“Why?” he asks.
“Just answer the question.”
“I don’t do girlfriends.”
“Oh.”
For some stupid reason, disappointment floods me. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like I want to be in a relationship with the man, especially not after learning he’s a bigger asshole than I originally thought. However, there’s something inside me that can’t quite help but feel used. Or like he’ll throw me away when he’s done with me.
Xavier shifts before grabbing my shoulder and forcing me to lie on my back. He crawls on top of me, caging me in with bothhands planted on either side of my head. He grips my chin and forces my gaze to his.
“I don’t see other girls. I’m not?—”
I scoff. “Xavier?—”
“Don’t interrupt me,” he snaps. His tone has my body responding in the most inappropriate way. “I’m not interested in anyone else,” he says, his eyes boring into mine. “Only you.”
I study his gaze, searching their gray depths for lies and deceit. “Really?” The vulnerability in my voice shocks me, but not more than the man on top of me.
“I’ve already told you, Delilah. I mean what I say.”
I continue staring up at him, my emotions conflicted. He caresses my jaw the tiniest bit, and it sends me further into confusion. I can’t help but think of Brenda and speculate on whatever history they have.
“You’re just saying that because I’m your bride,” I say. “If you’d caught someone else, you’d say the same shit to them.”
“If you hadn’t been forced into the Bride Hunt, I wouldn’t have taken a bride.”
I make a face at him instead of telling him to get the fuck out of here with that bullshit. My reaction must be a little too easy to read. His expression hardens, his grip tightening.
“It’s not just the truth. It’s a fucking fact.”
I open my mouth, but he slips his thumb over my bottom lip, dragging it across my tongue.
“Eventually, you’ll learn to trust me.”
“You’re crazy.”
He shrugs. “You’re not the first person to say that, and you won’t be the last. Doesn’t matter because it won’t change a fucking thing.”
I shake my head, removing his hand, but he presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth, his lips lingering. I don’t respond, andhe doesn’t move. When he pulls away, his eyes are glittering with lust. And something deeper.
He moves to lie on his back and drags me toward him. He tucks my head under his chin, his fingers tangling in my hair.
“Sleep, little raptor.”
The order is quiet, spoken softly, and I have the strangest urge to obey him.
Chapter 32
XAVIER
Delilah fucking Scott.
In my bed.
In my arms.
In my control.
