Chapter 40 40
Maisie’s Pov
Dinner with Xavier and Kylie was in a private dining hall in an expensive restaurant. For someone who just redeemed his wealth, he didn't mind splurging the one he had.
Roman and I met him at the entrance of the restaurant. He was in a designer shirt that probably cost an arm. Sheathed in velvet and perfume, Xavier’s whole outfit commanded authority. Tonight, he went all out. Tonight, he dressed to impress.
Beside him, Kylie pretended to be friendly. She was quick to grace us with a fake graceful smile and by us, I mean Roman. She glared at me and Xavier before she went on to hook her arm around Roman's. Xavier shrugged and led me inside.
The dining hall was large, designed to accommodate a hundred guests. We dined in the centre of the room, the very spotlight of the entire place and the position with the most view.
I hated it.
The draperies hugging the walls were deep, rich colours and made the place seem ominous even with all the lights. Second, there was a golden chandelier hovering over our heads. Call me paranoid but what if it falls and hits us? Third, they let Xavier Dominion rent a hall in their establishment. I think I should buy this place to teach the owner a lesson.
“Chloe?”
A deep voice pulled me away from my intrusive thoughts.
I blinked. “Sorry? I didn't catch that.”
The corner of Xavier's lips quivered as he swirled the wine in his glass.
“I said you look beautiful tonight.” He smiled.
I wanted to smile back but the asshole didn't deserve my smile. Hell, he didn't deserve anything. I could feel my intrusive thoughts taking over and quickly quelled them.
“Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself.” I said in a fake polite voice. In the end, I took the coward's way out and complimented him back.
Kylie cleared her throat and he glared at her. For two people who claimed to be lovers, they didn’t act particularly friendly or even lovely towards each other.
She met my gaze and rolled her eyes. Then, she leaned forward and smiled. “Thank you for honouring my invitation, Jason. I'd love to do this again if you don't mind.”
“I'd love to but I promised Chloe dinner together everyday. If I don't keep my promise, she’ll get upset.” Roman smiled. He rested a hand on my thigh, the touch so casual yet possessive it sent heat arrowing to my core.
For a moment, Kylie's face fell before she quickly recovered and laughed nervously.
“Wow. You must really like her.” She said, shooting daggers at me with her eyes.
“I love her.” Roman threw the word casually, rubbing his thumb over my bare skin.
His touch was soft but it was enough to cloud my thoughts. I was so focused on the warmth of his hand that I couldn’t focus on anything else, not even the delicious food.
What is wrong with me? I’d never lost my head over a man like this.
Xavier cut through the small talk in a well-timed interruption.
“Yep. You and Chloe make a beautiful couple.” He shot me an amused glance before turning to glare at Roman. “I never thought I’d see the day when you'd get engaged, Jason.”
“Neither did I but Chloe took me by surprise.” The reply was so warm and intimate, I almost believed it.
My heart rate kicked up as the butterflies in my stomach went wild again.
I took a big gulp of wine to calm them down.
It’s just for show. It’s not real.
There was no reason to believe Roman’s actions were anything more than a ruse. Other than our kiss a few hours ago, he’d never indicated he wanted us to be real.
Sure, he’d gone above and beyond when it came to helping me with my revenge plan but he also wanted to have his revenge on Xavier too. It didn’t mean he liked me.
The rest of the dinner was a blur.
Half of my attention remained tuned into Roman while the other was on Xavier. But for now, Roman's was dominant.
He sat a few inches to my right but his mere presence was a living, breathing distraction that crowded my lungs and clouded my thoughts.
It was my first time seeing him in a relaxed group setting and it made me understand how people could get sucked into his charm and underestimate him.
For all his care and concern toward me, I’d never once doubted the ruthlessness that lay beneath his civilized veneer. But here, watching him laugh and joke with effortless grace, I almost believed he was nothing more than a wealthy playboy with only money and good times on his mind.
Roman turned to answer a question from Kylie when his thumb made another slow sweep over my skin.
I told myself it's all just for show. It’s not real. None of it was.
I took another gulp of wine before I finished my thought.
When I set down my glass, I noticed Xavier was still staring at me. I gave him a slow smile and looked away. Then I excused myself to powder my nose, making sure he saw how high the slit of my dress was before I turned and walked away.
I didn't go to the bathroom. I went to the balcony instead and stared at the dark starless sky. And as I suspected, he came up beside me.
“Mind if I join you?” Xavier asked softly.
“Sure.” I said before returning my gaze to the sky.
He came up beside me and exhaled sharply. “You needed some fresh air too huh.”
“Yeah. The air in there feels smothering.” I said.
He paused, then I explained.
“The air freshener… I'm allergic.” That wasn't a lie and it also wasn't the truth. I was allergic to a certain air freshener but it wasn't the sweet apple scent used in the dining hall, it was lemons.
Xavier's face paled before he cleared his throat. “Oh… sorry. I didn't notice.”
By my count, this was the second time his face was looking flushed. The first was when I mentioned the Red Howl Virus and the second was when I mentioned my allergy. It only meant he felt guilty about Aria's death and my (Maisie's) allergy.
“Are you okay?” I gave him a small nudge, reminding myself to scrub the bejesus out of my elbow later.
“Yeah. I'm glad you both made it here.” He said, then looked at me. “Especially you.”
Bingo.
“Thank you, Alpha Xavier.” My reply was bait and I waited for him to fall right into it.
He let out a low curse before he dragged his hand through his hair. “Sure.”
“So… I'm gonna head back.” I tightened my shawl around my shoulders and turned to leave when he caught my wrist.
“Yes?” I said in a drawl, not looking at him.
“Can I… talk to you about something important? It's… it's really important.” He stammered like a highschool boy. It was embarrassing.
“What did you want to tell me?” I asked, hiding my bored tone with a curious one.
“I —”
The words had barely left his lips before I caught a glimpse of Roman. He stopped at the door and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Jason!” I called out in a fake sweet voice and ran to his side. Then, to spite Xavier, I hugged Roman and kissed his cheek. He got the memo and wrapped a protective arm around my waist.
“Luna Kylie is looking at you, sir.” Jason said in a neutral tone, then he looked down at me before focusing on Xavier again.
Xavier’s face contorted into a frown before he forced a smile. “Coming right up.”