"Don't worry about Rhys," Ethan said, his voice low as we sat in the quieter corner of the packed party. "I've warned him to back off."
I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, unable to stop myself from glancing across the room where Rhys stood with his friends. "It's fine. He hasn't done anything tonight."
"Except stare at you like he wants to either kill you or..." Ethan trailed off, seeming to reconsider his words. "Well, let's just say his eyes haven't left you all night."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. I'd noticed Rhys's intense gaze following me around the room, but I'd been trying to ignore it. Every time I caught him looking, my heart did a strange little flip that I hated myself for.
"So," I said, desperate to change the subject, "how are the wedding plans coming along?"
Ethan's face softened. "Dad's pushing for it to happen next week. A private ceremony, just immediate family. We'll announce it to everyone afterward."
"Next week?" My eyes widened. "That's so soon!"
