The cool night air bites at my skin, but the heat of my anger keeps me warm. Xavier eventually stops and turns to face me, his gaze searching mine in the moonlight that filters through the branches. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to stare at his torso.
His back might be scarred, but the rest of his body is perfect. His chest, abdomen, and biceps are toned, his muscles flexing as he removes his mask. The man is a masterpiece.
And there’s his tattoos.
Xavier has several, most of them encircling his arms like sleeves, the black ink designs, intricate and detailed. I want to touch them, to trace their patterns and explore their meaning. Especially the single bird perched on a branch. No, it’s a scar, the one I gave him.
“Delilah, I know you’re pissed. I also know you like asking a million fucking questions. So, go ahead. Ask them.”
His voice has me snapping to attention, bringing my gaze to his and my anger to the forefront of my mind like a shield. “Fine. Why did you write that word on my back?”
He steps forward and grabs my chin. His lips are inches from mine, his silver gaze piercing. “I don’t want you to ever forget who you belong to. Not even for a second.” He points in the direction of the castle off in the distance. “And those motherfuckers are the kind that would try to steal you from me. It was a message to you and to them.”
Xavier knows about Eric threatening me. I’ve admitted everything else, so it’s the only logical explanation for his behavior.
“Did you like humiliating me?” I whisper.
He tightens his grip on my chin, tipping my head back until I can’t look away. “I’ll tell the truth if you do.”
“About what?”
“I want to know what Gage said to you. Word for fucking word.”
“It doesn’t matter if you end up trading me for Brenda.”
He leans closer until the tip of his nose grazes mine and his fingers dig into my skin. “If you wanted my attention, then you fucking have it. Listen, because I’m only going to say this once. I’llnevergive you up. And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take you from me. If you look to another man for something I can give you, I’ll show you just how possessive I can fucking be.”
Xavier’s expression darkens, but his eyes glint with something fierce. “Don’t try to change the subject again. What did Gage say to you? Give me a reason to rip his fucking tongue out.”
My heart is pounding so hard and fast that I’m starting to feel lightheaded. The way he says those words is so final, so sure, itscares the hell out of me. He did it once before to Frank, but I’m not worried about myself.
I don’t want anything to happen to Xavier because of me.
“I’m going to tell you the truth, but I need to know something first,” I say.
Xavier studies me, his gaze intense. Then he nods once. I take a step back and he lets his arm fall to his side.
“Okay.” I pause as my thoughts collide with one another, all of them demanding to receive answers. I settle on the most important one, the very question that started this entire thing. “Why were you at the house three years ago?”
“My father sent me to watch over Benjamin. Without any uncles or cousins, he’s the only heir to the McKenzie family.”
“So it had nothing to do with me?”
Xavier slowly shakes his head. “No.”
“Makes sense.”
Something inside me dies. I can’t explain why, but it shrivels, leaving me withering inside. Of course Xavier didn’t really want me. He killed Frank to protect Ben. I’m positive Xavier chose me as his bride just to piss off Eric. It was never about me.
He might want me now, but he didn’t in the beginning.
“Eric said he’s going to take what belongs to you, starting with me and ending with your empire,” I say. “I don’t know why you two have this rivalry going on, but from now on, leave me out of it.”
I turn around to walk away, needing to be alone and sort my thoughts into something that makes sense. Xavier moves quickly, snatching my wrist and halting my steps. He pulls me toward him until the tips of our shoes are touching.
“Where are you going?” he asks.
“I’m leaving, so I won’t punch you in the face.”
