I've already seen you

Xavier's gaze flickered between his parents, their calculated smiles tightening around him like a noose. He knew their game—corner him into marrying Vallerie. But he refused to play along.

"Fine,"Xavier said, his voice steel-edged. Without another word, he seized Becca's wrist and led her upstairs, their footsteps echoing in the heavy silence.

Becca's breath hitched as he pushed open the door to his room. "We're… staying together?"Her voice trembled, fingers knotting in the fabric of her dress.

Xavier's jaw tightened, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Problem?"

"N-no, sir. It's just… privacy."She swallowed hard, her gaze darting to the bed, then away.

His expression softened—just slightly—as he caught the fear in her voice. "Privacy?"A dark chuckle escaped him. "Relax, Becca. I won't touch you unless you want it."

But she didn't believe him. Couldn't.

The moment Xavier left, Becca's composure shattered. She stripped off her clothes, her reflection in the sea-green mirror a cruel contrast of elegance and ruin. The scars littering her skin—raised, angry lines—spoke of horrors she couldn't outrun.

"Things are getting worse,"she whispered, tears carving paths down her cheeks.

The shower's scalding water offered temporary escape. She scrubbed at her skin, as if she could wash away the memories. But when she stepped out, wrapped only in steam and vulnerability, Xavier was there.

Shirtless. Unyielding.

Her breath caught at the sight of him—the defined planes of his chest, the predatory gleam in his eyes. She lurched backward, but he was faster. A hand snapped around her wrist, hauling her against him.

"Why run?"His voice was rough, thumb brushing her pulse point. "I've already seen every inch of you."

Then his mouth crashed onto hers, hot and demanding.

Becca's mind splintered:

1. Fear—He's too strong.

2. Attraction—God, why does he feel like this?

3. Panic—I can't let this happen again.

But Xavier wasn't asking. He'd craved her taste since that night—the citrus sweetness of her lips, the way her body arched against his. He'd searched for her, desperate, until blackmail dragged her back into his world.

The kiss deepened, his tongue claiming her with ruthless precision. She whimpered, her knees buckling as he devoured her, hands mapping the curves he'd memorized in the dark.

When he finally pulled away, Becca swayed, gasping. His grip kept her upright, fingers digging into her hips.

"You're mine now,"Xavier growled, breath ragged. "My pet. My rules."

A shiver raced down her spine.

"We do this when I say. Where I say" He released her with a final, searing look before disappearing into the bathroom.

Alone, Becca clutched the sheets, her thoughts a storm:

What have I gotten myself into?