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His white plain t-shirt clung to his defined body. Running my hands over his shoulders, I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled myself tighter to him. This was how it was meant to be.

My dressed moved up my legs slightly. When he caught sight of my tanned, creamy thighs, his lips moved more insistently against my own.

“Xavier, Chloe?” Emily sang from the dining room. I pushed myself away from his lips, our kiss breaking off.

Taking in much-needed air, I attempted to steady my breathing. But it was close to impossible. I was high on fumes of Xavier.

His eyes stayed locked with mine as he slowly pulled away. His posture was tight when he took a few more steps away. Lust covered his eyes. He wanted me as much as I needed him.

Shaking his head, he sidestepped me and balanced the tray on one hand before scooping up the pie in the other. I watched as he walked out of the room with no explanation.

I ground my teeth. Had he done that on purpose? To fan the flame I had for him? Well, it worked. I felt completely and utterly under his control once more. All I wanted was him and I knew that I would do close to anything to make him mine.

“Chloe had to go to the bathroom. I just showed her the way,” I heard Xavier say as he walked into the dining room.

I jumped from the bench. I had to get control over my emotions before I walked out there. If I walked out in this state, Xavier would know he now had full control over me again and my parents would know something was up.

Closing my eyes and counting my heartbeats, I took control over my outer expression. My inner body could be knotted with love and lust for Xavier but my outer body was not going to show it.

Walking out of the kitchen and with a fake pleasant smile on my face, I joined the table once more.

“What did I miss?” I asked politely while noticing the piece of pie in front of me.

“We got pie, Choc.” Charlie smiled up at me. “But Dad forgot to grab the chocolate.”

Not looking at Xavier, I kept all my attention on Charlie. “Aw well, more for you later. Don’t have to share.” I winked at him.

That’s it, Chloe. You are doing an amazing job. No one knows you are currently bathing in complete and utter lust for your mate.

I glanced sideways at Xavier and saw he was glaring at the pie in front of him. Because he had every reason to be in a bad mood, I wanted to roll my eyes.

“So what did Daniel want before?”

Turning my head to my mother and frowning, I asked, “How did you know it was Daniel?”

My mom rolled her eyes. “Please, your voice changes when you speak to him.”

“Um, well, he invited me to go away with his family in a couple weeks. I said yes.”

“Did you now?” My dad entered the conversation “Forgetting you need permission?” He raised both eyebrows.

“I knew you guys would let me go and he needed an answer right away.” I lied to some degree, but it was true Dan did want to know right away.

“Right. Well how long for?” Dad asked lightly.

“Um. Not sure. But it should be fun.”

“Doesn’t this send the wrong message to Cole though?” My mom asked. “Going away with another boy.”

“I just met Cole.” I tapped my finger on my thigh under the table. “Beside I’m single. I don’t answer to any man.”

I didn’t glance in Xavier’s direction, but the last part was all for his enjoyment. The table went quiet again and I sort of wished someone else would take the lead in conversation. Was it just me or were all the questions being thrown my way?

“Apart from me, of course.” My dad winked at me and I laughed lightly before rolling my eyes.

I would try to fight Xavier’s pull on me, but I knew a part of me wanted to surrender before I even started.

***