I narrow my eyes at him, then slowly glance down at my plate to see that the food I pushed aside has been swapped for the food I did like. At the same time, his plate is now filled with all the food I did not like.

My eyes connect with his, and he's still sporting the same innocent expression as he pretends to mind his own business. I glare at him so as to convey that these little tricks will not work on me—not after everything that's been said and done.

"You will not get extra points," I mutter under my breath.

Alas, it's at that moment that I get the first reaction out of him. His face falls, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly.

God, what is it with him and those extra points?

Shaking my head, I turn to my food, cutting into a slice of cheese when he once more intervenes.

"Let me do it for you," he murmurs, his hand already on mine as he attempts to wrench the knife away from me.

Annoyance spears through me as I elbow him away.

"For God's sake, just let me eat in peace," I groan, grabbing onto the knife. His grip is stronger, though, and in our tug of war, the knife slips, the sharp edge cutting through my palm.

"Agh." I jump back at the sudden sting.

Blood pours down onto the table, and Ze's eyes become affixed to it. Slowly, he raises his gaze to meet mine, a stricken look crossing his face.

"Oh no, are you all right, Luce?" Thea gasps.

Everyone is staring at us.

"Yes, it's just a small cut." I force a smile as I get a napkin to press to my cut. It's shallow, but it's bleeding quite a bit. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire for the evening."

"Yes, of course," Rhea adds with a hint of worry. "Please let us know if there is anything you need."

I give her a tight nod as I get to my feet. I don't even look at Ze as I stomp out of the room, all the while muttering expletives under my breath.

That damn man! Couldn't he keep his hands to himself?

I barely reach the landing on the second floor when I hear the echo of steps following behind me. Slowly turning my head, I only need to glimpse the shadow of a giant to know who's following me. At once, I sprint to my room.

The steps, too, become more punctuated, more loud.

He's gaining ground.

Damn it! Why can't he leave me alone?

I dash to my room, get inside, and lock the door behind me. My breathing is out of control as I rest my back against the wooden frame of the door, pressing the napkin tighter against my injured palm. Despite being a shallow cut, it stings like hell.

The steps finally stop as he reaches my door.