Page 20 of The Keeper

The dynamic between the three of them reminded me of siblings. Bennet definitely filled the role of the responsible, well-mannered older brother. He had the same air of mischief as the other two but it was subtle, understated. Cade was a massive goofball. And Xavier? He balanced the two out. Just as well-mannered and posh as Bennet but quick witted and ready for mischief at a moment’s notice, like Cade.

There’s no way I’ll be able to resist him, I thought.

Bennet said his goodbyes and promised to reach out about touring the facility.

“And then there were two.” Xavier reached for my hand. “What should we do now?”

“You were full of ideas when we were upstairs.”

“I’ve already made my feelings known about what I’d like to do to you in public.” His tone was low and tempting. “Would you like a more in depth demonstration in front of all these people?”

The heat radiating off him enveloped me. I would like a demonstration, actually. I’d like one right now. My entire body broke out in violent goosebumps.

“You know,” I said, trying like hell to keep my voice steady, “I have this policy back home about dating professional athletes.”

“Oh this I have to hear.” A wicked smile lit up his face.

“I make it a point not to get into relationships with them. Or fuck them. Sleeping with the product is off limits.”

“The product,” he mimicked me again. “You make us sound like prepackaged snacks.”

“Well, some of you are filled with empty calories.”

His burst of laughter drew more than a few curious glances in our direction.

“You really want me to believe you’d prefer,“ he gestured around us, “this? Some dull businessman who likes it missionary and on a schedule?” He scrubbed his face with his hands and ran them through his hair.

“I’m not talking about this here.”

Xavier wasn’t having any more of my attempts at playing coy. Leveling a heated stare at me, he laced his fingers through mine and guided me toward the exit. Cool air washed over my exposed skin the second we walked outside, providing some relief to the scorching atmosphere I’d been subjected to on planet Maddox.

Seeing as I wasn’t paying close attention to what I was doing, I bumped into someone standing on the sidewalk.

I turned to apologize. The man’s chagrined expression dissipated within seconds of looking at me. His mouth fell open in shock. I’d never seen this person before in my life but he looked at me like he’d just seen a ghost. Then he noticed Xavier and all the color drained from his face. He muttered an apology and hurried off.

Victoria

“This way.” Xavier’s insistent tone brought me back to the present. We walked toward a parking garage but all I could think about was the weird interaction.

That guy looked at me like he knew me. But it’s not possible. I’d never seen him before in my—

Charlotte.

A cold sense of dread gripped me, taking hold of my body. Memories from the summer when we were sixteen bubbled up no matter how hard I tried to keep them locked away.

A humid August night.

Our final weekend in England before school started.

A bonfire.

Me, insisting Charlotte come to the party.

Her, adamant she’d rather stay at home.

“It’s not a good idea, Tori. Mom and Dad already said no. We’re too young.”

“Honestly Charlie, you’re never going to actually experience life if you only play by the rules. It’ll be fun. We won’t stay late. I promise to be by your side the whole time.”

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