Chapter 86 Banquet
Anna's POV
"It advances our cause." I knew she would say that. "With Xavier gone, you'll have more freedom to move around, and eliminate the target."
I sighed. "Maybe."
"Not maybe. Definitely."
I leaned back against the headboard. "By the way, there is something I need from you."
Serena immediately became alert. "What?"
I lowered my voice. "I need you to locate Lucas."
She stared at me. "Lucas?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
I hesitated. Then answered honestly. "I'll feel safer if I know where he is."
Serena looked unconvinced. "Given the fact that he tried kidnapping you, there's no telling he won't do it again."
"I know."
"Then why find him?"
"Because I need to know what he's planning."
Serena studied me for a moment. Then she nodded. "Fair enough."
"Can you do it?"
"Yes."
Relief washed through me. "Good."
"Once I find him, I'll let you know."
I nodded. "I'll handle the rest."
Serena stood. Then she glanced at the clock. "You should start getting dressed."
I frowned. "For what?"
She laughed. "The party."
I groaned. I had completely forgotten about Xavier's banquet.
I watched Serena leave my room before finally letting out a long breath I didn't realize I had been holding.
The moment the door closed behind her, the silence returned.
For a few seconds, I remained where I was, staring at the door.
Everything felt like it was happening too fast. I rubbed my temples.
My life had become a disaster. A very dangerous disaster.
Eventually, I pushed those thoughts aside and walked toward my wardrobe.
There was no point worrying about things I couldn't control.
I opened the wardrobe and scanned through the dresses hanging neatly inside.
After a moment, my eyes settled on a short black gown.
The fabric hugged every curve and looked expensive enough to buy a small house.
Perfect. I pulled it out and laid it carefully on the bed.
Then I headed into the bathroom.
The warm water helped clear my head.
At least temporarily.
When I was done, I stood before the mirror and dried my hair.
A part of me still couldn't believe how much my life had changed.
Not long ago I had been focused on one mission.
Now I was somehow Xavier's wife, the target of Zack's obsession, and possibly the temporary manager of an entire criminal empire.
I laughed bitterly.
If the agency could see me now, they'd probably think I'd completely lost my mind.
Once I finished my makeup, I slipped into the dress.
The gown fit perfectly.
I arranged my hair, applied a final touch to my lips, then stepped back and examined myself.
Taking a steadying breath, I left my room and headed downstairs.
The party was already in full swing.
The living room buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses.
Men and women stood in small groups drinking wine and discussing business.
Unlike Xavier's previous gatherings, the atmosphere felt lighter.
My eyes automatically searched for him. And found him.
Xavier stood near a corner of the room wearing black. Just like me.
For a ridiculous second, it looked like we'd planned it.
I immediately hated how much I noticed that.
Then I noticed who he was talking to. Serena.
My steps slowed.
Serena was smiling. And judging by the faint color on her cheeks, Xavier was saying something that embarrassed her.
That alone was enough to make me suspicious.
I slowly walked toward them. Serena noticed me first.
She cleared her throat immediately. Xavier followed her gaze.
The moment his eyes landed on me, he went completely silent.
His gaze traveled slowly over me. For several long seconds, he simply stared.
The intensity of it made my stomach tighten.
Finally, he picked up a glass of champagne and took a slow drink.
Then he smiled. "You look hot."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm standing right here."
"Good. Makes it easier to tell you."
Serena laughed. Xavier's smile widened. "So hot that all I can think about is devouring you right now."
"You're impossible."
"Yet here you are."
I shook my head. Despite myself, I felt heat creeping into my cheeks.
Serena looked between us and sighed. "You two are exhausting."
I smiled and sat beside them. Xavier immediately handed me a glass of champagne.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
I took a sip. A few moments later, I felt something on my thigh.
I nearly jumped. Under the table, Xavier's hand rested against my leg.
I shot him a glare. He looked completely innocent. Leaning closer, I whispered into his ear. "Don't ruin my dress."
His lips curved into a slow smile. "Your dress is perfectly safe." His fingers moved slightly. "But what is between your legs isn't."
My breath caught. And heat immediately rushed through my body.
Serena cleared her throat. I jerked away from Xavier.
And Serena asked, "Anna told me you wanted to see me?"
Xavier's attention lingered on me for another second before finally shifting to Serena.
"Of course." He took another drink. "Didn't Anna tell you?"
Serena glanced at me.
I shook my head. "No."
Serena looked back at Xavier. "She didn't tell me anything."
Xavier nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting."
I already knew I wasn't going to like whatever came next.
Then Xavier smiled. "I wanted her to invite you to join us for a threesome."
The words landed like a grenade.
Serena blinked. Then she stared at him. "Pardon?"
Xavier looked completely serious. "You heard me."
Serena let out an awkward laugh. "Oh, I heard you." She pointed at herself. "I'm just trying to confirm you're actually serious."
"I am." The smile on his face never faded.
Serena looked at me. Then back at him, then back at me again.
I wasn't helping. I was too busy dying internally.
Finally Serena said, "Are you for real?"
"Very." The confidence in his voice was terrifying.
Serena rubbed her forehead. "I don't think Anna would agree to that."
Xavier waved dismissively. "Don't worry about Anna." I glared at him. He ignored me completely. "I'm asking you."