#Chapter 43 - Please Stay

Eloise’s POV

Xavier takes a deep breath and tries to give me a reassuring smile before nodding at Adrian and the other scout. “Please give us a moment.”

I smiled at Adrian as he left. I tried to be polite to the scout, too, but when I met his almost familiar

“I hope everything’s okay…” Even though I knew it wasn’t.

Xavier sighed. “Honestly? No, it’s not. I’m sure you heard about what’s going on while you were out in the hallway.”

“I did… I hope Captain Oliver’s okay. And the citizens of Caspian, too. I’m guessing you’ll be heading out to their rescue soon?”

Xavier nodded his head. “I’m looking to leave no later than this evening. The S.O.S letter was signed and dated three days ago. I have some faith that he’s alive–he’s not the type to go down without a fight.”

Then Xavier turns to me as he leans against his desk. He holds out his hand. “Why were you lurking outside of my study? Is there something wrong?”

I bit on the corner of my lip and took his hand in mine carefully. “No, I’m just feeling a little sick, that’s all.”

I took a step closer to Xavier and placed his hand on my forehead.

He raised his eyebrow. “You are feeling a little warm but I’m sure Nora is more than capable of taking care of you until you get better. Tell me, Eloise, what’s the real reason that you’re here?”

I hesitated as I fidgeted with my fingers. I knew that I had to tell him of the impending danger but I didn’t want to risk exposing the mirror as my power source.

“Eloise?” Xavier’s voice gently guided me back to reality. “We’re married. We shouldn’t keep secrets or tell white lies, you know.”

I sighed. “It’s just… I’m worried about someone conspiring against the Leonard family again. Regardless of Adam is the real culprit or not, I’m afraid of someone trying to do something else and it ends up being worse than before.”

I continued. “What if they’re mad about their plan failing and they try to retaliate?”

Unexpectedly, Xavier pulled me into his arms. His strong hands held me tightly and I felt a wave of security wash over me slightly.

“It’s touching to hear that you’re concerned about the well-being of my family. I’m sorry for all of the hurtful things I said to you in the past and how I accused you of conspiring against my family when it’s clear that you care about them.”

Xavier added. “And while I don’t doubt that my mother or any of the rest of my family members are in danger, I can’t just abandon what’s going on in Caspian. Especially since the message is explicitly asking for my help.”

“What am I to do while you’re gone…?” I looked up at him with sad eyes. “I can’t possibly defend a city of people and your family nor keep up with everything that goes on.”

“Well, luckily for you, I’ve been increasing security since the whole incident with my mother happened. I can’t afford to have something like that happen again.” He shook his head.

“I’ve instructed the captain of the Academy of the Leonard Guards to immediately assign the fresh recruits to guard duty. I’ll also let them know that they’re to report anything suspicious to you for documentation.” Xavier looked at me.

I couldn’t help but stare at him in disbelief.

He laughed at my expression. “Is something wrong?”

“I… I’m just surprised you trust me enough to have your own men report to me while you’re away. It’s a big responsibility and you haven’t entrusted me with such a task before.”

Xavier had never allowed me to help with anything this big before. I thought being married to him was going to open up responsibilities for me but I was surprised when most of my time was spent in the bedroom or in the gardens.

Hearing him say that his men would report to me filled me with confidence. I can’t believe he’s trusting me with something like this.

Then I remembered. “What if they don’t listen to me, though? Even if I’m your wife, I’m still a Wisdom to them. They might not trust me enough to say anything.”

Xavier scoffed. “Well, they don’t have much of a choice. If something were to happen to my family and I find out that they never reported anything to you, that would be more than enough reason for me to suspect them of treason.”

“They may not trust a Wisdom but they need to have trust in their own alpha and do as they’re ordered to when asked.” He finished.

I nod my head. Xavier commanded respect and obedience from anyone who came across him. All those who have defied him… well, no one would ever hear from them afterward.

I looked up at Xavier and gave him a small smile. “Well, that does ease my nerves a little bit.”

“If there’s anything I can do before I leave to help you relax even more…” His fingers lightly trailed down the length of my arm. “Let me know.”

Heat rose to my cheeks. “Well…”

I remembered the day that I was accused of having an affair with Liam and I suddenly withdrew my arm from Xavier’s touch. Although I missed his affections and he had apologized since then, a part of me was still hurt by his actions.

I didn’t want to experience that ever again.

Xavier realized that I had moved my arm from him and he sighed. Gently, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me against him. He cupped my cheek in his hand and had me look up at him.

“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to kiss you…” Xavier smiled sweetly.

I nodded. “I would like that very much.”

Xavier bent down as his lips brushed against mine. His warm breath sent goosebumps throughout my body.

“I know I can’t take back what I did but… I hope I can earn your trust and affection again.”

I leaned into his touch and inhaled his scent. Thinking about what he did only made my heart hurt and I wanted nothing more than to move on it.

I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders as my fingers lightly grazed his muscles that bulged from his shirt. Then, I leaned in to give him a soft kiss.

I smiled as a low groan escaped his lips.

Xavier’s body trembled with desire as his hand on my waist tightened. He then gently licked my lips as if asking for permission to deepen the kiss.

I opened my mouth and allowed him to. His kiss was electric and it rejuvenated how tired I felt from the past few days.

Our tongues became entangled as Xavier lifted me off the ground and sat me on top of his desk.

I wrapped my legs around his waist as I pressed my body against his. I felt the heat in between my legs swell.

Xavier’s hands rub on my thigh and I can’t help but let a moan escape my lips. Just as I thought he was ready to take things further, he tore his lips from mine and tightened his grip on my thighs.

He took a deep breath and smiled at me. “I want nothing more than to show you that I am worthy of loving your body once more but…”

I calmed my breathing and smiled back. “I know. You need to prepare for your mission.”

“I’m sorry, Eloise.”

“Don’t be. We’re married, which means we’ll have the rest of our lives to make it up.”

My heart stung at the words I told him. Were those my true feelings? Did I really want a lifelong union with him?

His smile widened as he planted another soft kiss on my lips. He lifted me off his desk and set me down gently on the ground. “You’re right.”

“Oh,” Xavier added. “Before I forget, you can expect Belinda to return from her little vacation tomorrow. She should be back no later than tomorrow evening.”

I laughed nervously. “Wonderful.”

He gave me a sheepish grin. “I know, I know. I’m sorry if she ends up giving you trouble while I’m away but if she becomes too much, you have my permission to completely ignore her until I return. I understand that you two aren’t on the best terms.”

I nod my head. “Thanks. And… you be safe, Xavier. I hope you, Captain Oliver, and any other survivors come home in one piece.”

Xavier nods his head and escorts me back to our bedroom. After one more tender kiss, he turns around and leaves to prepare for his rescue mission at Caspian.