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Zoey's POV I clap along with everyone as Xavier stops next to the man on the platform, who seemed to be on the same height as him. They both wore identical three-piece suits with expensive patterned ties. "So, Xavier, tell me something and this stays between us," the MC whispers in the microphone making a few people in the back giggle, clearly amused. "are you making more money than Bill Gates per day?" "Ahh. Tough question there James," Xavier jokes as he scratches the back of his neck. "Sorry to disappoint, but I certainly will not say, but what I will say, is that I'm making enough money." "You're no fun Xavier." The man almost pouts as he turns to face the audience. "Okay, there you have it, gentlefolks. Please give another round of applause for Xavier Danvers, CEO of Xavier & Co Enterprises." James steps aside and lets Xavier have the space to navigate and deliver his speech on the podium. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," Xavier greets in the microphone, his eyes scan
Zoey's POV I wake up to the intensity of the sunlight peeping through a slightly cracked, glass window and onto my face. I groan and try to roll to the opposite side of the scorching sun rays, but I can't budge. I feel like a truck has dropped on me— a tractor trailer, to be precise. I am positive this is not just a hangover from the little alcohol I had consumed last night. A mild, but cold and salty, air gently blows on my skin creating a warm sensation on my body when contrasted with the hot sun. I try to twist my body in the opposite direction of the window but after a few failed attempts I slump in defeat. A low snore comes from behind me a while later, to twist my. Turning my upper body slightly, I see Xavier peacefully sleeping with his lips partially open and his heavy hand draped over my waist. He looks adorable and stress-free when he sleeps. My teeth sink in my slightly chapped pink lips as I bite back a laugh. My eyes sweep over his sleeping form in content for a while
Zoey's POV I know it is late by the time I pick myself up from the cold floor and decide to take a long bath. Stripping out of my morning attire, I step into the cold tub then turn on the faucet. Plopping down in the interior I listen to the bathtub filling up. A while later I tip my head back and let the soapy lather ease the tension from my aching body— both physically and mentally. I can't help pretending, just for a short while, that I haven't taken the offer and was back home with Kat, and not halfway around the world with a multi-billionaire I cheated on my psychotic ex-fiancé with. Maybe things would have been different. Or maybe not. I lazily dismiss the thought. Too late for pretending, or even wishing for that matter, everything had run its course. I'll just have to woman up and face whatever brutal obstacle the universe fling in my way. I lean further back in the tub, letting the warm water and sweet smell of raspberry envelope me. After a good half an hour, give or
Zoey's POV "I had a really great time tonight," I whisper earnestly to Xavier as we both step in the elevator with random tourists. "I aim to please." The corner of his lips quirk up in a half-smile and, before I knew it, his shoulder convulse as he let out a low laugh. "You're welcome baby, but the night's not over." My forehead creases as I look over at him. We are practically the same height, this is the good thing about wearing heels. "What do you mean?" "You'll find out soon." He kiss our tangled hands. I sigh in content, loving the feeling of his mouth against my skin. We rode patiently up to the sixth floor of the hotel as his fingers lightly stroke mine. When the last person got out, one floor below us, he quickly turn to me. "Before I forget, I need to blindfold you." The man reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a red blindfold. My jaw goes slack as I eye the fabric in his hands. The thing I hate more than surprises is being blindfolded for a surprise.
Zoey's POV Most of Xavier's clothes are off, with his help, before we even get to the semi-dark bedroom. The moon is the only source of light that penetrates the glass and shines magically on the floor. He sets me down on the edge of the bed with a chaste kiss before he goes off in search of something. I trace his silhouette as he moves around carefully in the dark. "Ah ha." Xavier turns to me a while later and holds up long, joined group of condoms. The packets glisten in the moon's reflection. "Someone thought they were getting lucky tonight," I tease as he strides over to me smiling. His smile grew even wider. "I'm optimistic, remember?" I don't have time to think of a coy remark. His mouth is already on mine, teasing and stroking. The man guides me further from the edge of the bed. His lean, steel body bows over me, not once breaking the kiss. He pulls away a while later. I whimper watching as he takes off his underpants, the last piece of fabric that stands in our way.
Xavier's POV I flip the page back and forth trying to focus on the vital information printed on the pages. Damnit! I sigh, flipping over and starting at the top again. I can't do this! "Fuuuccckk!" I yell as I clear half of the desk, hearing random things clunk on the hardwood floor. I hold my head down on the table as I take deep breaths. I can't help thinking about my family, including my fiancée, and their safety. A broad smile makes its way to my lips as the word lingers in my mind— fiancée. The happiest moment for me during that Italy trip was when she said "yes" to my re-proposal. I probably should have just done that in the very beginning instead of being a coward hiding behind a contract. Now that my mom has instigated fear into me, I really can't help but be paranoid. I haven't seen my baby since I dropped her off at my parents'. Even though she told me she is fine, since our last video chat an hour ago, I can't help being a bit fearful. Don't you know what you've
Zoey's POV "I'm sure he would call if there was a problem." I jump back a bit in the newly renovated booth before I look over at Mrs. Danvers. What's even the point of looking at my phone when my battery died a few minutes ago? Classic Zoey, forgetting to put her phone on charge. "I'm sorry. I'm just a bit jumpy today." I laugh nervously before gulping down nearly half of the warm tea. "It's understandable." She pats my left hand which was placed on the table. Her thin lips stretch in a kind smile before she drinks from her own cup. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to you. I'll personally make sure of it." "Thank you, but I can't let you do that. I mean, Xavier and the police are already on it. I just don't want to bother anyone else." "Nonsense. It's not a bother. You're a part of the family now Zoey. Your problems are ours." The corner of my lips quirk up at her kind statement. "Thank you." "No problem dear." She offers me a bittersweet smile as she glances around th
Zoey's POV "Hey there Zoey." Mr. Danvers rises from the stool then walks over to me, leaving the cup he was drinking from on the poolside bar counter. The man pulls me into a brief hug before he leads us to the patio chairs, gesturing for me to sit. This is new. My eyes wander to his dark suit that peeks out from underneath an immaculately white winter coat that hangs loosely on his body and compliments his equally fair skin. From the looks of it, he just got back. He wasn't here earlier that's for sure. The pool and outside lights automatically blink on as the sky darkens with hues of black, blue and pale orange. My eyes flicker out to the spectacular view. The bright city lights below contrasted with the dark sky. Mr. Danvers and I are on speaking terms, if you wanna say that. He apologized the very same day I came to stay here and, I guess, he has been kind since then. "Hi Mr... Uh, Fred. Hey." "Is everything okay?" He nods to the phone clutched in the palm of my hand