Xavier scoffs. “The Order doesn’t allow another way besides theirs. You know that, McKenzie.”
“Did you pass?”
“Yes.”
“Which means I’m a piece of shit for killing that girl instead of wounding her.”
The atmosphere is thick with things left unsaid, implications left untested. I want to understand what they went through, but the truth is these men have a history shared between them that I’ll never fully comprehend. Or condone. I can only remain a silent observer of their internal conflict and hope that one day I can get away from the Order.
“Listen,” Xavier says, his voice firm, “none us know what fucking games the Order is playing, and we sure as hell don’t know how to win them. All you can do is make a judgment call and hope it doesn’t end up getting you killed.”
“Delilah should never have been a part of this.”
“I wonder if the Order would’ve made her your target if they hadn’t already chosen her to be mine.”
Ben sighs. “Probably. She was doomed the day she met me. Ironic, since I’ve always been the one who kept her safe. But now you’ve taken over that responsibility. Just… look out for her, okay? She means more to me than you know, X.”
Xavier’s response is soft, almost imperceptible. “I know. She means everything to me too.”
Chapter 4
DELILAH
Xavier is worse than a shadow. He never leaves me, not even when the sun goes down. At least he utilizes the shower in my room and has Declan bring him fresh clothes.
I manage to avoid Xavier by sleeping a ton, but I know that excuse won’t work forever. Eventually, he’s going to question me about how I ended up in the Order’s clutches and on the rooftop the other night. Then I’ll have to admit I’m an idiot. When it comes to him.
Xavier takes my hand, his gaze probing. “How are you feeling?”
I purse my lips. “I feel like I’ve been stabbed.”
“Any pain?” he asks, blatantly ignoring my jab.
“I’m sore, but it’s not too bad.”
A look of relief crosses his features. “Good. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
“An apology would help, too,” I mumble.
He tightens his grip on my hand. “I’ll never apologize for saving your life.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.” He nods at me, emphasizing his statement. “I will stab you, shoot you, or hurt you, if it ensures your survival.”
“Well, fuck.”
He blows out a breath of frustration. “You can see me as a villain or your protector. Either way, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you.”
“Keep me?”
I bristle and yank my hand from his. Xavier slowly rises from the chair and reaches down to capture my chin. He lifts my head until our gazes collide.
Mine defiant.
His determined.
“Oh, yes, my bride-to-be. You’re mine. Mine to touch. Mine to fuck. Mine to lo—” He stops and shakes his head. “Mine to look after. All of it.”
