Claire's POV:

The next morning I woke up feeling somehow fresh. Not as much as I was in Xavier's arms but I think having his scent around me put me in a somewhat peaceful sleep.

Stretching my arms I jumped off the bed. Tristan said he wanted to show me something today and I was pretty curious.

Brushing my teeth and tying my hair in a loose bun I didn't bother to change. I don't think Xavier would be around and Tristan comes around the afternoon so I can change it later.

Skipping down the stairs I was ready to devour Paul's famous fluffy pancakes but then I stopped in my tracks when I saw a tall figure sitting at the dining table.

I was surprised because it was odd seeing Xavier on the table since I haven't seen him around much ever since we got here except for last night.

Just the mare thought of what I was doing last night flushed my cheeks and I could feel the same desire creeping back up.

Sucking in a deep breath I walked over to the table and sat down.

"Good morning" I mumbled softly earning a soft hum in response.

"You didn't change?" His low voice made me look up at him.

"I can go change now" I began to stand up but his hand gripped my arm in a surprisingly soft hold making me sit back down.

"No need to, as I said last night it looks good on you" he said not taking his hand off my arm which only caused the butterflies to take crazy turns in my stomach. It's too early to feel this way!

Just then a couple of maids walked in and served us breakfast.

Soon we both began eating in comfortable silence while I occasionally stole glances at him.

He was dressed casually in, a grey V-neck shirt with black trousers. Showing off his beautiful tattoos. It was so hard to fight the urge to just reach out my hand and trace my fingers over his tattoos and feel his skin.

I didn't realize I was openly staring at him till it was too late. When my eyes traveled back up to his face I felt my face burn with embarrassment.

His eyes were fixated on me, a sly smirk was prominent on his lips, and a dark look was obvious in his eyes.

"See something you like Doll?" He teased making my heart do a flip at his nickname.

I subconsciously nodded and he seemed a bit shocked at my bold action, hell even I was surprised.

"Care to share what?" He asked sounding interested.

"Y-Your tattoos, they're pretty" I managed to mumble and I swear I saw a soft smile tugging on his lips before he masked it with his signature smirk.

"Pretty huh?" He whispered huskily making me lower my flushed face and shove pancakes in my mouth before I embarrass myself any further.

Soon after he was done and stood up making me crank my neck up to look at him.

"I will see you at 7" he said before walking away. So I wasn't dreaming about last night it seems.

Getting done I gathered the dishes and made my way into the kitchen and cleaned them as I'd been doing for the past few days.

Soon after I got done I decided to spend the rest of the day in the library before Tristan gets here.

Hours passed by and it was now almost noon, so I got out of the comfortable sofa and dragged myself into my room to change.

Digging through the underwear I couldn't find one pair that would cover the nasty scars on my back. I can't let him see those.

Taking in a sharp breath I threw on a tank top with a pair of shorts. I'm either gonna swim in this or I'm not gonna swim at all.

Putting my hair up in a ponytail I walked out of the room just to bump into someone and fell on my butt, letting out a low groan I looked up to see a guilty face of Tristan.

"Jeez, are you okay?" He rushed out and gave me his hand to help me up.

"I'm okay, just wasn't expecting anyone to be standing on my doorstep" I chuckled and took his hand as he pulled me back up on my feet.

"My bad, I'm just really excited to show you something" he laughed and held my arm dragging me down the stairs making me giggle.

Soon as we reached the garden he asked me to shut my eyes so I did as told.

I felt him place his hands on my waist as he guides me through the garden.

I know he means no harm but sometimes he can get too touchy and I am not a big fan of that, and I don't know how to tell him to stop without being offensive.

Soon after we stopped and he told me to open my eyes and I did.

There was a batch of red roses fully flourished in the corner. A huge smile broke on my face as I rushed towards it.

I have been trying to grow these roses since the first time Tristan and I hung out together. I can't believe they're all grown and beautiful.

"They've finally grown!" I said with a huge grin on my face to which he chuckled and came to stand right behind me.

"They sure did, and look how amazing their smell is" he whispered standing right behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist forcing me to turn and look at him. We were awfully close.

"Just like you" he whispered and his gaze dropped down to my lips as he slowly leaned in. Is he trying to kiss me?!

"I-I have to go Tristan" I muttered placing my hands over his chest and giving him a slight nudge but he didn't budge.

"Go where?" He asked with annoyance clear in his voice. It's the first time I've seen this type of change in his behavior and it scared me, it reminded me of him.

"I have something to do, let go" I stated pulling onto his arms trying to get them to loosen up but he only tightened them around me making me yelp out.

"Tristan I said let me go!" I hissed at him and something in him snapped and he loosened his grip. I could feel the tears building up and my throat closing in on me.

"Claire fuck! I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me" he rushed out his apologies sounding guilty but I ran away from him, trying so hard not to break into tears.

The feeling was all way too similar, it brought back the worst possible memories.

I paced around my room but all the horrifying memories and all those feelings were rushing back to me, all the fear and horror I thought I buried deep inside me was now crawling back up, as if catching up on me.

Tristan triggered the fear of him in me.

Getting out of my room I rushed towards Xavier's room and without bothering to knock I opened the door and ran my eyes all over the room but he wasn't there. Tears dripped down my cheeks and I was beginning to lose air.

I was scared, terrified even. I don't know of what exactly but I need him right now.

Rushing out I sped walked towards his office and pushed open the door.

He seemed pissed at first but his face changed to a look of concern when his eyes fell on me and he immediately stood up rushing toward me.

I took a step forward but my legs gave out and I tripped but he caught me right on time and pulled me into him swiftly picking me up before sitting on a couch and placing me in his lap.

"Fucking hell Claire! What happen?!" He asked, concern lacing his voice and all I could do was hold onto him firmly, and allow his scent to evade my senses and calm me down.

"I'm s-sorry" I let out a weak shaky whisper as a few tears fell down my cheeks.

"Ssh it's okay, deep breaths baby" he whispered rubbing my back soothingly and fixing me onto his lap so I was comfortable, with both my legs on his either side, straddling him.

After a few minutes, I was calm but wasn't ready to let go of his safe embrace so I just laid my head on his chest and focused on his heartbeat.

"Can you tell me what happened Doll?" His gentle voice asked and I knew Tristan would be in big trouble if I tell him.

After all, he doesn't know about my past and he apologized and I don't want him to get in trouble just because I can't heal from my past.

So I lied. "I got scared"

"Of what?" he inquired now softly pulling my face up so he could look into my eyes.

"J-Just scared" I mumbled not looking into his eyes because then I wouldn't be able to keep up with my lie.

He didn't seem to believe me but he let it go nevertheless and began running his fingers through my hair making me let out a satisfying sigh.

"Let's get you in the pool, it'll make you feel better" he suggested and I nodded hesitantly.

Getting up he didn't put me down but instead held me against him with his hands holding my thighs firmly, causing a deep red color to coat my cheeks and I hide my blushing face into his chest while clinging onto him.

He walked us down the stairs and out into the garden. I took a quick look around to see if Tristan was still around but gladly he wasn't.

"What's the wrong doll?" Xavier asked and I just shook my head.

He slowly put me down before pulling his shirt off causing my heartbeat to fasten.

"Can I swim in this?" I asked him gesturing over my attire, hoping for him to agree.

He ran his eyes over me with a slight frown but nodded nevertheless. Phew.

"Give me your hand" he said reaching his hand out.

Fighting the butterflies in my stomach I managed to place my hand in his as he slowly guide me into the water.

When I couldn't stand on the ground anymore I began panicking and held onto his arm tightly.

"Don't panic Doll, I won't let you drown" he whispered placing his hands firmly under my armpits keeping me afloat.

"Move your legs around slowly and keep your eyes on me, focus" he instructed me not once loosening his grip which I was thankful for.

When I got the idea of how to move my legs I felt a bit relaxed but not enough to let him go.

"Now move your arms in the same motion and do not panic, I'm right here" he said before slowly loosening his grip which made me hold onto his shoulders tightly.

"N-No Xavier I'm scared" I mumbled begging him with my eyes to not let go. I felt his body go limp for a few seconds and his eyes darkened.

"What did you just say?" He asked, his voice coming out a bit breathy.

"I'm scared?" I asked confused.

"No, you-" he began but let out a deep breath before closing his eyes for a couple of seconds and then looking back into mine with an unfamiliar emotion.

"You said my name?" He asked with a sense of vulnerability in his voice that I'd never heard before.

"I did" I confirmed, still confused about what was wrong.

"Say it again" he whispered, his arms now holding my body flush against him.

"W-What?" I asked nervously.

"My name Claire, say it again" he rushed almost sounding desperate.

"Xavier" I whispered to which his hold on my waist tightened.

"Fuck Claire" he cursed under his breath and ran his eyes all over my face.

"You're making it so hard for me to not kiss you Doll" he whispered huskily as he slightly rested his head over mine breathing heavily.

"Then kiss me" I whispered softly as the desire to be kissed, to be touched by him took over me.

He let out a soft chuckle, blessing me with his melodious laugh and I think my heart just melted.

"You're being brave today Doll" he whispered huskily making my cheeks go red.

"My soul's too dark for you Angel, too fucking dark" he muttered before letting out a deep sigh and swam us both out of the water.

Dropping me on the ground he ran his eyes once more over my face before letting out a deep sigh and walked away leaving me alone.

I could feel the pain that shoot through my heart at his rejection. He confuses me, he says he wanna kiss me one moment then leaves me standing here all alone the other.

Why am I even hurt? I should be relieved. Why doesn't his close proximity terrifies me anymore? Am I.. no I can't be, not after everything, I need to steer clear of him, of all these unwanted feelings that are creeping up and suffocating my heart. I can't fall for him!

Shaking away all the thoughts I grabbed a towel before wrapping it around me and walked into the house and into my room.

Getting in I hopped in the shower and stripped out of my wet clothes.

Getting done with the shower I dried myself and threw on my underwear followed by Xavier's shirt. It's the most comfortable and it smells like him.

Walking out of the closet I was feeling thirsty so I decided to go down and grab myself a glass of water and maybe something to snack on.

What I wasn't expecting was to be pushed up against the wall with a rough hand over my mouth as I opened the door.

I looked at who it was and the panic sat in. Tristan.

~~~~~~~~~

End of chapter lovelies.
Is this a cliffhanger?