A Jealous Confrontation and a Shattered Heart

Julian's fingers dug deeper into my arm, pain shooting up to my shoulder. He yanked me away from the path, pulling me deeper into the trees where Adrian and Leo couldn't see us.

"Let go of me!" I hissed, trying to wrench my arm free.

His grip only tightened as he shoved me against the rough bark of a pine tree. "What are you doing with him?" Julian demanded, his face inches from mine. "I've been hearing rumors. You're at the Valois mansion constantly."

I lifted my chin defiantly. "I work there. I'm Leo's tutor, remember?"

Julian's laugh was harsh, his eyes wild with jealousy. "Is that all? Because it looked like a cozy little family scene to me."

"That's none of your business." I tried pushing against his chest, but he pressed closer, trapping me.

"Everything about you is my business, Seraphina." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You're mine."