Page 198 of The Bittersweet Bond

"Just walked in." She took another sip, feeling her pulse quicken. Talking to Rafael wasn’t uncomfortable, but the unease inside her refused to settle. He unintentionally reminded her of how terrible training had gone this week. And there were only two weeks left.

"Good to know. If you need someone to save you from these people, you know where to find me." He winked, lifting his drink in a casual toast. "To the good decisions we’ll make tonight."

Evin couldn’t help but smile slightly. “To good decisions.”

A touch on her elbow made her startle. She spun around, locking eyes with Bas’ intense gaze.

He stepped closer—so close that she could catch his scent, a mix of fresh musk and a woody note she knew all too well. “You look like you’re busy,” he murmured, his tone light, but something in his eyes burned.

Evin laughed teasingly, gripping her cup tighter, as if it could shield her from herself. “Me? Whatever gave you that idea?”

But Bas wasn’t so easily distracted. Instead, he leaned in, his lips hovering near her neck. “Because I know you.”

Before she could respond, she felt his teeth graze her skin. A startled breath left her lips as his kiss landed on her neck—hot, possessive, undeniable.

“What are youdoing?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, caught between shock and the slow, intoxicating heat spreading through her body.

“There are eyes here that don’t yet know you’re mine.” His tone was quiet but firm, and he let his lips linger against her skin for another second before pulling back slightly.

Evin inhaled sharply, her cup trembling slightly in her grasp. “Bas…”

But he cut her off, taking the cup from her hands, bringing it to his lips for a small sip, then placing it back in her grip. The motion was casual, but the tension between them turned every gesture into something charged, something laced with meaning.

Bas’ gaze flickered toward Rafael, who still stood at the table, his expression neutral but attentive. A small, almost imperceptible smirk played at the corner of Bas’ lips before he turned back to Evin.

“You’re insane,” she muttered, her voice weak as she tried to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. “He doesn’t even like girls.”

“If you’re so sure about that, you might be mistaken.” Bas’ voice was calm, but there was something in the way he said it that made Evin pause. His stare held hers, and the space between them felt charged, electric, like a storm waiting to break.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, his face so close that she could feel his breath against her skin. “And it’s about time everyone knows it.”

She wanted to say something—anything—to push back against the fire inside her, but then his hand suddenly closed around hers. His warmth wrapped around her fingers, and her breath caught in her throat.

“Come with me.”

“Where?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Away from here.” His lips curled into a smirk, and without waiting for an answer, he pulled her through the crowd.

On their way outside, Evin noticed the shift in atmosphere. The muffled bass of the music still vibrated through the walls, but something else cut through the night—raised voices, sharp and unmistakable. It was coming from the terrace, where a group of people had gathered, their silhouettes blending into the darkness.

Bas slowed hispace, but his grip on Evin’s hand remained firm. “Wait,” he murmured, his eyes locked on the scene in front of them.

Cat stood with her arms crossed, Bellamy in front of her, his posture tense.

The smug tilt of Cat’s chin said enough. Evin didn’t need to see what had happened. Cat looked like someone who’d done exactly what she came for. But Milka didn’t even flinch. She didn’t need to. Cat’s act was obvious—and useless. Whatever she thought she was doing, it didn’t land. Not with Milka.

But she was wedged between them, clearly trying to de-escalate, while Nele’s ice-cold stare and cutting voice sliced through the thick air. Milka looked more annoyed than threatened. Not angry. Just done. That said enough.

Evin pulled her hand from Bas’ grasp. “Milka! What’s going on?” Her voice carried concern as Milka turned to her, visibly relieved. But before she could respond, Nele took over.

“This?” Nele’s voice was crisp, dripping with disdain. “Oh, I’m just looking out for my brother. Someone has to.”

Evin blinked. Nele looked younger, more emotional. Too personally involved. “Your… brother?” Her gaze flickered between Bellamy and Nele, searching for confirmation.

Bellamy sighed and turned halfway toward Evin. “Yeah. That’s my little sister.” His voice was calm, but annoyed.

“Because someone needs to protect him,” Nele countered, crossing her arms even tighter. “Cat uses people like toys. And Bellamy…” Her stare shifted to her brother, her voice dropping to something almost bitter. “He always sees the best in everyone, even when it destroys him.”

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