Hello Bella

Xavier's patience frayed, the leather of the steering wheel groaning under his tightening grip. Hours ticked by, each minute sharpening his anticipation to a keen edge. The Thompson mansion loomed, indifferent to his vigilance. Finally, the heavy oak door creaked open.

Cathleen emerged, her stride faltering, exhaustion etched in the shadows beneath her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Knight; my client was rather too energetic." Her voice carried a brittle cheer, a veneer over steel.

"Understandable," Xavier responded, his tone smooth as the silk of her blouse. "Men like Thompson—all bluster, no stamina. You might have done the fucking all by yourself." His lips curled into something that could pass for a smile. It didn't reach his eyes.

She parted her lips, perhaps to argue, but he silenced her with a gesture, opening the door of the SUV with deliberate slowness. A wordless command—get in. She complied.

With the engine purring, Xavier guided the vehicle onto the road, the night swallowing them