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 looksless 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 haveto 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,yourclass.”
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?
