Carli pulled up at the loading dock and a guy in black from head to toe was meeting them.
“Let’s see your favourite ballet.” Xander extended his arm to her.
From the moment they were settled in their seats, at the orchestra side, straight from view to the stage, Xander was hyperaware of Harper. How she flipped through the program, how her fingers played with thexcharm at her throat and how she almost reached over to touch him but refrained.
Damn it. He wished she would reach across and take his hand or casually put her hand on his thigh. Her floral scent imprinted on his brain, and he loved watching how her eyes sparkled at the modern take on the ancient ballet.
“I’m sorry you never got to dance it,” Xander said, during intermission.
Harper glanced away, smoothing out the dress of her skirt. “It’s okay.”
“What is it, Angel?”
“Nothing. Just being here brings back a lot of memories.”
“Some good, I hope?”
“Yes,” Harper said. “I need the washroom. Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thanks,” Xander said “Let me know how Talon does.”
Harper smiled and exited the curtained space, and he exhaled when she was gone. Taking out his phone, he scanned for any updates. There was none but a text message from his friend Ian saying he and Charlotte enjoyed playing and could they do it again soon?
In the middle of writing a text message, Xander’s hand stilled. Seven years ago, Ian was still with his first wife, Nadia, and was there the night he took Harper home. Though Xander had sent Erik to do a full workup on Nadia, he had left Ian out of the equation. He bit the inside of his lip, cursing his oversight. He considered Ian a friend, but when it came to Harper’s safety, he wouldn’t leave a stone unturned. He made a note to have Erik look at him when he got back.
“Just in time,” Harper said, coming through the curtain.
“Good,” Xander said. He couldn’t help it. He reached out and grabbed her hand as she settled in the chair. “The second half is lively, isn’t it?”
Harper smiled at him as the lights dimmed, and his heart pounded fast and heavy.
The door to their box opened while the dancers were taking their bows. “Mr. Montague, if you come now, we’ll get you out of here before the crowd,” the tall, tanned bodyguard Luis said.
“Certainly,” Xander said, holding his hand out to Harper. Walking between the bodyguards, they exited the lobby, with no camera flashes or anyone asking them questions, and right into the limo.
“That was a fun night,” Harper said. “Thanks so much for taking me.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like to come back to the house for dessert? I have your favourite cake.”
“That sounds great.” Harper smiled at him.
As they rolled by her apartment, Harper grinned at him.
“What did you tell Logan?” Xander asked.
“I didn’t tell him about my past, but it came out that I’ve lived with you and Ares since I was sixteen.”
Xander swallowed hard. It was a lot of pressure on her, he knew, for her to be someone else, never revealing all of her. Damn, she’s lasted this long without getting close to anyone.
“Harper, you should be able to talk freely about yourself. It’s okay, I was only looking for an explanation because being accused of liking them young, as Marrock said, was the highlight of my week.”
Harper closed her eyes, and he couldn’t help it. He reached out and cupped her chin. “Come on in and eat cake.”
Xander led her up the three steps then opened the door and allowed her to walk ahead of him into the big, vast space. The house was Ares’s choice, it was bright and modern, with vaulted ceilings, big open spaces, a formal dining room at the back, and an informal living room out front and beyond views of the mountains and ocean.
Harper followed him through to the kitchen. “Do you mind?” she asked, taking out a water glass.
“Of course not,” Xander said. “I’ll be back.”
