Page 206 of King of Ruin

"Can you not go?" he asked quietly. "I am really scared that she's going to marry you."

Elise couldn't stop the small giggle that escaped her. She lightly slapped his arm, amused by his ridiculous concern.

"We're just going to have dinner and come back," she assured him.

Then she turned around and quickly walked back toward Astrid.

Astrid personally opened the car door for her, waiting until Elise got inside before walking around to the other side and getting into the driver's seat.

Before entering the car, Astrid briefly looked back at Xavier.

Their eyes met.

Astrid gave him a cold, narrow look before turning away without saying a word and getting into the car.

Xavier's jaw tightened, irritation flashing across his face as he watched the car drive away.

By the time they returned from dinner, it was already eleven at night.

Elise and Astrid stepped out of the car, both slightly tipsy and laughing softly from the evening they had spent together.

Elise turned toward her.

"I'll see you tomorrow? You are staying for a few nights in Manhattan, right?"

"Yes," Astrid replied. "I'm staying at the presidential suite on East Street. You know the Residence Hotel? That's where I'm staying."

"That's a nice hotel," Elise said with a small smile.

Then she yawned, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm so tired. I'm going to fall asleep the second I fall onto my bed. Now get to your hotel safely, and text me once you reach, okay?"

She was about to turn back toward the house when the front door suddenly opened.

Elise looked up and saw Xavier hurriedly coming out of the house like he had been waiting for her arrival.

He was dressed in loose trousers and a casual T-shirt, clearly dressed for the night, his hair slightly messy, but there was a grin on his face as he walked toward her.

The moment he reached her, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer.

"You’re finally back. Let's go inside."

Without waiting for her response, he started guiding her toward the house.

But Elise barely took a step before another tug stopped her.

She turned around and saw Astrid standing behind her.

Astrid walked closer and immediately wrapped her arms around Elise, holding onto her tightly.

"I want to sleep with you tonight," she said with a slight whine in her voice. "Can we sleep together for one night? I came backafter such a long time, and you're telling me to go sleep at the hotel? How can you let that happen to your friend?"

She hugged Elise even tighter, refusing to let go.

"I want to sleep with you tonight. Please, please, please."

Elise looked at her amused expression and smiled.