Chapter 82

“You are welcome to our humble abode,” Vivienne said with a bright grin, her eyes sparkling as Xavier stepped into their home.

The way he looked around, wide-eyed, almost like a child stepping into a palace for the first time, was impossible to miss. His gaze roamed over the tall ceilings, the polished marble floors, the shining chandeliers, and the expensive art that adorned the walls.

“This is everything but humble, Viv,” Xavier said, his voice full of awe. “You live in a palace.”

He then turned his attention to Magnus, extending his hand with an easy smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Magnus.”

Magnus took his hand firmly, his grip strong, his eyes studying the man in front of him. “Same here, Xavier.”

Up close, Xavier was tall, but Magnus had the advantage of a few inches — and far more muscle. Xavier’s brown hair was neatly trimmed, and his hazel eyes held the kind of warmth that could make anyone feel comfortable.

But Magnus didn’t feel comfortable.

“Ah, damn,” Xavier suddenly said, pulling his hand back with a snap of his fingers. “I forgot the wine in the car. I’ll be right back. Please excuse me.”

Before either Vivienne or Magnus could react, Xavier dashed out the door, his footsteps echoing against the marble floor.

Vivienne giggled softly, nudging Magnus’s arm. “Xavier is such a funny case, isn’t he?”

Magnus didn’t share her amusement, but he forced himself to nod. “Yeah.”

Funny? Forgetful maybe. But funny? Magnus couldn’t see it. To him, being careless wasn’t a charm — it was sloppy.

His jaw tightened as he realized his fists had balled up without him noticing. Get a grip, Magnus, he scolded himself inwardly. Why was he so rattled by a man he had just met? Xavier had done nothing wrong. He had been polite. Respectful. Yet the irritation in Magnus’s chest only grew.

Because none of your friends are men, a darker voice inside him whispered. And Xavier is.

Magnus pushed the thought away quickly as the doorbell rang again.

Vivienne opened the door with a smile. Xavier stood there, holding up a bottle of wine and a gift bag.

“I brought you guys homemade wine,” he said proudly, handing the bottle to Magnus. “It’s really good. Vivienne can testify.”

Magnus raised an eyebrow, glancing at his wife, who nodded eagerly. “Thanks.”

“No problem, man,” Xavier said with a shrug.

What a showoff, Magnus thought bitterly as he turned the bottle in his hands. Homemade wine. Really? As if anyone cared whether the grapes had been crushed by his own two feet. Store-bought wine would have been just fine. But no, Xavier had to be special. Had to be impressive.

There you go again, thinking like a fool, his conscience chided him. This time, Magnus ignored it.

“Enough with the formalities,” Vivienne said cheerfully. “Come in properly. I’ll go get the twins.”

As she went upstairs, Magnus and Xavier walked toward the dining room.

“What do you have there?” Magnus asked, motioning to the bag Xavier carried.

“Toys,” Xavier said simply. “I ordered them online because I wasn’t sure what to get. I just hope they’ll like it.”

“Is that so?” Magnus muttered, sliding into his seat.

“Yes,” Xavier said, sitting across from him. “I want to make a good impression on them.”

“That’s good,” Magnus replied flatly.

Xavier leaned back. “By the way, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Kevin. He did a great job with my condo. And he let me add my own ideas without judgment. That was really professional.”

Kevin had been Magnus’s interior designer for nearly a decade.

“You’re welcome,” Magnus said stiffly. “Kevin is excellent at what he does.”

Not bad, Magnus thought grudgingly. Maybe Xavier wasn’t all bad.

The sound of small footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

“They’re here,” Vivienne beamed, walking into the room with Jayden and Jayla, their shy smiles lighting up the space.

“Hi, champs,” Magnus said warmly, his irritation melting just a little as his sons climbed onto their chairs beside him.

“Babies, meet Mummy’s childhood friend, Uncle Xavier,” Vivienne said. “And Xavier, meet Jayden and Jayla.”

“Hello, Uncle Xavier,” they chorused, their voices bright.

“Hi, dearies. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Xavier said, his eyes soft as he opened the gift bag. “I brought something for you two.”

Their eyes widened. “Gifts?”

“Yes,” Xavier said, grinning as he pulled out toy after toy. “I hope you like them.”

Jayden gasped, clutching one. “An untamed raptor toy!” The little dinosaur purred at his touch, making him laugh.

Thankfully, Xavier had bought two identical toys, one for each twin. Otherwise, a fight would have erupted within seconds.

“Do you like it?” Xavier asked, his gaze hopeful.

“Yes!” they said together, holding their toys high. “Thank you, Uncle Xavier!”

“My pleasure,” Xavier said, beaming as if he had just been awarded a medal.

Dinner was served soon after. Vivienne brought spinach stew with rice and beef for the adults, while Magnus plated chicken pasta bake for the twins. Laughter filled the room as the boys played with their toys between bites.

Afterward, Alice cleared the table and brought out the chocolate cake Vivienne had baked the day before, along with a wine opener.

The twins enjoyed their cake with apple juice, while the adults sampled Xavier’s homemade wine.

Magnus grudgingly admitted — silently — that the wine was excellent. So good, in fact, he considered asking Xavier if he would sell him some in the future.

Finally, the evening wound down. Xavier hugged the twins, then Vivienne, and shook Magnus’s hand firmly.

“Thanks for the warm reception,” he said at the door. “I’d like to host you both for dinner soon.”

“We’d love that,” Magnus said politely. “And thanks for the wine. It was perfect.”

“You’re welcome, Magnus,” Xavier replied, his gaze flicking once more to Vivienne. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Let me walk you to the car,” Vivienne offered.

Xavier shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine. Alright then, I’m off.”

With a casual salute, he disappeared into the night.

Moments later, as they prepared for bed, Vivienne asked with a hopeful grin, “So, what do you think about Xavier?”

Magnus hesitated, then forced a small smile. “He’s alright.”

“Right?” Vivienne said brightly, clearly pleased.

“Yes,” Magnus said, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

But even as she melted against him, Magnus’s thoughts were restless.

Xavier might seem harmless. He might seem polite. But Magnus’s gut told him otherwise.

And that gnawing unease whispered louder with every passing second.

What if Xavier wanted more than just friendship?