Entangled: Sequel to Awakened by Lacey Roberts Page B

you here, Xavier?”
    “I’m lecturing in contract law for six months as a favor to Doug Franklin. He was in a bind,” Xavier explained.
    “The teacher and the student.” Giovanni’s face lit up with an expression of mischief. “So, this relationship is only new. There is hope for me yet. Come to me, Aline. I will love you as a beautiful girl should be loved.”
    Aline giggled.
    Xavier was becoming angry. Jealousy reared its head. “Giovanni, I am not amused.”
    “I’m sorry, Giovanni but I’m happy with Xavier,” Aline added. She chuckled when he pouted.
    “Then, my darling, I will let you go but you take my wounded heart with you. I will leave you to enjoy your dinner.” Giovanni stood, swept Aline’s hand up to his mouth and again kissed her knuckles. “You take good care of this one, my friend. I think she is not like the others.”
    Xavier and Aline watched quietly as Giovanni walked away.
    Aline sipped at the wine Xavier had poured. Now that she no longer required medication, she was able to drink. Although she rarely consumed alcohol, she wasn’t averse to the odd glass of wine with her dinner.
    “I like him. Was he in the same classes as you at University? What does mio fratello mean?” she asked.
    “ Mio fratello is Italian for my brother. He’s an artist and studied Fine Art. We met by chance at a campus party. We clicked and have been friends ever since. He likes ladies. Especially beautiful, unavailable ones.”
    “I noticed. Does his continental approach usually work?”
    Xavier laughed. “I have no idea. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. He was abroad until a few weeks ago. He always had a different girl in his bed when we were in University. He’s the classic Italian Casanova. He’s broken many a heart.”
    “And, you? Have you broken many a heart?”
    “I doubt it. The women I have been with know it’s only a one-time thing. Until you.”
    “Why change for me?”
    “You’re different. I want to possess you. Let the whole world know you’re mine.”
    What if I don’t want to be possessed, owned?”
    The waiter interrupted and Xavier gave him their orders. As soon as he left, the conversation resumed.
    “Possessed is probably not the correct word. I want you for myself. I want to fuck you until you scream my name. Until you can’t stand up straight. I want to take you to first night openings, galas, balls and, introduce you to the world as mine.”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know, except to say I believe in fate. I believe there is a special person for each of us. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to find them. It’s the one person who completes us. I think you’re that person for me.”
    “How can you possibly know that when we have only known each other for such a short amount of time?”
    “I don’t know why I know. I just know I do. Tell me about you.”
    “Not much to tell. Dad and daddy met my mother when dad saved her from falling from the top of the courthouse steps. Dad felt an instant connection with her…”
    “Dad is?”
    “Linc. Mother was coming out of a bad relationship and she relocated closer to her work in the city. When she joined the gym near her apartment building, dad and daddy got to know her better. They became her personal trainers and image consultants.”
    “They all fell in love?”
    “Yes. Mother moved in to their penthouse apartment a few weeks later. They had been together a little over a year when mother died giving birth to me.”
    Xavier heard the sadness in her voice. He clasped her hand in his.
    The waiter appeared with their entrees, refilled their wine glasses and again disappeared.
    Aline sipped her wine. In between mouthfuls, she continued. “Dad and daddy were devastated when mother died but they didn’t have a chance to curl up in balls and wallow in grief. They had a baby to take care of. They have given me everything. Not only material goods but more importantly, their love, guidance and understanding.”
    “You