Chapter 7 : First Test

A hand rests on my wrist.

Hard. Unforgiving.

Ethan's tuck is like a curse, pressing against the skin. Just as I feel the pain, he pulls me towards him, his arm gripping my waist, and holding me to his side like a sprinter.

I should.

But I don't.

I breathe in deeply, forming a polite smile.?

I belong here. My duty is to feel at home in this place.'".

The festivity is a lavish affair. Crystal chandeliers shine brightly on the polished marble floors..... The elite of New York possess liquid gold in the form of champagne.. Every moment is composed, synchronized, and effortless.

I feel none of it.

Because he's here.

Elias.

My stomach lurches.

Wearing a black suit that feels like your second skin, he stands near the bar. There's no doubting his presence, it'll be like he was designed to have any room if. at all. The man had one hand around a bottle of whiskey and the other in his pocket. Unbothered. Untouchable.

Afterward, his gaze falls on my face.

A spark of recognition. Shock. Then something sharper—calculation.

I stiffen.

Ethan notices.

He tightens his fingers around my hip and his thumb gently runs through the fabric of my dress. He reminds me that I am in the exact spot he wants to be.

His voice is smooth, but has a sharp edge. Is something wrong with this guy?

I shook my head and held up my champagne flute to buy myself a second time. "Nothing.".

Lie.

Ethan isn't fooled. His hold tightens, his thumb firmly pressing against my lower body. The intensity of his focus is overwhelming. “Ilva, you are a complete swindler.’ Sorry to hear that.

A waiter passes by, his silver platter perfectly positioned. ". Ethan reaches out and picks up another flute of champagne.' He raises his tongue and stays fixed on me. Watching. Assessing.

I force myself to breathe. To stay still.

Then Elias moves.

Fluid. Controlled.

Before I can even respond, he's in front of us, creeping up on us like a little kid. Like he has the right.

I breathe in the scent of dark spice and danger.' For a while, I've been so close to him, but now my mind can recall. My pulse kicks.

His hand tightens as Ethan's fingers dig in. A silent warning.

With a smirk, Elias acknowledges "Ethan Sinclair" with gleeful eyes. He extends a hand. "It's been ages.".

Ethan doesn't move at first. After that, he slowly advances and secures Elias' arm.? A handshake. A challenge.

There is tension between them, but it remains firm and forceful.’ The. A silent war of power.

The curly lips of Ethan are reminiscent of a smile. “Elias.”.

No last name. No titles. Just Elias. Dismissive. Intentional.

Elias doesn't flinch. He starts off by shaking his cuff, as though he's already dissatisted with the game. Why? I can see through his glazed eyes, and something is shimmering within him. Why?

Curiosity. Amusement. Possession.

He holds his glass close to his mouth and stares at me with the glee.

The tone of his voice has softened, with steel mesh and a whispered expression. "I didn't think I would see you here.".

My throat tightens.

My body won't move. My fingers whizz around my champagne glass. I've to get through this.

A gentle smile slips my fingers between my lips, carefully regulated.

The grip of Ethan never weakens.'". Although his body is uneasy, I am more confident. He's watching everything.

His voice is slouche, but there's a distinct sharpness to it. "Do you have chemistry?" asked.

For an extended period, Elias stays in my thoughts. Almost.

After that he giggles, slowly and carefully. "We go way back," emitted.

My waistline is affected by Ethan's nappy movement. Just a fraction. But I feel it.

"My voice remains silent as I shake my head, keeping my tone light." There's a reply. We crossed paths once.”.

Lie.

Ethan doesn't blink. “That so?”.

“You could say, Elias.” He hums.

The air between us tightens.

Elias no longer occupieth the top spot for Ethan. Now, it's on me.

Elias comes closer, his voice ringing with low pitch. Just for me.

The truth about you will cause Ethan to ruin you.

Feeling cold, I can feel the words against my body.'

Then—.

The low and menacing voice of Ethan. What is the matter? Find out.

I whip around. He's close. Too close.

The darkness of his eyes, with a flickering stare between him and me.

This is nothing as Elias leans back, his glass brimming with bourbon like everything else. ". My entire world is not far from collapsing.

He smirks. “Relax, Sinclair. No need to worry about anything.'

Ethan doesn't move.

The way he falls is evident in the way his hand falls from my waist, which is deliberate and slow.

I should feel relieved.

I don't.

Ethan now has more than just a suspicion.

Now, he knows.

Ethan Sinclair consistently uncovers the truth.

As the music changes, it seems like nothing has changed at this gala. » My whole body is tense and my every cell is at risk.'".

I need to say something. Defuse this. But my throat is dry. My thoughts are tangled.

Then Ethan moves.

An inaction, sagaciously placed between himself and Elias. A silent claim.

The only response from Elias is chuckling and shaking his head. “Honestly, Sinclair.”.

Ethan doesn't smile. “Likewise.”.

A pause.

Following his mock salute, Elias raises his glass and turns away, effortlessly gliding into the crowd.

The exhale is unsteady, but it gets shorter when Ethan's hand touches my wrist.

I freeze.

He slips his fingers beneath my wrist, slipping past my pulse. A slow, possessive grip.

His breath pierces my ears. “We'll have a chat later, Isabella.”.

A pause.

“In private.”.

My stomach drops.

I comprehend the significance of that statement.

Whenever something grabs Ethan Sinclair's attention it never seems to go away.

And now, I'm caught.