Chapter 36
The bathroom door opens with a click, and Xavier steps out, his hair still damp. The black T-shirt fits him perfectly, the material clinging to his muscled chest and shoulders. His black cargo pants are loose and hang low on his hips, and the belt is cinched in place.
My mouth goes dry. It’s unfair how effortlessly attractive he is.
“See something you like, bride?” he asks, his lips twitching.
I lift my gaze to his and my cheeks heat. “Shut up.”
He stalks toward me, the amusement fading. In a blink, he’s in front of me, and I have no choice but to lean back. Xavier grabs the back of my head, his fingers threading in my hair.
“Careful, or I’ll fuck you goodbye instead of kiss you.”
“You said you wouldn’t rape me.”
“You can’t rape the willing.”
I gape at him. He chuckles and the sound vibrates through me, sending tingles up my spine. Then his mouth is on mine, his lips moving gently, as if he’s savoring me.
When he pulls back, I open my eyes, expecting to find him wearing his usual smug expression. Instead, he gazes down at me, his eyes swirling with desire.
Abruptly, he turns away from me, his movements deliberate as he begins to pack his belongings scattered around the room. A set of clothes, medical supplies, and weapons. A lot of them. Guns and knives of all shapes and sizes, plus ammunition.
Each item he places into his bag feels like a brick in the wall he’s building between us, a barrier made of silence and unanswered questions. As much as I want to know where he’s going and what a summons means, I don’t ask. Even if he did tell me, I’m not sure I could handle the truth.
Finally, he zips his bag closed and stands, his posture rigid. When he faces me, his face is covered in a mask. Not a physical one, but an emotional one void of everything except determination and focus.
“Let’s go,” he says. “Grab your stuff.”
He juts his chin at a table that sits in front of a window. I walk over and collect my jacket, my silver dress, and my shoes. After checking my phone, I return it to my coat pocket, resigning myself to dealing with the missed calls and texts from Raven when I’m caffeinated.
I follow Xavier into the hall. He stops just outside the door and presses several buttons before turning to look at me.
“Place your hand on the pad. It’ll scan your handprint and give you access to my room. That way, you can stay here while I’m gone. No one is allowed in there except you. Do you understand?”
With a nod, I do as he says. The keypad lights up, going from yellow to green. Xavier looks at me and takes my hand.
“That’s it?” I ask.
“Yes.”
He starts walking and I follow quietly. When we arrive at another door further down the corridor, he stops. I stare at the massive piece of wood, waiting for him to open it. He doesn’t. After knocking, he steps back and waits.
Declan appears a few seconds later. He rubs his eyes and says, “Why are you awake this fucking early? Shouldn’t you be in bed with your bride?” He catches sight of me behind Xavier and exhales. “What do you need?”
“I’ve been summoned,” Xavier says.
The other recruit’s eyes widen. “Fuck. Already?”
Xavier nods. “Dear old dad isn’t happy with me.”
“The vow.”
“The vow,” Xavier repeats with a nod. “My bride needs a guardian while I’m gone. I don’t want the other recruits thinking she’s fair game.”
Declan shakes his head with a grin. “Only a stupid motherfucker would go after her. I, for one, like my balls right where they are.”
“That’s why I’m asking you to watch after her.”
“How long?”
Xavier shrugs. “I’ll be back in time for the ceremony tomorrow night.”
“Not bad.” Declan opens the door wider. “Get the fuck out of here. I’ll take care of her.”
Xavier reaches for me and grips my chin, lifting my head. The warmth from his touch makes my pulse quicken. Then he brushes his lips against mine, and I can’t help but lean into the kiss. It’s over too quickly.
“Behave yourself, Delilah.”
I roll my eyes. “Sure thing, daddy.”
His gaze darkens, and a muscle ticks along his jaw. “Say it again.”
Declan coughs, clearing his throat. “Jesus. Leave before you fuck her in the hallway.”
Xavier ignores him, his eyes on me. “Say my name.”
“Daddy Donovan.”
Declan grins. “She’s fucking perfect for you, man.”
Xavier’s lips twitch before he smiles at me. It’s devastating, taking my heartbeat and repositioning it inside my pussy. It pulses with need. Damn it.
He winks at me, and then he’s gone.
I wish I was completely happy to see him go.