Xavier had decided to let Rebecca live her normal life. She went to work every day and returned by 7 p.m.—just early enough to freshen up and make dinner before he arrived home. Over the past month of living together, Rebecca had grown used to Xavier's presence. She found herself enjoying his company more than she'd expected.
Just yesterday, he had taken her out for lunch, treating her with gentlemanly gestures that warmed her heart. Yet, that same gentleman turned into something else entirely at night—a beast in bed. Rebecca blushed hard just thinking about the previous night—their passionate, almost violent encounter in the dark room. Three days ago, Xavier had made love to her in their room and confessed that he liked her. But she hadn't been able to say anything in return. She was scared of letting him break down the walls around her heart, only for him to abandon her after their six-month contract expired.
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It was already 8 p.m., and Xavier still hadn't returned. Rebecca sat curled up on the couch, watching a movie marathon, waiting for him. The clock ticked on steadily, lulling her into a light doze.
Meanwhile, Xavier had just wrapped up a critical operation. He'd dealt with Ana and Felicia—also known as Wild Cat—by interrogating and recording their confessions. Their testimonies, along with paperwork proving their roles in the setup, were enough to clear his name. After handing them over to the police and FBI, Xavier finally headed home.
Entering the living room, his eyes immediately darted to the clock on the wall—nearly eleven.
Was Becca seriously watching movies this late?
He approached to scold her but stopped short. She was fast asleep on the couch, her expression soft and serene. The innocence on her face tugged at something deep within him. He leaned in and gently brushed his lips against hers. For a man who had been used to cold, transactional greetings, Rebecca's warmth had become addictive.
Every day, she welcomed him not with reverence for his status, but with genuine affection. Her smile, her hugs, the aroma of dinner filling the house—it all made him feel... human.
He kissed her again, softer this time, but just as he leaned in for a third kiss, she stirred, blinking up at him with hazy eyes that sparkled with something he couldn't quite place.
"You're back!" she said brightly, wrapping her arms around him.
"Yeah… were you waiting for me?" he asked.
She nodded and held him tighter. He lifted her easily, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he kissed her deeply.
"I missed you too," he whispered honestly, carrying her toward the stairs. But she suddenly pulled back.
"I made dinner for us," she said with a smile.
He blinked, amused. "Alright, let's eat."
She slipped from his grasp and went to reheat the food. Soon, the delicious aroma filled the air, making even Xavier's tough exterior melt with anticipation.
"I just hope the taste still holds up," she teased as she plated the food.
Just as she was about to sit, Xavier pulled her onto his lap, kissed her again, and whispered, "You're mine."
He fed her gently, almost worshipfully, and Rebecca leaned into the moment.
"I found the people behind our setup," Xavier said suddenly, his tone shifting to one of grim finality. He poured her a glass of mango juice.
"Really?" she asked, eyes widening with hope.
"Yes. They confessed. I'll need you as a witness at the trial." His jaw clenched. "I won't let them walk away from this."
Rebecca noticed the flicker of pain behind his strong demeanor but didn't push further.
Then he asked, "So… now that we've found them, are you planning to leave me?"
"I… I don't know, Xavier," she said honestly. "But my mom called today while I was at work."
"What did she say?"
"She told me my brother is coming to New York soon. He got into NYU."
Xavier's brows lifted slightly. "He could stay here with us... make the house more lively."
"Really?" she beamed, excitement lighting up her face.
"Uh-huh," he replied with a small smile.
She threw her arms around him, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "You just saved me. I didn't know how to start searching for a place for the two of us... But now, how do I explain to my brother how I ended up living here?"
"Tell him I'm your boyfriend," Xavier said smoothly as he scooped her into his arms.
And with that, he carried her to the bedroom—for another night of passionate, tangled love that felt far less like a contract and far more like something real.