Page 44 of A Sinful Gravity

The man suddenly moved forward, reeking of pine, extending his arm to block me in a protective stance, and Luna moved slightly closer to him.

In that instant, all hope burst like bubbles.

Seeing their intimacy, remembering the child's trust in that man, everything I'd been so certain of suddenly filled me with doubt.

Jealousy sent blood rushing to my head, my ears buzzing. I stared at him coldly, fists slowly clenching. I could feel myself coiling, veins bulging.

"Get lost." My voice came from somewhere deep and hellish. "Who the fuck are you? What's your relationship with her?"

"I'm Sebastian Loran, principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London." His tone was flat, but when he mentioned Royal Ballet, he glanced at Luna, eyes tender. "Also, Luna's most compatible dance partner."

Before I could process the meaning of that look, Luna tugged his sleeve.

"Seb." Her tone was soft, completely different from how she'd spoken to me. "No need to explain. Let's go."

My vision went dark, breathing became difficult. Jealousy burned away all reason. I stepped forward, almost lunging to grab that man's collar, yank him away from her, and punch him hard.

The man nodded, the mockery in his eyes when he looked at me was enough to make me lose control. My voice rose. "How dare you! You fucking—"

"Cassian!"

Chloe's hand clamped onto my rising arm. I didn't know when she'd returned, but she was beside me now, gripping me hard. "You're in public."

"Let go of me!"

"Enough!" Her voice was low but filled with anger and urgency. "You want to embarrass yourself? There are people everywhere. You want to make headlines?"

I noticed the gathering stares. But I didn't care. I shook off her hand, growling. "Let go! She's mine!"

Chloe's face darkened. She dragged me back a few steps. "If you charge at them now, you'll only make it worse! Look at Luna's eyes. She'll hate you! She's already sick of you!"

That sentence made my heart stop. I turned to look at Luna.

Her eyes narrowed, gaze cold and guarded, like she was watching some wild animal.

In that moment, it was like ice water poured over me. Chilled from head to toe.

What had I done? Acting like a lunatic at our first reunion?

Seeing me stop, Chloe released me, her voice cold. "Calm down. Look at yourself right now—who would want to come near you?"

I stood there, chest heaving violently. The jealousy still burned, but reason gradually returned.

Luna didn't look at me again. She nodded to Chloe, then turned and left.

That man named Seb followed Luna. I could only watch their backs grow more distant.

I walked into the private room, Chloe following. She tried to grab my arm, but I shook her off.

"You knew all along." My voice was sharp as a blade. "Chloe, you're my sister. You watched me suffer for six fucking years and didn't say a word?"

Chloe looked at me, eyes reddening, but she didn't avoid my gaze.

"I'm her best friend, and you hurt her." She lifted her chin.

My breathing caught. I couldn't deny that. The idiot I'd been had made too many mistakes.

I yanked my tie loose irritably. "Then tell me whose child that is!"