Beneath His Shadows

The drive back was filled with silence—thick, suffocating, and heavy with unspoken words.

Elena's heart pounded as Xavier's last words echoed in her mind.

"Because you're mine."

She wasn't sure how to feel about that.

His grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white. The headlights cut through the dark night, but his face remained unreadable.

She stole a glance at him. He looked calm—but she wasn't fooled.

This man had just stormed into an armed hideout, risked everything to get her back.

Why?

She wasn't special. She was just an office worker who had gotten caught in his dangerous world.

So why did he come for her?

Elena clenched her fists. She needed answers.

---

Xavier's Turmoil

Xavier's jaw was tense.

He could feel Elena's eyes on him, questioning, wondering.

And he hated it.

Hated that he had let his emotions slip back there. Hated that she made him react.

Celeste's words played in his head.

"You actually care about her."

No. That wasn't true.

He didn't care. He couldn't.

Caring was a weakness.

He glanced at Elena. She looked small in his oversized jacket, her fingers curled around the fabric.

His chest tightened.

Damn it.

---

At the Mansion

When they arrived, the guards immediately opened the gates. Xavier's mansion loomed ahead—grand, intimidating, and filled with secrets.

Elena hesitated as he parked the car. "I should probably—"

"You're staying." His voice was firm.

She blinked. "What?"

Xavier turned to her, eyes dark. "You're not leaving until I say so."

Elena's pulse quickened. "I have a home—"

"Your home isn't safe anymore," he cut in. "Celeste won't stop. She'll come for you again."

Elena swallowed hard.

He was right.

But staying here… with him?

"Do you trust me?" he asked suddenly.

Elena sucked in a breath.

Did she?

She barely knew him. He was cold, ruthless, dangerous. But tonight—tonight, he had fought for her. Saved her.

Her fingers curled into his jacket.

"I don't know," she whispered.

Xavier's lips twitched—almost a smirk.

"Then you better start figuring it out," he said, opening his door.

She watched as he stepped out, his tall frame silhouetted against the lights.

Elena exhaled.

She had just stepped into the lion's den.

And she had no idea if she would ever get out.

---