CHAPTER 24

ELLA'S POV

His eyes glinted with intrigue. “And what’s that?”

I let out a shaky breath, steadying myself. “We do this on my terms, Xavier. No games, no manipulation. Just what’s best for Ivy.”

“And to ensure a healthy financial background in front of Ivy, we are going to be staying in my apartment for the first three months of our marriage,” I let out my voice in a gasp as I tried so hard to hide all hints of fear from my voice. I could have sworn I saw his gaze harden, his eyes brushing my body hungrily.

I was ready to take a huge step, one that included me playing a game with the almighty Xavier McKinney. Xavier’s smile was slow, confident. He knew he had me, but he was smart enough not to gloat.

“Deal,” he said, his tone carrying a promise I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

“Yay, I finally get to show daddy to my friends.” I heard Ivy yell in joy. I frowned my face slightly as I headed back into the party. When I arrived, the whole event was in full swing, the buzzing of the mu