'Is she really an Evolver?'
Avendial stood, feeling the warm breath of the woman who was standing just two or three inches away from him.
Her eyes betrayed a flirtatious sparkle as she glanced up at him, obviously intrigued.
"Behave yourself, Billie," came a firm womanly voice from beside him.
A hand shot out, placing itself between Avendial and the woman, seizing her by the arm before pushing her back, creating a comfortable distance—enough for her to stand at arm's length.
"Oh, come on, sis," Billie protested, tilting her head as she shot a sulky look toward Aecilia, who had just intervened, denying her a chance to introduce herself to this popular man.
After seeing him for the first time, she couldn't help but notice that he was rather handsome as well.
"Apologies, Marquess; she is... somewhat unruly," Aecilia remarked, her gaze shifting to her cousin, who was acting completely out of line.