Page 9 of The Heart

“Nothing,” the man finally spits out. Sebastian shoves his face backwards so hard that if Colton and Jace weren’t holding him, he probably would’ve fallen over.

I tuck Leena safely into my side. Not because she’s in danger, but because I just don’t like her being around this sort of aggression, these types of low-lifes. Not after all she’s been through.

I let my hand trail down her back, my thumb brushing back and forth over her bare skin. I take in a steadying breath. She’s so fucking soft. And after watching Sebastian get all aggressive and protective over her?Fuck. These two are really doing a number on me tonight.

And this evening is just getting started.

CHAPTER THREE

SEBASTIAN

Iwatch Colton and Jace drag away that worthless piece of shit. I want to pull his eyeballs straight out of his fucking skull for even looking at Leena. And thentouchingher? Speaking to her like that?

I’m seeing fucking red, even as they round the corner out of sight and I’m left standing alone in the hallway with Luke and Leena. I vaguely hear the commotion over the radio as our team works to take out the goddamn trash. My fists are clenched tight when I turn, finding Leena all pressed against Luke’s side; like a perfect, little bird safe in his arms.

Right where she fucking belongs.

Up until this moment, I hadn’t allowed myself more than a glance. Hadn’t given myself permission to really take in how they each look tonight.

Fuck.

I didn’t miss how every head turned toward the both of them this evening. I can’t really blame them. Luke is… well,Luke.And Leena looks like a goddamn supermodel. Every single perfect fucking curve outlined, aside from the bunch of fabric on her thigh, which better be concealing a weapon.

I told her not to come in here without one.

No one would ever suspect that someone that small, showing that much skin, could be that lethal. But there she fucking is. Perfect, and dangerous and mine.

Well,ours.Which is somehow… better.

My eyes trail over Luke. Seeing him in that suit isn’t doing anything but fueling my protectiveness over the both of them. I saw how flirty he was with the ladies, something we are going to have a conversation about later tonight. Right alongside the talk I will be having with Leena about that scrap of silk she calls a dress. And even though I’m going to thoroughly enjoy punishing her for wearing that tonight, I think about how we still have to walk back into that ballroom, where there are other people staring at her.

Looking likethis.

I narrow my eyes. This evening is going to throw me over the fucking edge.

I might actually kill someone.

I don’t care if I’m fucking working. No. One. Is. Touching. Her. Again.

I clench my fists harder.

Then I notice the smirks on both their faces.

“What,” I growl out, and they both fucking chuckle. “What is it?” I ask again.

“Seb, there’s no one here. Relax.” Luke smiles lazily, his eyes raking over me.

Which… catches me a little off guard. I’m still not used to my best friend looking at me like this.

Leena slowly walks forward. My eyes follow the sway of her hips. She smooths out my rumpled jacket and then tips her chin up to look at me.

I like her in heels. I don’t have to lean down as far as I normally do before our mouths are nearly touching. She places a hand on either side of my face and smiles before pressing her lips to mine.

My body goes stiff from the contact, my heart racing and my breath still sharp from my anger. But she doesn’t pull away. Leena just stays here, holding my face between her hands, slowly parting our lips and moving hers against mine until I finally close my eyes and just take in this moment. I wrap my arms around her small frame and relax into her, letting our lips fall apart, tasting her slowly.

A moment later, she’s gone.

But I don’t want her to be.

---