Edrick's grip on Ellen's hand faltered as if he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have. His hand dropped away from hers, and he took a half-step back, his face twitching with the effort to remain calm. For a split second, the smooth mask Edrick wore cracked, revealing a flash of discomfort, but he quickly bounced back to his usual playful self.
"Mason," Edrick called, his voice annoyingly calm, trying to regain his footing. "It was nothing more than a friendly conversation."
Mason's jaw clenched tighter, the muscles twitching again as he stared at Edrick. His hand, still in his pocket, flexed slightly, and Ellen could see the tension radiating off him. He was all tensed up, like a slingshot ready to launch.
"Friendly?" Mason repeated, sounding calm but full of disdain. "Offering to take her away from me doesn't sound particularly friendly."
