Cecilia's pov
"You - " I gasped, feeling a sudden flutter of panic in my chest.
Xavier's face darkened to a dangerous shade.
His jaw clenched so hard I could almost hear his teeth grinding.
Was he seriously this threatened by Sebastian? The thought sent a strange thrill through me.
"Not him," Xavier growled. "Anyone but him."
I gathered myself quickly. "Yes, him."
"He's off-limits!" Xavier's eyes flashed amber.
"He's perfectly suitable," I countered evenly.
"Suitable? How the hell is he suitable?" Xavier's voice rose, attracting glances from passersby.
"In every way that matters," I replied, my voice deliberately light and airy.
Something wild flashed across Xavier's face.
His hands flexed at his sides like he was imagining them around someone's throat.
I took two cautious ste
