Chapter 7
The alarm’s beeping drills into my consciousness, dragging me from the murky depths of a drug-induced sleep into the harsh reality of morning. I roll over to silence my phone, but not without groaning loudly when pain streaks through me. It’s a cruel reminder of the wound marring my stomach, an example of the chaos that’s entered into my life.
Once the alarm has been turned off, I flop onto my back and stare at the ceiling. Today is the Monday of all Mondays.
If it hurts to shift in bed, how in the hell do I plan on getting to my classes? The mere thought of walking across campus sends another jolt of discomfort through my body.
I’m going to fail my classes, lose my scholarship, and then be expelled from the university. Everything I’ve worked so hard for, every sacrifice I’ve made is going to disappear, leaving me with nothing but shitty memories and a bitter attitude.
All because of the Order’s twisted games.
Xavier’s room is still dim, the early morning light barely peeking through the curtains, but I can still make out his face with him right next to me. The soft rhythm of his breathing is a calming sound in the otherwise silent room. For once, he looks less formidable and intimidating. The harsh lines around his mouth and eyes are softened in repose, a look of vulnerability that doesn’t quite fit him.
I trace the curve of his jaw with hesitation while loving the opportunity to look at him without him knowing. This man is always so intense, so forceful, but to see him unguarded and peaceful stirs something in my heart that I’d rather not examine for too long.
If I thought Xavier was handsome before when he was domineering and formidable, he’s devastating like this.
His eyes snap open, and he captures my wrist before I can pull away. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” I lie. Heat rises to my cheeks and I avert my gaze. “Let go.”
“Now why would I do that?”
The hum of his voice is like honey, sweet and thick. “I have to get ready for class.”
“You’re not going to class, Delilah.”
I tug on his hold, and he grins, gripping me harder. “What do you mean?” I ask.
“If I’m not with you, you’re not leaving this room.”
“Be serious.”
His gaze hardens. “I am. You need to stay here and recover.”
“What about my grades? I can’t fail. Unlike some people, I’m not going to be passed just because I’m part of the founding families. My last name isn’t Donovan.”
“Not yet.”
Xavier brings my wrist to his mouth, dragging his lips over my skin. I swallow the nerves gathering in my throat. This man stabbed me, yet I want him to kiss me.
“My professors won’t give me a passing grade unless I earn it,” he says. “Yes, I’m given ample time to make up assignments and exams whenever I’m out for a summons, but I still have to perform according to the academic standards set by this university. Do you think the surgeon in the infirmary passed just because of his last name?” Xavier shakes his head. “No, he had to gain the knowledge necessary to do his job. And do it well. The Order doesn’t want its members to be without skill and experience when the time comes for them to serve in whatever field they’re in.”
I shrug, but I can’t help the twinge of relief that appears. It’s nice to know that the man who sewed me up knew what he was doing. “Regardless, I need to go to class.”
“I’ve got everything handled.”
“How?” I lift a brow. “What are you going to do? Go to class for me?”
Xavier smiles and his gray eyes turn to liquid silver. “Yes, actually.”
“What?”
“You’ll see.” He places a final kiss on my inner wrist and releases me. “Don’t make me late. I have to get to class. Well, your class.”
I keep my gaze on him as he slides from the bed and walks across the room to retrieve fresh clothes. “Do you even know my schedule?” I ask.
He slips on a black t-shirt. “Dr. Yamamoto for English Composition. Dr. Garrison for College Algebra, and Dr. Meyer for Human Growth and Development. And of course, Dr. Ames for General Chemistry.”
I school my features to keep my shock hidden. Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised Xavier knows the details of my schedule. The man has invaded every facet of my life, so where’s the challenge in obtaining the information for my college courses?
“Of course?” I repeat. “Why is that a given with Dr. Ames?”
Xavier shoves one foot into a black combat boot. “He’s the poisons master for the Order.”
My mouth falls open. So much for keeping my expression hidden. “A what?”
“He teaches the recruits how to poison people. There are all types. Slow-acting and fast-acting ones. Poisons that can appear like natural causes of death. There are some that have violent reactions. All sorts, really.”
“And you just…” I wave a hand. “You know all that stuff?”
“Yes. I’ve attended his lectures for years.”
“Holy shit.”
Xavier grins. “What else did you expect from a group of assassins?”
“I don’t know. I guess I only thought about the killing, not the technique.”
“Methodology is important. Is your phone charged?”
I flick my gaze to my cell phone. “Yeah, why?”
“Be ready to answer my call here shortly.”
“Okay,” I reply, elongating the word. “Seriously, what are you going to do?”
“I already told you. I’m going to your classes.”
He grabs a notebook and pen from the table and sets the items on the bed next to me. I tilt my head back to meet his stare. “Xavier, I really appreciate this, but I can’t learn from reading someone else’s notes. Hearing the lecture and interpreting the information myself is key in how I retain it.”
“I’ve got it covered.”
I scrunch my face in confusion. “You do?”
“You’re going to have to trust me at some point.”
“I have a stab wound that says otherwise.”
He exhales and briefly closes his eyes. “If there’d been any other option, I would’ve taken it. I swear to you.”
I take in his earnest expression, the way his gaze bores into mine, seeking understanding. Perhaps even forgiveness. Although he said he’d never apologize for keeping me safe, there’s a part of him that bleeds with regret. Even so, I can’t let this go.
When I don’t respond, he says, “Keep your phone close.”
“I will.”
“Don’t go anywhere.” He leans down, bringing his lips so close to mine that his breath skims my mouth. “And don’t open the door for anyone. Not even McKenzie.”
My heart thuds so loudly in my chest I worry Xavier can hear it. Did he pick up on my desire to kiss him, or is this an intimidation tactic? Whatever his goal, it’s making my body heat and my skin prickle with awareness.
All he has to do is close the gap between us…
“I’m serious, Delilah. You’d better not leave this room.”
I nod in agreement, my lips tingling with anticipation. Instead, he places a kiss on my temple. It’s unexpected and sweet.
I swallow, but the action does nothing to dampen the thirst coursing through me. I still want Xavier. I’m going to blame my painkillers for that.
He straightens, taking his warmth and scent with him. “I’ll call you soon.”
“Okay.”
I keep my gaze on him as he walks across the room and out the door.
The second the lock slides into place, I sag on the bed. His need to protect me is sincere, but I can’t undo the knot of tension in my gut whenever I think about him throwing that knife at me. Trust isn’t something I can switch on like a light, obliterating the dark shadows surrounding Xavier. Still, the tenderness in his voice and the steadfast assurance he has when it comes to me is hard to ignore.
My body screams for pain relief, so I take some medication and wait for it to start working. After glancing at my cell phone and noting the time, I prop myself up in the bed on a mound of pillows. By the time I’m done, I’m sweating and cursing up a storm.
“Fuck Xavier and his big dick,” I say, my breathing haggard. “Fuck his hotness too. It makes everything worse because I can barely stand to look at him without thinking about sex. Fuck that guy, and fuck me for being a slut for him.”
My cellphone chimes, indicating a call, and I scramble to answer it. Xavier’s face appears on my screen. I squint at him, taking in the familiar lecture hall of Dr. Yamamoto’s class.
“Hello again, little raptor. Would you care to repeat the insults you just said about me to my face?”