Chapter 16

Cecilia I curled up on the sofa after dinner, staring at my phone. The chat screen with Liam remained open, my fingers hovering uncertainly over the keyboard. I must have typed and deleted at least four different messages. What was Sebastian Black's game? First he gives me his measurements, then goes silent? Was this some kind of power play? I sighed, tossing my phone aside. Whatever Sebastian's intentions were, they hardly mattered. Beyond this unresolved suit situation, our lives would never intersect again. Footsteps approached from outside the living room. I quickly closed the chat window and uncurled my legs, trying to look casual. Xavier burst through the doorway, his face stormy. "Where are all your clothes? Your shoes? Your jewelry? Your bags?" His voice was sharp, accusatory. My heart stuttered in my chest. [Stay calm] I whispered to myself. But how did he find out? Why was he suddenly home early for dinner, then immediately checking our closets? Had someone been watching me?