"Huh? I... uh... it just suddenly popped into my head!" Belle stammered, her hands flying up in a defensive gesture.
"You didn't even remember me, and I'm your boyfriend," Eli complained, the petulant edge in his voice catching Belle completely off guard.
(Why are you being so incredibly dramatic?!) she screamed internally.
Allen's smile faded slightly. His eyes narrowed as he slowly evaluated Eli from head to toe, taking in the defensive posture and the tight grip Eli still had on Belle's shoulder. "You're in a relationship with him?" Allen asked, his tone dropping an octave.
"Uhm... well, we—"
"Yes. We are," Eli interrupted without a shred of hesitation. He didn't entirely understand the sudden, hot spike of irritation piercing his chest, but he knew he wanted this guy's hands off his assistant. Immediately.
