My heartbeat skipped, my ears catching on the words she used. My love? My lungs burned for air as Alina growled low and deep in my chest. I clenched my fists to stop myself from lunging forward. The heat of anger and jealousy mingled with relief that Ansel was safe.
Ansel peeled her off him gently, setting her aside with care. He looked at me and said, “Rina, this is Jess, our new cook.”
Hearing him use my agreed-upon fake name made my skin prickle, but I forced myself to nod. I stepped forward, trying to appear confident even though my hands shook. “Oh, hi. I’m Jess, and I’m excited to be here,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
The woman, now free from his hold, turned her sharp, calculating eyes on me. She smiled, but there was nothing warm in it, only an undercurrent of malice
