Page 18 of King of Rage

Lucius’s eyes immediately found Stella.

His gaze locked onto her, sharp and piercing, his expression giving away his displeasure at the sight of her. Stella noticed him almost immediately, but she made no acknowledgment. She kept her gaze ahead and continued walking as though she hadn’t seen him at all.

Lucius’s expression hardened.

She was deliberately ignoring him.

He continued toward her, his eyes never leaving her face, clearly expecting her to at least look at him. But Stella refused. She walked straight past him without so much as a glance, maintaining the same composed expression she might have worn around a complete stranger.

Lucius’s jaw tightened.

Just as she was about to pass him, Stella’s foot suddenly twisted.

She stumbled, her balance giving way beneath her.

Lucius reacted before Shane could reach her. He lunged forward, caught her around the waist, and pulled her against his chest, one arm locking securely around her as he steadied her.

Then he lifted his eyes to Shane.

The cold, threatening look in his eyes made his warning clear. His jaw tightened as he held Shane’s gaze, daring him to make a move.

Shane glanced at Lucius, then looked down at Stella.

“Do you know him?” he asked.

Before Stella could answer, Lucius spoke again.

“Yes. She’s my girlfriend.”

Stella immediately twisted out of Lucius’s hold and stepped away, her eyes flashing with anger.

“Ex-girlfriend,” she corrected sharply.

Lucius’s expression darkened.

Shane, however, seemed entirely unbothered. He folded his arms across his chest, then let out a sharp scoff.

He knew who Lucius was.

But judging by the complete lack of concern in his expression, Lucius’s identity and status meant nothing to him.

Lucius’s jaw tightened further.

Without another word, he reached for Stella, seized her wrist, and pulled her toward him.

“Come with me.”

His grip was so tight that Stella barely had a chance to resist before he began dragging her toward the other direction.

“Lucius!” she protested, trying to slow him down.

Then she turned her head toward Shane.

“Let’s have dinner tomorrow, okay?”

Shane narrowed his eyes at Lucius but didn’t attempt to stop him.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll wait for you at home,” he called back.