I had no choice but to carry Xavier back to the first-class area, quickly buckling him securely into his seat.

Rafayel glanced at me, his brow furrowed. "What took you so long?"

I let out a weary sigh. "We had a bit of an issue."

"Hey... your cheek?" Rafayel's voice dropped as his fingers gently grazed the side of my face, his touch cool against my warm, likely reddening skin. His eyes darkened instantly, the casual concern hardening into something sharp and dangerous. "What happened?"

"It's nothing, just an allergy," I shrugged, trying to dismiss it.

"An allergy? You ate the same breakfast you have every day, babe," Rafayel pressed,...