Chapter 3 Stephanie McCain

I looked up to find a tall man clutching Hayden by the collar of his shirt, his knuckles turning white. I flicked my eyes across the tattoos on his fingers and on his hand.

That's Athena's fucking brother! Xavier.

I met him once before at one of the many functions Athena dragged me off to. I didn't really notice his tattoos then but now, they were all I could see. My heart rattles inside my chest.

Of course I'll recognize those dark, mysterious eyes anywhere. He loomed over Hayden, at least four inches taller. His shoulders are much broader and the expression on his face looked like he was about to commit multiple crimes and not have even an ounce of remorse.

Hayden pushed him off but Xavier stepped forward and squares up to him, leveling his eyes in a death glare. “Trust me, you don't want to cause a scene.” He grunted in his direction. “So I suggest you walk away before I get you kicked out of here for good.”

Hayden's nostrils flared at him as he straightened out his suit. Not once did he glance my way as he strolled across the VIP section, away from our eye line.

Xavier watched him stalk back to where he came from before he turned to me. His face still looked like thunder but they soon softened when they met my eyes.

My stomach hardened as he glanced over my face slowly. “Are you okay?”

I swallowed back the lump in my throat. I attempted to nod but it was far from the truth.

I'm truly fucking not.

Hayden would never talk to me again and I'll have no information to get back to Marcus. He's definitely going to put on a stunt that'll leave me with nightmares for months. I suddenly felt extremely nauseous.

Oh shit. Oh shit.

“Stephanie?” He breathed in a whisper of concern.

For a moment I zoned out, my head becoming extremely light.

“You remember me?” I say with a confused tone.

He nodded swiftly. “Of course. Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I managed to choke out. “I'm okay.”

“Did he hurt you?”

I shook my head. “He was just a little bit too handsy.”

“That asshole is lucky he still has hands at all.” He grumbled under his breath.

For a few minutes, neither one of us said anything but he didn't step away. I was still trying to calm down my racing heart.

“Would you like another drink?” He said, finally breaking the silence as he pointed at my empty glass. “I sure need one.”

God knows I needed a drink after what I just went through.

I nodded and pushed myself off of the booth as we both walked across the room to the bar. I noticed that he was glancing at me out of the corner of his eye but he doesn't turn to me completely.

He ordered for the both of us and I thanked him, taking my drink and downing almost half of it in one go.

“How's Athena?” I asked, trying to distract myself with a new conversation. “It's been a while since I saw her.”

“You don't know?” He asked, looking skeptical and I shook my head.

“She's away with her boyfriend on some silly romantic getaway. I'm surprised she didn't tell you.”

Well, I didn't give any room for her to tell me things, did I? Ever since Marcus’ release, I've tried so hard to just isolate myself from her and even everyone I know.

“She's going to be there for the next two weeks, if not more.” Xavier continued, oblivious to my thoughts.

I'm glad she's happy. At least, one of us is. “Sounds amazing.” I flashed him a smile. “I'm jealous.”

Xavier's eyes widened subtly as he leaned onto the bar. “Me too.” He admitted surprisingly.

When I didn't respond immediately, he took in my face. Not my hips or my lips but just my face and suddenly, I felt about two feet taller because he's seeing me. He's really seeing me. I flicked my gaze across his features and feel myself settle into my shoes.

He's gorgeous. Of course he is. Athena is stunning too. Their parents must be Greek gods to produce offsprings like these. Such amazing genes.

Dark tousled hair that's long on the top, pieces resting over his forehead in perfect position. Olive tan skin that looks smooth and silky. I've noticed the scar across his eyebrows before but now, I was really seeing it, cut right across his hair. Looks like he got it from years ago.

I've been terrified of men with scars because they remind me of Marcus, but when I look at Xavier, I don't get the same vibes from him.

“Please don't tell me that man was your date.” Xavier grunts his disapproval as he gestured to the booth I was sitting in before.

I shook my head. “No. Met him tonight. Wouldn't leave me alone.”

“Who are you here with?”

My face reddened as I prepared myself to tell the same lie. “I was waiting for some friends but I'm not sure where they are.”

Xavier studied me for a long moment and I flashed him an unconvincing smile. It was like he could see right through me. Like he knew that something wasn't right but he doesn't press me. Instead, he nodded and took a sip of his drink.

“You shouldn't be here alone.” He said in a raspy voice. “This is my friend Jake's club but I don't trust the men in it. In fact, I don't trust any man.”

I tilted my head. “Including yourself?”

He exhaled sharply as he chuckled. “Men in this town aren't here for anything sweet and you being here, looking like…..that.” His eyes flicked down my attire but not paying any particular attention to a specific body part. “Men are always going to think they're owed something. I know you're here to have a good time but these men are here to manipulate and use. Being alone makes them believe one thing, that you don't mind it.”

His jaw tensed and I could see frustration filter through them. It warmed me in ways I had no idea I could feel. Why did he seem like he was worried about me?

No man has cared about me in years and the feeling is so alien I had no idea what to do with it.

But I shouldn't be focusing on that.

I should be focusing on the fact that I had no information to get back to Marcus.

I know I can't go home with nothing for him but it's too late. I'm definitely going to get the wrath of him.

And I'm fucking terrified.