Xavier (Vigilance 4)

My heart beat fast. Would he return? I hadn’t scared him away, had I?

I lay there, wrapped in the covers, listening to the sound of the waves on the beach below.

It wasn’t long until the door creaked open, and X stepped back into the room. He was carrying a leather-bound book that was obviously old and well used.

“The library at Carrington house is only for pristine editions,” he explained. “Books that look like they’ve actually been read aren’t attractive.”

“Your father’s rule?”

He nodded. “Of course.”

“Couldn’t you change that now?”

“I could, but it’s become a habit to keep books I enjoy in my own room or my office. When I bought the island, I decided to bring some of them here.”

“Tell me your fantasy.” I couldn’t figure out what it could have to do with the book he was holding, but I needed to know.

“You have to promise you won’t laugh.”

“I promise.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You laughed after sex.”

“I was thinking people who say there’s no such thing as getting cured by a magic dick are totally wrong.”

X burst into laughter, a rich joyous sound I had no doubt was rare for him. When he’d composed himself, he inclined his head toward me. “Fine. I accept your explanation.”

“You admit to having magical powers?”

He grinned. “I absolutely do.”

“Are you going to keep me in suspense?”

He sighed and looked down at the book in his hand. “You know how in old books and period films a man will often read poetry to his lover?”

I nodded, unable to speak as I tried to process the man I’d seen kill with speed and efficiency sitting down to watch Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre.

“I’ve always wanted to do that. I love poetry, and so few people read it anymore. Did you know that it used to be quite common for soldiers to write poems?”

I smiled. “You mean like Siegfried Sassoon or Robert Graves.”

X’s face lit up. “Yes. How did you—”

“I actually know quite a lot about classic literature. I have an affinity for a few things other than computers, even if I am just a high school dropout who turned to a life of crime.”

“You are so much more than that, Emilio.”

I was more or less joking, though there were times I felt very inadequate around people like Xavier. “I like to read, and I decided to explore a lot of the things I might have been forced to read if I’d gone to college. Those are two writers I really liked.”

“Lie back,” he said, and I positioned myself flat on my back, hands folded over my abdomen.

He sat on the bed next to me and cracked open the book. The leather looked worn and comfortable as he cradled it in his hands. “‘A Glimpse’ by Walt Whitman.”

As X began to read, the words seem to dance around me. His voice was low and soft, and he had turned off the overhead lights, leaving on only an antique-style lamp for him to read by.

When he paused, I looked up, and our eyes met. I swear I felt something pass between us, even though we weren’t touching.

“X, I…” I licked my lips, unsure if I could say what I was thinking.

He nodded. “Me too, but I’m not sure were ready to talk about it.”

I smiled and reached out my hand. He took it, closing it in his own before starting another poem. He read until I was so sleepy I could no longer keep my eyes open to focus on him.

He closed the book, set it on the nightstand, turned out the light, and slipped under the covers with me.

My cock stirred as he settled his naked body against mine. He felt so good, strong and warm. I sighed as he ran a hand up and down my side.

“How do you feel? Sore?”

“Yes, but in a good way.” To show him how okay I was, I rubbed my ass against him. His hand tightened on my hip, forcing me to be still.

“We both need to sleep. My team will be here tomorrow and possibly a member of the Theriot family as well. I don’t know how long we have until JW or one of Swain’s other lackeys sends someone else. As much as I would like more of you”—he slid his lips along my neck—“it’s time for you to sleep now.”

“Yes, sir.” When I whispered the words, I felt his cock stir against my ass. I smiled as I closed my eyes. In seconds, I drifted off, knowing I was safe in his arms.

27

Xavier

I came awake the next morning to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. It was past dawn but still early. I turned over, trying not to wake Emilio. Giorgio’s name showed on my screen. It had better be important.

“Did I wake you?”