Page 9 of His Dark Cravings

Xavier appears, commanding attention. He moves with a quiet grace, a predatory energy that makes my breath catch.

"Welcome, Everly," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends a strange thrill through me. He gestures to the uniformed women. "These women are my staff. They'll see to your needs." Then, he turns back to me. "Come, I'll give you a brief tour."

Xavier leads me through the main floor. It's all sharp edges and expensive furniture. We make stops in the vast living area, a game room packed with high-end equipment, and a kitchen that would put a restaurant to shame.

"The second floor is my personal space," he says, his voice firm, “I'm sure you'll understand we won't go up there now." He doesn’t look at me as he speaks, leading us back toward the foyer.

My unease grows with each step, the subtle signs of his lifestyle and control a constant reminder of my current situation.

Xavier takes me to a smaller lounge, where three women are seated. They turn, their eyes locked on me. One has black, curly hair, dressed in a tiny red dress. Another, a platinum blonde with a sharp bob, is clad in a severe black dress. The third has fiery red hair, and she's rocking black leather pants and a tank top. Their styles are so different from the modest clothing I'm wearing that it's almost hard to look at them.

"Everly, this is Lila, Winter, and Sable," Xavier says, his gaze flicking between them. "They are among the women living in my home."

Lila’s gaze is playful, almost predatory, a smirk playing on her lips. Winter’s blue eyes are like chips of ice, her expression impassive. Sable's hazel eyes carry a sharp caution, her posture tense. My stomach twists with nervousness and something else.

These women are beautiful.

“So this is the new girl,” Lila says, her voice carrying a teasing lilt as she rises from her seat. "I'm Lila. Pleasure to meet you.” She doesn't offer a hand, instead giving me a once over with a playful grin that somehow makes me feel naked.

Winter nods curtly. "Welcome." Her tone carries a hint of something I can't quite place.

Sable just gives me a half-scowl.

Xavier watches us, his face blank as he addresses them. “Treat Everly with respect, or face the consequences," he says, his voice holding a steely quality. His eyes drift to Lila, who barely contains a snicker.

His words seem to have little impact on Lila as she takes a step closer to me, her eyes like emeralds.

"Consequences? Oh, Xavier," she drawls, her hand smoothing down my arm, sending a strange shiver through me. "You make it sound like they'll be bad." Her grin widens, flashing white teeth.

Xavier's mouth tightens, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “Lila," he warns, his tone low.

"What?" Lila asks, innocently blinking at him. "Just showing our guest a welcoming hand." She turns back to me. "Don't you find Xavier's threats a little dramatic, Everly? I sure do.”

Winter’s expression doesn't change, though her hand tightens on her knee. Sable's jaw ticks, her body taut with unease at the exchange. I keep silent, unsure how to navigate their dynamic. I feel completely out of my depth and, if I'm honest, a bit afraid.

Xavier steps closer to Lila, his nearness causing her to take a step back. Not submissive, but cautious, perhaps.

"You should know better than to test me." His tone is dangerously quiet, a warning wrapped in silk.

"Testing you?" Lila laughs, a throaty sound. "I'd never. I just enjoy a little…playfulness. Isn't that what you like, Xavier?" She gives him a pointed look.

I shift, uncomfortable at the undercurrent of their interaction. All this feels like a show, and I'm unsure what role I play in it. I’d never seen anything like this in my life. My hand feels for the worn strap of my bag, the familiar texture a small comfort in the tension-thick room.

"Enough," Xavier says, his voice firm, ending the banter. He turns to me, his expression softening slightly. "Come. I'll have someone show you to your room."

I nod. It takes everything I've got to make eye contact with him. His eyes hold mine in an unnerving manner, as if examining me. He doesn’t say anything else. As we exit the room, he nods to one of the women outside the door. Then he's walking off somewhere.

"This way, Miss Fields," the woman says.

I follow her, leaving Lila, Winter, and Sable in the lounge. We go down a set of stairs, heading toward the west side of the lower floor of the mansion. As we move down a hallway, she points out various doors and says who occupies them—one of the three women I just met. Then we stop before a closed door near the end.

"This is the dungeon. Only enter this room when Xavier instructs you to," the woman explains.

I can't tell what's beyond the door just by the look on her face. After I nod, acknowledging her instruction, she takes me back the way we came to one of the door's we first passed.

"This is your room. If you have need of me, just press the button by the door." She bows her head before leaving.

I step inside, taking a moment to look around. The walls are a soft grey, and the bed has white linens, not very different from my room back home. It's nice, though.

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