*Xavier's POVThe sight before me gave me a headache the moment I saw it. I have zero tolerance for guys like Mason Holiday. His trapping Harley between his arms and manhandling her like that is an absolute no-go.No one touches my girl.I walk towards them, striding casually, while Harley looks at me with her mouth opened in surprise. Mason has her pressed against his car and has his head turned towards me, watching me with curious eyes."Mason Holiday," I say when I reach them and the kid flinches unnecessarily."I think you have something of mine. May I please have her back?"My politeness is sarcastic and Mason releases Harley, trailing his eyes over my body from head to toe. He is shorter than me but not that short as to not look me in the eyes."Are you marrying him?" Mason turns to ask Harley but she has already moved from her place and is standing behind me.Mason jerks his head towards her and I feel her hands grip my arm.Harley Powers isn't the kind of woman who hides behin
*Harley's POVI stare in wonder as Xavier drives the car through a huge, silver gate and heads straight towards a palace that I could have only hoped to see someday in my dreams. The garden we pass through seems like it spreads across miles and has a beautiful fountain in the middle, surrounded by statues.I have never been to Xavier's house before. His place was for Bel, not me. I had no reason to visit this place but I heard Bel talk about it although she was really bad at describing things in detail.The mansion is huge, with three stories of stunning architecture made of white marble. The glass windows are large with wooden crafting decorating them. I can't help but roam my eyes around every part of the building, not able to get enough.Xavier stops the car right in front of the entrance and I see servants rushing towards us. I stare at the tall and fit man who opens the door to my side. He is dressed in a black T-shirt, black cords, black shoes and even has black sunglasses on. H
*Xavier's POVMy hands hurt as I continue hitting the punching bag with full strength. I have been going at it for an hour without stopping and even though my muscles ache and my knuckles feel like they have reached their breaking point, I can't seem to get rid of what Mom did today.I didn't bring Harley here for Mom to go ahead and embarrass me in front of her. I brought her here so that Mom could see for herself that I was telling the truth. I can't unsee Mom's tears. The last time I saw her cry was when Dad died four years ago. Her spilling tears today enrages me. Harley did this to her."You're hurting, Xavier." Mom's voice behind me stops me for a moment but I dismiss her and continue.She shouldn't be here anyway. The top floor of the house is entirely my space — everything from the gym to the swimming pool on the rooftop are my additions — no one is allowed to disturb me here."You embarrassed me today," I spit out without looking at her when I don't hear her leave; my voice s
*Harley's POVShit! I'm so late.As I step inside the house, I am greeted by darkness. The lights are off and everything is pitch black. Visiting the Everests is about to earn me a lecture from Dad. I quietly slip out of my shoes and pick them up, dangling them on two fingers as I climb up the stairs. I tiptoe most of the way, not wanting to wake my parents up. The lights are switched on just as I am about to enter my room, making me stop on my way.The universe is against me today.I am past my curfew time and even though I am a mature adult capable of taking care of herself and it shouldn't matter at all, Dad will be pissed when he sees me now. The man doesn't give a damn about my independence but is very cautious of me so that I don't end up dying like his son. It is annoying but that is the only thing I can't call him out on.I turn around slowly, shoes in hand, and find Mom and Dad looking at me. They are already dressed in their nightgowns which means they were about to retire f
*Harley's POVThe white wedding gown is beautiful. It has a deep V neck, classy but not slutty, that enhances my figure; it is full-sleeved with lavish detailing and has a lot of volume underneath. It reaches below my feet and drags over the floor when I stand. Overall, it is expensive and stunning.I didn't choose the gown; I didn't choose anything because I couldn't accept that I was indeed getting married in a week. I spent my days in my room, missing college and crying all the time. Mom did all my shopping for me and she is the one who dressed me today along with a few of her makeup artists.My hair is tied up in a beautiful updo and accentuates my heart-shaped face. There is a diamond necklace on my neck which sits between my collarbones, shining bright when the light falls on it.I feel nervous as I sit in front of the mirror. It will be a small ceremony, no media as a request for privacy, but the wedding will be mentioned in tomorrow's papers. Xavier said he had no control over
*Xavier's POVShe is not happy. She is not happy at all, which is shocking because she dug this grave for us herself. That's Harley Everest now — my wife, impulsive like her father."You may now kiss the bride," the priest says.I take a step forward and see her flinch away. It is a noticeable movement but I doubt anyone other than me has noticed it.I have been with many women in my life but never have I felt this nervous to kiss anyone. It is like walking into a death trap. With a happy curve of my lips, I slowly lift the veil off her face, pretending how much I am in love with the love of my life.I am left stars-truck. Harley looks breathtaking. I don't know who dressed her but they just enhanced her beauty even more without altering anything and that fucks me up. How am I supposed to just kiss her when she looks like that?This is torture.Her shiny blue eyes look at me and I see the hesitation in them as I curl my fingers around the nape of her neck while leaning in close. Her s
*Harleys POV"Good evening, welcome to Le Lion. How may I help you today?" The receptionist greets Xavier when we reach the counter of the luxurious hotel."I have a reservation. It's under the name of Everest," Xavier tells him while I place my elbows on the counter, cupping my face.This place feels nice. The entrance is very decorative and the marble flooring looks expensive. I vaguely wonder what our rooms will be like."Yes, Mr. Everest. We have reserved a room for you for two nights with the cost of food and travel included, is that right?" The guy types fast as he speaks to Xavier and the latter nods in turn.David follows behind us with our luggage. Xavier told him to leave us alone and he could manage by himself but David was adamant about ensuring that Xavier doesn't have any trouble settling in. I am starting to like this big guy. He is very serious about his job which I have no idea what it is supposed to be."Mr. and Mrs. Everest." The receptionist reads from his computer
*Xavier's POVLeaning against the wall, I observe Harley as she struggles to pull the zipper of her dress up. Both of her hands are on her back in an awkward manner as she tries to find the zipper she lost midway. She groans when she doesn't find it for the fifth time. For someone who was born flexible, Harley Everest surely needs a pair of eyes behind her head.The midnight blue dress reaches just above her knees and the material sticks to her curves like a second skin. I can't help but trail my eyes up her long legs and wonder for a second what she would look like with nothing on."You sure you don't need any help with that?" I ask."I'm fine. I can manage," she replies, turning to a side as she studies herself in the mirror."You've been saying that for the past fifteen minutes." I glance at my watch. "I'm standing right here. You can ask me.""I'm not taking your help, Everest," she scowls at herself in the mirror. "I'm not stupid. I can do it myself."Sighing, I stride towards he