Chapter 41
Xavier
The road unfurls before me under the moonlight as I ride my motorcycle toward the Donovan mansion, the cool air sharp against my skin. The building emerges from the darkness, the perimeter well lit, a looming presence that’s both a home and fortress to my parents.
I kill the engine at the end of the long drive, the sound dying away in the stillness of the night. Stepping off the bike, I pull off my helmet and shake out my hair, steeling myself as I ascend the wide marble steps to the front door. It swings open before I can reach for the handle.
Edward Donovan stands there, his silhouette framed by the golden light spilling from the grand foyer. “Xavier.”
“Father.”
“Come inside. I want a full report.”
His anticipation is strong enough for him to answer the door himself instead of allowing the butler to do it.
Inside the house, the air is heavy with the scent of old wood and power.
We move to his study, a room lined with dark shelves burdened with books and artifacts that speak of centuries of Donovan influence and intrigue.
I report in concise detail, recounting the mission’s execution, and end with, “The tech is in place as planned in all five locations.”
My father listens, his expression unreadable. “And the surveillance?”
“Fully operational. We’re already receiving data. It’ll provide us with continuous intel on the Gages’ operations.”
“Any issues?”
I nod. “We encountered a minor resistance but neutralized it without any compromise to our objective.”
A hint of satisfaction flickers across his features. “Good.” My father pauses, then his gaze sharpens, the next order of business casting a sinister veil across his face. “Now, we must discuss the third Trial. It’s approaching quickly.”
I nod, the weight of his expectations settling on my shoulders.
“The McKenzie heir must live,” he says slowly, the gravity in his tone drawing my full attention.
“With his family’s tech, we can utilize power that our rivals won’t have access to, giving us an extreme advantage.
The monopoly on the tech would not only solidify my empire’s top position but could also be used as leverage in negotiations, trade agreements, or power plays within the criminal underworld. Think of the possibilities, son.”
He starts pacing back and forth, his voice charged with growing enthusiasm and aggression as he speaks. Although I want to remind him that I already know all of this, I remain quiet. The last time I interrupted my father, it didn’t end well.
“In our world, perception is often as important as reality,” he says.
“By securing a technological edge, my reputation as an untouchable leader would be irrefutable. This perception could serve as a deterrent against future thefts or betrayals, particularly from the Gages. It would reinforce the fear and respect that’s crucial in maintaining control and obedience within and around my empire.
Not only that, but I could rule the Order. ”
I stiffen, careful to keep my expression neutral, despite the unease coiling around me. To challenge the Order is to seek destruction. Either my father thinks he’s invincible or he’s so delusional that he can’t see the death sentence he’s embracing with arms wide open.
His gaze is intense as it locks onto mine, a calculating gleam behind his eyes. The air in the study is stifling, heavy with the power he wields over me.
“I understand the importance of the McKenzie heir,” I say carefully, my voice even but firm. “As I’ve done in the past, I’ll ensure his safety.”
My father nods, apparently satisfied with my response, but I can tell his mind is still racing with plans and contingencies. “We can’t afford any mistakes, not with so much at stake.”
He walks over to sit in his desk chair, steepling his fingers as his eyes momentarily drift to the array of historical artifacts lining the room. Each piece is a testament to the Donovan legacy of conquest and control. The very dynasty my father’s ambitions threaten to destroy.
“The Gages have been a thorn in our side for too long,” he continues, his voice taking on an edge.
“Securing this technology will not only neutralize them but elevate us to an untouchable realm. You’re proving to be the crow I raised you to be, Xavier.
Keep on this path, and our legacy will be immortal. ”
He dismisses me with a wave. Stepping out of the study, the air feels slightly cooler, a small relief from the oppressive atmosphere of his strategic plotting. I walk quickly, more than ready to put distance between me and my father’s insanity.
No one takes on the Order and survives.
Once I’m outside, I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head.
The moon is high, casting long shadows across the driveway as I walk toward my motorcycle, my thoughts drifting to Benjamin.
My role in his life isn’t just dictated by familial duty or organizational loyalty—it’s something far more personal.
At one point, the McKenzie heir was my friend. If I follow my father’s orders, Benjamin will be my enemy. Maybe he always was.
I climb back onto my bike, and the engine roars to life under me, like a beast awakened, and I speed away from the Donovan estate. I’m not just leaving the physical mansion but the confinements of a destiny I never chose.
I pull up to the dormitory, the building dimly lit and almost silent, most of its occupants asleep. After parking in the garage, I cut the engine and remove my helmet, soaking in the reprieve of returning to a normal student life. Even if only in appearance.
Stepping inside the castle, I make my way upstairs, my boots cushioned by the carpet in the empty hallway. When I reach my door, a sense of longing to see Delilah, to confirm her safety and just to be near her again, washes over me.
I crave that girl with an unhealthy obsession.
I step inside and come to a halt. Delilah is there, curled up in my bed, her presence unexpected but so welcome.
The soft glow of the bedside lamp casts gentle shadows across her face, highlighting her peaceful expression.
For a moment, I just stand there, taking in the sight, the tension from earlier melting away.
“Xavier?” Delilah stirs, her eyes fluttering open. When her gaze lands on me, a smile spreads across her face, lighting it up even more. “You’re back.”
“Yeah. I didn’t expect to find you here, though.” I close the door behind me and approach the bed, both warmed by her presence and weighed down with the burdens I carry.
“I missed you,” she admits, sitting up and pulling the covers around her. “Ben brought me back early because I asked him to. I wanted to surprise you.”
The sincerity in her voice and the simplicity of her desire to be with me has my heart beating harder, a steady thrum that makes my chest ache when I look at her. I sit on the edge of the bed, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I missed you, too.”
“Is everything okay with the summons?” she asks, her eyes searching mine, a trace of concern in her voice.
“It went . . . as expected,” I say, choosing my words carefully. The details of the mission and the conversations with my father are things I can’t share with her. Not if I want her to live.
And love me.
Delilah nods and shifts closer, her warmth tangible as she leans against me. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am now.”
I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close. She rests her head against my shoulder, the weight of her comforting. We sit in silence, content with the moment, her closeness soothing.
“I need you, Delilah,” I whisper, the confession spilling out of me. “More than you know.”
“I’m here.”
She reaches out to grasp my hand, our fingers entwined. The warmth of her touch seeps into my skin, and the rest of the world disappears. All I’m aware of is her.
“I’m yours, little raptor.” I lift our joined hands and press a kiss to her wrist. “I love you. So fucking much.”
“I know.”
Her simple reply has me lifting my head to stare at her, amusement rising within me. “Did you really just Han Solo me?”
She gives a shy nod. “Maybe.”
Her smile lights up her entire face, a brightness that illuminates the darkness in my heart, chasing away the shadows. I cup her face, stroking her cheeks with my thumbs, and her eyes drift shut.
Then I brush my lips against hers, a soft kiss that speaks of my devotion, a promise that will always be kept.
“I love you, Delilah,” I whisper. “I’ll never stop saying it.”
“Good.”
She removes her clothes before kissing me, her lips warm and inviting. She’s all the comfort and peace I could ever need. I deepen the kiss, the need to taste her overwhelming, the desire for more consuming.
“Fuck, you’re sweet.” I lean forward, pressing her into the bed, my body covering hers. “I want to devour every inch of you.”
I move my mouth to her neck, trailing kisses along her delicate skin. Her scent is intoxicating, the sweet aroma filling my nostrils. As I slide my hand along her side, I can feel the tension in her muscles, her body straining against mine, drawing close.
She reaches up and tangles her fingers in my hair, her grip firm.
“Xavier,” she moans, her voice a siren song, luring me deeper into the depths of desire.
I kiss a path down her body, tasting every inch of her. She spreads her legs, granting me access to the part of her I want to worship. The part of her that no other man will ever have.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” I say, the words a whisper against her skin. “I can’t wait.”
I move up her body, capturing her lips with mine. My tongue delves into her mouth, exploring, seeking, claiming. She tastes like heaven, and I can’t get enough.
I’m quick to strip off my clothes, wanting the heat of her skin to scorch mine.
My hands move to her hips, lifting her against me, my cock grinding against her pussy.
She gasps, her nails digging into my arms, a sharp pain that fuels my lust. I grind into her again, and she arches her back, her expression a mix of pleasure and agony.
“Fucking look at me,” I say.
I reach down to grip the back of her head, forcing her to watch as I grab my erection and circle the head against her dripping pussy. The action sends sparks of pleasure racing through me, a delicious torment. Her cunt is hot and wet, and her arousal is slick on my cock.
I slowly thrust into her, burying myself in her beautiful body once inch at a time. “Look at my cock filling you. Stretching you. Claiming you.” Her inner muscles clench around me, a tight, perfect fit. “That’s it,” I murmur, gripping her hair. “Let me fuck you.”
She fists her hands in the sheets, her knuckles white. “I need you.”
“You have me,” I say, thrusting into her, harder and faster. “Always.”
“Always.”
I grip her hips, holding her in place, pounding into her. Her moans are music to my ears, the sweetest song, the melody of her passion. The pleasure builds, her muscles tightening, her body trembling.
“So fucking good,” I grit out.
I drive into her, the pace frantic, desperate. With every thrust, I chant her name again and again, as well as my love for her. I can’t stop telling her, even if I wanted to.
“I’m going to come.” She gasps.
“That’s right, little raptor,” I say, my voice low and rough. “Come for me.”
She cries out, her voice breaking. I bury my cock inside her, her heat pulsing around me, pushing me over the edge. The pleasure is too much, the feeling of her wrapped around me too addictive.
“I love you,” I say, the words coming from the deepest part of me, the truest part. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
My father taught me how to kill, how to survive, but Delilah showed me how to live.
How to love.
She smiles up at me. “I love you, too.”
“The fuck?” I shift to grip her throat, my gaze narrowing. “Don’t fucking lie to me. Not about this.”
I don’t think I’ll survive it.
“I’m not lying.” Her voice is soft, and her eyes are wide, the sincerity in her expression genuine.
As I stare down at her, the tension in me drains away. I pull her close, the realization washing over me. “Really?”
“Really.”
“You have no idea how much I’ve waited to hear those words,” I murmur, the honesty raw and painful. “Now say it again.”
She does, her voice a beautiful whisper.
“Again,” I demand.
“I love you, Xavier Donovan.”
“Fuck, I can’t get enough. Again.”
Delilah laughs. “How many times is enough for you?”
“The limit does not exist.”