BEYOND THE FACADE
I smoothed the fabric again, more out of nervous habit than necessity. "Thanks. I figured I should look presentable, you know, meeting your
father and mine after... well, you know."
A smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Ah yes, the morning-after parade. Are you ready for the scrutiny?"
I laughed nervously. "As ready as I'll ever be. Though I suppose someone could always lift my skirt and check my thighs for bruises, just to be sure."
The humor vanished from Lysander's face in an instant. He crossed the room in two long strides, his hand gripping my arm. "If anyone so much as thinks about touching you like that, they'll lose their f*****g hand. Understood?"
I nodded, my heart racing at his sudden intensity. Part of me was thrilled at his protectiveness, while
