He shakes his head. “I can’t. I’ve tried. Even when I close my eyes, you’re there.”
The passion in his voice catches me off guard, the unexpected confession too raw and deep for casual conversation.
His expression changes, his gaze seeking mine, boring a hole into my heart. I bow my head, as if that’ll rid me of the vulnerability that I know is shining in my eyes.
“The Order is a lot to deal with,” I say.
“True, but it’s nothing we can’t handle as long as we’re careful.”
“We?”
He cups my face, gently tracing the line of my jaw with his thumb. “Yes. We’re going to play their game and win. Then it’ll just be the two of us.”
“You’re either delusional or cocky or both.”
“I put the cock in cocky.”
Another wave of heat splashes across my cheeks. “Listen, I’m on doctor’s orders not to engage in any vigorous activity.”
“Not yet.”
I roll my eyes and grin. “Right.”
“Speaking of, I have something for you.”
Xavier lets go of me to reach inside his pocket. He pulls out a set of keys, glinting under the lights, attached to a keychain that’s too fancy to be anything ordinary. I blink down at the emblem on the keychain, not recognizing the logo. That means it’s definitely expensive.
Nausea churns my stomach. “What is it?”
“Something to help you get around campus while you’re getting better.” He smiles at me, and the expression melts my heart. “I can’t have my girl struggling.”
“Please tell me you didn’t buy me a car.” When he shakes his head, I relax minutely. “Then what is it?”
“A golf cart.”
“A what?” My voice is a screech, a fusion of disbelief and shock. “Why?”
His smile disappears, taking its warmth as well. “Listen, there’s no way you can walk comfortably to and from your classes with your injury. That’s not even considering the fact that you could sabotage your recovery if you overexert yourself. I’m simply giving you a mode of transportation that’ll assist with the healing process.” He pauses, frowning. “Although, it’s a two-seater, meant for you and me only. Not any other guys. Maybe not even Raven, unless she’s willing to keep you out of trouble.”
“I can’t take this.”
I curl my fingers around his, closing them over the set of keys. The warmth of his touch contrasts with the cold metal in his palm. When I withdraw my hand, something flits over Xavier’s features before his face is a mask, concealing his emotions.
“This is… too much,” I whisper. “I appreciate the thought, but I can’t accept it.”
“Why the fuck not? It’s a gift.”
I drop my gaze at the anger in his voice, unable to face him. “If this is about you attending my classes, please don’t feel obligated to do that.”
“Obligated?” He slides from the bed and lands on his feet. “Do you think I do anything I don’t want to?”
I shrug, keeping my gaze downcast. “Your reasons are your own. Just like I have mine.”
“My reasons? Maybe I don’t want to see you suffering when I know I can ease your pain. Maybe I need to erase this fucking guilt inside me. Or perhaps I just want to take care of you. But you won’t let me because you’re too damn stubborn to see a gift for what it is.”
“Manipulation,” I snap.
“Contrition.”
