In a single fluid motion, Grayson stepped into the space beside Mailah, brushed Ethan's arm aside with firm, undisputed force, and wrapped his long, powerful arm securely around Mailah's waist. He pulled her flush against his broad chest, anchoring her body against his solid frame like an unshakeable mountain.
Mailah gasped, her back pressed firmly against Grayson's warm, dark turtleneck.
Grayson stared down at Ethan with cold, triumphant arrogance, his dark eyes burning with undisputed possessiveness.
"I am her husband," Grayson announced smoothly, his deep voice vibrating against Mailah's back. "I am her primary structural support. She shall lean on no other male frame."
Ethan raised both hands in a non-threatening gesture, stepping back two inches. "Uh... Mr. Ashford, she needs to practice balancing her own weight. If you hold her entire waist, her ankle isn't doing any work."
