Passion 264

Chapter 264

For some reason, Xavier’s heart raced as he pushed through the crowd, anxiously searching for her. It wasn’t until he spotted her at the checkout counter that he felt relieved.

After paying. Yvette went home to cook and rest.

Now that she was pregnant, she was determined to protect this child with everything she had.

After working on some sheet music for a while, Yvette lay back in her recliner, listening to music and reading, gently placing her hand on her belly and whispering. “Baby, grow strong and healthy.”

At that moment, her phone rang. When Yvette picked it up, she saw an unfamiliar text message with a gruesome picture.

Her phone nearly dropped as her hand trembled. Assuming it was a prank, she deleted the message. without much thought.

Later that night, as darkness fell, there were faint noises outside. Being the light sleeper that she was, Yvette was soon awakened by the sound. She walked into the living room, asking. “Who’s there?

“Xavier, is that you?”

As she had changed the lock, she thought that Xavier was making all that noise because he couldn’t come in.

But as soon as she spoke, the outside noises ceased.

Yvette peered through the peephole. There was no one outside.

Feeling uneasy, she returned to her bedroom and secured the door with an object.

Even though she went back to bed, she couldn’t sleep when she recalled the disturbing photo from earlier in the day.

Since her hearing aid was broken and the direct communication device with Ray had been sent for repairs, Yvette could only contact Ray by phone now.

“Ray?”

“I’m here.”

“Are you asleep? Could you come over for a bit?” Yvette asked.

“I’m on my way.”

After Ray hung up the phone, he stepped out of the car.

He didn’t notice the man sneaking away surreptitiously

Xavier, who was next door, heard the commotion from Yvette’s side. He then thought he heard her calling his name.

He recalled how he had told her to call her if she needed anything a few nights ago.

Thinking Yvette had come to her senses, Xavier changed into a different outfit, glanced at himself in the full–length mirror, and then went out to see Yvette.

+15 BONUS

Ray

arrived at Yvette’s house first. He listened to her talk about the terrifying text message and someone apparently trying to pick the lock tonight.

“I’ll check outside,” he informed her. Just as he was about to head out, he heard a knock on the door.

Ray hurried forward. Ready for whatever was behind the door, he opened it, only to find Xavier standing there in a black bathrobe.

Xavier’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the stranger in Yvette’s house.

However, Ray recognized Xavier. He relaxed his fists, composed himself, and turned to Yvette. “Ms. Snyder.”

Yvette was surprised to see Xavier at the door. She thought that the noise earlier was a prank of his. “Sorry for disturbing you. I’m okay now. You should get some rest,” she said to Ray.

Ray nodded politely, then glanced at Xavier before leaving.

Xavier loudly closed the door behind him. “Who’s he?” he demanded.

“It’s none of your business,” came the familiar response.

Xavier’s temper was nearly uncontrollable as he hissed, “You’re coming back to Tirion with me tomorrow.”

Yvette’s gaze wavered slightly. “I’m not going back.”

“That’s not up for you to decide.

Xavier then strode toward her. Ignoring her protests, he untied his robe and tossed it aside.

Yvette turned around nervously. “What are you doing?

Xavier reached around from behind and pulled her close, feeling her warmth.

“Weren’t you calling out to me because you needed me just now?” he whispered in her ear.

Yvette felt her blood rushing, her face flushing crimson. “I never called you!” she protested, trying to free herself from his grasp.

With a firm grip, Xavier carried her in his arms. “Do you know how long I’ve been holding back?” he murmured close to her ear.

P