Pale in Comparison

Simon muttered through gritted teeth, ‘I won’t forget this!’ Elias paid no attention to Simon’s words, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. The power, wealth, status, and even fighting skills Elias possessed far surpassed anything Simon could ever hope to achieve. Callie understood this disparity all too well. Still reeling from the chaos, Callie found herself being swept away by Elias, their hands entwined. She managed to utter his name, but before she could continue, Elias fixed her with a stern gaze. ‘Callista Hawthorne, are you drunk, or are you just being stupid?’ Elias’s voice dripped with frustration. Confused, Callie asked, ‘What do you mean?’ Elias’s frustration only deepened. ‘When that man was about to strike you, were you planning to just stand there and take it?’ His intense gaze bore into her almond-shaped eyes. Callie stared back at him innocently, still trying to process his words. ‘If I hadn’t arrived in time, your face would have been a bloody mess.’ His tone was