Sweet dreams

Xavier POV

We arrived at the hotel way later than I wanted to. The drive from the airport had been too long, the roads twisting and endless, with shadows stretching across the pavement like they had something to hide. Maybe it was just me, but the air felt heavier here. Like we weren't alone. Like we were being followed.

I kept glancing over my shoulder, scanning every car, every face, every pair of eyes that lingered a second too long. I wasn't just paranoid. I knew how the Blackwoods operated. And I knew Jeremy. He didn't make idle threats.

Fiona was quiet beside me, her fingers gripping the strap of her purse like it was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. She hadn't said much since we left the airport, and I didn't blame her. The whole thing—Jeremy showing up, Sophia's icy little speech—had rattled both of us.