Kimi ducked her head lower, which brought Kolton's nose dangerously close to her cheek. The contact sent electricity through her skin, but she refused to give the others around the dinner table any ammunition for more teasing.
This whole situation had spiraled beyond her control.
Heat crept up her neck as embarrassment flooded through her. Silently, she cursed Kolton for creating this intimate moment in front of everyone, for making her pulse race when she needed to appear composed.
Kolton's low laughter rumbled against her ear before he pulled back. Rising to his full height, he placed his palm on top of her head with surprising gentleness.
The weight of his touch was both comforting and unsettling.
"Finish your dinner in peace. Anyone else who bothers you will answer to me."
The protective edge in his voice caught Kimi off guard. She couldn't form a coherent response, too stunned by the genuine concern threading through his words.
