He's not next to me when I wake.
My hand reaches across the mattress to find empty sheets. I stretch my arms, groaning softly as the morning sun filters in through the blinds.
The bedroom door is wide open bringing in the smell of cooking. I sit up, my mouth already salivating from the aroma.
Last nights awkward conversation washes over me and I almost don't want to get out of bed before Xavier appears in the doorway.
"Breakfast is ready," he says, forcing a small smile before disappearing done the hall.
Once I make it into the kitchen, I'm greeted with a plate of scrabbled eggs and bacon. A cup of orange juice accompanies it.
"Thanks for this," I say. "Looks good."
He shrugs. "Didn't have anything better to do."
"Thought you might have gone home before I woke up to be honest."
"I wouldn't do that without saying goodbye first," he says firmly.
I take a sip from the orange juice, needing to busy myself with something. He really isn't making this easy.
"So should we talk about last night?" I say quietly.
"Not much to say," he replies, putting food on his own plate. "I know how you feel."
"Yeah, butâ"
"It's alright, Rhea. Let's just drop it."
"Fine. For now, anyway."
He sighs, shaking his head as he pours his own glass of orange juice. "I'm gonna do a few thing around the house before I leave. Won't be gone for a few hours if that's alright with you."
"If that's alright withâ my god. You think I want to be alone out here?"
"After last nightâ"
"You didn't scare me away because you admitted how you felt. This whole situation is...complicated. I'm notâI'm confused."
"About what?" He says quietly, watching me closely.
"Aboutâabout everything."
I couldn't deny that there had been strange moments with him. Moments when I felt his touch more than before. Moments when I'd catch myself staring at him longer than usual.
"About me?"
"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this right now," I say quickly. "I actually have something else to ask you. Something important."
"Great way to change the subject."
"I'm not changing the subject."
"Yes, you are," he retorts.
"No, I'mâwhatever. I'm not having this argument."
"Fine. Ask whatever it is you need to then."
I clear my throat, watching his expression closely. I'd been wanting to do this for weeks, but I had never found the right time.
"Does the name Thomas Lancaster sound familiar to you?" I whisper.
The silence stretches on as I wait for an answer. He blinks a few times, clenching the counter as he leans his arms into it.
"Yeah, vaguely," he pulls his brows into a frown as he thinks. "Why? Who is he?"
"Brax used to babysit him. He's been accused of murder."
"Damn," Xavier whistles, turning his back to me as he fiddles with a tea towel on the sink. "Who'd he kill?"
"I don't think he killed anyone."
I notice the moment he tenses, facing away from me as he turns to the sink.
"So this is the new case Davina has you working on?" He plays it off.
"Yeah. She thinks you could be connected to it too."
That's when I get him. He whirls around to face me, a closed off look appearing across his face.
"She said that, did she?"
"Yes."
"Hmm."
"Hmm?" I say, exasperated. "Someone has just accused you of murder and that's all you have to say?"
He shrugs. "Not sure what gave her the idea that I would be involved."
"Maybe because your car was seen driving by. On the opposite side of town."
"So now I'm a murderer for driving on the opposite side of a town? Didn't realise that was a crime."
I frown, spooning a mouthful of scrabbled eggs into my mouth and chewing aggressively.
"It's just funny that the victim happened to be a Bryor. Dex Bryor, do you know of him?"
"Nope. But I'm sure he got what he deserved then."
"Don't be vague. You're hiding something."
He laughs, exasperated. "Am I, Rhea?"
"Did you kill him?"
"Isn't this a lovely conversation during breakfast," he mumbles. "Are you finished with your accusations?"
"Are you finished with your lies?" I snap.
He leans forward on his elbows, hands tucked under his chin as he cocks his head at me condescendingly.
"I'm not lying, detective."
I frown at him, scarping my spoon across the plate as he steps back. "I feel like I should be offended that you think so low of me, really."
"Don't you all thrive on murdering people? Surprised you didn't take it as a compliment, honestly."
He laughs but it's so obvious that it's not funny to him. "I'd be quiet before you start a real argument with me."
"Maybe I won't be quiet," I snap back stupidly.
He rounds the counter slowly. "I'll fucking make you then."
"Good luck withâ"
Before I know it he's leaning down to kiss me. He grips the back of head, pulling me against him. He stands between my thighs before pulling them apart as he picks me up.
Hands kneading my ass, he slams us back against the wall and I gasp.
"Quieter now, huh?" he growls.
His mouth moves down my neck as he leaves open kisses along the way.
"I'm not finished...with this conversation."
"Well, I am," he snaps.
He pulls away suddenly leaving me heaving. I try to control my breathing but my heart is beating so loudly I swear he can hear it.
"You sure you don't want me?" he says, smugly.
"Iâyou're a dick," I snap, covering my chest as I'm naked.
"Or you just want myâ"
"What the fuck is wrong with you? Last night you're telling me you shouldn't doing anything because it's not right. I'm you're brothers girl. Remember that, Xavier?"
His eyes cloud over and all humour evaporates from his expression. "You were pushing me."
I laugh, infuriated. "I wasn't pushing you into anything. I was asking you to be honest with me."
"For the last time, Rhea, I didn't fucking kill him!"
I want to believe him. I do. It's just that they've all lied to me so many times now.
"Don't believe me then. That's your problem," he snaps, walking from the room.
When he returns a few minutes later, he has his duffle bag thrown over his shoulder. "I'm gonna leave early."
I go to grab his arm but he steps away from my grip, glaring at me as he passes. "You'll see me later this week. Maybe."
"Xavierâ"
"Fuck you, Rhea."
With that said, he slams the door shut behind him, leaving me alone.