alert, but this time they weren't attuned to demons, but to evil people, like many of the rich men and women around them. He also noticed several young men ogling Kianna, which only made his gut twist in rage.
He tensed each time one of them walked by, thinking they would stop and ask Kianna to dance. If they did, he would draw out his sword and kill them on the spot.
What was he thinking?
Devon shook his head, ashamed of how his feelings were getting the best of him. If he didn’t control them soon, he would be in big trouble.
Finally, Lord Sandler and his wife approached their table. Ophelia, Kianna, and Devon stood up to greet him.
“I’m so glad you were able to come,” Lord Sandler said with a wide smile.
“We appreciate the invitation,” Ophelia said, lowering her head slightly, as a thank-you gesture.
Lord Sandler tsked. “My pleasure.” He turned his eyes to Kianna. “I had heard you were a beauty, but let me tell you, my dear, you’re a lot more than that.”
Kianna’s cheeks gained a red tint. “Thank you.”
“He’s right,” his wife said, with a warm smile. “I wish my son was older, so I could introduce you to him.”
“Speaking of sons …” Lord Sandler turned back and waved at someone. A tall young man with sand-blond hair and a thin mustache approached the table. “Noel is my business partner’s son and my godson.” He smiled at Kianna and winked. “He’s only twenty-two, and unattached.”
Kianna’s cheeks reddened some more.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kianna.” Noel extended his hand at her. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
Kianna’s eyes widened. She hesitated. Ophelia nudged her with her elbow, and Kianna moved, her hand unsure as she reached for Noel’s. “Y-yes.”
His hands clasped hers tightly.
Devon wanted to switch into his warrior uniform and burn down this party. This mansion. Maybe the entire village.
Noel guided Kianna to the dance floor. Red blinded Devon as Noel’s other hand found the small of Kianna’s back and pulled her close to him, before they started dancing.
Lord Sandler and his wife exchanged a few more words with Ophelia, but Devon heard nothing over his jealousy. He sat back down and crossed his arms, trying to think of anything but Kianna in some other man’s arms.
Warrior. He was a divine warrior. He had important missions. He saved the world from evil. He fought demons all the time. He was immortal.
He wouldn’t be bothered by this simple thing.
Yet, a painful pang cut through his heart when Noel said something and Kianna smiled at him.
That smile.
Devon didn’t like anyone else seeing that smile.
“They look so beautiful together,” Ophelia said. Devon whipped his head to her, but the older woman watched as her daughter danced with a stranger. There was a glint in her eyes, as if all her dreams were coming true. “I hope she likes him.”
Devon bit his tongue before he said anything he would regret.
Thankfully, a couple approached them and sat down at the table. They greeted Ophelia warmly, and soon the three of them were engrossed in conversation—it seemed not all rich people were rude.
Seemingly forgotten, Devon slipped out of his chair and kept watch over Kianna and Noel. He found them on the other side of the dance floor. Once more Noel said something and Kianna smiled.
As he walked toward them, Devon realized something.
This wasn’t Kianna’s true, wide smile.
She was faking it.
With a new skip in his step, he walked right to their side and extended his hand to Kianna. “You don’t mind if I cut in, do you?” Devon didn’t wait for an answer. He took Kianna’s hand in his and pulled her toward him. Noel stood frozen, his mouth wide open, as Devon spun Kianna away from him. “Tell me I’m saving you.”
Kianna let out a long breath. “Yes, you’re saving me. Thank you.” She smiled at him—now her true, wide smile. Devon’s heart sped up. He became too conscious of how her hand rested on his shoulder, of his hand on her back, of how close their bodies were, of how bright her blue eyes were, of how sweet her cherry perfume was. “He was really boring, talking about business nonstop.”
“I’m glad I interfered, then.”
“Me too.” She relaxed in his arms and he tightened his hold on her, just slightly, enough to take the lead and spin around the dance floor with her effortlessly. “Do you know if my mother is bored? I hope she is.