In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

Their dance ended beautifully. Applause erupted from the crowd.

Grace tightened her grip on Jake's collar and said each word clearly, "Too bad I'm not interested in you." After that, she released her hold and was about to leave when Jake suddenly grabbed her wrist tightly.

"You..---"

Jake gazed in a certain direction and grinned. "It's okay. Someone is interested in both of us."

Grace was confused and tried to break free. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye. At once, her whole body froze, and her blood ran cold. Xander stood at the entrance of the venue. His face was devoid of the gentleness it had shown before. It was completely cold-even chilly-now.

Jake slowly removed the mask from his face. As he leaned down, his breath fanned against Grace's cheek. "Xander's here. Shall we go say hello?" Grace almost went crazy.

She pushed Jake away abruptly and rushed out of the crowd. Gasping for breath, she walked up to Xander. "Let me explain."

Xander didn't look at her but stared at Jake in the crowd. A mix of hatred and disgust overwhelmed him.

After a moment, his gaze finally settled on Grace's face.

She looked pale, guilty, nervous, and helpless.

Grace held his arm tightly. "Can you give me a chance to explain?"

was devoid of any warmth.

withdrew his arm expressionlessly and

didn't want to dance. Jake volunteered

didn't mean to. I know about your relationship,

and got straight

his cold fingers outside the elevator. "Xander, don't you believe

slightly pink. With the ruby dangling on her chest, she looked

grabbed her hand

into the elevator. After pressing all the buttons, he pinned her against

His voice was hoarse.

was on

"At most six minutes."

his arms, Grace looked at him with teary eyes. "Why did you

he lightly pinched her neck, he spoke in an icy tone. "To

sound of something falling to

possessiveness. He almost devoured her. Grace couldn't breathe. Eventually, her whole body turned weak, and she melted in his

with a choked

did Xander's rationality finally return. He slowly released her, breathing heavily. "Are you trying to make

his

gasped for