Elijah Jefferson grabs Belle Gray's arm to stop her from approaching.
Facing such a sensual beauty, Elijah's eyes are full of clarity. "It has nothing to do with anyone else. I just won't treat my marriage as a transaction."
Belle Gray mocks, "How naive, Young Master of the Jefferson Estate. If it's the families wanting us to interact, would you still refuse?"
Elijah chuckles, his eyes bright and shining. "Of course I would refuse. Do I look like someone who follows family arrangements blindly?"
He refuses without hesitation.
A charming smile falters on Belle's face; as the most outstanding member of the Gray Family's young generation, she has never been refused so ungraciously.
Elijah doesn't offer an easy way out, so Belle finds one herself and lightly laughs, "Is it because of that sickly beauty? If you like that type, I can go ask and learn from her."
Elijah's smile fades, his gaze turns sharp. "Don't reach for her; you can't learn to be like her."
