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Taking the stairs quickly, I pull out my phone and call Cain. After all, he’s the one who should clean up the Henley mess. The asshole was his recruit, not mine. But when he tried to move on Laura, he signed his death warrant. And when he came back to my house to try and take me out? I became judge, jury, and executioner all at once. Cain will understand, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences. After all, Henley’s uncle is in the Brotherhood if the rumors are to be believed.
Even so, if he comes for me, he won’t be the first assassin I’ve had on my tail. I’ll take the hits as they come. But tonight, I intend to relax with Laura, learn more about her, and keep my goddamn hands to myself for once.
17
LAURA
“Stockholm syndrome,” I repeat the words as my finger runs down the page in the dictionary until I find it.
Feelings of trust or affection felt in many cases of kidnapping or hostage-taking by a victim toward a captor.
Yep. That’s what I’ve got. I shut the book and put it back on the shelf in the small library. This isn't my fault. It was bound to happen that I would fall for him. Has that been his plan the whole time? To get me here and then make me fall in love with him? What else could it be? Furthermore… Why me? That’s the one thing I really keep getting stuck on.
I tap my finger on my lips when it hits me. He’s succeeded. I may not want to admit it, but his plan worked. He knew exactly what he was doing with those orgasms. Luring me in with pleasure until I fell for him completely. Before this, I’d been able to resist him.
Barely, but I had. How many times had he asked me out? I’d lost count. Again and again I’d turned him down. Now here I am, excited for my date tonight. A date that will be my first ever. The one thing I’ve always tried to avoid, and he practically had me begging for one today.
That sneaky bastard. I roam out of the library and toward the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Even with his trickery, I’m not inclined to cancel our date. What he did was underhanded and also a tad bit sweet, if I’m being honest. The thought that someone would go to such lengths to get a date with me is crazy. But also kind of hot in a way.
Okay, now I’m really sure I have this whole Stockholm syndrome thing. Why am I fighting this? I keep asking myself that question. The only thing that Xavier has done to upset me is avoid me. If it wasn't for him and his attraction to me, where might my brother or even I be right now?
A chill runs down my spine thinking about it. He paid off my brother's debt and is holding me as collateral. Okay, yes, I might not be able to leave, but I want for nothing besides his attention. Is that really so horrible? I mean, this place is freaking wonderful. I haven't been this relaxed and well fed in my whole life. He even tries not to push me when I can tell he wants so much more. He could have long ago taken what he wanted, but he hasn't. And I know he more than wants it.
I see it in his eyes. I’ve figured him out. He’s holding back for me. That’s the real reason he’s staying away. I think this last week has been as hard for him as it has been for me. When I enter the bedroom, Sue sits up from where she was lying but remains on my side of the bed.
“Where have you been?”
She jumps down and rubs herself against my legs.
I scratch behind her ears. “You think Xavier is a good man, too, don’t you?” She purrs louder. “Come on. We need pjs for this movie date.” She follows me into the massive closet. I head over to the drawers that contain all different types of pjs. I mean, who needs this many to choose from?
“What about this one?” I hold up a lace nightie to show Sue. My face warms when I think about Xavier picking this out for me. “Too fancy. I agree.” I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. I have to play it cool.
Next, I pick up a cami and short set. “This is cute.” I don’t get a big reaction from Sue, but her ears perk up a bit, so I’m taking that as a good sign. I decide to just wear the shorts from the set. I grab one of Xavier’s shirts from his side of the closet and pull it over my head. The smell of him makes my nipples go hard.
What has this man done to my body? I only have to smell him, and I’m already getting turned on. Would it really hurt to have some fun with Xavier? Yes. Because all good things must come to an end. That’s the moral to my life story. Nothing lasts.
Xavier will get what he wants, and then what? What if I was the one who didn't want it to end? Then what would I do?
“I guess it would be my turn to kidnap Xavier.” I snort, telling the joke to Sue.
She blinks as if she knows it’s not really a joke or something.
“It's a joke.”
“What’s a joke?” Xavier strolls into the closet.
“Nothing,” I say quickly. “You’re late. A few hours implies three hours. It’s now been three hours and nine minutes.”
As always, he looks handsome. His suit is a little worn from the day. I don’t miss the spot of blood on his collar. I fight back a small laugh. I guess being with a man like Xavier, it’s not other women’s lipstick you’ll be finding on his clothes but blood.
“Did you miss me?”
I open my mouth to say yes, but close it quickly before I give away the farm.
He smirks. “My apologies. I wanted to get you something.” He holds up the brown bag in his hand.
“What is it?” I step closer to him, immediately forgiving him for being late. I mean what’s a few minutes when he came bearing a gift?
