Rhys's hand shot out, catching my wrist before my fingers could touch Jaxon's outstretched palm. His grip was firm but gentle, stopping me mid-motion.
"Don't," he said quietly, his eyes not leaving Jaxon's challenging gaze. "The Headmaster specifically said you two shouldn't touch."
I jerked my hand back, embarrassment and anger warring in my chest. "I'm not afraid of him," I insisted, glaring at Jaxon.
"Never said you were afraid," Rhys replied, his voice deliberately light though tension radiated from him. "Just following orders."
Jaxon's face darkened with something between amusement and frustration. "Hiding behind Vance's orders?" He slowly withdrew his hand. "How convenient."
"It's not hiding," I snapped. "It's called not being stupid."
The intensity in Jaxon's eyes made my heart pound painfully. For a second, I thought he might lunge across the table. Instead, he leaned back, his expression shifting to cool indifference.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess."