Chapter 4 A Tense Interlude
970 Words
At that moment, Xavier's demeanor took on a dangerous edge.
He resembled a cheetah poised to strike, and his gaze intensified as he leaned forward, kneeling between Yasmine's legs.
Whether by design or accident, his knee pressed against her most intimate area, applying a mixture of gentle and insistent pressure.
"Mmm, no..."
With just a murmur of protest, Yasmine quickly silenced herself by biting her lip.
"What's wrong?" Xavier's voice was calm, his eyes locked on hers, betraying no sign of the charged atmosphere below.
A wave of tingling warmth surged through Yasmine, awakening her senses like spring thawing the frozen ground.
Was he doing this deliberately? Inner turmoil raged within her, yet Xavier's expression remained impassive, offering no clue to his intentions.
Was this a mere coincidence, or did Xavier harbor other desires?
No, she was merely a woman abandoned by her spouse. Who could find such a flawed person desirable?
Was he merely toying with her?
"I'm sorry. I just..." Her apology came automatically, even though she couldn't pinpoint what she was sorry for.
Perhaps her confusion was written all over her face, for Xavier chuckled lightly, seemingly reading her turmoil. "You're sorry? Why?"
Attempting to shield herself, Yasmine's movement inadvertently caused her legs to clamp around Xavier's thigh.
Xavier leaned in a bit closer and stated calmly, "Hayden Yancey is nothing to me."
As Yasmine's eyes drifted toward the ceiling, she found herself enveloped in an intensity of passion she'd never known with her husband. This newfound fervor, kindling a sense of desire, left her feeling on the brink of oblivion.
What was this sensation?
Could it be... lust?
But she quickly denied it. Xavier was nearly a stranger, their few encounters notwithstanding.
Yasmine, get a hold of yourself!
Perhaps her body's response was merely due to a long absence of intimacy, Yasmine thought to herself, her shame intensifying.
Why is my desire being ignited by this man? He's my uncle-in-law!
But Xavier's eyes were so deep, and in his expression, was that... infatuation?
The thought exploded in Yasmine's mind, making her question everything. Could this body, worn down by a loveless marriage, still hold any attraction?
This realization sent a powerful wave of emotion crashing over her, overwhelming her completely.
Amidst the whirlwind of feelings, only one thing remained crystal clear - those intense gray-blue eyes of Xavier's.
The sudden knock at the door cut through the thick atmosphere.
"Sir, Hayden Yancey of the Yancey family has arrived unexpectedly and is causing a commotion in the main hall," announced a voice from outside.
"Got it."
Xavier's eyes flickered with a barely contained fury as he withdrew from Yasmine.
"He has the nerve to appear," he muttered.
Caught in her turmoil, Yasmine accidentally caught Xavier's intense gaze, snapping back to reality.
It was a gaze that contained killing intent.
Seeing her startled, Xavier momentarily softened.
He grabbed a shirt from the wardrobe and covered up his chiseled physique. "Have him wait."
Slipping into his shirt, Xavier managed to conceal his enormous rod in his pants, once again embodying the polished gentleman.
With a commanding tone, he announced, "Let's go see what my nephew wants."
In the grand foyer of Quinlan Mansion, a member of the Quinlan family was trying to defuse the tension.
"Mr. Quinlan will join you shortly. Please remain calm."
"Yasmine, get out here now!" Hayden was practically stomping his feet in frustration.
The news that Yasmine had been taken in by the head of the Quinlan family had him racing over in the rain.
Xavier was the last person he wanted to cross!
"Oh, if it isn't the Yancey family heir?"
Xavier made his way down the stairs, his eyes coldly surveying the soaked, rat-like figure at the entrance.
"With that vulgar speech and behavior, I thought you were some low-grade entertainment arranged for my benefit."
Adopting a superior tone, Xavier sounded like lecturing.
Hayden looked up at Xavier's towering figure and quickly moderated his demeanor. "Uncle Xavier."
"What's your purpose here?" Xavier asked with his tone brimming with disapproval.
"I've come to take Yasmine home. We've had a bit of a misunderstanding," Hayden replied, treading carefully.
"Misunderstanding?" Xavier let out a derisive laugh.
"Thank you for your concern today." Hayden signaled his man, who brought a briefcase forward, unlocking it to reveal its contents to Xavier.
"A small token of my appreciation."
The case was filled with neatly arranged cash.
Xavier's brow furrowed, but before he could comment, the sound of footsteps interrupted.
Yasmine, having found her rain-drenched clothes, quickly dressed herself and made her way past Xavier, heading for the exit without hesitation.
As she passed by, Hayden grabbed her. "Yasmine!"
"Let go," she murmured.
Yasmine was uncertain of how to confront Xavier with the lingering sensation of warmth and emptiness.
Not wanting to overstay his welcome at the Quinlan Mansion, Hayden said, "We'll be leaving now, Uncle Xavier."
Offering Xavier a strained smile, he firmly took Yasmine's wrist and led her outside.
"Wait!" Xavier's voice halted them in their tracks.
Turning back, they saw Xavier standing authoritatively on the staircase. His face was emotionless as he posed his question. "Hayden, by what right do you take her away?"
"I'm her husband," Hayden responded, his voice betraying a hint of embarrassment yet defiant.
"And what about you?" Xavier's attention turned to Yasmine. "Do you acknowledge this?"
It seemed a meaningless question.
Even without Hayden, where could she possibly go?
"He is my legal husband, at least for now," Yasmine replied. She gave Xavier one final glance before Hayden pulled her away.
"Legal husband," Xavier muttered with a sneer as they disappeared.
They'd better smarten up and consider a divorce soon. If not, Xavier was actually unopposed to the idea of marrying Yasmine, even if it meant he had to kill Hayden first.
- Writer
