Page 69 of King of Ruin

Beside her, Xavier looked every bit the billionaire everyone expected him to be.

His perfectly tailored black tuxedo emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful build, while the silver-framed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose only added to his commanding presence. His handsome face remained composed and unreadable, every sharp angle illuminated beneath the warm lights. There wasn't the slightest hint of emotion on his features, yet he somehow managed to command attention the instant he walked into the room.

Without a word, he slipped his arm securely around Elise's waist.

His palm settled against the small of her back, silently guiding her through the entrance as guests instinctively moved aside to make way for him.

People greeted Xavier from every direction.

He acknowledged them with little more than a brief nod.

His attention refused to stay where it should.

Again...

His eyes wandered to Elise.

His gaze lingered on the soft curve of her cheek, the graceful line of her neck, the way the pale pink fabric hugged her waist before flowing over her hips. Every few steps, he caught himself looking at her all over again.

It was becoming a problem.

He silently cursed himself and forced his attention toward the crowd ahead.

Only seconds later, his eyes drifted back to her once again.

As though they belonged to someone else entirely.

Elise gradually became aware of it.

She could feel his gaze returning to her over and over again. Unable to ignore it any longer, she slowly turned her head.

Their eyes almost met.

Almost.

The instant Xavier realized she'd caught him staring, he looked away with practiced ease, pretending to survey the guests as though nothing had happened.

His face betrayed nothing.

His hand did.

The fingers resting around her waist tightened almost imperceptibly, drawing her a fraction closer to his side.

The subtle gesture didn't escape Elise. A rush of warmth spread across her cheeks.

She lowered her gaze, suddenly feeling shy beneath his silent attention, her heartbeat quickening.

Before either of them could speak, an excited voice cut through the conversations around them.

"Xavier!"

A woman hurried across the deck toward them, weaving effortlessly between clusters of guests with surprising speed.

"Oh my gosh, you're already here!" she exclaimed, slightly out of breath as she reached them. "Do you know what just happened? You know Devin? Well, he just—"

Her words stopped abruptly.

Her eyes landed on Elise.