CHAPTER ELEVEN: I DO NOT LIKE YOU

BEATRICE’S POV

I said no word to him as his car drove on. Being this close to him made the air thicken with tension, and I could barely breathe. He said nothing, but I could feel his eyes on me. My heart thumped against my ribcage, and my fingers trembled. 

“You look good today.” He muttered out of the blue, causing me to look at him. His eyes were as beautiful as always.

“Thanks. You too.” I responded, nervousness munching off me. According to the books I had read, giving back compliments like these meant I didn't see myself worthy of it. Nevertheless, I look out the window again. Soon, we arrived at the tall White building, and his car was parked. I watched as his driver held his door open to let him down, then proceeded to do the same for me, and I caught Xander shaking his head.

“We are here.” Xander’s voice pulled me back to reality. He was holding my door open with his left hand stretched towards me. “Hold me.”

Something about the way he said it made me transfixed for a second, but I knew better than to let the devil get near my soul again. Ignoring him, I stepped out. 

“Can we get this over with quickly, Mr. Xander? I have something way more important to attend to.” 

I caught something flickering in his eyes, but it was gone as fast, replaced with his stillness.

“You leave when I say so, mate.” His voice dropped, and I swallowed a lump of saliva, clutching hard onto my leather bag.

Fuck my hormones for making me find that seductively attractive.

“After you.” He motioned, and I did while he walked closely behind. I could feel his eyes roam all over my back, especially my butt. The hotness also leaves marks on it. Shyly, I turned around, and I was right. He was looking. Probably comparing it with the women he had been with after me. Yes, I had heard a lot of rumours from my coworkers,

His lips flattened for a second, and I shook it off. Soon, we sat opposite one another in a top-five restaurant, yet it felt empty.  

Could I tell my kids this was a date? But was it?

‘Our kids,’ The voice in my head reminded me. 

“You haven't touched your food.” His voice pierced through my thoughts, and my eyes traced down to see myself holding the fork. It was spaghetti, steak and some other fancy dishes.

“I’m afraid I didn't come here to eat, Mr Xander. We should proceed to business.” I informed and watched him clench his jaw as his hand froze in the air.

“Really, Beatrice? You really can't wait to get rid of me.” 

I caught sadness in his eyes for a second, but it was gone again. “I believe this isn't a personal matter, sir. It is purely business, and I would appreciate it if you treat it as such.” I tried to mask my nervousness as I spoke.

Silence hung in the air until his lips curled up again. “Fine. I will have my Beta send my opinions to you. Can we eat now?” 

I twitched my lips and forced on the sweetest smile. “Since that will be all, sir. I would love to take my leave. The meal was nice; thanks for this.” 

I knew better than to associate with him for too long. Xander was like ink; it would keep spreading if left uncautioned. I stood up, about to leave.

“No one leaves until the meal is over.” His voice is darker now, meaner, and it made me fidget for a second.

“But I have….”

“Miss Beatrice, a business partner is always right, especially one that happens to be your mate.” His face was slightly frowned as he spoke. “I believe you need to do this for your company.” 

I let out a scoff. It was obvious I had been a fool for thinking that he would change. That time would have made him a better Lycan and not just a meaner asshole.

“Fine! As your Kingship pleases, but don’t think in your weirdest dream that makes me hate you less.” I snapped at him and started to gulp down the food. My anger builds with each second.

“At least you are here. It doesn't matter if you hate me, Beatrice. I don’t hate you, and I never will, so stop trying.” 

His words caught me off guard, and something fluttered in my heart, yet I knew it was probably his usual words to his other women, too.

We said nothing, nothing except the slow, love music that played in the air. The food was good, I had to admit, and soon we were done eating, at least I was.

“Can I leave now?” I let out the second I gulped down my water and watched his eyes linger on me for a while before he wiped his lips clean with the cloth and set it back on the table.

“Yes, we can.” 

He paid, and soon we were walking out of the restaurant, my feet hurting from the heels. I despised the idea of it, yet my job demanded it. His car was parked right outside.

“Thank you for the….meal,” I said, and he nodded. 

“Let me drop you off.”

“No,” I responded almost immediately and noticed that he caught my intention to get rid of him quickly. The car would get me very soon, and I needed him gone before then. “You can go. I’m waiting for someone.” 

His lips twitched, and I could tell that he wanted to say something, but instead, he didn't. 

“Goodbye mate.” His voice was so low that I almost felt guilty for treating him this way, but I needed to protect my kids. 

I watched as he walked towards his car, and mine pulled up just in time. 

“How was it?” Aunt Silvia said the second I stepped into the car. “Do I need to kick his butt? Do I need to find you a new job?”

A fresh rumble of laughter pierced through my throat. “I’m fine. I can handle people like him.” I muttered, yet it felt like I was trying to convince myself instead. His car was still there; his tainted glass was up. 

I could have sworn that she noticed my uneasiness, yet she said nothing as she nodded and drove off. 

XANDER’S POV

I could have sworn that a man picked her up. That had to be the only explanation for how much she despised me now. I grunted and threw the glass of wine across my study room. It had taken a lot not to whoop her over my shoulder and bring her where she belonged. Home. Here with me.

The door pushed open, and my Beta walked in.

“Yes.” I let out distaste in my voice.

“Are you good, sir?” 

“And what would you do if I wasn't?” I threw at him, my rage intensifying. It wasn't as if he could kidnap Beatrice and bring her to me. Could I do that? 

“Bring Beatrice to me even if you have to abduct her.” 

“Sir….” He stammered. “That isn't legal.”

“And do I look like I care?” I grunted and watched him shake. 

“I’m sorry, master. I just thought….” He paused, clearing his throat. “I suggest you try to win her over instead so she doesn't hate you.”

He did have a point. 

“Find out who her man is, what he isn't doing for her, what he does for her. And everything about him.” I ordered and watched him nod.

To get her to come back, I needed to take her lover out of the picture. Bribe him. Ruin him. Anything to get my desired result.

“Wait,” I informed before he could open the door and watched him turn around. “Find out where she lives and deliver some flowers to her. Add a note.”