Chapter 44 DADDY ZANE?

Chapter 44 DADDY ZANE?
THIRD PERSON POV

“Well, I love you so much, Veronica,” Xavier said, his voice low and sincere as he held her hands.

Veronica pulled her hands away gently, though her fingers lingered a second longer than necessary. “Xavier…” She smirked, trying to hide how affected she was. 

“What’s it‘mi amor’?” Xavier asked.

“Why would you tell me you love me on the same day I find out you have a wife? Forced marriage or not, you both are still legally married, Xavier.”

Xavier reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He unlocked it and turned the screen toward her. “See? I called my lawyer not long ago. The divorce filing is happening this weekend.”

Veronica exhaled, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “Much better.”

Xavier smirked, stepping closer again. “You’re sure jealous of her, but she has nothing on you, amor.”

She rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “As I said, I’m not jealous.” She paused, then asked, “Are you hungry?”

“Hmm… I’m hungry for you.”

Veronica rolled her eyes again, but deep down, his words sent a delicious shiver down her spine. “Act right, Mr. Cross.” She folded her arms, trying to regain composure. “Plus, I never knew you had a father, like I never knew he was alive or something.”

The moment the words left her mouth, she realized how they sounded. Her eyes widened in horror. “No… no, wrong choice of word, I promise. You know I didn’t mean it that way, right? I just meant… you look… uhmm…” She scratched her head, searching desperately for the right words.

Xavier didn’t let her struggle for long. He cupped her face with both hands, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. His touch was firm yet gentle.

She whispered softly, “Independent.”

A slow, dangerous smirk curved Xavier’s lips. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she could feel the warmth of his body. He leaned in, burying his face in the crook of her neck, and took a slow, deep inhale. “You smell so good,” he murmured against her skin, his voice husky. “What cologne do you use?”

Veronica’s breath hitched at the intimate gesture. A small smile played on her lips. “You wouldn’t know it. It’s quite an unpopular brand.”

He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, one eyebrow raised. “I’m asking what brand, not for you to tell me stories, amor.”

She rolled her eyes, though the affection in her gaze was unmistakable. “It’s ‘Velvet Bloom.’ Happy now?”

Xavier nodded, a slow smile curving his lips. “Good girl.” He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment as if savoring her.

Then the air shifted.

He closed his eyes. Veronica did the same. The moment their lips met, the kiss ignited.

It started deep and hungry. Xavier kissed her like he had been starving for her all day — slow at first, then growing more intense. His tongue slipped into her mouth, tasting her.

Just the gentle press of his lips against hers, warm and unhurried, like he was savoring the moment. Veronica sighed into the kiss, her hands coming up to rest on his chest as she kissed him back with equal tenderness.

Slowly, the kiss began to deepen. Xavier tilted his head, capturing her bottom lip between his, sucking lightly. Veronica’s fingers curled into his shirt as the sweetness gave way to growing hunger. When his tongue gently traced the seam of her lips, she parted for him with a soft moan. Their tongues met, sliding together in a slow, sensual dance that quickly turned heated.

The kiss grew hotter, wetter, and more urgent. Xavier groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating through her as he pressed her backward until her back met the wall. In one smooth motion, he lifted her off the ground, One of his hands slid down her back and boldly grabbed her ass, squeezing the soft flesh and pulling her flush against his hard body. 

Veronica instantly wrapped her legs around his waist, holding onto him tightly as she kissed him back with equal passion, her arms locked around his neck.

Their breathing turned ragged between kisses — hot, heavy pants mingling as tongues tangled desperately. Xavier rocked into her slowly, letting her feel the hard evidence of his desire pressed against her core. One of his hands slid up her side with aching tenderness, cupping her breast lovingly. His thumb brushed over her nipple in slow, reverent circles through the thin fabric, teasing it until it pebbled under his touch. The gentle yet possessive way he caressed her sent sparks of heat straight between her legs, making her slick with want.

He broke the kiss only to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses down the column of her neck, sucking and licking at her sensitive skin while she tilted her head back, soft whimpers escaping her lips. Heat pooled low in her belly, her body aching for more as she clung to him, hips subtly grinding against his.

“Birdie man!”

The small voice cut through the thick tension like a knife.

Veronica jerked away instantly, blinking fast and smoothing down her clothes. She took several steps back, trying to compose herself.

Xavier quickly grabbed a decorative pillow from the sofa and held it casually in front of his throbbing erection. He had assumed Natasha was coming down with the kids, and the last thing he needed was the elderly woman noticing his very obvious arousal.

Adrian and Agatha came bouncing down the stairs, still in their pajamas.

“Birdie man,” Adrian said, holding up the Lego box with both hands, “can you help me do this? It’s hard.”

Xavier cleared his throat and squatted down to their level, still holding the pillow strategically. “Of course, son. Let’s see what we’ve got here.”

He began helping Adrian open the box and sort the pieces, his voice calm and patient as he explained the first few steps. Agatha stood close by, watching with big curious eyes.

Then Agatha turned to her brother and said innocently, “I like Birdie man more than Daddy Zane.”

Adrian nodded seriously and turned to her. “Mommy said Daddy Zane isn’t our daddy. He’s our uncle.”

Veronica’s eyes widened in shock. She froze, her gaze darting straight to Xavier’s face, anxiously searching for his reaction.

Xavier’s eyebrow raised slowly, his expression unreadable for a moment.

“Daddy Zane?” he repeated, voice calm but laced with clear curiosity as he looked up at Veronica.