The trust of it, of Xavier sleeping deeply beside me, vulnerable and unguarded, hits me like a physical blow.When was the last time anyone had trusted me this way?In my world, people sleep with one eye open, that is if they sleep at all.
My phone vibrates silently on the nightstand.Carefully, I reach for it, angling the screen away.Three messages from Tiana, checking in.One from my VP, about club business that can’t wait.My jaw tightens.The real world intruding already.
I type a quick response to my VP, then set the phone aside.The club can wait a few more hours.This moment, with Xavier warm against me, the quiet sanctuary of this room, is too precious to cut short.
Xavier stirs slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, before settling again.His hand slides up to rest on my chest, directly over my heart.The simple, unconscious gesture makes my throat tighten with an emotion I’m not ready to name.
Outside, a car alarm goes off briefly before falling silent.In the kitchen, the refrigerator hums.I catalog each sound, each sensation, the weight of Xavier against me, the scent of his shampoo, the warmth where our skin touches.I store them away like treasures to revisit during the cold nights that might lie ahead.
Because this, whatever is happening between us, complicates everything.The hospital administrator’s threats, the club’s business, the enemies who would use any weakness against me.Xavier represents a vulnerability I can’t afford.A target on his back.
And yet, looking down at Xavier’s sleeping face, I know with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t be able to walk away.Not again.Not after finally holding him, tasting him, feeling the way our bodies fit together like they were designed for each other.
Whatever comes next, whatever price I have to pay, would be worth it.I’d protect Xavier with everything I have.My influence, my strength, my life, if necessary.
Xavier shifts again, eyelids fluttering as he begins to wake.I hold my breath, wondering what I will see in his eyes.Regret?Awkwardness?The polite distance that would suggest last night had been a mistake?
Instead, he blinks up at me, sleep-hazy and soft, before his lips curve into a smile that hits me like a punch to the solar plexus.
“You’re still here.”His voice is rough with sleep.
My hand moves of its own accord, cupping his cheek.“I said I would be,” I reply, my voice gravelly with emotion.
His smile widens, eyes crinkling at the corners.“What time is it?”
“Early.Just past six.”
“Mmm.”Xavier stretches against me, all lean muscle and warm skin.“You been awake long?”
“A while,” I admit, not specifying how long I’ve been watching him sleep, drinking in the sight of him like a man dying of thirst.
He props himself up on one elbow, studying my face with those perceptive eyes that seem to see too much.“Everything okay?”
No point lying since he’d see through it.“Got some messages.Club business.”
A shadow crosses his face, there and gone so quickly I might have imagined it.“Do you need to go?”
“Not yet.”My hand slides to the nape of his neck, fingers threading through the short hair there.“They can wait.”
His expression softens.He leans down, pressing his lips to mine in a kiss that starts gentle but quickly deepens into something hungry.When we break apart, both breathing harder, I note his eyes have darkened.
“I should brush my teeth,” he says, though he makes no move to leave.
I tighten my grip slightly.“I don’t care.”
He laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out.“Well, I do.Give me two minutes.”
With obvious reluctance, he untangles himself and slides from the bed.I watch him pad to the bathroom, admiring the way his sleep pants hang low on his hips, the shift of muscle beneath his t-shirt.
Alone for the moment, I reach for my phone again.The message from my VP is more urgent than I’d initially thought.There is trouble brewing with a rival club, territory disputes that could escalate quickly.I need to handle it, preferably before it turns bloody.
The water runs in the bathroom sink.I type a quick response that I would be at the clubhouse by noon.Not ideal, but the best I can offer.Today belongs to Xavier, at least for a few more hours.
I set the phone aside as the bathroom door opens.Xavier emerges, hair damp at the temples where he’d splashed water, looking more awake now.
“Your turn,” he says, gesturing toward the bathroom.“Spare toothbrush is on the counter.”
I nod, sliding out of bed.As I pass him, I can’t resist reaching out, catching his wrist and pulling him close for another brief kiss.
