Chapter 56 56
Maisie's Pov
My eyes widened in horror.
His lips were on mine.
Xavier cupped the back of my neck and tried to deepen the kiss but I wouldn't let him. I pressed my hands to his chest and gave him a light shove.
My whole body went rigid. I was startled, my eyes were probably wild.
I stare at him, dumbfounded.
You know that moment when you freeze up and have no idea whether moving or even breathing is okay? That's how I feel right now.
“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to kiss you. I was just so… overwhelmed. Please, forgive me. I didn't even think. I'm sorry.” Then he wrapped a hand around mine, pinning it on his chest.
“Don't do that!” I panicked. For real this time.
“I am so sorry, Chloe. I thought….” He stroked my hand that’s beneath his. “I’ll make sure this never happens again without your permission.”
When I didn't say anything, he reached for me. “Chloe?”
Suddenly, my wolf reminded me of the plan in a shrill voice.
‘DON’T KILL HIM! STICK TO THE PLAN!’
I was done with this.
My lips curled into a smile and I lifted my head.
Xavier didn't even notice and he grinned. The fool thought I was actually smiling for him when in reality, my smile would’ve frozen the inside of a volcano.
He pulled away but not completely. His arm slid to my lower back and he led me to the car.
I would rather fucking die than ever let him put his hands on me again. I wished I was with my purse so I could toss it in his face or, better yet, slap him so hard it knocked the slimy thoughts right out of his head, but like I said, this was all part of a plan and I'd be damned if I slip up.
I sat in the passenger seat and waited for him. He got in and started the car. Then he looked at me.
“Feel better?” He smiled.
I didn't reply to him immediately. My gaze drifted to the lake and the golden butterflies. My heart clenched at the scene. I was hurting but not the ways I'd ever expect. Xavier never loved Maisie. He never loved me. He only saw me as a steppingstone and not a person worthy of being cared for. He loved someone else. He always does.
I wiped the stray tears falling down my cheeks and schooled my expression before facing him.
“Yeah. I feel much better. Thank you.” I mumbled.
“That's wonderful.”
When we arrived at the pack mansion, it was already dark.
Xavier brushed his fingers over mine and smiled. “I had fun today. Did you?”
I offered him my practiced smile. “I did too. Thank you.”
“Um…” he cupped the back of his neck. “I'm sorry about the kiss. That was rude.”
“No, it's okay.” Like hell it was. “Just let me know next time.”
“I will.” he leaned closer and pulled me into a hug. “I'll see you later?”
“I don't know…” I pulled away. “I'm scared Jason might be onto us.”
“So?” Xavier scoffed. “He's out there frolicking with Kylie.”
I bit on my bottom lip to make it seem I was bothered.
“Hey,” he tilted my chin up. “It's okay. I won't treat you the way he's treating you, Chloe. I swear.”
“I know.” I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” He didn't leave the hall until I walked to the staircase. Before I would reach the top, he called out. “And Chloe?”
I looked over my shoulder. “Yes?”
“Call me Xavier. Lose the honorifics.” He smiled.
“Okay… Xavier.” I beamed him a wave before disappearing into the direction of my suite.
The nostrils caught a familiar scent and my shoulders relaxed. Roman was home.
I took off my shoes and raced to the door. I rang the doorbell, trying to still my rampaging heart while I waited for him to answer. I missed him so much.
A minute passed. I rang the doorbell again. Finally, I heard the faint sound of footsteps, which grew louder until the door swung open and I found myself face-to-face with Roman. He’d taken off his jacket, but otherwise,he still wore his work outfit—white Thomas Pink shirt, Armani pants and shoes, blue Brioni tie. His eyes roved over my hair (tossed up into a bun), my face (hot as sun-scorched sand),and my clothes (my favorite beige gown) before settling back on my face.
His expression remained unreadable the entire time. He probably saw me and Xavier in the hallway.
“You can hug me, you know. We’re not in a war.” he took a step forward, eating the space between us now.
Without thinking, I walked into his arms.
“Were you that exhausted?” he chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Yeah.” I buried my face in his neck and let myself be carried.
Roman scooped me into his arms and got us inside. He shut the door behind him and placed me gently on the couch.
“I'm guessing your day was worse than mine?” I hid my grin.
“Tell me about it,” he rolled his eyes. “I nearly killed her.”
“Kylie?” I threw my head back and laughed.
“Who else?” He patted my lap and rose to his feet.
“So…” I sat up on the couch.
“So?” He turned his back to me as he fished for the cookie box.
“So… did you and Kylie do anything?” I bit my lip.
“What?” He placed the cookies and glass of chocolate on the coffee table and walked to the bar cart in the corner.
“You know… did she take you out or something?” I was curious.
Roman poured himself a glass of whiskey and sat beside me, but it wasn’t far enough. I caught a whiff of his cologne—something woodsy and expensive-smelling, with a hint of spice. It was so delicious I wanted to bury my face in his neck, but I didn’t think he’d take too kindly to that.
“Relax,” he chuckled. “I don’t bite.
“I’m relaxed.”
“Your knuckles are white.”
I glanced down and realized I tightened my fists so they were, indeed, white.
“So,” I cleared my throat. “Did Kylie kiss you?”
He froze, then set down the glass. “Did Xavier kiss you?”
I reached for a cookie and took a bite, chewing it to hide my reply.
“Maisie…” he put his arm around my waist and pulled me into his lap. “Did Xavier kiss you?”
I swallowed hard. “He… did.”
His mouth crushed against mine, my fingers tangled in his hair, and urgency ignited between us until my limbs were heavy and weak with desire.
“I'm going to make sure I remove every trace of his touch from your body.” He murmured against my lips.
Gone was the quiet man. In his place was someone who kissed like a man possessed, filled with filthy promises and wicked intent.