YELENA

“She dared not.”

Tristan’s voice came out low, and cold, ignoring her fake wound.

And before I could even react, his grip on my arm tightened and he pulled me back, moving me behind him in one swift motion. My back almost hit his chest as he stepped forward, placing himself fully between Livia and me.

“I was pulling you back,” he continued, his voice steady, and dangerous, “so I could deal with her.”

Something in me stilled.

Then slowly… a smile crept up my lips. I ...