Chapter 173

Allison's POV.

Slade’s demand hung in the air, heavy and sharp. His gaze pinned me down, making the small, warm world Cyrus and I had created over dinner instantly shatter. I felt a spike of frustration—this possessive intrusion was completely unwarranted.

Cyrus, however, reacted with practised smoothness, rising slowly from his chair, a polite, almost amused smile playing on his lips.

"Slade," he began, extending a hand in a conciliatory gesture. "Good to see you. ...