"Elena, I—" Nathan's voice was almost drowned out by the noisy conversation inside the restaurant, but his eyes radiated something Elena couldn't ignore.

Elena frowned, confused by the man's expression. "What is it, Mr. Nathan?"

Without answering, Nathan grabbed Elena's wrist and pulled her gently but firmly out of the restaurant. Elena was slightly taken aback by the sudden action.

"Nathan, what do you want? I still have to—"

"Just for a minute," Nathan cut in. "I can't stand seeing you sitting with that guy."

They stepped out onto the wet sidewalk. Nathan opened his car door and looked at Elena with an unusual expression in his eyes. "Get in,...