Chapter 66: She wants what’s mine.

The moment Michael pulls the car to a stop in front of the shop, I sit up straighter.

The place is adorable.

It isn’t some huge, extravagant establishment like i thought it would be. It’s warm and inviting, with huge glass windows, little round tables outside, and colorful signs painted across the front.

I can already see people sitting inside with cups and cones in their hands.

My stomach practically growls.

Finally.

Michael gets out and opens my door for me.

I step out, adjusting my bag over my shoulder.

"I’ll wait here, miss."

I turn toward him.

"You don’t have to wait right outside."

"It’s my job."

I sigh.

"Fine."

I walk toward the entrance. The moment I step inside, the sweet smell of freshly made waffle cones hits me.

I could cry.

This is exactly what I needed.

"Rissa!"

I look up.

Victoria is already walking toward me with a huge smile on her face. She throws her arms around me before I can properly react.

"You’re here!"

"I told you I was coming."

"I know, but I wasn’t sure your husband would let you escape."

I pull back and give her a look.

"Don’t remind me."

She laughs.

"Come on. I’ll show you around."

She gives me a quick tour of the shop.

There are rows of different flavors behind the glass counter.

My eyes widen.

"You made all of these?"

"Some of them. My staff makes the others."

I stare at the counter.

"I think I’m in love."

Victoria laughs.

"I knew you’d like it."

After several minutes of staring at the flavors like I’m making the most important decision of my life, I finally choose my favorite.

I take my cup and sit with Victoria at one of the tables.

For a while, everything is easy.

We talk, we laugh.

She tells me about the shop, how she started it, how difficult it was in the beginning, and how she nearly gave up more than once.

I tell her she should be proud of herself.

She smiles.

"I am."

I take another spoonful of ice cream.

"This is really good."

"I told you."

"I might have to come here every day."

"You’re welcome anytime."

I smile.

Then I look toward the entrance and freeze.

My spoon stopping halfway to my mouth.

A familiar figure walks through the door. That unmistakable presence that somehow makes the entire room feel smaller.

My stomach drops.

What the hell?

Lysander.

Because apparently, I’m not allowed to have one peaceful afternoon.

He doesn’t look like someone who came for ice cream, his expression is hard, his jaw tight, and his eyes immediately find mine.

And then they shift toward Victoria.

I put my spoon down.

"Excuse me for a minute."

Victoria looks confused.

"Where are you going?"

"I’ll be right back."

I get up before she can ask anything else and I walk toward him.

The closer I get, the more irritated I become.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss the second I’m close enough.

Instead of answering, Lysander catches my hand.

"What are you..."

He starts walking and I have stumble after him.

"Lysander."

He ignores me as he leads me farther down the hallway and into a small supply room.

I turn toward him.

"What the hell are you doing?"

He looks at me.

"What are you doing here on a date with her?"

I stare at him then laugh in disbelief.

"A date? We are not on a date."

I fold my arms.

"I wanted ice cream, and she so happens to own an ice cream shop. I wasn’t aware I had to inform you of my plans for dinner with a friend."

His expression doesn’t change but his eyes darken.

"She’s not thinking friendship."

I blink.

"What?"

"The last thing on Victoria’s mind is friendship, I assure you."

He takes a step closer.

"And if she has an ounce of self-preservation left in that brain of hers, she won’t look twice at you again."

I stare at him.

"Are you threatening her?"

His silence is answer enough.

"Lysander."

I shake my head. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

His lips twitch slightly.

"That woman wants what’s mine."

My eyes narrow.

"She should know better."

I take another step toward him and point toward the hallway.

"How did you even know we were here?"

"What kind of man would I be if I didn’t protect what’s mine?"

My stomach twists at the possessiveness in his voice.

"I’m not yours, Lysander."

I hold his gaze as he looks down at me.

"The wedding ring on your finger says otherwise."

I glance at my hand.

The ugly ring catches the light.

"You know this isn’t real."

My voice comes out quieter than I intend.

"What are you doing all this for?"

For a moment, he doesn’t answer.

Then he steps close. I instinctively take a step back until my shoulders nearly touch the wall.

His gaze drops to my mouth and my heart gives one hard beat.

Before I can ask what he’s doing, he leans in and catches my lower lip between his teeth.

When I feel a sharp sting. I jerk backward in surprise.

My hand immediately goes to my mouth.

When I pull it away, there is a tiny smear of blood on my fingertip.

I stare at it then at him.

"You bit me?"

His eyes glint with dangerous amusement.

"So nobody gets confused about who you belong to."

My mouth falls open.

"You are freaking insane."

My hand flies up before I even think about it.

I’m ready to slap him but Lysander is faster.

His hand catches my wrist in midair. Before I can react, he turns me around and holds my wrist behind me.

I glare over my shoulder.

"Let go of me."

He does Immediately, then he steps back.

He straightens his jacket as though nothing happened.

"I’ve got work."

I rub my wrist and glare at him.

"Then why did you come here?"

His eyes meet mine.

"I heard you were out on a date."

"It’s not a date!"

"I know what you said."

"Apparently, you don’t."

His jaw tightens.

"Stay the fuck away from her, Nerissa."