I searched his face, trying to understand why he was saying this. Why he cared.
“What do you want from me?” I asked.
His lips curved into a half-smile. “I want you to work for me—it’s your only way to escape him. Trust me, Felicia, this is your way out.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
As I spoke with Elias, I suddenly pulled my wrist away from his grip when Benedict arrived. I could see the malicious glint in his eyes as he glanced between me and his stepbrother.
"What are you two doing here?" His voice was sharp, his gaze dark.
He stepped forward and yanked me away from Elias, his grip possessive. I felt Elias’s tense beside me, his jaw tightening as he glared at Benedict.
"Oh, I'm just comforting your mate. She seems rather uncomfortable with the pressure of producing an heir." Elias’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
Benedict’s expression darkened with irritation. He stepped closer, squaring his shoulders. "Since when have you cared enough to meddle in my affairs, Elias? Stay away from my mate."
Elias chuckled, amused. "Calm down, Benedict. Are you that threatened? Do you really think I’d lay a hand on your wife?"
The tension between them was suffocating, and I refused to be caught in the middle. "Enough. We should go back inside." My voice was clipped with frustration.
I turned to leave, but Benedict pulled me back, stopping me in my tracks. His next question made my blood run cold.
"What were you two talking about?"
I felt the color drain from my face, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Nothing. He just asked if I was okay. That’s all."
Benedict’s sharp gaze flickered over me, pausing at my reddened chin. There was something knowing in his eyes, something that made my stomach twist. I quickly looked away, but Elias wasn’t done.
"Don’t hurt her, Benedict," Elias warned, voice low. "You might forget, but I can do something about it."
Benedict ignored him, leading me back to the dining hall without another word. Not that I expected him to say anything. His moods shifted like the wind, unpredictable and volatile. He always believed he could control me, that I would stay silent and endure. But I wasn’t that woman anymore.
Dinner passed in strained silence. When it was over, Benedict escorted me to his car, locking the doors before I could step out.
"What are you doing?" I asked, wariness creeping into my voice.
"We need to talk."