Chapter 14

Fourteen

MARISSA

Idon’t see Xavier over the next few days. In only a short time, I’ve become so used to his omniscient presence that his absence leaves me feeling like there’s a huge void in my life. Things are boring. Not just that, but I find myself getting sad when I don’t see him, slyly searching him out wherever I go.

Using my time to try to not find him, I work long hours in the studio on Thursday. Despite keeping my hands focused on art, my eyes glance repeatedly around campus on any breaks to try to catch a glimpse of him.

By Friday, I admit to myself that I miss having him around. The girls and I go to the warehouse club that night, and my skin tingles as if someone is staring at my back while we dance. I scan the crowd, hoping to see him, but never do. That night, I open my balcony doors…just to let some fresh air into the stuffy room.

He doesn’t show.

And that makes me feel abandoned. Hurt, even.

By Saturday morning, I worry that something happened to him or that I’ll never see him again. He mentioned an “event,” but since I haven’t heard from him, I wonder if he just forgot about it. Forgot about me.

Maybe my dad had gotten to him. Perhaps Xavier felt so uncomfortable after the dinner that he thought I’m not worth the trouble. He probably uses all that marriage and baby-making talk as pickup lines. Taking hot girls to his ritzy cabin to make them wet.

By Saturday afternoon, I decide I’ve indeed been fooled by a clever philanderer, and as I plan to drink the night away, a knock echoes loudly through our front door. Some hope spawns inside me, and I run to it, peering through the peephole, but it’s not Xavier. I don’t recognize the man in the hall.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

“Delivery for Marissa Matlock. Room two-twenty-one?” A small part of me hopes this is his way of reaching out to me. And, like someone seeking water in a desert, I lap at the attention, even if it’s small. I’ll take what he gives me.

Opening the door, he hands me a large white box. I don’t recognize the return address. Thanking the delivery person, I shut the door and lay the box on the dining room table. Elle and Kinsley, hearing the commotion, come out from their rooms into the living area.

“What’s that?” Kinsley asks, kneeling on one of the chairs, practically sticking her face inside the box. Elle perches on the table, eating directly from a jar of peanut butter and looking like she had had a rough night and is just now waking up.

“I don’t know.” Using scissors, I cut the tape.

Kinsley eyes me impatiently. “Who’s it from?”

“I don’t know, Kinsley.”

“Well, open it.” Drumming her fingers on the table only heightens my nerves.

Tearing off the lid, we find a dress box filled with pink tissue paper as butterflies flutter in my belly. Within is an elegant Alexander McQueen dark green satin off-the-shoulder midi dress with ruffles near the bottom. The package also contains a pair of gold leather Louboutin sandals and a Judith Leiber clutch. A note on top of the dress reads:

Can’t wait to see you out of this dress. –X

Kinsley and Elle gasp as I pull out the gown.

“Who sent these?” Elle asks.

Kinsley snatches the note. “Xavier! Ha! Knew it!”

Grabbing the note back from her, my cheeks blush fervently. The girls dig through the box, aweing every piece.

Waving her spoon at me, Elle says, “Married and having his babies. I’m so jealous right now.”

“Ah, I love you two together! Where are you guys going?” Kinsley says dramatically while placing the back of her hand to her forehead, pretending like she’s going to faint.

“Guys, I have no idea what this is about,” I say, still confused about what’s happening. But so far…I like it.

“You don’t know where he’s taking you? That’s so romantic!” Elle slides off the table and flops on the couch. My heart swells with pride that he would come up with something like this…just for me.

Kinsley asks, “Does he have a brother? Or, hell, I’ll take a sister? Single dad?”

My lips grimace at her mention of a sister, but I give a little laugh. “No single dad, no siblings.” It’s Xavier’s past secret to tell or not. He hasn’t divulged mine, as far as I know, so I’ll respect him the same.

Gathering the box, I set it on my bed as I receive text notification on my phone.

Unknown

Saw you got the delivery. I’ll be there at 7.

Me

Xavier?

Unknown

Yes, kitten. See you then.

Me

How did you get my number?

Unknown

I have my ways.

Me

Where are you taking me?

Unknown

A first date surprise. You’ll see.

I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise he got my number. Probably from Kinsley. It’s already late in the afternoon, so I need to shower and get dolled up quickly. I’m a bit curious about how a first date with Xavier will go. What if he’s taking me to a fancy party at his parents’? My face crinkles with memories of events at the Stevensons. I really hope it’s not like that.

After eating some simple food for dinner, Kinsley and Elle help me get dressed for the evening. As a finishing touch, I spray on my favorite perfume and pack the little evening bag. Just as I’m touching up my deep red lipstick, Xavier knocks on the door. Kinsley rushes to answer it and gushes annoyingly over how handsome he looks. My head spins with nerves and not knowing what’s about to happen.

Stepping into the living room, I halt at the sight of him. Taking a deep breath, my heels teeter over toward him as I try not to swoon like a Victorian lady. He looks glorious in his custom, tailored brown suit, crisp white shirt, and dark green patterned tie. A paisley fabric square sticks out of his breast pocket, all matching the color of my dress.

In his arms is the largest bouquet of red roses I’ve ever seen. When he spots me, his eyes turn up at the corners as his mouth opens wide in a gasp. He’s smiling as he grabs his jaw and chin, stroking them as if he’s appreciating the view.

“Damn, beautiful. I did good.” With a few long strides, he approaches me to place the flowers in my arms, then presses his lips gently against my cheek. “You’re stunning.”

“You clean up well,” I say with a little smirk.

“I’ll take these for you!” Elle says, snatching the bouquet from my arms, her empty peanut butter jar abandoned. The girls pretend not to gawk at us. Kinsley’s slyly peering over a book, and Elle’s putting the flowers in a vase, filling it with water, her eyes never leaving our interaction.

Xavier pulls out a small velvet box from his pants pocket and slides it into my hand. “I didn’t want these to get lost in the package.”

Flipping it open, I find a pair of gold hoop earrings. “Wow! Xavier, this is all too much. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You just did by allowing me to look at you.”

As I swap out my earrings, Kinsley volunteers to take our picture. After our first photo together, Xavier caresses my hand with his and leads me to the door. I catch a glimpse of the image of us on my phone, and my heart races. We actually look like a couple, like we’re supposed to be together. It’s bizarre seeing that girl standing so confidently next to such a demigod. She’s beautiful and seems as if she’s got it together. And with Xavier, maybe I could be her.

Bidding the girls a goodnight, we reach his car and take off to our unknown destination.

“So…where are we going?” I ask, knowing very well he’s probably not giving up anything.

The side of his lips lift as he ignores me. Using one finger, I poke him in the ribs and beg him to tell me, and he giggles like a child. Watching him become so carefree and relaxed is like seeing a flower first bloom in the spring.

“Don’t tell anyone I did that.” His boisterous laugh fills the cabin, and I try to tickle him again, but he snags my hand and holds it on the gearshift.

I decide to prod him in another way as we catch our breaths. “It seems you know my roommate, Elle.”

“Yep. We went to grade school and middle school together. Hadn’t seen her since she showed up on campus her freshman year.” Lowering his eyelids, he glances over at me.

Licking my lips, I consider how to formulate my next question without being so insecure. Elle gets around. She would have told me if they hooked up, but I’m still not sure what kind of playboy I’m dealing with here. “Oh? She mentioned you asked about me.”

A little snort darts from his nose as he glances at the rearview mirror. “I’m sure she did.”

Turning my thighs toward him in my seat, I ask, “Did you guys know each other well?”

“Marissa, are you asking if I slept with smelly Ellie? The answer is no.”

With my free hand, I lightly punch him in the upper arm. “Hey! Why’d you call her that?”

A little chuckle escapes his throat. “Just a stupid school-age prank.”

We pull up in front of a glass building I don’t recognize. The purple neon sign above says, “Artayo Gallery.” Are we going to an art show? A gallery opening? My heart squeezes in my chest. Darting my eyes to him, they glisten with tenderness for the man sitting next to me. Xavier gets me. This is precisely the kind of date I want.

After parking, he assists me in stepping out of the low passenger seat. Placing my hand on his hard bicep, he escorts me inside. A waiter offers me a glass of champagne, and Xavier passes with a little wave of his palm. As we stroll through the main room, my head swivels to take in the modern portraits.

“What is this place?” I ask.

Instead of answering, he gives me a little grin and leads us forward into a back room, passing the other guests. “Our company invested in this place recently. Thought you may enjoy the opening.” As if seeing an old friend, he nods to an elegant older lady dressed in a ruffled black jumpsuit. “The owner, Lorraine Michele.”

Lorraine strolls over to us with a gentle smile and open hands. “Welcome, welcome. This must be Marissa Matlock. People are asking about you.”

“I’m sorry?” Who would ask about me?

Lorraine glances at Xavier, and her lips tighten, giving me a strained smile like she’s said something she shouldn’t have. “Enjoy the show.” With a wave of her long arm, she shows us into the back room, then glides to other patrons.

Peeking at Xavier, he continues to hold a stoic expression, not giving anything away. When we arrive in the white walled rear gallery, my heart skips to a rapid pace at a collection of portraits lining the walls. Tears flood my eyes with a mixture of embarrassment, confusion, and gratitude. My pictures, my works, are here, hung in this gallery. Like I’m a true artist.

“Xavier…did you?” Pausing, I swallow and try to control my breathing. “Did you do this?”

“I hope you like it.” Leaning over, he places his lips against my temple.

“Where did you… Did you force poor Lorraine to…?” People stroll by and view my photographs. Some point at them and make comments. I gasp as someone even writes down the information on a placard. “You shouldn’t have made her put them up like that.”

“I didn’t. I showed her some of your work from the basement at your parents’ house. Your mom let me see them. Lorraine loved them and said she wanted to put them in the exhibit.” Xavier holds up his arms like a game show host, slightly spinning in the room. “This is all you, Marissa.”

Choked up, I finally speak with a strained voice, “Thank you, Xavier. No one has ever… This was so kind.”

“Kind? No, your work needs to be seen. You’re an incredible artist and photographer. I’m privileged to get to view it.” Lifting a finger, he strokes my cheek, gathering a tear that had fallen over.

This is the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me. The cabin is something else, but having my work displayed like it means something? This is priceless. Despite being erratic and unhinged, possibly clinically diagnosable, I think Xavier is the first person to really believe in me. And he’s possibly the first person to care about me protectively. Because it feels as though my parents never did. Not after what happened with my uncle. The black and white ink nailed in glass frames to the plaster in front of us isn’t just that. It’s so much more.

The rest of the evening, I talk with patrons, Lorraine, and curious viewers about my work, discussing the projects displayed in the other areas of the gallery, and even introduce myself to a few local artists there. Xavier lingers nearby, but he mainly stands in the background while I answer questions. Occasionally, he brings me hors d’oeuvres or drinks when I need them and even holds my purse for me. Like a boyfriend.

“So, did I do good for a first date?” Xavier asks when we reach the parking lot at the end of the event.

Pressing my body into his, I shove him against the side of the car, reaching my hands around his neck and pulling him closer to me. Showing him exactly what I want. “Perfect, Mr. Cardell.” Capturing his warm breath with my lips, I toy my tongue inside his mouth. His taste makes me feel intoxicated.

“Mmm, not perfect yet. I have to take you out of this dress.” Moving his lips lower, he suctions them on my neck, forcing goosebumps to erupt down my arms and back. Barely above a whisper, the air of his words makes me wetter than ever as he moistens the skin near my collarbone. “Your place or mine?” His blue eyes lift with the question, and I almost keel over.

We haven’t been to his place since Red Night a week ago. Maybe creating new memories in his room will help me get past any bad ones. My roommates will be way too nosy to let me live down the screams I want to make. When he bites on my neck, then swirls his tongue over it, I pant out, “Yours.”

Flooring the gas, we arrive at the manor in record time. Xavier curls my hand over his hard dick throughout the ride while I gently stroke it. With a deep moan that I swear I feel between my legs, he says, “Hmm, kitten, that’s too much. You’re going to make me come in my pants.”

We pull into a converted horse stable garage, and he hurriedly shuts off the engine, jumping out of the car to hustle to my side. Tugging me by the hand toward the house, I almost trip.

“Xavier, slow down! I can’t ruin these shoes!”

Glancing at them briefly, he shrugs, then hoists me over his shoulder as I scream, which turns into a laugh while he runs into the house. My legs bob with every sway of his hips.

Once inside, he tells some brothers, “Not now, busy.” Then, he’s sprinting us up the stairs as fast as he can go. I’m impressed with his strength. Tossing me on my back, I almost bounce off the mattress, but he climbs on top of me, loosening his tie and throwing off his jacket at the same time. I help by loosening his belt and undoing his pants.

“Get up. Turn around.” Like an animal ready to mate, he grits the order through his teeth.

He unzips my dress with a yank, the cool air of the room hitting my bare back as it falls to the ground. Slipping out of my bra and panties, I kick off the shoes while he undresses. As I stand before him, he assesses my naked figure again with a lick of his lips.

His Adam’s apple bobs slowly as he says, “Be a good pet and ride me, kitten.”

Large arms surround me as he pulls us onto the bed, and I crawl on top of him. Propping his head slightly on a stack of pillows, I lean over, letting my full breasts dangle in front of his mouth. Clasping each, he rubs his head between them as I giggle. I drag my hand down his abs and clutch the base of his dick as he groans. Instead of just shoving it inside, I slide up and down on his shaft, wetting it with my pussy lips, but not letting him push in where his hips want to go.

His eyes narrow as he puckers his lips. “You’re killing me.”

That makes me smile, so I line up, easing his velvety length inside until we both sing sighs of satisfaction. Sitting up, I bounce slowly on him as we study each other’s faces. As if he’s trying to force his eyes open to watch me, he squints, then kicks his head back as he growls. When I increase my pace, every single inch of his shaft dips deep inside me. I could get used to this.

“That’s it, kitten. You look incredible.” He grabs my breasts and pinches the nipples, rolling them around. It sends sparks down into my belly until I arch my back, pushing my chest out for him. Letting go of one, he grips my ass and spanks me, guiding my hips at the pace he needs. “Ride this dick. Damn, your pussy is so wet and warm.”

Each downstroke, he swats my ass or thigh until my clit pulses like he knows exactly how to make me come hard. But I don’t want to, not yet. If I do, this moment will be over. And I want it to last all night.

I lean into him and press my tits in his face. His lips latch onto a nipple, sucking gently at first while staring into my eyes. Then his teeth bite down hard until a scream rips through my lungs as I reach toward the climbing wall of ecstasy building within me.

“Mmm, that’s it, feed me. I’m a growing boy.” Pulling with his teeth harder, his tongue soothes with a swirl after each nibble. Twisting my gathered hair in one hand, he rips my head back and continues to grab and spank my ass with his other. His finger shoves into my open mouth as he commands, “Suck.” When I close my lips around it, he pulls it out with a pop, then pulls my ass cheeks wide, sliding the digit deep inside my back hole. I gasp at the pleasure of it.

“Fuck, Marissa. I don’t want to come yet.” Squeezing his eyes shut, his face scrunches up as if he’s resisting his own orgasm. He sounds desperate, on the edge of losing control. “Fuck, you’re gonna make me come. This pussy is too good.” Hearing him choke out his words only speeds my own race to finish. So I sit down hard, then grind into him until my internal muscles clamp down for a long, hard squeeze with my orgasm. All I know is pleasure and what his name sounds like as it erupts from my chest. At the same time, he yells, “Fuck! I’m coming…”

While still pulsating around him erratically, my pussy stretches as he empties inside me. Using gentle writhes, I keep moving my hips to drain him, wanting every single drop. I wrap my arms around his neck and collapse into him as he gathers my lips in between heaving breaths into my mouth.

Rolling us, he gets on top while still staying inside me. Our bodies tangle up together, legs intertwined, his hands in my hair and mine in his. Focusing on my face, his voice rings out like a lullaby. “Marissa, you’re amazing. I never expected...” Stopping himself, he swallows, then quickly kisses me before completing the sentence. His lazy head drops beside mine on the pillow. “You made me come too quick, beautiful.”

“Sorry?” I say with a little chuckle. Red Night and in my apartment were something spectacular. Amazing and otherworldly experiences. But this… This felt different. Nothing like I have experienced before. It’s not a desire for him taking over my body.

He’s becoming a need in every part of my life.

Shoving inside me once more with his semi-hard dick, he says, “Give me a few, and we’re going again.”

I nod emphatically, my bottom lip tucked under my teeth. His smile broadens, showcasing his dimples.

We fuck all night. At one point, he orders pizza, and we lounge on his bed eating, talking about nothing in particular in a dazed-out sex high. In his shower, on the desk, in the window… We connect on every surface as he keeps moving us around, saying he wants to coat his room with my body. His scent is all over me.

By the time the sun peeks through his red velvet curtains, we’re spooning under the covers, exhausted. He continues pumping his cock at an arduous pace inside me, though I’m pretty sure he’s half asleep, if not fully. With a snort, he wakes up enough to reach around and rub my clit, forcing me to come for the innumerable time while he erupts with a hoarse grunt. Then, as if this is our nightly routine, he presses his lips to the back of my neck and tugs me closer to him. Finally, his breathing steadies out, and he sleeps, still buried inside me.

With the lull of his soothing warm breaths tickling my ear and his hard body surrounding mine, I fall deeply asleep feeling safe. And possibly in love.