Kingsley Academy

Chapter 46

The event is buzzing with laughter and conversation as we walk in, hand in hand. I'm wearing the dress I bought earlier, a gown that hugs my curves and accentuates my tiny waist. I can feel the weight of Kade's gaze as he walks beside me, and it sends a flutter through my stomach. Even in a crowded room, his attention is entirely on me.

"You're driving me crazy in that dress, you know that, right?" Kade murmurs in my ear, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back. I smirk up at him, catching the dark gleam in his eyes, knowing exactly what he means.

"I thought you liked a little attention," I tease, running a finger along the edge of his jacket. "Isn't this what you signed up for?"

He leans in closer, his lips just brushing against my ear as he whispers, "I don't like sharing." His voice is a low growl, sending a shiver down my spine. I meet his gaze, seeing the hunger there, and I can't help but feel a thrill at how much he wants me.

Before I can respond, a familiar voice interrupts, and my heart skips a beat.

"Allison, you look amazing," Noah says, stepping up beside us. His eyes sweep over me with a smile that's genuine, but there's a flicker of something else in his gaze—something that makes Kade's grip on me tighten.

Kade's jaw tenses immediately, his body stiffening beside me, and I can practically feel the anger radiating off him. His hand tightens on my waist, and I know what's coming before he even opens his mouth.

"She knows," Kade snaps, his voice sharp, the usual cold edge to it even harsher now. His eyes narrow as he glares at Noah. "Move along, Noah. She doesn't need your compliments."

Noah's smile falters slightly, but he keeps his cool, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Easy, man. I was just being nice." He glances at me, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "I've barely seen you since you two started dating. Thought you'd disappeared."

I can feel Kade about to snap again, his temper barely in check, so I quickly squeeze his hand, silently pleading with him to stay calm. I know Noah didn't mean any harm, but Kade's protectiveness has always been a trigger when it comes to me.

"Relax," I whisper to Kade, looking up at him with a soft smile, trying to calm the storm brewing behind his eyes. "It's just Noah."

Kade glances down at me, his gaze softening slightly as his hand tightens around mine. He lets out a slow breath, his jaw still clenched, but at least he doesn't say anything more. He's doing this for me, I know it, but I can still feel the tension radiating off him.

Noah, always perceptive, notices the shift between us and chuckles softly. "Wow, never thought I'd see the day where a girl could calm you down." He looks between us with a knowing smile. "You must really like her."

"Watch it," Kade warns, his voice low, but there's less bite to it this time.

I squeeze his hand again and shoot Noah a playful glare. "Don't make it worse, Noah. You know how he gets."

Noah grins, clearly enjoying himself. "Yeah, yeah. I'm just glad you're not gone for good. Things have been pretty dull without you around."

Kade's grip on my waist loosens slightly, but I can still feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. He's trying—he really is—but his jealousy is like a slow-burning fire that's hard to extinguish.

Noah leans in slightly, lowering his voice. "I miss hanging out, you know? Things have been different since you two got together."

I glance at Kade, whose expression is unreadable now, but I can feel his pulse quicken as Noah's words sink in. He's not used to people getting too close to me, especially not Noah, who has always been a little too friendly in Kade's eyes.