Chapter 95 95
Kylie's pov
“Sorry I’m late.” The lazy drawl sent shock fluttering to life in my chest. “Traffic.”
No. There’s no way.
I had a better chance of getting hit by a meteorite than I did running into Maisie here. In the BlackRock Pack, no less.
But when I looked up, there she was, standing next to Alpha Roman. Perfectly sculptured cheekbones and sharp blue eyes, sin and danger all wrapped up in a flawless silky school.
My wine turned to ash on my tongue. Of all the people to witness me on a terrible date, she ranked at the top of the list. Not because I thought she’d judge me, but because I hadn't seen her in years.
I stood in shock as she greeted Roman with a burbly hug. I couldn’t hear her speak to him over the roar of blood in my ears.
While she talked, there was nothing disinterested about the way Roman's eyes held hers. Like she was the only thing that mattered.
Unease burned through me as I watched them. Alpha Roman couldn’t have been looking at her. He didn’t even know her. Right?
Maisie finished what had to be the longest talk in the history of conversations before she and Alpha Roman started walking toward me when I realized there was only one at our table. Xavier had already made his way towards her.
“Maisie.” The deep, smooth timbre of his voice sent a warm shiver down my spine. “This is a pleasant surprise.”
I tightened and released the hold on my purse in tandem with my exhales. He was still obsessed with her.
“Xavier.” It wasn't the first time she'd call his name but the syllables lingered longer on my tongue than expected. Not unpleasant, but far too intimate for my liking.
I resisted the urge to shift in my seat while he stared at her, his face relaxed but his eyes like hot molten amber as they moved from the top of her head to the dip of her dress.
This handsome bastard!
The scrutiny lasted less than five seconds, yet a trail of fire erupted in its wake.
‘Don't kill Xavier. You need him to get his signature to steal the money in the joint account.’ I told myself.
“I didn’t realize you were…” I searched for the right term. “Here, Maisie.”
“Likewise. I just got back to the city.” she said wryly.
“Oh really? Because we haven't seen you in forever. We thought something happened to you.” I widened my eyes and made my voice intentionally breathless with surprise.
“Something did,” Roman wrapped his arm around her waist. “She found love and happiness.”
“Wow,” I nodded, surprised for real this time. So they were really a thing.
“So … you and Alpha Roman,” Xavier said in a low tone.
“Yeah.” Maisie smiled.
My eyes dropped to her hands. There was a pink diamond ring adorning her ring finger. Was she engaged to him?
“Can we join you?” Xavier asked shamelessly. I nearly slapped my forehead from the agony.
Roman looked at Maisie. “Should we?”
“Hmm… I don't know but it's not bad reuniting with old friends.” Maisie smiled but it didn't meet her eyes.
This bitch —
“Thank you.” Xavier smiled. Of all things.
We took our seats on the four corner table. Soon, we were starting to attract attention from the rest of the table.
I was nervous and upset that Maisie was here with us. We sat quietly, ordered wine and stared at the brightly lit sky in silence. The tension in the air was too thick, I could barely breathe. Roman must've sensed it because he kissed her on the cheek and excused himself to use the restroom.
“What a nice night.” Maisie’s cocktail ring glittered beneath the lights as she sipped her drink.
“Of course.” Like anyone would turn down an invite to a private Delamonte dinner. “The weather said it was going to be starry tonight. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“That’s nice. Forgive my ignorance but I heard Xavier was getting married.” She sounded equal parts curious and disapproving.
A cotton ball formed in my throat at the indirect reminder of Chloe. I looked beside Xavier who was silent. He still hasn't recovered from the pain so I spoke on his behalf.
“Yes, you heard right. Xavier was about to tie the knot,” I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “But things didn't work out as planned so here we are. Together. Again.”
“That's amazing. Congratulations.” Maisie smiled. I doubted she meant what she said.
A voice cut through our brief conversation and I realized it was Xavier's.
“Where have you been all this time, Maisie?” He said, his grip loosening from mine.
“By the way, congratulations on your engagement.” I switched subjects to something more relevant. “I love your ring.”
Maisie lit up at the mention of the ring but didn't dwell much on it.
“Maisie,” Xavier said again. This time his tone was soft. “When did you come back?”
“Recently. I had something important to attend to.” She said,
I was annoyed at how Xavier could easily switch back the conversation I was trying to avoid.
“What thing?” Xavier asked, intrigued for reasons beyond me.
“Aria,” Maisie said in an emotionless voice. “Her memorial was a few days ago.”
That was when it hit me.
Damn, that's true. Aria died somewhere between the 15th and 17th. I wasn't sure of the particular day.
I turned to look at Xavier and his face paled further than normal. I became scared for him.
“Aria…” Xavier whispered the name before he looked down. “I'm sorry.”
“It's fine,” Maisie bit out before settling down with a smile. “It's been three years and eleven months. We've all moved on by now.”
You might have but Xavier hasn't.