As Blake's fingers brushed against the cool glass of wine, a sudden vice-like grip closed around his wrist, halting his movement. Startled, he turned to find Drake's cold gaze fixed upon him, the intensity of it sending a shiver down his spine.
"I'm sorry to intrude, milady," Drake's voice cut through the air like a knife, "but remember, he is to stay away from alcohol for the time being."
Elena's response was a stammering mess, her words stumbling over each other in a desperate attempt to placate the situation.
"Y..ye.yes! How could I have forgotten?!" Elena's voice wavered, her eyes darting nervously between Blake and Drake as she struggled to regain her composure.
Blake watched her, a flicker of betrayal igniting within him at her apparent acquiescence to Drake's command.
