Page 98 of King of Ruin

"If he's no one important," he said, each word slower than the last, "then why are you protecting him?"

His eyes never left hers.

"What are you hiding from me, Elise?"

"I'm not hiding anything."

"Then say his name."

"I can't."

The answer slipped out so quietly she almost didn't realize she'd spoken it.

Xavier's expression darkened.

"You can't," he repeated, the words rolling off his tongue with bitter disbelief. "Or you won't?"

"Xavier..."

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, exhaustion beginning to replace her patience.

"Please. Let's just go back."

She tried once more to slip past him.

He didn't let her.

Instead, he took another step forward, backing her against the sleek white wall of the yacht until there was nowhere left for her to go. Before she could react, both of his hands came downon either side of her, striking the wall with a sharp crack that echoed through the quiet corner.

Elise gasped, startled by the sudden sound.

Her heart lurched as she instinctively looked toward the party. Music still floated through the night, mingling with the distant laughter of the guests, but from where they stood, hidden behind the curve of the yacht, no one could see them.

She let out a shaky breath before turning back to him.

He hadn't moved.

His arms remained braced on either side of her, trapping her without ever laying another hand on her.

The anger in his eyes had only deepened.

No...

Not just anger.

Jealousy.

Raw, consuming jealousy that he could no longer conceal, no matter how hard he tried.

"Xavier..." she whispered, closing her eyes for a moment as though praying he would come to his senses. "Stop. Someone's going to see us."

When she opened her eyes again, the frustration on her face had softened into quiet exhaustion.

"He's just... someone I know," she said gently, meeting Xavier's eyes. "I'll introduce you to him when I’m ready."

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"You just have to trust me, okay?"