Meryl's POV
"Andre..." The word escaped my lips like a whisper carried on the wind. "What are you doing here?"
His response came not in words but in action. The determination in his stride spoke volumes as he crossed the restaurant floor with predatory grace. Without hesitation, he seized my wrist and hauled me upright from the booth.
Morris shot to his feet, bewilderment and tension radiating from his frame. "What the hell is this? Who are you supposed to be? Release her immediately."
Andre's gaze never wavered from me. "This doesn't concern you."
"She's here with me," Morris declared, moving closer with protective instincts. "You have no right to—"
"I told you to back off!" Andre's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Andre, enough!" I struggled against his iron grip. "You're making a scene!"
