Passion Plundered

Chapter Forty - Eight

Sana's Pov

When we sat down at dinner, I could feel the tension in the room even as everyone chatted noisily around the table, discreetly peeking at us. 

Of course, I couldn't blame them. 

From the very beginning I'd made it absolutely clear that I didn't want anyone coming near the girl or there would be repercussions. 

Even now, as I sat at the head of the impossibly long victorian table, Tzuyu was right beside me, her seat wedged between me and Nico's. 

Lin's dark gaze eyed us curiously from the opposite end of the table.

I trusted him with my life, but ever since he'd first suggested we let go of Tzuyu, the bond between us started to tear up.  

It was one of the reasons I had instructed Jisoo and Jenny to make sure Tzuyu never crossed paths with him. 

Plus, I was still figuring out how my enemies knew about Tzuyu. Or that she hadn't actually died.

The said girl was delightedly conversing with an excited Joshua who sat across from her. The ten year old was explaining to her about the superhero he'd just invented. 

"Captain Hero-Guy shoots mentos out of his hands too? Wow, and I thought the lasers, fireworks, nunchucks and gummy bears were deadly enough," Tzuyu said, her green eyes bright and fascinated. If at all she feigned her interest, she did it exceptionally well. 

Missing teeth and all, the boy grinned at the stunning girl in front of him. "Not even close, because his arch nemesis is the evil Dr. McCoke. A genius supervillain who enjoys pouring a zillion bags of sugar in the water systems all around the galaxy."

"Dear goodness, all around the galaxy? But that would make everyone sick. Doesn't Captain Hero-Guy ever stop him?"

"Well, remember when I said Dr. McCoke is a genius, it's because he really is. Before he commits his horrible crimes, he kidnaps Captain Hero-Guy's lady friend and attaches a ticking bomb to her so that Captain Hero-Guy saves her while Dr. McCoke escapes."

"He truly is genius. Captain Hero-Guy must really like his lady friend, huh?"

"Very much. Just like how Sana really likes you."
I scowled at the kid's words, scowling deeper when Tzuyu giggled with him. 

"You really think so?" she said to him, leaning over the table. 

"Yap."

I chose to end their little talk. "Okay, everyone, listen up!" I shouted over the noise. 

Almost immediately, the room went dead silent, all eyes on me and a few of them sneaking at Tzuyu. 

"I can imagine that all of you must be a little shocked that I brought Tzuyu to dinner. It's because I want her to get to know you guys so that she doesn't feel out of place. But one thing you guys already know is that she's very important to me, and if any of you try—" A soft hand pressed against my knee, and I looked at Tzuyu. 

She subtly shook her head, a gentle warning in her eyes. "Sana... "

My jaw tightened. "Right, excuse me. Before the food gets here, I want everyone to introduce themselves to her. Lin, you can start." 

Eyes boring into him, I dared him to test me. 

He instead grinned widely. "Hi. We've never met, but I'm glad to finally meet the girl capable of taming the beast. My name's Lin, and it's nice to meet you."