Page 49 of His Dark Cravings

Fine.

I lean against the door, letting out a slow, shaky breath. My heart feels raw, like it’s been dragged over gravel. The truth I blurted out is still ringing in my ears, even though the door is closed between us now.

I care. I care about Xavier.

I push off the door and start down the stairs, my feet heavy. At the bottom of the stairs, I hesitate, unsure where to go. The kitchen? The game room? Anywhere but back to my room, where I’d only sit and stew in this miserable feeling.

“Everly.”

I jump, my hand flying to my chest. Winter stands nearby, her arms crossed and a knowing look in her eyes. She’s so still, so calm, while I feel like I’m unraveling.

“You’ve been up there,” she says, nodding toward Xavier’s private wing. “He was difficult, I imagine.”

“Not just difficult.” My voice cracks, and I hate it. “He’s gone, even when he’s right in front of you.”

Winter's expression softens. “Come on,” she says, turning and walking toward the first-floor lounge. “Let’s talk.”

I follow her, my legs carrying me on autopilot. Winter sits on the couch, her posture perfect, and gestures for me to join her. I do, but I can’t sit still. I fidget with the hem of my dress, my mind a mess.

“Why are you here?” I ask finally, looking at her. “You don’t have to babysit me.”

Winter smiles faintly. “I’m here because you need to understand.”

“Understand what?”

She seems to get more comfortable, her hands resting in her lap.

“Lila,” she says quietly. “Her leaving. It shouldn't have this effect on you.”

“It shouldn't?” The bitterness in my voice surprises me. “Because it feels personal.”

Winter tilts her head. “Lila was never serious about submitting to Xavier. She didn’t really submit at all. Not the way you think.”

I frown. “What does that even mean?”

“Lila’s thing was the thrill,” Winter explains. “The chase, the push and pull. She loved the game, but she never really let go. Not for him, not for anyone. She’s a wanderer, Everly. Always has been.”

I try to process this. “So she’s just... gone?”

Winter nods. “She’s gone. And Xavier—” She pauses, studying me. “He’s not upset because he cares. He’s upset because he can’t keep anyone.”

The words hit me like a slap. “What?”

“Every doll who’s left—every single one—he’s pushed them away long before they actually go,” Winter says, her tone gentle but firm. “Because deep down, he knows they'll leave. And it scares him.”

The room feels smaller, the air heavier. “That’s why he’s so guarded,” I realize aloud.

Winter nods. “Exactly. And Lila’s leaving is just another reminder that no matter what he does, no matter how much control he takes, he can’t stop people from walking away.”

I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. All this time, I thought Xavier was this untouchable figure, this master of control. But now, sitting here, I see even more cracks. The man upstairs, drowning in whiskey, is scared.

And it fucking breaks my heart.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Winter’s gaze locks onto mine, sharp and unyielding. “Because I think you need to know. Xavier isn’t a monster, Everly. He’s just broken.”

Broken. The word repeats in my head like a mantra. Xavier is broken. And I’m not sure if that makes me feel better or worse. All I know is that the man I’ve been so afraid of, the man I’ve been trying to please, is just as lost as I am.

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