Page 121 of The Darkest Chase

Maybe if I was more focused, I could’ve moved away before he caught me.

But now, as my vision steadies, he’s—he’s too close, right in front of me, leaning across the desk until our noses almost touch.

His hand grips my chin too hard.

This is where I should scream bloody murder.

Instead, I’m turned to stone, completely caught off guard.

Why the hell is he touching me?

He smiles, slow and dark and baring too many teeth, staring right into my eyes. I think I see why he’s been so deflated today.

He’s sober, his eyes no longer dilated and jittering.

Somehow, a sober Xavier scares me more than one who’s high.

He’s also laser focused, and when I try to jerk back, his fingers tighten, digging into the hinge of my jaw and locking me in place.

“Now tell me,” he purrs. His breath on my face feels foul. “You’re looking flushed, Miss Grey.” His gaze dips down, and I realize—oh God. My nipples are pressing hard against my shirt, roused by thoughts of seeing Micah. His hateful green eyes drift back to my face. “Is there something on your mind besides work, Miss Grey?”

Sweet Jesus, no.

Not anymore.

Also, it's bizarre how they both call me Miss Grey, but it feels so different.

With Xavier, it’s revolting.

Hissing, I jerk back, wrenching free from his grip.

My cheeks throb where his fingers dug in.

“Don’t touch me again,” I whisper as firmly as I can, but my chest is starting to seize up. My voice comes out weak from not enough air.

He eyeballs me with a face like stone.

I want to say so much worse. I want to scream and rake my nails across his eyes. But I’m alone here, and there’s no telling what he might do if I actually put up a fight.

I swallow hard, reaching deep for diplomatic words he doesn’t deserve.

“Since you seem so distracted, Mr. Arrendell, we can continue this discussion l-later,” I whisper.

I don’t look at him as I gather up my books, hugging them against my chest as a shield and backing away.

I still want to scream obscenities for what he did and quit on the spot, but I think about Grandpa and how much he needs this money.

“I’ll email you my thoughts,” I bite off, my voice arctic.

Xavier watches with a sort of sick amusement, sinking back in his power chair. He smirks, and I feel like he’s looking right through my clothes, stripping me naked with his eyes.

“You’re sure you don’t want to stay, Miss Grey?”

I’m going to vomit, if I don’t kill him first.

I need to get the hell out of here.

I need to go now, before I either puke or have an asthma attack, and I turn quickly on my heel.

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