Page 85 of King of Ruin

But something about it bothered him.

Without a word, he stepped forward, his hand closing around Elise's wrist. His thumb brushed lightly over her skin as he eased Juliet's hand away with quiet insistence, reclaiming her.

Juliet blinked.

"...Seriously?"

"She's coming with me."

His tone was calm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Amara folded her arms, unable to hide her amusement.

"We were in the middle of a conversation."

"You can continue it later."

Juliet narrowed her eyes.

"You're unbelievable."

Xavier ignored the comment entirely.

Keeping hold of Elise's hand, he guided her away from the two women and back into the crowd.

Elise looked up at him, unable to hide her curiosity.

"Where are we going?"

"Nowhere."

He didn't slow until they had put enough distance between themselves and the others, the lively chatter behind them gradually fading beneath the music and laughter drifting across the yacht.

Only then did Xavier stop.

Still holding Elise's hand, he turned to face her. The lights strung across the upper deck reflected softly against the silver-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, hiding part of his eyes, but not the intensity of the gaze fixed on her. His expression had already settled back into its usual composed indifference.

"Stay with me." His voice was low and even, carrying the quiet authority that made people obey without thinking. "I don't want to spend the entire evening looking for you."

His thumb unconsciously brushed over the back of her hand before his fingers gave hers a light squeeze.

"And don't wander off."

Only then did he release her hand.

For some reason, the thought of her disappearing into a crowd of strangers had become increasingly irritating. It wasn't logical. He knew she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Yet ever since she'd stepped onto the yacht, his eyes had been searching for her almost instinctively whenever his attention drifted elsewhere.

It was becoming a habit he didn't particularly like.

Before Elise could answer, several businessmen noticed Xavier and immediately made their way over.

"Mr. Chen."

"It's been a while."

"I've been hoping we'd get a chance to talk tonight."

One after another, they surrounded him.