discomfort. She offered a polite smile to Anna, trying to conceal her feelings in this awkward situation.
Kaelith grumbled storming to the table grabbing a glass of whiskey and taking a sip, struggling to hide his jealousy and the turmoil of emotions within him.
He let Rafael play whatever game he was playing. He wasn’t going to lose Amara to him. Not again.
“This is Abigail, and this is Oliver. They’re my friends. We used to hang out all the time when we were still students.” Rafael said motioning towards the men. One of them had a blonde head with smoking blue eyes.
But the other, he seemed so familiar.
Her heart pounding. Amara couldn't shake the sensation that she knew Abigail from somewhere, but her memory remained stubbornly elusive. She tried to hide her unease and discomfort by offering a polite smile, but her anxiety was palpable.
His eyes roamed her body in an invasive and uneasy manner. It sent a wave of repulsion through her, making her skin crawl as she unconsciously moved closer to Rafael.“Hi.”
Abigail took her hand between his and pecked. Amara quickly retreated her hand and rubbed it sneakily.
She felt an overwhelming urge to distance herself from this man, to escape his gaze.
CHAPTER 17
“Kaelith. Long time no see.” Abigail mused taking a sip of his whiskey as he glanced at Kaelith from the other corner of the table. His keen dark eyes set on Kaelith.
Kaelith swirled the glass of his whiskey between his fingers, his gaze dark and sharp.“Should’ve kept it that way. I don’t like uninvited guests in my house.”
Abigail snickered.
“Well, Iwasinvited byyourbrother.”HemotionedtoRafaelwhowashelpingAmarasit. Kaelith averted his eyes with a tick.
“This is not his house where you can come and go as you please, Francis.” Abigail tensed at the mention of his last name. Almost choked on his whiskey as he glared at Kaelith.
“Abigail.” He stated. Kaelith smirked leaning back and raising his brow.
“I’d rather call you a dick.” Abigail clenched his jaw. Kaelith met his glare. Kaelith, Rafael, Lorcan and Abigail had a history that ran deeper than water.
Kaelith never liked Abigail. But when Abigail’ s father became his business rival, his hatred only intensified. If Kaelith wanted, he could’ve ruined the man sitting in front of him with just a flick of his finger, but revenge was petty. He was a mafia boss, underworld Don. He didn’t need to destroy Abigail; the latter was already walking on the path ofdestruction. Drugs, women trafficking, child abuse, one day he’d get into a mess himself.
“Kaelith.” Kaelith's attention was snatched by the woman standing beside him. Her keen sharp blue eyes glanced at him with cheeks painted red as she blushed under his gaze.
“Anna.” Kaelith nodded at her before averting his eyes to look at Amara.
“How are you?” Anna mumbled moving closer to him. Kaelithdidn’tnotice her advancement, his sole focus stolen by a certain woman who was wrapped in someone else’s arms.
“Definitely on cloud nine.” He muttered sarcastically. Anna hummed following his gaze as her chest tightened.
