Chapter 72 CHAPTER 72

Chapter 72 CHAPTER 72
CELIA'S POV

I yanked my arm out of Jasper’s grip, heart pounding so hard it felt like it would crack my ribs. His touch still sent heat rushing through me, straight down to that sore spot between my legs that reminded me exactly what we did last night. I hated how my body reacted to him even now.

“What’s going on with you?” he asked, voice low and rough, eyes searching my face like he actually cared.

“None of your business,” I snapped, stepping back. My voice came out sharper than I meant, but I didn’t care. “Just leave me alone, Jasper. You got what you wanted last night. We’re done.”

He looked at me for a long second, jaw tight. I could see the worry in his eyes, mixed with that same hungry look that made my nipples tighten under my shirt. But he must’ve seen how angry I still was because he let go and stepped back.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “I’ll give you space. But I’m not going anywhere, Celia. Not after everything.”

I turned and walked away fast before he could say more. My hands shook as I headed to my room. I slammed the door behind me and started throwing clothes into my bag. School. I needed to get back to school. The wedding was over, Mom was happy with her new husband, and I was done wasting time in this mansion with the brothers breathing down my neck every second.

Krystal might be waiting for me there, I thought, stuffing another shirt in. Probably planning her next stupid move. But I felt different now. Stronger. I had the upper hand on her. Everyone saw what she really was — the slut who got caught naked with those boys. I smiled a little to myself, imagining her trying to act innocent again. Maybe I’d finally get some peaceful days at school. No more of her fake friendship bullshit. No more setting me up. Just me, my classes, and whatever revenge I still owed the brothers.

I zipped the bag halfway when the door opened without knocking. Xavier stepped in, closing it behind him. He looked tired but determined, eyes locking on me like he had something important to say.

“Celia, can we talk?” he asked, voice low.

I didn’t even look up. “No. I’m busy packing. Go away.”

He didn’t move. “Please. Just five minutes. I need to say something.”

I kept folding a shirt, ignoring the way his scent filled the room and made my stomach flip. “I said no, Xavier. Whatever it is, I don’t want to hear it. Save it for someone who cares.”

He stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat coming off him. “I’m not leaving until you listen. I know you’re mad. I know we fucked up bad. But after what happened in the woods with Jasper… and everything else… I can’t keep pretending nothing’s changed.”

I finally looked at him, anger and that stupid pull mixing inside me. “You really think talking fixes anything? After everything you did? After Krystal, after the roof, after—”

“I know,” he cut in, but his voice stayed soft. “Just hear me out. Please.”

I stared at him, bag half-packed on the bed between us. Part of me wanted to shove him out. Another part — the twisted part that still felt Jasper’s hands on me — wanted to know what he’d say. I crossed my arms tight over my chest, trying to ignore how my body reacted to him standing so close.

“Fine,” I muttered, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Talk. But make it quick. I’m leaving for school soon.”

He nodded, relief flashing in his eyes as he stepped even closer.

I sat on the edge of the bed, arms crossed tight, staring at Xavier like he was some stranger who just walked in. My bag was still half-packed beside me, clothes spilling out. I didn’t want to talk. Not to him. Not after everything. But he stood there looking all serious, eyes locked on me, and something in his face made my stomach twist.

“Fine,” I said, voice flat. “Talk. What do you want?”

He took a step closer, close enough that I could smell him — that strong alpha scent that always made my skin feel too warm. “The only thing I want right now is your forgiveness, Celia. I’m sorry. For all of it. For bullying you, for letting Krystal set you up, for the roof, for every time we made you feel small. I was an asshole. We all were. I know sorry doesn’t fix it, but I mean it.”

I laughed, short and bitter. It wasn’t surprising. They always said sorry when it suited them. “That’s it? You came in here just to say sorry? After everything you did?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking almost nervous. “Yeah. I know it’s late. But I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel this… pull. The mate thing. It’s real.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Is this because Krystal’s a mess now? She got caught like a slut and now you suddenly want me? Convenient timing, Xavier.”

He shook his head fast. “No. It’s not about her. I fell in love with you, Celia. For real. Not because of the bond or the drama. You’re strong. You fight back. You saved Jasper out there even after we hurt you. I see you now. I love you.”

My mouth fell open. Love? I almost laughed again, but it caught in my throat. “You fell in love with me? That’s ridiculous. You never even looked at me before. We’re mates and you still treated me like trash. Pushed me around, let me almost die, and now you’re in love? Why would I believe that?”

He stepped even closer, voice dropping low and rough. “Because it’s true. Give me a chance to prove it. Let me show you I’ve changed. One chance, baby. That’s all I’m asking. I’ll do anything. Just… don’t shut me out.”

I stared at him, heart racing. Part of me wanted to slap him. Another part — the stupid, twisted part that still remembered Jasper’s hands on me last night — felt that pull again. Heat crawled up my neck. I hated how his eyes made my nipples tighten under my shirt. I hated how his voice got all low and made me remember what it felt like to be wanted.

I crossed my arms tighter, trying to hide it. “Fine. I’ll give you a chance. Only because I want to watch you fail. I want to see you try and mess up so I can laugh in your face. That’s the only reason.”

He didn’t look mad. Instead his eyes softened, and before I could move, he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me tight, one hand on the back of my head, the other low on my back. His body pressed against mine, warm and solid, and I froze.

I didn’t expect him to suddenly hug me.

His scent filled my nose. His heartbeat thumped against my cheek. For a second I almost melted into it, but I caught myself and stiffened. “Xavier…”

“Shh,” he whispered against my hair. “Just let me hold you for a second. Please.”

I stayed there, arms still at my sides, mind spinning with anger and that stupid warm feeling I didn’t want. He begged for a chance and I said yes just to see him fail. But this hug… it felt too real. Too good. And I didn’t know what to do with that.