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Why does everyone keep asking me that?
“Stupid question,” he chuckles.
This is the first time Jacques has shown any bit of warmth towards me since finding out about me and Xander. It’s strange.
I don’t have it in me to speak right now. I need to calm down.
“Xander had to stay behind to sign the agreement,” he says, but he sounds down about it. “But he sent me here to make sure you’re okay.”
“You don’t wanna do it,” I comment.
He lets out a humourless laugh. “No. I don’t. It was never meant to be bigger than this.”
“Why?”
“There was someone that once I’d do anything for. I made her a promise… but I don’t think I’ll ever see her again. Xander… he cares about you. And I care about him. He’s sacrificed so much for me, and it’s time I return the favour.”
I smile, tilting my head towards the moon illuminating the sky.
“This is the first time you’ve been nice to me since the incident at DL.”
He huffs a laugh, head tilting down. “Yeah, well.” He shrugs. “You know, it’s okay to feel. You don’t have to hide your feelings all the time.”
I whip my head towards him.
How does he know that?
For some reason—since being around Xander—it has been easier to open up. It makes me feel lighter. Which is why I entertain Jacques for a minute.
“I’m scared that if I show my feelings, it’ll make me seem weak. It’s easier to hide.”
He snorts. “Trust me, it’s not.”
His brows are scrunched in thought, and his bearded jaw ticks.
“Anyway, I better go check on the party,” he says, turning to leave. “Oh, Camila? Xander is not… I don’t know what happened between you, but… Shit, I don’t even know how to say it. The way Xander loves isn’t… traditional—”
My head clears, and my walls rise. “Who said we’re in love?”
He chuckles quietly. “Never mind.”
I hear his footsteps retreat and cuddle the blazer closer into me. Something hard presses into the side of my boob.
“Ouch.” I pull the blazer open and see a gun nestled in a pocket inside.
I shiver, smoothing my finger over the black steel.
Sighing, I start making my way back to Xander’s office after a few minutes of composing myself. The party still carries on downstairs. His office door is slightly ajar, which means Nova and Axel must’ve left with a new deal secured.
I push the door open, and I don’t expect what’s in front of me.
Penelope.
Chapter 36
Camila
She’s breathing the same air as Xander. Her wrist is caught in his grip. Xander’s face is contorted in anger, but she smiles up at him, flashing her flirty eyes.
