Page 135 of The Encore’s Crown

“Never.”

She takes the glass. I arrive as she lifts it toward her mouth. My hand closes around it.

Natalia jerks in surprise.

“What the fuck?”

“I want to try it.”

I pull the drink from her hand. Julian’s smile disappears.

“I can get you one of your own.”

“I want this one.”

Natalia stares at me.

“Kiri, give it back.”

“No.”

Julian steps closer.

“This is none of your business.”

I look at him and crack my neck with a practiced tilt of my head. If he wants to make it physical, I'm ready. I've been ready all night. He glances across the room toward Radhika, who's watching us now.

“Don’t you have Miss Malhotra to entertain?”

“I heard you in the bathroom arranging to fucking drug someone.”

Natalia freezes and her eyes go wide. Julian’s face barely changes. That tells me more than panic would. Movement shifts behind me. Rithy arrives first, then Rafe and Ronan, drawn by my tone before anyone calls them. Rafe steps beside me.

“What’s happening?”

I keep my eyes on Julian.

“I heard him on the phone asking someone to bring him something. Said he had someone on the hook. Then I watched him meet the guy by the doors before he brought Nat this drink.”

Rafe’s expression transforms, Ronan looks at the glass in my hand while Rithy moves closer to Natalia.

Julian laughs. It sounds controlled, but I see the tension in his jaw.

“This is absurd.”

“Drink it,” I say.

His eyes flash. I hold the glass toward him.

“I don’t have to prove anything to you.”

“You brought it over. You drink it.”

Natalia stands. Her face has gone pale.

“Kiri—”

Kasia appears beside her and takes her arm. Rafe tells her what's happening without looking away from Julian.