Chapter 54 54
Xavier's Pov
Silence suffocated the air as we inched through traffic, interrupted only by the soft patter of rain against glass. I could barely focus on driving and it wasn't because of the rain. It was because of the woman sitting beside me.
My senses were imprinted with the smell and feel of her — roses mixed with the rich warmth of vanilla; the brief glide of her hand against mine; and the static charge that clung to my skin every time she was near. It was maddening.
I glanced at her. She stared out the window, her fingers drumming an absentminded rhythm against her thigh, her face soft with introspection.
“You're really beautiful.”
The drumming stopped. Chloe turned, confusion stamped across her features. “What?”
“I said you're beautiful.” I repeated with a smile.
Color glazed her cheekbones and the tip of her nose. Unlike Kylie’s sultry looks, Chloe’s features were a bold, expressive canvas for her emotions. Dark brows pulled together over eyes that sparked with defiance, and her full, red lips pressed into a firm line.
She shifted to face me fully. Her skirt slid up, baring another inch of perfect, bronzed skin.
My blood burned hotter, and a muscle flexed in my jaw before I caught myself.
“You okay?” She leaned in.
“Y - yeah.” I stuttered as my engine cut off.
We’d arrived at the pack.
I hid a twinge of disappointment when a guard hurried over to us and took the keys from me. By the time I turned back to Chloe, she’d already exited the car.
I released a controlled breath before following her into the building.
“So… I'll see you at dinner?” My eyes flicked over her in appreciation.
“You will.” She walked past me, but not without pushing up on her toes and laying a kiss on my cheek. I watched her walk away, her hips swaying in that orange dress. Seriously. She looked good. If no one was in the hallway, I’ll find an empty room, and have my way with her.
I turned in the direction of our suite, my heart beating so fast. I should turn back. I should go to her but… I had to control myself.
I unlocked the door and glanced up. Kylie was already dressed. She let her hair down and painted her face as usual. I noticed a distinctive beauty mark at the corner of her mouth. She never wore this mark before.
“You’re back.” She said to my reflection in the mirror.
“I am.” I took off my coat and hung it on the coat rack.
“Well, I'll be down in the kitchen to check on dinner. Your suits in the wardrobe.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek and exited.
Normally, I'd be excited when she kissed me but right now? I felt nothing. Not a stretch of emotion. All I could think about was Chloe's kiss and how it nearly made me go feral.
I showered, got dressed and styled my hair. I took one look at myself in the mirror and I grinned. “You are perfect.” I made my way downstairs.
The pack's dining hall was prepared specifically for this dinner. I admired the effort put into the decorations and made a mental note to raise the salary of whoever was behind it.
“Alpha Xavier,” I heard a soft voice and turned around.
Making her way towards me was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen — Chloe Thompson and her dress was magnificent.
My eyes dropped to the low V-neck of the dress made her breasts look luscious. The skirt of the gown draped to the floor in graceful folds. It had a daring slit up one side.
The dress shimmered with subtle luminescence every time she moved, and when she turned, I could see the delicate straps crisscrossing over her back.
She was a goddess.
“How do I look?” She asked as she faced me.
“Divine.” I took her hand and pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles.
I peeked over her shoulder and noticed Jason was also making his way here. He was glued to the hip with none other than Kylie.
When they reached us, I smiled. “I thought you were checking on dinner.”
Her cheeks heated. “I was. I just went to fetch Jason. He was… running late.”
The chef announced our table was ready, saving us from further stilted chatter.
“Sure.” I stopped myself from rolling my eyes at the lie and offered Chloe a polite smile. “Shall we?”
“Thank you.” She took her seat next to me while Jason and Kylie sat directly across from us. The perfect arrangement if you ask me.
“You’re always welcome.” I snapped my napkin open and laid it across my lap.
“So… how was work today?” Kylie chimed in, staring only at Jason.
He cleared his throat before answering. “Well, we've made progress with the Healer's Project.”
“Really?” She forked her spaghetti and brought it to her lips.
“Yes,” I added. This time, I looked at Jason. “Chloe is going to be the face of Healer.”
My mouth curved into a grin as Jason’s smile died a quick death. He pursed his lips so tight it looked like a straight line.
“Wow, that's…” Kylie looked at Chloe and smiled. “... quite a lot. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Chloe's cheeks dimpled as she smiled. I was suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to pull those dimples out of her again. She was not only well-mannered but she was intelligent and beautiful. How could Jason mistreat her? What the hell was wrong with him?!
As dinner progressed, our conversation eased into a more neutral topic before Kylie and Jason began to talk inaudibly to each other.
I’d almost forgotten they were there. All my attention was on Chloe. I don't think I'd ever been this attractive to anyone in my life. Not to Maisie or to even Kylie. They didn't make my heart beat faster like she does when she smiled or how my recent waking moments were occupied with thoughts of her. She was everything I needed and more. She was my mate. She had to be. I've never felt a bond so strong like this in my life.
I reached for the salt in the middle of the table as Chloe reached for the pepper. Our hands brushed again and like the first time it happened, I felt an electric shiver run up my arm. Suddenly, the dining hall faded as our eyes locked like two magnets drawn together by force rather than free will.
If it were up to free will, I would continue with dinner like nothing happened because nothing had happened. It was simply a touch, as innocent as an accidental bump on the sidewalk. It shouldn’t have the power to turn my blood into liquid fire or reach inside my chest and twist my lungs into knots.
But fuck… Chloe's touch was maddening.