Entangled: Sequel to Awakened (4 page)

Xavier laughed. A deep, rumbling sound that enveloped her like a warm blanket. “No, I don’t normally do as I’m asked or as I’m told. I usually do things my way. Doug Franklin is a good friend and he was in a bind. I was glad to be able to help him out.”

“So, you like to get your own way?”

“I like to get what I want.”

His smoldering gaze bored into her. Her nipples puckered and hardened, her pussy pulsed. “And, is there something you want, Mr. Pierce?”

“Let’s just say I have my eye on something I want very much.” His voice was deep, commanding.

“Something or someone?”

“You, Miss Bennett-Miller, are very perceptive. In this instance it is someone.”

“Do you usually get what you want?”

“Always.”

Aline gulped down the rest of her coffee and nudged the tray away. “I think this may be the first time you don’t get what you want.”

“We will see, Aline.” he smirked.

Cocky bastard
. “Indeed, Xavier.”

Chapter Four

Xavier increased his pace as he neared Aline’s room. He couldn’t wait to see her again despite the fact she had challenged him earlier that morning. Did she really believe she could deny him what he wanted? He knew he could be ruthless when it came to his desires. Aline may force him to chase, something he’d never done before, work a little harder than he normally would but he had no doubt, she would end up in his bed. His dick hardened at the thought of holding her as he eased himself inside her channel and fucked her until she couldn’t think straight.
She would be well worth the chase. Patience wasn’t his strong point when it came to women, but Aline was such a prize he was prepared to bide his time.

He pushed on the door of her room and it swung open. He froze as he stepped in. A man was in her bed and, instead of Aline leaning back on her pillows, she was leaned back on his chest. The man’s arms were wrapped around her, resting far too close to her breasts as far as Xavier was concerned. His temper spiked.

Aline appeared to be asleep so instead of bellowing and ripping the man from the bed like he wanted to, he gritted his teeth and asked, “who the fuck are you?”

The man smiled at him.
He’s in bed with my girl and the fucker smiles at me!

“Hi,” the handsome young man whispered. “I’m Bradley Wright.”

So, this is Bradley. Aline said he was only a friend. Friends don’t hold another man’s girl like that and gaze at her tenderly like he was when I entered the room. She might think they are only friends but it doesn’t appear Bradley has received the memo. 
Xavier’s blood was beginning to boil.

To make the situation worse and add to Xavier’s angst, Aline turned toward her side and snuggled further into her
friends’
chest. She threw her arm around him. When Bradley kissed the top of her head, Xavier felt steam shooting out of his ears.

“Have a seat,” Bradley said.

Xavier dropped his briefcase onto the floor and plonked onto a chair. The man before him had no idea how hard Xavier was fighting to keep his temper under control. He had visions of tearing Bradley from the bed and flinging him straight out of the window.

“You must be Xavier Pierce. Aline mentioned you would be in to help her study. Thank you.”

“It’s no trouble,” Xavier mumbled. Something was nagging at him, other than this man being in his girl’s bed with his arms wrapped around her.

“We can’t wait to have her back home. Her family, friends and of course myself, miss her terribly.”

The penny dropped. “Bradley Wright. Wright Constructions.”

“That’s me. I’ve been working with my father since I graduated with a Business Degree six months ago.”

“Our biggest competition,” Xavier mused. My informants tell me you are very innovative and are making some major changes to take the company forward.”

“You are well informed. My father is encouraging me to pull our company out of the past and become more competitive.”

“Good for your business. I’m going to have to ensure we stay on top of our game and abreast of what the latest technology has to offer if I don’t wish for us to be overtaken.”

“You flatter me, Mr. Pierce but, we are a very long way from being a threat to you.”

“I think Mr. Wright, from what I am told, you underestimate your ability.”

“Please, call me Bradley. I guess time will tell.”

“Xavier. Yes indeed. Time will tell. What is your interest in Aline?”

“I have known her and been friends with her since our first day at school. Unfortunately her feelings don’t match mine at this point in time but they will.”

Confident bastard.
“So you believe she will change her mind about your friendship?”

“Yes, I do but, tell me Xavier, why should it interest you?”

“I intend to have her for myself.”

“You do? Have you asked Aline if it’s what she wants?”

“Aline doesn’t know she wants me yet, but she will.”

“Again, time will tell.” Bradley smirked.

Xavier wanted to knock the smirk from his face. Wanted to beat him to a pulp.

Aline rolled onto her back. “Will you two quit beating your chests like cavemen? Neither of you will ever be more than a friend.” She sat up straighter and turned to face Bradley. “You and I have had this conversation a thousand times. I love you but as a friend, nothing more.” She spun back to Xavier. “You Mr. Pierce are dangerous. You are over confident, too sure of yourself and I think, manipulative. I would be well served to stay clear of any entanglement with you. The jury is still out on a friendship.”

Well, well, well. The woman has more fire than I anticipated. This will be fun.

“Bradley, please get out of my bed and leave so I may get my study done. I do not wish to stay here in Hardman for a minute longer than I have to.”

Bradley climbed from the bed. He looked like a child who’d had to hand over his favorite toy. He ensured Aline was comfortable and said goodbye.

As he opened the door to leave he spun back. His words were directed at Aline but his glare was firmly fixed on Xavier. “I’ll be back tonight.” The door whooshed shut as he departed.

***

Xavier pulled the course notes from his briefcase along with a notebook, pens and relevant textbooks. He placed them down on the tray table.

Aline watched him quietly.
This man is trouble. What I said is true. He is far too handsome and dangerous. I DO NOT want to get tangled up in his games.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked. “Any of the other students could help me stay up to date. Callie is my best friend and I know for sure she would be happy to help me. If you think it’s a way to get into my pants, your efforts will be wasted. I have no intention of allowing a man,
any
man, into my life until I have my career firmly established.”

Xavier sat in the chair beside the bed. He crossed one leg over the other at the knee and tented his fingers. “Well, Miss Bennett-Miller, I can see you don’t have a problem with speaking your mind. I volunteered to keep you up to date because it was my fault you fell. I feel a responsibility to ensure you graduate with the rest of your class. As for
getting into your pants,
I have no intention of doing so. I will, however, eventually have you in my bed.”

“In your fuckin’ dreams.”

“Quite, Miss Bennett-Miller. You have been in my waking dreams since you ran into me yesterday.”

“Oooh, I have never met anyone so infuriating. I
am not,
and
will not,
be anything other than your student. If you are as desperate for a fuck as you appear to be, take one of your beautiful rich girlfriends, of which I have no doubt you have many, into your bed.”

Xavier threw back his head and laughed.

I wish he wouldn’t do that.
His warm, rumbling laughter caused her belly to clench and her nipples to peak. “This isn’t going to work. Callie will keep me up to date. Good day, Mr. Pierce.”

Xavier studied her.
She’s determined, feisty. She will be my equal. It will be well worth the wait if she is as passionate in her love making as I believe she will be.

“Unfortunately Miss Bennett-Miller…”

“Stop calling me that!”

“I recall you getting rather annoyed when I referred to you as Miss Miller.”

“Aline. Call me Aline for fuck’s sake.”

“Very well
Aline
. Dean Rogers has only agreed to you continuing your unit with me as your tutor. So you see, if I go…” He shook his head.

“Fuck you Mr. Pierce.”

“Please. Call me, Xavier. Now, shall we begin?”

“It seems I have no bloody choice.”

“Not if you want to return home in six months with your degree firmly in hand.” He opened the textbook, pushed the notebook in front of her and handed her a pen.

Aline was fuming. “Why do you want me? You don’t know me. You could have your pick of beautiful women why me? We only met yesterday and I think I have made it clear, I don’t even like you.”

Xavier sighed and rolled his eyes to the heavens.
A little less of a challenge please.
“Truthfully, I don’t know why I want you. I have absolutely no interest in having a girlfriend, my company requires far too much of my time. I don’t want a woman who expects me to accompany her everywhere she wants to go
and
while doing so, pretend to enjoy it. It’s true, there are women who want to be seen with me and who will
please
me for the privilege.”

He paused to take a deep breath.  “When you rammed into me yesterday, you caused every one of my senses to go on alert. My manly bits sat up and took notice. That, Aline, has NEVER happened before. I want you but I have no explanation as to why.”

“Maybe you only think you want me. With time I’m sure you’ll lose interest. I’m no-one special, we have nothing in common and our lives are oceans apart. Although I have had a privileged upbringing, I don’t and, don’t want to, move in the same circles you do. Money means nothing to me except as a means to survive. I would rather be at home with my friends watching a movie or going to a baseball game in my compact car than going to some rich person’s gala event.”

Xavier scowled. “You must be someone very special for your fathers to love and adore you the way they obviously do. I have also seen the love and affection that pours from your friends.”

Well yes, I know I’m special to them but I would never come up to your expectations. I don’t want to. Please, be my teacher and friend.”

“For now, Aline.”

Aline opened her notebook.

Xavier’s groin tightened as he studied her beautiful face.
I will have you sweetheart. I will take it slow, but I will make you mine.”

***

Aline and Xavier were finishing their session when her parents arrived with Bradley in tow.

Aline noted the narrowing of Xavier’s eyes and the scowl on Bradley’s face when they set eyes on each other. She sighed deeply. She had no romantic interest in either of them and despite them being told that, it was obvious it hadn’t gotten through. They were like two dogs arguing over a bone. She did not like being the bone.

Linc leaned over and kissed her forehead. Alistair followed suit.

“How’s our girl?” Linc asked.

“I’m good, dad. The doctor said I can leave in the morning.”

“You didn’t mention that to me,” Xavier said with a hint of indignation.

Aline frowned. “I’m telling you all now. Callie will be in later so I’ll ask her to bring me some clothes first thing in the morning. It will be skirts and dresses for a while.” She lowered her eyes to the reason for her statement – the cast on her leg. “I’ll be in class tomorrow so you won’t need to concern yourself with me falling behind.” This was directed to Xavier.

“I’ll come and get you,” Xavier said.

Aline gave him a pointed glare. “No, my parents will come and get me.”

“I can do it,” Bradley said. “My plane doesn’t leave until midday.”

That statement earned Bradley a glare. “I said no. Dad and daddy will come for me. I want to spend some time with them.”

“We want to spend time with you too sweetheart. How about we do breakfast, drop you at class and afterward spend the afternoon together?” Alistair suggested.

“I’d love that daddy.”

“It’s settled then.” Alistair agreed.

Damn, how am I going to get time alone with her now? He needed a way to get into her life.
“How about we go for dinner tomorrow night, my treat?” Xavier asked.

Aline opened her mouth to refuse but Linc spoke first. “That would be very nice. Can I assume Callie will be included? It’s a pity Bradley won’t still be here.”

Bradley glared daggers at Xavier.

Is it only me that can feel the tension in the room.
Aline wondered.

“Of course Callie is included.” Xavier answered.

“We’ll probably head home the following morning. We have a new gym opening and we can see our daughter is in very capable hands with you looking out for her.” Linc smiled at Xavier.

Oooh, I’m going to strangle dad. He’s throwing me straight to the wolf.

Xavier puffed out his chest and preened like a peacock. Aline half expected him to start strutting circles around Bradley.

“I’m more than capable of looking out for myself. I’ve been doing it for the past three years, dad. Callie will give me any help I need,” she said through gritted teeth.

She smirked at Xavier but her words hadn’t deflated him at all. They’d had no effect on the arrogant, self-assured man.

“I know sweetheart but you didn’t have a broken leg and it’s nice to know Xavier will be taking care of our princess,” Linc insisted.

Aline wanted to throttle her dad but she let it go. She was too tired to argue further. The hours of study, along with the medication, was taking its toll.

“I could probably stay on for an extra day or two,” Bradley offered.