Chapter 41 41
Maisie's Pov
“You’re back.” Kylie’s dry tone cut through the air as the three of us walked in. She flicked her gaze at me and I smiled.
“I am.” Xavier said, taking his position beside her.
“And we were just wrapping up, weren't we?” Roman said smoothly.
“Yes, we were.” Something gleamed in her eyes when she replied and I wanted to know why.
“Alpha Xavier, Luna Kylie, it's been lovely.” Roman added with a smile.
“Same here.” Xavier replied, looking at me now. “You mind if we hitch a ride together since we're headed the same way?”
Kylie was quick to answer. “Yes! I'd love for us to go home together. Don't you, Jason?”
I turned to Roman, waiting for his reply. It came. In a cool, deep voice.
“I don't mind.” He said.
Kylie squealed softly while Xavier smiled like he won the lottery. This day just keeps getting better and better.
Kylie wouldn't stop yapping as we rode the elevator down to the lobby even when we reached the sidewalk,
“Have you ever played tennis, Jason? I play on Saturdays with my girls. You should join us sometime.” She said standing next to the black BMW with a seductive grin on her face.
Just then, she turned to enter the backseat and extended her hand to him. “Jason, can you, please, help me get in?”
Roman didn't move but I did.
“Why don't I see to that?” I took her hand and helped her in.
We all got in and the car moved.
Kylie wouldn't stop grouching the way home and I wouldn't stop smiling. I won. She lost.
We arrived at the pack mansion a few minutes later.
Kylie narrowed her eyes at me as soon as we got out of the car. “That dress is lovely. Poor shame, it's on you.”
“Perhaps, you'd like to wear it. I don't usually give hand-me-downs but I'll be willing to share this dress with you, Luna, if hand-me-downs are your style.” My grin widened at her shocked expression.
I walked past her and stopped to whisper to her. “And for your information, this gown is a custom-made Prada. Of course it suits me.”
Then I walked away.
“It was nice having dinner with you, Chloe.” Xavier hurried towards me, catching his breath when he neared.
“The pleasure is all mine.” I leaned forward to brush a lint off his jacket then I leaned back. “You wanted to say something to me earlier. What was it?”
Xavier darted his eyes left and right as if to check if he was in danger, then he sighed.
“I wanted to talk to you about something but it seemed inappropriate at that time. Maybe we can talk about it tomorrow? Just me and you?” He added shyly.
I laughed and when I did, it made him smile.
He was falling for me. Xavier liked me. If only he knew who I actually was.
“My schedule's really tight so I don't know when I'll be free but…” I smoothed his lapel and smiled. “... when I am, you're the first person I'll call.”
“That's great.” A sigh of relief escaped him as if he'd been holding his breath for a long time. Then he smiled gingerly and brushed his fingers over mine. “I'll see you later.”
“You too.” I nodded. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Chloe.” He smiled, then walked away.
While I watched him walk towards Kylie, a shadow came up behind me. And not just any shadow.
“He's in love with you,” Roman said in a voice cold enough to freeze blood. “Probably thinks you're his mate.”
At the mention of “mate”, my wolf whimpered. The scent of lavender and wildberries clung fast to the air and I froze. Not this again.
I sucked in a short breath, refusing to face him. Looking at him right now would be my very undoing.
“He is,” I forced an edge into my voice. “But that's his mistake. I'll destroy him before he even says ‘Love’”
“That's why I like you.” Roman said with a smile in his voice. “Shall we?”
I didn't need to look to know that he's extended his hand. I brushed past him, refusing to take it. I couldn't touch him. Not when one touch could lead to something much worse.
We arrived at our suite which was only a few minutes away from Xavier's.
“Is there something you're not telling me?” Roman asked as he shut the door behind him.
“No. Why’d you ask?” I said in a tone that made me wince. The curt reply was chillier than the crisp evening air swirling around us and I hated that I used it on him.
He tried again. “Maisie, is there something you're planning that I'm not aware of?”
Normally, Roman wasn’t this nosy. He didn't poke his nose in my business and I didn't do the same in his but this was different. Why?
“Nothing you need to worry about.” I took off my heels and darted to the walk-in-closet. He followed me.
“That’s not an answer.” Roman hissed.
I draped my shawl in its rack, not meeting his gaze. “What do you want me to say, Roman?”
“Try the truth.”
This time, I looked at him. Was he serious? The truth?
I scoffed. “What?”
“You’ve been giving me the cold shoulder for hours. I need to know why. I need to know everything that's going on with you because you know everything that's going on with me!” He breathed.
“You know plenty about me, Roman, which means I'm fine.” I reached for my nightdress.
“No, you're not.”
“Drop it, Roman! I don’t want to talk about it!” I snapped.
His jaw tensed. He looked like he wanted to say something but he didn't.
“Fine.” he bit out, then walked away.
Watching him leave broke a part of me I didn't know existed. Why did I feel hurt? Why did I hurt him? Something more bitter welled beneath the frustration. I toned it down and pretended everything was fine.
When we went to bed, Roman and I didn’t speak to each other. Frankly, I wanted to leave the pack house and drive to Emma’s but I couldn't. I was scared I'd have another nightmare and I didn't want to terrify Emma. I didn't want to show her that I have a weakness so I stayed. Right next to Roman.