Page 93 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

"The way he touches her..."

"Did you see how she just melted into him?"

"That's not just marriage, that's something else entirely..."

When they finally break apart, both breathing heavily, the tension in the courtyard has shifted from violent to something far more carnal. Eva's lipstick is smudged slightly, making her look thoroughly claimed in a way that sends new whispers through the crowd.

Matteo's voice drops to a register that makes several nearby students shiver as he declares, "No one would be foolish enough to touch what isn't theirs." His fingers flex slightly against Eva's throat, the gesture carrying obvious meaning. "Especially harm a single hair on my wife. Unless," his smile grows sharper, more dangerous, "they want to start a war."

The threat hangs in the morning air like smoke, turning the confetti-strewn courtyard into something more dangerous. The fountain continues its endless dance of water and light, but even its sound seems muted in the face of such obvious possession.

This isn't just about protection or ownership – it's about showing everyone exactly what happens when you threaten something Matteo Leighton considers his.

And judging by the way Eva looks at him with equal parts submission and triumph, she's exactly where she wants to be.

The girl steps forward with exaggerated confidence, brushing confetti from her uniform. "Perhaps I should introduce myself," she announces, those golden contacts catching morning light. "I'm from the Elwings’ Empire."

A dismissive snort comes from Ren's direction.

"Oh, that wannabe criminal organization?" He shrugs with casual elegance, everything about his posture suggesting complete disinterest. "Not particularly concerned about them, to be honest."

Her face contorts with fury at his dismissal.

"For a police dog," she snarls, "you should learn to kneel and behave. Maybe then you'll earn yourself a treat." Her gaze flicks meaningfully to Eva, making her implications crystal clear.

Something dangerous flashes across Ren's features, though his signature playboy smirk remains firmly in place. He moves with deliberate grace, each step calculated for maximum effect as he approaches Eva's right side.

The gathered crowd holds its collective breath, phones still recording as Ren claims his place beside their Queen. Matteo's grip remains possessively elegant around Eva's throat, a silent statement of primary ownership that Ren acknowledges with a slight nod before making his own declaration.

"If I have to kneel," he says softly, though his voice carries to every eager listener, "whine, and beg for a taste of this particular treat?" His actions speak louder than words as he claims his own territory with deliberate intent, marking Eva in a way that sends new whispers through the crowd.

Eva's sharp intake of breath, the way color floods her cheeks – it's clear she wasn't expecting this level of public claim from their usually casual King. Even Matteo's eyebrow raises slightly, though his grip never wavers.

"I'll do it every day," Ren finishes, meeting their challenger's golden gaze with absolute certainty. "Some prizes are worth any price."

The courtyard erupts in barely contained chaos:

"Did you see that?"

"Three Kings claiming her openly..."

"The way they just share her..."

"This can't be real..."

"I am Amara from the Elwing Empire," the golden-eyed messenger announces, and something in my gut twists with recognition. Her artificial irises catch morning lightlike warnings, making my hands clench involuntarily as she continues, "Our influence in the criminal underworld spans?—"

A cheerful phone alarm cuts through her practiced speech, and I've never been more grateful for an interruption. My eyes find Ares as he pulls out his phone with that perfect model's indifference that used to make me want to punch him. Now I just feel relief at anything that delays what this girl's presence might mean.

"Oh. I have a photoshoot," he announces casually, like he hasn't just saved us all from whatever choreographed threat she was about to deliver.

The change in Eva is immediate and absolute. I watch her transform from deadly Queen to excited sister in the space of a heartbeat, nearly dislodging both Matteo's possessive grip and Ren's lingering presence as she leans toward Ares's phone. "When did you schedule that?"

Something in my chest aches watching how naturally she shows enthusiasm for anyone but me. But then again, I gave up the right to expect her genuine emotions a long time ago, didn't I?

"Actually," Ares admits with a slight smile that carries none of his usual perfect posing, "I scheduled it before the game. When I got recruited."

The surprise that ripples through our group feels genuine – even Matteo's carefully maintained mask shows cracks of real interest. I find myself leaning forward slightly despite my growing anxiety about Amara's presence.

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