Chapter 15: Chapter 15

They woke up with their stomachs growling, having skipped dinner the night before. Together, they headed downstairs to whip up some breakfast.

“Xander,” she began.

“Yeah, sweetheart? What’s up?” he responded.

“I’ve been thinking about it, and if you’re still okay with it, I’d like to move in with you.” His eyes sparkled at her words, and he quickly pulled her onto his lap.

“Absolutely, baby. You’ve just made me the happiest man alive. You won’t regret this, I promise.”

“I know you’ve got a lot on your plate for the next few days, so I’ll head home, wrap up my work, and start packing. Let’s aim for a week from now, so you can focus on your business.”

“That sounds fair. I can wait a few days. Just so you know, I do travel quite a bit for work, and I’d love for you to come with me.”

“I don’t want to interfere with your work. I’ll be content staying here while you’re away.”

“How about this? You don’t have to come on the trips where I’ll be swamped with work. But on the ones where I have some free time, I’d love for you to join me.”

“Okay.” She was overjoyed at the prospect of living with him and trusted him to keep his word.

***

Later that day, he spent the night at her place.

Morning arrived, and he was already dressed and ready for work. He walked over to the bed and planted a kiss on her sleeping form.

She stirred awake at his touch. “You’re leaving already?”

“Yeah, I’ve got some meetings to attend. I was going to sneak out, but I couldn’t resist seeing your eyes one last time. And I definitely couldn’t leave without a kiss.”

“I should have made you breakfast.”

“I’ll grab something on the way. I’ll call you tonight before I sleep. I’m going to miss you, and I can’t wait until you move in. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

***

For the next two days, he called her every night, expressing how much he missed her and promising to see her soon. She understood his busy schedule and knew he couldn’t be with her every day. On the third night, when she heard a knock at the door, she assumed it was him.

~Can’t stay away, can you?~ she thought, opening the door. But her smile faded, and her hand trembled as she took a step back.

“Tony, what are you doing here?”

“I’m back in town and wanted to see you,” he said, brushing past her into the apartment.

“Well, I don’t want to see you.”

“I just wanted to apologize for how things ended between us. I broke up with Sue, hoping you’d give me another chance.”

“Are you insane?”

“Kat, I’ve changed. I want to make things right.”

“It’s too late for that. I’ll never forgive you. I’ve moved on, and even if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t take you back.”

“Yeah, I met your new boyfriend,” he said, pointing to his black eye. “He’s got quite a temper. Is that the kind of man you want?”

“Xander did that?”

“Yes, and he warned me to stay away from you. I know about Mr. West. Do you really think you can keep a man like him? You’re nothing special, and he’s just using you.”

“You’re wrong about him. He’s a wonderful man, and he loves me.”

“Who could love you? No one, but I’m willing to give us another shot. What do you say?”

“You haven’t changed at all. You’re still trying to intimidate me. You’re a bully, trying to make me feel small and insecure.”

“You’ve grown a backbone since I last saw you. Before I leave, how about one last roll in the hay?”

“Get out!” she yelled. He grabbed her arms, pulling her against him. “Not until I get what I want.”

She fought back as he tried to drag her into the bedroom, kicking and pushing him. Somehow, she managed to get him out the door and slammed it shut. She slid down to the floor, tears streaming down her face, as he yelled obscenities from the other side.

“You’re crazy, and it’s only a matter of time before you have another breakdown. Do you think he’ll stick around then? You’ll pay for rejecting me.”

She sat on the floor for a while, then got up and went to the bedroom. She was emotionally drained. ****

Xander tried calling her several times but got no answer. Worried, he left his last meeting to check on her. When he got there and knocked, there was no response, so he broke down the door.

“Kat!” he called out, noticing a chair knocked over in the kitchen. It looked like there had been a struggle. He rushed to the bedroom and found her in bed, eyes closed. He wasn’t sure if she was aware of his presence, so he sat on the bed.

She screamed and opened her eyes when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s me, Xander.” Recognizing him, she sat up and threw her arms around his neck, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Kat, what happened?”

“Tony was here.”

“What did he do to you?” After she told him what Tony had said, he held her close. His blood boiled with rage, and he swore to make Tony pay.

She looked up at him, her lips trembling. “What if he’s right? What if I am crazy and you’ll leave me?”

“Don’t let him get to you. You’ve overcome a traumatic childhood. You’re not crazy, and I will never leave you.”

“Why does he hate me so much?”

“Because he can’t control you anymore. He’s the one who’s crazy. Did he touch you?”

“He tried to force himself on me, but I fought him off.”

“I’ll kill him.”

“No, don’t. He’s not worth it.”

“I promise I won’t lay a hand on him.” But he planned to ruin Tony in another way—financially.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He kissed her forehead.

“I’ll get someone to repair your door, and we’ll bunk here tonight. Tomorrow, we can collect whatever you want and head back home.”

“Xander.”

“Yeah?”

“We can’t let Kurt know about Tony’s visit. I’m scared of what he might do if he finds out. He could kill him.”

“I won’t breathe a word. Let me make that call, then I’ll order us some food. You just relax.”

By evening, the door was mended, and they had finished their meal. She began to pack her belongings with his assistance.

“What about the furniture?”

“It came with the place, so it stays. I just have my clothes, a few trinkets, and my computer.”

He found it disheartening that her entire life could be packed into a handful of boxes. She didn’t even own any jewelry. He made a mental note to change that soon.

He rested his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. Every time he did, a warm sensation filled his heart.

“I want you to consider my place as your own. You’ll be safe there, and anything you want or need, just let me know. If there’s something you want to change, feel free. I want you to be happy there.”

“I already love it and wouldn’t change a thing. Well, maybe one thing.”

“Tell me.”

“The bedroom.”

“What about it?”

“It’s so masculine. I mean, it’s lovely but so dark. It could use a splash of color.”

“You’re not going to make it too feminine, are you? I don’t think I could handle a pink, frilly room.”

She couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, I promise. I won’t do that. I was thinking of brightening it up. New curtains and a comforter. And maybe a new rug? I think a cream color would lighten up the room instead of the dark chocolate one.”

“That sounds great, so go for it. Now, let’s hit the hay. Tomorrow, we’ll head home and start our new life together.”

As they lay entwined, he watched her sleep. Seeing her smile again was a relief, and he vowed to protect her.

***

In the morning, he loaded her things into his car while she phoned her brother to tell him she was moving in with Xander.

“Are you sure about this? I mean, I thought you would wait longer before making a decision this big.”

“I’ve never been more certain about anything. I love him, and he treats me well. He makes me happy, and I feel safe with him. Please be happy for me.”

“Yes, I am happy for you. I’ve seen how much you’ve grown. My little sister has become strong and brave and isn’t afraid to take risks.”

She had just hung up when Xander came back.

“Ready to go?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“This place has been my home for so long. It felt more like a prison where I was trapped. Yes, I’m ready to leave.”

She turned to face him, her hands resting on his chest.

“I truly love you. I now realize that I never loved Tony. I didn’t understand what love was until I met you. I’ll do everything I can to make you happy and ensure you never regret being with me.”

“Honey, you already make me happy, and I’ll never regret anything that involves you. Let’s go home, and you can start making our bedroom just the way you want it.”

***

Once home, while she was busy unpacking, he retreated to his home office and made a few calls. By the time he finished informing some of his colleagues and clients about Tony’s true nature, he was confident they would sever ties with him, and word would spread.

Tony’s career and reputation would take a massive hit. He would lose some, if not all, of his jobs and struggle to find new ones.

It might not have been the most ethical thing for Xander to do, but he had discovered more about Tony. Tony had swindled his clients out of substantial sums of money by inflating bills, among other illicit activities. He had embezzled hundreds of thousands from many of his clients.

He took the file his assistant had sent him on Tony, placed it in his safe, and locked it away. He was certain that Tony would either skip town or end up behind bars. Either way, he would be out of Kat’s life for good.