Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 13

Julian instinctively reached out to grab Hazel's wrist.

But right as his fingers brushed her cold skin, before he could even tighten his grip, a deep voice cut through the air.

"Hold on."

Marcus stopped in his tracks. He turned around, his gaze locking onto Julian. Those wickedly handsome eyes were still smiling, but the sheer coldness in them was enough to make anyone's heart palpitate.

His gaze drifted lazily from Julian's face down to Hazel, and finally settled on the hand Julian was using to hold her wrist. His voice was slow and deliberate.

"Mr. Hayes, what exactly is your relationship with Ms. Garrison?"

Julian's hand froze.

He looked up, meeting Marcus's unreadable, mocking stare, and a surge of indescribable panic washed over him. He instinctively glanced at Hazel.

Hazel turned to look at him, too.

Her clear eyes were completely dead, like a stagnant pool of water devoid of any ripples. But Marcus caught the fleeting flash of emotion in them, and his smirk deepened.

A few steps away, Evelyn's expression faltered. She stood frozen, staring at Julian, waiting for his answer.

The air seemed to turn to ice.

The faint sound of music drifted from inside the venue, making the moment feel almost surreal. Everyone's attention was pinned on Julian.

Julian's Adam's apple bobbed.

He opened his mouth, but it took him a long moment to force the words out. "Just friends."

He added a hollow laugh. "I was simply advising her not to do anything that might offend you, Mr. Thornton."

Those words were like tiny needles pricking Hazel's heart. Her eyes stung, but she quickly lowered her lashes, burying the pain.

She took a deep breath. When she looked up again, her face was a blank mask.

Evelyn looked up at him, a probing light in her eyes.

"Julian, you're actually really worried about her, aren't you?"

Julian froze.

He turned to meet Evelyn's wide, innocent eyes. A sharp pang hit his chest. He squeezed her hand, his grip sickeningly tender.

"Evelyn, don't overthink it."

His voice softened. "I'm just worried that if she gets into trouble, it'll blow back on me and cause a mess."

He paused, looking down directly into her eyes with intense sincerity.

"You're the only one in my heart."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed pink, and she lowered her head to rest against his shoulder.