Zayne pulled back from the kiss first, breaking the illusion. Reaching up, he touched Evelyn's lips as she stared at him, stunned.
He had his eyes on her, but—
"Valerio. It's good to see you."
—His voice, deep with a dangerous tinge, gave Valerio nothing more than a bone-chilling feeling, one he couldn't seem to understand.
It almost felt like he had the devil towering over him…and he wasn't even sure why.
Zayne turned toward him and outstretched his hand. Valerio received the handshake, but when he tried to snatch his hand back, he found himself unable to do so. He lifted his eyes to meet Zayne's gaze and the man used the opportunity to pull him into his space, closer, leaning in until he could whisper,
"She. Belongs. To me."
He stepped back.
His expression was simple, almost blank, yet it had Valerio dilating his pupils.
Pure distaste was hidden behind it, and it caused so much uneasiness to overwhelm him.
