The girl’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and Alaric froze for a moment without realizing it.
“He’s my work partner,” Lena interjected, speaking for him and ignoring Alaric’s startled expression.
“Oh, just a coworker? But it’s not work hours now, is it?” Edward’s tone carried a faint hint of mockery.
Alaric’s expression darkened, and his grip on Lena’s wrist tightened instinctively. “You’ve only just met her. That’s all the more reason I can’t leave her with you.”
Lena winced as his grip became painful, pulling her wrist free. “You’re hurting me.”
Alaric froze, his hand lingering mid-air, his gaze softened with regret. “I didn’t mean to.”
Rubbing her wrist, Lena replied coolly, “You should leave. I can handle myself. Go take care of your friend.”
She couldn’t understand why Alaric wa
