CHAPTER 52

Ella's POV

I stood in the doorway, watching him move around the kitchen, completely lost in the sight of him. I swear, I wasn't trying to stare, but Xavier was impossible to ignore-especially when he was like this. Shirtless, his muscles flexing every time he reached for something, those dark eyes focused on making breakfast. It was infuriating how effortless he could be this… perfect.

He cracked eggs into the pan where they immediately joined the scent of bacon and fresh brewed coffee, and my stomach growled, reminding me I should at least be thinking about food, but how could I, when there he was right in front of me, like some kind of god stepping out of a daydream? He caught my gaze, and that slow grin spread across his lips, that damnable, teasing grin which quickened the pulse without my will.

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms, trying to compose myself. But it was impossible. There was something about him, something about the way he carried himself-so confident, s