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"Don't be afraid. Ace can't do anything to you until Xavier is here & Xavier won't do anything to you. I know. "

Adrian whispered. Xavier was about to say something when Ace stepped & gripped Adrian's collar, who gripped Ace's collar in exchange.

The room was as thick with tension, the kind that crackled in the air and made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Xavier opened his mouth to intervene, to say something that might defuse the situation, but the words were caught in his throat when a booming voice cut through the chaos.

"Get off each other, you two!"

Everyone froze, the authority in the voice unmistakable. But Ace's grip didn't waver, and Adrian's eyes didn't leave Ace's, each testing the other's resolve.

"It's an order. Now!"

The second command, colder and more forceful, left no room for defiance. Reluctantly, Ace and Adrian released their grips, stepping back but not breaking their intense eye contact.

All eyes turned to Alexander Knight as he strode into the room, every bit the authoritative figure he was known to be. His presence seemed to darken the room, a palpable force that demanded respect.

He scanned the room, his gaze landing first on Adrian, who immediately straightened, attempting to look more disciplined despite the adrenaline still coursing through him.

Then Alexander's eyes flicked to Ace, his youngest son. Ace stood rigid, his jaw clenched and his eyes refusing to meet his father's. The room held its breath, waiting for the storm to break.

"Who are you?" Alexander's voice was calm, almost eerily so, as he addressed Adrian. It wasn't a question but a demand, spoken with a confidence that made it clear he expected a response.

Adrian blinked, clearly taken aback. He looked around, seeking support, but found none. Everyone was watching, waiting.

"Uncle Alex, it's me. You know me," he said, though the uncertainty in his voice betrayed him. Alexander's expression remained unchanged. He shifted his focus back to Ace, then to the grand King sofa in the hall.

With measured steps, he walked to it and sat down, his eyes never leaving Adrian.

"No, I don't," Alexander said coolly. "I only know my son's best friend, not a boy who dares to stand in my house while holding hands with my daughter. So introduce yourself, boy."

The room fell silent. Eva, Alexander's wife, hovered at the edge of the room, unsure whether to step in or stay back. Her husband's anger was a rare and fearsome thing, and she wasn't sure what to do.

"And it's 'Sir' to you," Alexander added, his gaze piercing through Adrian.

Adrian swallowed hard, feeling smaller than he ever had in his life. He glanced at Eva, who offered a small, sympathetic smile but remained silent.

Adrian squared his shoulders and looked back at Alexander.

"Sir," he began, his voice steadier now, "my name is Adrian Parker. I've been friends with Xavier since we were kids. I... I'm in love with Amara, and I intend to take care of her with everything I have."

A murmur went through the room, a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Alexander's expression didn't change.

He leaned back slightly, considering Adrian's words. Ace, who had been silent, finally spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

"That's backstabbing"

Alexander's eyes narrowed, shifting between Adrian and Ace.

Even Adrian looked at Ace with a side eye. However, Xavier stood their trying to digest. It was something he never expected & he won't lie by telling him he wasn't feeling betrayed.

But again, he knows his best friend & the fact that he has the guts to accept this in front of his father, he knows he is serious.

"I never asked your opinion, Ace." Alexander's voice reached everyone's ear. It was hard with literally no emotions. His eyes were now on Adrian again with his fore finger over his lips, which made it even more difficult to guess what he was thinking.

"I see," he said slowly. "Then I expect you to prove it, Adrian. Not just with words but with actions. Do you think you're worthy of my daughter? Show me."

Adrian nodded, determination in his eyes. "I will, Sir. I promise."

Alexander rose from the sofa, his presence still commanding but slightly less intimidating.

"We'll see about that," he said, and with a final, assessing look at his sons and Adrian, he turned and left the room.

The tension didn't immediately dissipate, but it lessened, the charged atmosphere giving way to a tentative calm.

Xavier finally exhaled, feeling like he'd been holding his breath the entire time. Eva stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Adrian's arm. "Give him time," she said softly. "He'll come around. He just needs to see that you're serious."

Adrian nodded, grateful for her kindness. He glanced at Amara, who had been watching from the doorway, her expression a mix of knowing & mocking face. Amara looked in Adrian eyes & mouthed "Bitch I told you"

He gave her a chuckleat that, hr realized what she meant by saying "If my brother's are harsh wind & stone in your way then you are yet to hit the strom. Xavier clapped a hand on Adrian's shoulder, and looked dead in his eyes.

"To my office"

Ace, now calmer, gave him a look. The storm had passed, for now, but they all knew there would be more to come.
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"I told him that this isn't my brother, whose approval he needs to work hard for, but it's my Papa. But the bitch was too confident," Amara said, her voice calm and unaffected.

I chuckled, picturing Adrian's clueless face. We all know Papa is the hardest shell to break. Adrian should have known better.

"But if you'll talk, Papa will be soft on him," I suggested. Amara has always had her way with Papa. He couldn't deny Amara anything; she wouldn't take a no for an answer.

All of us know that if Amara wants something, Papa will make it happen. She has her own way of getting things done.

"Yeah, I know, but I won't," she said, dismissing the topic with a wave of her hand.

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious. I knew her answer would be something unexpected. Amara always had a twisted answer for straightforward questions.

"Because I love the drama," she said with a smirk.

I should have known. She's Amara, after all.

I shook my head at her, smiling. "You're impossible."

She laughed, a carefree sound that filled the room. "And you love me for it."

As I shook my head at Amara's antics, my phone suddenly started ringing. Glancing at the screen, I saw Xavier's name. A smile came to my lips, as always.

"I need to take this," I said, excusing myself. Amara just nodded, still so carefree, typing something in her phone now.

I answered the call, "Hey, Xavi."

"Come to the room," he said, his voice gentle but insistent.

Curious, I made my way to the room. When I entered, Xavi was standing by the bed, his eyes instantly locking onto mine. After the talk, he had to visit his office due to some emergencies, I noticed he was still wearing his office cloths, as I walked to him I noticed his eyes were on my legs,I was limping slightly, favoring my left foot.

He closed the distance between us in a few quick strides. "How's your foot?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

I sighed, glancing down at my swollen ankle. "It's still hurting from those damn heels."

Without another word, Xavier gently guided me to the bed, making me sit down. He knelt in front of me, carefully lifting my foot into his lap. The tenderness in his touch made my heart flutter.

"Let me take care of you," he murmured, his eyes never leaving mine.

As he started massaging my leg slowly, his fingers worked their way across my skin with a firm yet gentle pressure. The pain began to ease under his expert touch, replaced by a soothing warmth that spread through my entire body.

His hands were strong yet so gentle, as if he were afraid of hurting me. I closed my eyes, losing myself in the sensation. His touch was intimate, filled with unspoken emotions.

"Xavi," I whispered, opening my eyes to find him watching me intently. His gaze was so intense that it felt like he could see into my soul.

"Yes, kitten?" he asked softly, his voice like a warm embrace.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to thank me,"

he replied, his hands still moving with a steady rhythm. "I love taking care of you,"

At that moment, it wasn't just about the massage. It was about the connection between us, the love that grew stronger with each passing second. His touch, his care, his love-it was all there, in every gentle stroke.

As his hands continued their soothing work, I felt a deep sense of contentment. With Xavier, I was safe, cherished, and loved. He looked up at me again, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion that took my breath away.

"Kitten," he said softly, "Feeling any better?"

"Hmmm," I moaned. I could help it. His fingers were doing magic over my legs. Xavi's finger stopped for a second before then again started moving.

Now his hand moving up, still massaging his hand now near my knees. His hands continued to move gently along my leg, the warmth from his touch spreading through me like a comforting wave. I for a second look up & looked in his eyes.

His eyes, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine, never left mine. The room felt smaller, the air charged with an electricity that made my skin tingle.

He finished the massage and let his hands rest on my leg, his touch lingering. The silence between us was thick with unspoken words, the connection palpable. Slowly, he moved closer, his gaze shifting from my eyes to my lips and back again. My breath hitched, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Kitten"

Before I could respond, he cupped my face with one hand, his thumb gently tracing the curve of my cheek. His touch was soft, but it held a promise, a depth of feeling that made my heart ache with longing & desire.

"Xavi," I breathed, leaning into his touch. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this moment. He closed the distance between us, his lips brushing against mine with a tenderness that made my heart swell.

The kiss started slow, tentative, as if we were both savoring the moment. But then, as if a dam had burst, the kiss deepened, turning intense and urgent.

His hand moved to the back of my neck, pulling me closer as our lips moved together in a dance of passion and desire. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, my fingers tangling in his hair.

The taste of him, the feel of his lips against mine, was intoxicating. Our breaths came in short gasps as we broke the kiss for a moment, our foreheads resting against each other. The intensity in his eyes mirrored the storm of emotions inside me.

He kissed me again, harder this time, his hands roaming down my back, pulling me even closer. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the fire between us, burning bright and fierce.

His kiss deepened, our breaths mingling as the intensity between us grew. Xavier's hands slid from my back to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us.

I could feel the heat radiating from his body, matching the fire burning inside me. He lifted me effortlessly, placing me in the center of the bed from the corner. His eyes never left mine, dark with desire and something deeper, something raw.

I could see his need, his longing, reflected in his gaze, and it mirrored my own. Xavier hovered over me, his lips trailing soft kisses down my neck, each touch sending shivers through me. My fingers dug into his shoulders, needing to hold on to something solid as I felt myself unravel under his touch.

"Kitten," he whispered against my skin, his voice a low, rumbling growl. "I need you."

"Xavier," I moaned, arching into him, needing to be closer, needing more. "I'm yours."

His lips found mine again, more demanding this time, a hunger that seemed insatiable. Our bodies moved together, a seamless blend of passion and need.

His hands explored every inch of me, memorizing, claiming, worshipping. I tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

He pulled back just long enough to stop my movement on his shirt, but before I could think about it, his hands were back on me, sliding under my dress, caressing my bare skin. The fabric slipped over my head, leaving me exposed to his hungry gaze.

He paused for a moment, his eyes raking over me with a look that was both reverent and possessive.

"You're so beautiful," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. Before I could respond, his lips were on mine again, his hands mapping a trail of fire down my body. Every touch, every kiss, was a silent declaration of his love, his devotion.

My cheeks burned with all the feeling, his hand over body is something I can never get habitual off. He pulled back, leaving me breathless. Now, I was fully naked while he was still wearing all of his clothes.

He looked down at me and then smriked , I should feel embarrassed, but I felt turned on. Still breathless, I looked in his eyes, his eyes were dark with desire, and I could feel the heat between us intensify. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. He took my hand both hands and placed it near his collar over his shirt, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Take off my tie,"

he murmured, his voice low and commanding. My hands trembled, and I shivered slightly as I reached up, my fingers working to undo the knot.

The fabric slid smoothly through my fingers, and I pulled it free, the tie falling loosely in my hands. Xavier watched me intently, his gaze never wavering.

"Good,"

he said, his voice a husky whisper. He took the tie from my hands, his eyes blazing with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

"Now, give me your hands."

My heart pounded in my chest. But the look in his eyes, the unspoken promise, made me trust him completely. Even though he was doing something he never did, I trusted him totally.

I held out my wrists, and he gently wrapped the tie around them, binding my hands together. His touch was firm but careful, his fingers brushing against my skin in a way that made my breath hitch.

"Is it okay?" he asked, his voice softer, the concern evident in his eyes. I nodded, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, Xavi."

A satisfied smile curved his lips as he secured the knot. He lifted my bound hands above my head, laying me back on the bed. The vulnerability of the position only heightened the intensity of the moment, making my skin tingle with anticipation.

I clenched my thighs together at my position, now Xavier's hand roaming all over my body. My hand, which was bound his tie, was not helping. I was squirming under him.

Xavier's hands moved slowly down my body, his touch sending shivers through me.

The anticipation built as he kissed his way down my neck, across my collarbone, and lower still. His eyes never left mine, the intensity of his gaze making my pulse race.

With my hands bound above my head, I was completely at his mercy, and the vulnerability only heightened my desire tenfold.

Xavi's lips traveled down till my ankle made me moan. This was too much. I wasn't able to hold him, and here he was touching me wherever he wanted. Oh! I feel so hot.

I need him.

Xavier's eyes smoldered with an intensity that made my breath catch. He moved with purpose, his hands sliding down my legs, his touch sending shivers through me. With a firm but gentle grip, he lifted my legs, placing them on his shoulders.

The position left me feeling exposed and vulnerable, but the look in his eyes reassured me. I was his, and he would take care of me. His lips found the sensitive skin of my inner thighs, placing soft, teasing kisses that made me gasp.

The sensation was electrifying, a mix of pleasure and anticipation that left me trembling. His hands caressed my inner thighs, his fingers pressing into my skin just enough to leave a delicious ache.

"Xavier," I breathed, my voice heavy with need."You're so beautiful, kitten," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

"So perfect." He kissed his way up my thighs, his lips lingering on every inch of skin. The sensation was overwhelming, a slow build of pleasure that made my body ache with need. His hands moved to my hips, holding me firmly in place as his mouth traveled closer to my core.

The anticipation was maddening, each kiss, each touch, driving me closer to the edge. When his lips finally reached my most sensitive spot, I couldn't hold back the moan that escaped my lips. His tongue moved with expert precision, exploring, teasing, and tasting.

Xavi's hands gripped my hips tighter, his fingers pressing into my flesh with a possessive intensity.

The slight sting of his grip only heightened the pleasure, making my head spin. His tongue moved in slow, deliberate circles, alternating with quick, flicking motions that drove me wild.

His tongue was then over my opening, teasing me. Tears welled up my eyes when he slowed pushed his tongue inside me, making me arch my back.

"Xavi," I gasped, my hands clutching the sheets over my head. The restraint and intensity of his touch combined with the pleasure made my body quiver.

"Please..."He responded with a low, growling hum, the vibrations sending another wave of pleasure through me. He pulled back for a second and said-

"Scream kitten, scream till I worship your body, till you are satisfied by my devotion."

& now his toungue were again inside me, this time moving faster, more insistent, drawing me closer to the edge.

The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of ecstasy and a tantalizing hint of pain.

Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, Xavier's fingers joined the dance, slipping inside me with a smooth, practiced motion. The combination of his mouth and fingers pushed me over the edge, my body shattering into a million pieces as the orgasm washed over me in powerful, relentless

Xavier held me through it, his mouth never stopping, drawing out every last bit of pleasure until I was spent and trembling.

He kissed his way back up my body, his lips gentle and soothing against my heated skin. When he reached my face, he untied my hands, freeing me from the restraint. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close, my heart still racing.

Xavier looked down at me, his eyes dark and intense, filled with a mixture of desire and satisfaction. He ran his thumb gently across my cheek, a stark contrast to the rough passion we'd just shared.

"Are you ready for more, kitten?" he whispered, his voice a husky murmur.

My breath hitched as I nodded, the anticipation making my pulse quicken once more. I could see the hunger in his eyes, a need that mirrored my own.

I need him.

Xavier's hands roamed my body, igniting a fresh wave of desire. His touch was firm yet tender, a reminder of the control he wielded and the care he took.

He spread my legs wide, positioning himself between them. His lips found mine in a fierce, possessive kiss, his tongue plunging into my mouth with the same urgency that had driven me to the edge moments before.

As he kissed me, his hips moved, and I felt the hard, insistent press of his length against me.

"Tell me you want this," he demanded, his voice rough and commanding.

"Tell me you want my dick to fill you up. Tell me you want me as much as I do, "

He hissed, slightly rubbing his dick over my leaving pussy.

Hearing him, I felt thousands of butterflies in my stomach, I felt my legs shooking.

"I want you," I breathed, my voice barely more than a whisper.

With a low growl of approval, Xavier took both my legs & put them over his shoulder & thrust into me, filling me completely.

The suddenness of it made me cry out, a mixture of pleasure and a delicious hint of pain. He paused for a moment, allowing me to adjust, his eyes never leaving mine.When he moved again, it was with a relentless pace, each thrust deep and powerful. I clung to him, my nails digging into his hand, drawing him closer.

The intensity of it all, the way our bodies moved together, was almost too much to bear.

"Fuck, you feel incredible," Xavier murmured against my ear, his breath hot and ragged.

"So tight, so perfect."I could only moan in response, the pleasure building within me once more. His hands gripped my ankle & riding me in the way I never knew anyone could, guiding me, controlling the pace.

Every movement, every thrust, was a symphony of raw, unrestrained passion.

"Don't hold back," he urged, his voice strained. I was holding back my moans unknowingly, my mind blocked with the feeling.

"I want to hear you." I let go then, giving in to the sensations crashing over me. I cried out his name, my body arching beneath him as another orgasm ripped through me.

The intensity of it took my breath away, leaving me trembling and gasping for air.

Xavier followed me over the edge, his movements becoming erratic as he found his own release. With a final, shuddering thrust, he buried himself deep within me, his body tensing as he let out a seductive moan. It was my name

"Fuck fuck Iris fuck"

We lay there for a moment, bodies entwined, hearts pounding in unison. Xavier's weight was a comforting presence on top of me, his breath warm against my neck.

Our breathing began to steady, but Xavier's hands were already exploring my skin, igniting new sparks of desire on my over sensitive skin now.

"You think we are done?"

He whispered against my neck. To which I bite my lips. I don't want this to end. Not now. I want more. I want to see what he will do. I want to see the limits he will take me to.

"No."

I felt his lips curve into a smile against my neck, and a shiver ran down my spine."Sì kitten, we aren't done," he murmured, his voice laced with authority and lust.

"Get up. Stand by the wall now."

A thrill of anticipation surged through me as I obeyed, my legs trembling slightly as I rose. The nakedness made me feel ashamed, but for some reason, this turned me on so much. The cool air against my heated skin was a stark contrast, making me aware of every sensation.

Our mix cum leaking from my pussy was now flowing on my thighs. I bite my lips as the bright light of our room taunted me for my shameless-ness.

I positioned myself against the wall, the rough texture pressing into my back. Xavier approached me with a predatory grace, his eyes dark and intense, looking directly into my eyes. He cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my lower lip before he kissed me deeply, passionately.

He ran his hands down my arms, gently guiding them above my head. His touch was electrifying, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

He pressed my wrists against the wall, holding them in place with one hand as his other hand explored my body.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his lips grazing my ear. "So perfect."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, my body reacting to his words and touch. He moved slowly, deliberately, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin that made me gasp and squirm.

"Stay still, kitten," he admonished, his tone gentle but firm.

I bit my lip, trying to control the urge to move. Xavier's mouth descended to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses that made my knees weak. His free hand roamed over my breasts, teasing and tormenting me until I was panting with need. His lips by now sucking over my hand nipple.

"Xavi," I moaned, my voice barely a whisper, I need him NOW. He pulled his face back & took my nipple in between his fingers & pinched it hard, and then, still pinching it, he pulled it, making me stand on my toes.

The painful pleasure ran through my blood, making me shiver.

"Not yet," he said, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

"I want you to beg for it."

Every touch, every kiss, every whisper was a torment and a blessing, pushing me to the brink. I was lost in the sensations, in him, completely surrendering to his will.

The intensity of Xavier's control sent my mind reeling. I was on the edge, my body shivering with anticipation.

His fingers continued to work their magic, alternating between soft caresses and sharp pinches that left me breathless.

"Please," I finally whimpered, my voice cracking with desperation.

"Please, Xavier, I need you."

His eyes gleamed with satisfaction at my surrender. He released my wrists, but only to grab my hips and spin me around. My hands braced against the wall, my back arched, presenting myself to him.

"Good girl,"

he murmured, his breath hot against my ear. A spank landed on my ass as he stopped for a second. With the same hand, he patted my butt where he just spanked & and then landed another spank, making my breath hitched.

"Now tell me, command me what you want, and then beg me to give in your desire."

My shyness battled with my desire, but the latter won out swiftly.

"Please, Xavier, f-fuck me," I begged, my voice trembling.

"I need you. I need you inside me, now." I said, my mind lost in my need. My face smudged with tears & sweat.

His one hand from behind cupped my neck from back and pressed my face more into the wall.

"That's my kitten," he said approvingly, his hand trailing down my spine, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

"Hold on tight." With that, he entered me in one swift, powerful thrust, and a cry of sheer pleasure escaped my lips.

He set a relentless pace, this time without giving me any time to adjust, each movement driving me higher, pushing me closer to the edge.

My fingers curled against the wall, trying to find purchase as the waves of pleasure crashed over me.

"Yes, Xavier," I gasped, my body responding to his every touch, every thrust.

"Oh God, yes."

His other hand gripped my waist tighter, pulling me back to meet each thrust with an intensity that left me breathless. I felt the coil of pleasure tighten within me, ready to snap at any moment.

"Let go, kitten," he whispered, his voice thick with his own impending release.

"Come for me." With his command, I shattered, my orgasm crashing through me with a force that left me trembling and crying out his name.

Xavier followed me over the edge, his movements becoming erratic before he found his own release, a deep groan escaping his lips. We stayed there, pressed against the wall, our bodies entwined, and our hearts pounding in unison. The room was echoing with the sound of our harsh breath.

Slowly, Xavier pulled back, turning me to face him. He cupped my face in his hands, his eyes now filled with a tender intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

"You okay?," he whispered, cupping my cheeks.

"Yes."

I smiled up at him lazily, still breathless but utterly content. My eyes dropping at its own. My legs were feeling like jelly.

"You did well kitten," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

Saying he took me in his arms. By now, I was too tired to even realize what was happening around me. He took us in the bathroom & we both stood under the shower. I rounded my around his neck, letting my body over him.

He, too, rounded his arms around me. I closed my eyes, but I felt him kissing over my head sometime. He gently washed us. Once done, he wrapped a towel around me, and he gently dried my wet hairs. All the time, I was half asleep.

Xavier again gently lifted me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as he carried me to the bed.

His touch was tender, a stark contrast to the intensity of our earlier encounter. He laid me down carefully, pulling the covers over us as he slid in beside me.

He wrapped his arms around me, drawing me close to his chest. His fingers traced soothing patterns on my back, lulling me into a state of peaceful contentment.

"How do you feel?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern and affection.

"Perfect," I murmured, nuzzling against him. "Just perfect."

He kissed the top of my head, his breath warm and comforting.

"Good. Let's get some rest, sì?" He said, and I finally closed my half opened eyes.

We lay there in a comfortable silence, the afterglow of our passion mingling with the serenity of being in each other's arms.

The room was so silent but peaceful. He lowered his face & made me sleep sidewisem nuzzling. Slightly in my sore boobs he looked up at me & dropped another kiss on my head.

As I drifted off to sleep, I felt Xavier's hand gently stroking my hair, his whispered words of love, the last thing I heard before succumbing to a peaceful, dreamless slumber
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The moonlight spilled through the thin curtains, casting jagged shadows across the room. The air was heavy with an unsettling stillness, interrupted only by the soft rustle of sheets as Iris stirred from her sleep. Something felt wrong, a primal instinct prickling at the back of her neck. She wasn't feeling the warmth of her husband. She felt she was alone.

Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the darkness, and she heard it-a faint sound, like a heavy object hitting the floor. The door creaked open slowly, revealing Xavier, his silhouette framed against the dim hallway light.

But it wasn't the sight of her husband that sent a chill down her spine; it was the stark reality of his blood-soaked clothes, the crimson stains glistening in the moonlight like sinister jewel

"Kitten" he rasped, his voice low and unsteady. As he stepped inside, leaving a trail of dampness on the floor, her heart raced with a mix of shock and confusion.

The sight of him, drenched in blood, left her utterly shocked, her breath hitching in her throat. She wanted to ask, to go to him, to ask what this was, but her body felt paralyzed, locked in a terrifying dance between instinctual dread and an inexplicable urge to reach out for him.

The world around her faded, and all she could focus on was the haunting reality of what he had become.

"X-Xvi?" she whispered, her throat dry, shock with the mix of fear clawing at her insides as he approached.

He was close now, his eyes dark and intense, a predator unfurling after the hunt. He then looked in her eyes and then with his whole body, which was filled with whose blood she didn't know, he smriked at her, sending a jolt of shiver.

He took his hand out silently, asking her to grab it, which she did with trembling hands.

"Now, no one is going to take you away from me," he said, his breath hot against her skin. Before she could process the words, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

The warm blood smudged on her nakef body, a visceral reminder of the violence that had just unfolded outside these walls.

"He is dead now. I killed him," he murmured, his tone almost possessive, a twisted tenderness that sent shivers down her spine.

The weight of his confession pressed against her, heavy and suffocating. And the fact that she knew whom he killed this mercilessly made her head spun a little

Iris felt a surge of nausea mixed with horror as she stared into his eyes, searching for the man she loved. But what stared back was something darker, something that felt dangerously unhinged. It wasn't the Xavier who made love to her just a few hours ago.

It was a possessed man, possessed by obsession, by the need to make sure she was his. For forever.

"Xavi-" she breathed, her voice trembling.

"Shh," he soothed, as if he could erase the fear with the stroke of his thumb against her cheek. "It's over. You're safe now." But the madness in his gaze told her it was far from over.

Her heart pounded as the reality of the situation sunk in, the very arms that held her had just taken a life.

She was terrified, not for her life but because now she was caught between the love she once knew and the monster he had become, the monster she never knew existed, and for some reason, this didn't make her want to stay away from him.

The line between protection and possession had blurred, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her love just killed someone, had taken a life, but still, her heart pounded for her husband.

Iris didn't know what to do. Embrace the monster or keep searching for her love.

She took a step closer, her hands trembling as she cupped his cheeks, the warmth of his skin contrasting sharply with the coldness of the blood soaking into her nakedness.

His eyes, dark and wild with an intensity she had never seen before, softened as he leaned into her touch. For a brief moment, she felt a flicker of the man she once knew, buried beneath layers of violence and obsession.

"Why did you kill him, Xavi?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart raced as she searched his gaze for answers, desperate to understand the depths of his madness.

She didn't feel sorrow for the man he had killed; instead, she was consumed by the need to know how far Xavier had gone to protect her, to claim her as his own.The silence that followed felt eternal, stretching out like a chasm between them. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice raw and laced with emotion.

And then those two simple words hit her like a punch to the gut. Iris's breath hitched, and her heart skipped a beat as the implications sank in. He had crossed a line, but it was a line drawn in blood-a visceral manifestation of his love and desperation.

Her mind raced with conflicting emotions. This was the extent of his devotion, a dark testament to how deeply he loves her -

"For you"

How was the chapter? Hope you'll
like it! Complete the target soon for next chapter.

*phew* one he'll of a chapter. 6k+ words total. It was the longest chapter I ever wrote.

How's the staring of thirst phase? Let me tell you this, This is just a starting sweetheart. You aren't ready for what's coming next.

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