"Gladly."
Alex's response was immediate, voice carrying quiet confidence that made Catherine's breath hitch.
But his eyes weren't on her when he said it.
They were fixed on Adrian.
His expression held dark amusement... mischievous, almost playful... as if delivering a message meant solely for the man kneeling powerless across the courtyard.
'I'm about to claim what you could only ever fantasize about.'
The silent communication lasted only a heartbeat before Alex's attention returned entirely to Catherine, dismissing Adrian as completely as one might dismiss furniture.
He settled between her spread legs, hands sliding up her thighs with possessive intent.
Adrian's heart clenched, physical pain radiating through his chest as the reality crashed over him in waves.
No.
No, this can't be happening.
His cultivation base surged again, desperate, violent, trying to break through whatever held him.
Trying to stand.
Trying to reach them.
