Page 52 of Vicious Little Darling

“He’s outside,” Megan calls from the front of the store. “Black Mercedes, right?”

“Right.” My heart skips a beat and I glance down at my watch. He’s right on time. I emerge from the back and peer out through the window. Sure enough, his car is pulled alongside the curb, waiting for me. I don’t know why it feels so fucking nice, but it does.

“Let me know if you need anything,” Megan holds out my purse. “And try not to worry about Josh. Burn that bridge and never go back, girl. Start a new life with your new rich man, and I’ll cheer you on.”

“Thanks,” I laugh, shaking my head as I go out the front door. I jog to the curb, and Xander is already there, opening the door for me. “Thank you.”

He grabs my hand, stopping me before I can slide in. “You’re not getting away that easy.” Xander chuckles, as he draws my mouth to his, kissing me lightly before letting me go.

My face flushes as the memories of last night come flooding back. However, in the moment, they seem to mix with other,darkerones. I shake the feelings off and climb into the car, pulling the seatbelt across my lap and buckling in.

Jaxton Alexander Marks.Josh’s use of his full name comes rushing back to my mind, and I can’t help but stare at Xander as he climbs back into the car. In all the mess, I hadn’t even remembered what I’d learned.

“Hungry?” Xander asks, reaching over and grabbing my hand.

I hesitate, biting down on my lower lip. “Actually… Um… I have a question.”

He puts the car back in park, as if he senses that it’s going to be important.

“Okay. Shoot. I’m ready.”

Xander’s expression is difficult for me to read in the moment, and I can’t tell if he’s nervous or completely at ease.

“When I was with Josh, he said your full name is Jaxton Alexander Marks.”

Xander’s brow furrows. “Okay… I mean, that would be correct. I go by Jax or Xander. My family all call me Jax, but sometimes it’s nice to disassociate from my shit family. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you my full name sooner?” He seems confused, and I start to feel stupid.

“He also said you were connected to a drug cartel.” I blurt the words out, but it sounds so freaking ridiculous I feel silly for even asking. It’s outlandish to think—

“Yes, that’s right.” Xander’s words cut right through my thoughts.

“What?” I can’t hide my shock. “I thought he was just fucking with my head.”

Xander shakes his head. “He wasn’t. It’s the truth. My mom was a fucking junkie. She got my dad to do the drugs he sold, and then she killed him with them. I moved in with my uncle and he tried to get my mom help, but she didn’t want it. She’s a fucking horrible person, honestly. I’m not hiding who I am from you. I’m not involved with that. I have my father’s inheritance, but that’s it. I’m not in the drug business, Ember.”

I nod slowly, slightly relieved. “Thanks for being so honest.”

He narrows his eyes at me, and then puts the car in gear, before pulling away from the curb. “Do you have any more questions for me? I’ll answer whatever it is. I’m not going to lie to you. That’s not how I want us to work.”

“Not right now. I just want to go home,” I say, letting out a sigh. He squeezes my hand, and we make the rest of the trip insilence, not speaking again until I’m safely inside the penthouse. Something about the place is so comforting. It wraps me up in a warmth that I haven’t felt in a long time.

“Wine?” Xander offers as he opens the fridge.

My stomach knots up. “I don’t think so. I’m still trying to get over last night.”

He frowns but nods. “That’s a good point. What do you want for dinner?”

My legs clench, and even in the soreness, I know theexactthing I want.

“Actually, maybe we could put dinner off till later?” I suggest, walking around the island to meet him. I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips to his jaw, my skin brushing the stubble on his face.

He lets out a groan as I run my hand down his chest, feeling his taut muscles flex beneath his shirt.

“Jesus, Ember. The things you do to me.” His hands run down my sides as his breaths pick up, my lips slipping down his jaw to his neck. “Holy fuck.”

“Isn’t this better than dinner?” I giggle, slipping my hands up the front of his shirt. He instantly stills, grabbing my hands and pulling them down.

“We should give your body a rest,” he rasps. “You’ve been through a lot today. I don’t think it’s a good idea…”

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