Entangled: Sequel to Awakened by Lacey Roberts Page A

I kissed will help keep the other prick from announcing she’s gay before she has a chance to do it herself. “
    “Where does that leave me if the press does decide you’re worth following? Won’t I be seen as the other woman?”
    Xavier chuckled. “Sweetheart, you will never be the other woman. You’re the only woman. I will take you to where I know the people can be trusted until Janet makes her announcement. I promise, I will protect you. I’m sorry I hadn’t discussed it with you before I left and that you had to find out on the news. I never intended to hurt you.”
    “Yes, you should have told me. I would have understood and I wouldn’t have been so upset.”
    “You were upset?”
    “Of course I was. I was starting to like you a little. I was looking forward to dating you and then that report turned my world on its head. I felt betrayed. It took a great deal of soul searching for me to agree to your proposal. I thought you genuinely cared about me and I was prepared to give us a try. Finding out about Janet destroyed that belief.”
    Xavier gathered her to him. “I’m so sorry, princess. I want you as much as ever. There will be no other woman on my arm, in my bed or kissing me from now on. I promise.”
    “Thank you,” she whispered.
    “And, for the record, you haven’t agreed to my proposal which I believe included your living with me and being in my bed. You have agreed to date me, which is nowhere near enough, but will suffice. For now.”
    Xavier lowered his lips over hers and they kissed passionately.

Chapter Eight
    The restaurant was dark and surprisingly quiet. Aline assumed because it was a Sunday night, most people would be at home preparing for the working week ahead.
    A tall, handsome man with shimmering black hair and a thick moustache, rushed toward them. Aline watched with interest as he dragged Xavier into a bear hug. They were around the same height but the stranger was more solidly built, not as muscular as Xavier.
    “Xavier, it is good to see you, mio fratello . It has been far too long.” The man spoke with a distinct accent, Italian, Aline thought but wasn’t sure.
    When the men stepped apart they spoke rapidly in a foreign language before laughing.
    “Sorry,” Xavier apologized to Aline. “This is my good friend, Giovanni Lupi. His family own this restaurant.” He turned to his friend. “This is my girlfriend, Aline.”
    Giovanni raised her hand to his lips and smiled as he feathered her knuckles with kisses. His eyes locked on her face as he studied her. “Such magnificent bone structure, such beauty. I must paint you. Your body, naked. All of you must be painted and then you shall come to my bed, no?”
    Aline’s eyes widened, she was temporarily speechless. Two men in less than a week had invited her into their beds. What the fuck is going on?
    “Giovanni, no. She is mine.” Xavier growled.
    “Surely you will tire of her after one night, well maybe two, knowing you as I do, and she will then be mine. I will appreciate her body. I will worship her beauty far more than you would,” Giovanni gesticulated to Xavier.
    “Giovanni. I said, she is mine ,” Xavier said through gritted teeth.
    “Very well. It is a pity. I could worship such beauty for many an hour. Come, sit. I will appreciate from afar.”
    He led Xavier and Aline to a table in an area which was subtly lit. A chair was moved from the table which allowed the wheelchair to be pushed in. Giovanni and Xavier sat.
    Giovanni lifted his hand and a waiter appeared with a bottle of wine, three glasses and menus. After placing it all on the table, he retreated to a suitable distance away.
    “Tell me, Aline. Do you live locally?” Giovanni asked.
    “No. I’ve been here for the past three years at St. Thomas University. After I graduate in six months’ time, I’ll go home to Dalton.”
    “Our alumni. What are you studying?”
    “Law. I want to go into the corporate field.”
    “Ah, like my friend. Why are