The dim glow of the moon filters into the room, casting silver streaks across the hardwood floor. You’re pacing in front of the fireplace, your arms crossed as you try to process the evening’s events. Eli lounges on the couch, legs stretched out, his arm draped lazily over the back. He’s watching you with that infuriatingly smug smirk, completely unbothered by the storm brewing in your chest.

“I can’t believe you did that,” you say, turning to face him. “You had no right.”

Eli arches a brow, clearly amused. “You’ll have to be more specific, darling. I do a lot of things.”

“Don’t play coy,” you snap, pointing a finger at him. “You scared off my date! He literally ran out of the restaurant!”

Eli shrugs, leaning back like he owns the room. “He wasn’t good enough for you. I was doing you a favor.”

You narrow your eyes, the heat in your chest rising. “You don’t get to decide that. We’re not even together anymore, Eli!”

“Minor technicality,” he says smoothly, sitting up now. “You and I both know he didn’t stand a chance.”

“You’re unbelievable,” you mutter, turning away from him, but before you can take another step, you feel his hand wrap gently around your wrist.

His voice softens, the teasing edge slipping away. “You think I’m just going to sit back and watch you with someone else?”

You glance over your shoulder, meeting his gaze. His usual playful glint is still there, but beneath it, there’s something deeper—something raw and real.

“Eli…” you start, but he cuts you off.

“Let me make this simple for you,” he says, standing and pulling you closer. “No one’s ever going to look at you the way I do. No one’s going to know you the way I do. So stop pretending anyone else could ever be enough.”