The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 21: Table of Six

Valentina's POV: 

"Do you mind?" I snapped, my frustration evident.

"I'm sorry, are we interrupting your date?" Ron's voice dripped with mockery as he leaned in, his small smile fading when I shot him a withering look.

"What the hell are you guys doing here?" Connor demanded, glaring at them.

"I thought we made it clear that you're not welcome around Vale," Jason said, his tone icy and dismissive.

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are, telling someone who they can or cannot talk to?"

Ron tried to shove a piece of chicken into my mouth, but I smacked his hand away. "Do that shit again—"

"Or what?" Ron whispered with a smirk.

I shot him a frustrated look before turning back to Jason. "The four of you have no say in my life. What the hell are you doing here?"

"That's the same question we're asking Connor," Chris said, his gaze shifting back to Connor.

Connor met his stare head-on. "I told you, I'm not scared of you guys."

Chris's gaze shifted to me, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You tell him to leave now, or I'll take him outside and handle it myself. I can invite Ron, Jason, and Xander to join me if needed, but I'm sure I can manage it alone."

My eyes widened in shock. "Don't fucking listen to him, Vale—"

I could see the seriousness in Chris's expression. Ron seemed to be enjoying the tension, while Jason looked ready to back Chris up, and Xander was likely to join in too.

"Connor, just go," I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

Connor frowned, looking torn. "But Vale—"

"I'll call you later, Connor. I need to handle this," I said, catching Chris and Jason out of the corner of my eye as they stood up and moved aside. "You call me Casillas, okay?" I added, and Connor gave a final glare before leaving.

"Guy didn't even pay for the food," Ron remarked, rolling his eyes.

"So, you and Ron kissed, huh?" Chris asked, his tone smug.

"Are we going to ignore the fact that just two minutes ago, you threatened to beat up one of my closest friends?" I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Chris chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Come on, Vale. That guy doesn't care about being your friend. He just wants what's between your legs."

"Isn't that what you want too?" I challenged, catching him off guard. His mouth hung slightly open, momentarily stunned by my question.

"It's different," he replied, though his tone was less certain. I just scoffed, unimpressed.

"If Ron told you about the kiss we shared, then I'm sure he also mentioned that I want nothing to do with you guys."

"Yeah, that's what you want. But what about us?" Jason asked, his tone carrying a mix of frustration and curiosity.

I chuckled at Jason's response. "What exactly do you want from me?"

"You," Xander replied simply.

I crossed my legs, feeling uncomfortable under their intense stares. Ron noticed my reaction and his smile turned into a smirk as his eyes met mine.

"Ron—" I started, but before I could finish, his lips were on mine. I was shocked and completely taken aback that he'd do this in front of everyone.

Chris's gaze was fixed on me with an intense focus, while Jason calmly sipped his drink, his eyes still on me. I felt Ron's hand on my cheek as he deepened the kiss. I closed my eyes for a moment before pushing him away.